312 27

Chapter 27: Bring To Light Things Which Now Lie HiddenNotes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

When he gets home from school, his mother eagerly awaits all the details of his first day. And despite the little he can actually tell her about Eri, Izuku has plenty of other things to say. He excitedly tells her about all his classmates first. Although he didn't interact with them much today, he knows them so well from his own timeline that he still has a lot to inform her of. Mostly about their quirks and how cool they are.

He also briefly describes the classes and their coursework for the year because his mother would want to know, even if she wouldn't understand it.

Izuku keeps talking until the topic reaches the quirk assessment Aizawa-sensei put them through. His apprehension at placing first has now morphed into pride and he wants to share it with her. He's grown. He's done well. And he wants his mom to see that too.

His mother listens to him with a pleasant smile on her face, but at the mention of the quirk assessment, she frowns. Izuku thinks at first that she doesn't believe he'd ever place first, but then-

"That doesn't seem fair," She states when he tells her about his teacher's "logical ruse".

"It's okay Mom," He reassures, glad that she just didn't approve of his teacher's methods. "Aizawa-sensei wasn't actually going to expel anybody, he just wanted us to use the full potential of our quirks."

His mom still has her lips pulled into a tight frown and Izuku doesn't know why she seems so irritated by this.

"Did he expect you to perform the same as everyone else?"

Izuku still hasn't made the connection, although he's well aware that he's missing something. "Well...yeah." He says.

His mother huffs. "See. That doesn't seem right to me. He can't have a quirk assessment for all his students and hold them to the same standards when you don't have a quirk. It's not fair."

Izuku freezes. His mind stalls and stutters to a halt. Did he…?

"I'm not saying you wouldn't pass or anything," His mother reassures him, misjudging the reason for his silence. "You're perfectly capable without a quirk, and you got first! But it's a matter of principle."

He did. Izuku forgot to tell his mom he had a quirk.

How does one even bring that up now?!

"Uh, Mom," Izuku begins, because he's a terrible son, who is also tactless, "I have to tell you something."

He wants to hit himself. How could he forget about something so important?! When he went to register his quirk he reminded himself to tell her, but he forgot. He's just so used to her already knowing . Which really just proves that Izuku is such an idiot.

So his story is that he developed it late, that's what he told Aizawa-sensei. But how can he explain why he didn't say anything about it before now? Getting a quirk is a pretty big deal, and it would be unbelievable if anyone, let alone Izuku, forgot that they had one.

"What is it honey?" His mother asks, and she looks at him before really taking stock of his features. Her brow creases, "Is something wrong?"

"Um no, yes, no wait, no. Nothing's wrong but I just-" He inhales sharply to cut himself off and his fingers tangle in his hair that he now kinda wants to pull out. How could he have been so stupid?

"I have a quirk." He finally says, exhaling the words like a sigh. His hands fall from his head in defeat. Izuku doesn't look at his mom, doesn't want to know what he'll see on her face. Everything is so, so quiet.

"Izuku." His mother calls and he flinches even though her volume is normal. He chances a glance at her. Her eyes are wide, but she doesn't seem angry or upset- there are no tears in her eyes- she just seems shocked.

"How?" She asks, "When? You have a quirk? What is it- no wait wait wait, why am I only hearing about this now ?" She grabs his hands and holds them softly. "How long have you had it?"

Izuku can't hold her searching gaze for longer than a few seconds. She's still not angry, at least not that he can tell, but he's not sure that won't change soon.

Two years his mind whispers. "A couple months." Izuku replies. He cringes at his own negligence. He had so much time to mention this to his mother before now, regardless of the extenuating circumstances.

"I'm so confused. Izuku, why didn't you tell me?" His mother asks, her eyebrows scrunched together. She looks a little hurt, and Izuku doesn't want to think about that.

He slumps in his seat. "There was a lot going on." Izuku admits honestly. "I just forgot about it."

"Forgot...that you had a quirk?" His mother repeats slowly and Izuku winces again. He can't blame her for being confused, this is a confusing situation. Damn, he's such an idiot.

Izuku chuckles dully. "Y-yeah." He looks up at his mother, studying her face, searching for any reaction. "Are you mad?"

His mom shakes her head and sighs. "No, Izuku, no. I'm not mad. I'm just trying to...process all this." She pauses and Izuku waits anxiously for her to speak again.

As the seconds tick past, Izuku squirms in his seat.

"What is it?" She finally asks.

Izuku blinks. "What?"

His mother rolls her eyes and he spots the beginning of a fond smile on her lips. It makes him relax somewhat.

"Your quirk. What is it?"

Izuku knows this is a lie he has to tell his mom, one that he has told before, but he still feels a bit bad.

"It's a quirk that manipulates energy. It makes me fast and strong...among other things." He explains vaguely.

His mother hums. "It's different from your father and mine's quirks. I don't believe we have any energy type quirks in our family tree either. Hmmmm…" She trails off, staring into space. Then she looks at Izuku again and smiles at him.

"I'm happy for you."

Izuku starts to smile too and warmth spreads through his chest. He loves his mom so much.

"This is just...wow. I can't believe you have a quirk. You have the extra toe joint too. Quirks aren't supposed to come in so late...it's a miracle."

Izuku nods along at his mother's musings. If he says anything, it will be a lie, so he keeps his mouth closed.

She continues. "I wonder what made it come in…"

Izuku glances at his mother when she stops. Her face has gone pale, her eyes are wide as she stares at him in horror. Izuku's heart picks up and he frantically searches their surroundings for what his mom is seeing. He leaves his chair quick enough to cause it to fall and hurries to his mother's side.

"Mom? Mom? What's wrong?" He demands a little hysterically.

His mom just stares at him as her eyes brim with tears.

"Izuku." She grabs his hands, pulls him closer until she can cup his face. "What did they do to you?"

Izuku covers his mother's hand in reassurance. "Did what? Who? What did who do?"

But his mother doesn't seem to be listening to him. "All those visits to the hospital, we never thought about checking for quirk emergence. But trauma induced quirks are so rare and- Oh! My baby!" His mom pulls his head into a hug and Izuku has to awkwardly compensate for the position.

"Trauma-induced quirk? Mom, what are you talking about?" He asks, his voice muffled in his mother's hold.

She releases him, but doesn't let him go. "Izuku, I know you don't remember, but do you know how rare it is for a quirk to emerge as late as now? And you only got it after you were...after you were kidnapped."

Izuku feels like all the blood just rushed out of him. "What." He says. "No."

He doesn't need a misunderstanding surrounding his quirk. It was just meant to be because he was a late bloomer, not because he underwent incredible stress and pressure to essentially awaken a quirk inside him. Or whatever current theory was behind trauma quirks. He wasn't even kidnapped, and he definitely doesn't want All Might's quirk to be associated with such a thing.

His mother just shakes her head, tears free-flowing. "Baby, I'm so sorry."

Izuku's lip trembles and he fights against the surge of anger he feels. It's not his mother's fault. If anyone's, it's his own. He just doesn't know how to fix it.

"It's not-" Izuku says desperately. "-It's not like that."

The look his mother gives him is full of pity and Izuku wishes he was back to a minute ago where she just thought he didn't have a quirk. Aizawa-sensei didn't say anything regarding his quirk, other than that it was strange it developed so late. Why did he have to deal with this? But Izuku supposes it's just like his mother to assume the worst.

"It's just...it's just a late quirk." Izuku repeats, although he knows a losing battle when he sees one. Despite the truth, and despite the way he feels about it, Izuku can see how this reasoning will work out for him. 

Spontaneously developing a quirk is unheard of, and that excuse will only get him so far. This idea of a quirk developed from trauma is supported by his scars and the false conclusion set by the police department. Unless he wants to propose that he got his quirk from All for One or something similar, he can't keep fighting it.

He squeezes his mother's hands and plasters a wobbly smile on his face. "Mom, even if that's true...I don't remember it." He says sadly. "So can we just...just be happy that I have a quirk?"

His mother nods quickly and pulls her hands away to swipe at her eyes. Izuku breathes an internal sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry about that Izuku, but I am glad that you have a quirk. I just wish that it was under better circumstances." She says once she gets a hold of her tears.

"It's fine." Izuku insists, perhaps a little too quickly. "Uh,...do you want to see it?"

His mother seems surprised again, but it helps negate the rest of her crying. She nods her head hesitantly.

"It doesn't... hurt you or anything, right?"

Izuku suppresses a flinch. While his mother probably worries about that because of how she thinks he got the quirk, it hits a little too close to home. But once again, he doesn't need to worry her needlessly when he has such a better handle on it.

"No. Of course not." Izuku answers. "It's just a normal quirk."

(His mind does not flash to All Might or the legacy or One For All or it's destined rival, All For One.)

His mother relaxes at his words and a small smile appears on her tear-stained face. "Okay then. Show it to me."

Izuku let's the red green crackle of One For All wash over his body. His mother gasps at the sight. He smiles. This is the reaction he wanted from his quirk.

He tries to think of something he can show her, but most of what he can do will put a hole through the wall.

"This uh...I call Full Cowling and it boosts my overall ability. Speed, stamina, strength. I can put more energy into my limbs for stronger hits and I can also do this."

He activates black whip and uses it to grab the chair from the ground and stands it back up again. His mother watches him in awe.

"That's amazing!" She praises. "It's perfect for hero work too!"

Izuku beams. "This isn't even all it can do either!" He exclaims, growing excited despite himself. "Although I can't quite manage the other stuff just yet."

"Wow." His mother breathes. "It's wonderful." She turns to him, a softer look in her eye. " You're wonderful."

He lets his quirk fizzle out so he can hug his mother. They stay in each other's arms for a while.

"Izuku…" His mother starts, her tone of voice making it clear that she's hesitant to say her next words. "I know we don't talk about what happened to you, but I hope you know that if you remember anything, you can always talk to me. You don't need to keep any secrets from me. I'll always be there to support you, no matter what you tell me."

Izuku swallows past the lump that has suddenly formed in his throat. He debates it right then and there whether he should tell his mother everything. She loves him and she wants him to trust her, and he does but-

There's a part of him he can't ignore. A voice that tells him these words are not meant for him. If his mother, or rather, this Izuku's mother from this dimension, knew who he was, knew that he still hasn't found her son after all this time, would she still support him?

Izuku breaks away from the hug and offers a smile no one can see through but himself. "Of course." He agrees easily.

"I can always come to you."

Izuku would've thought the first day back at UA would be the most nerve-wracking. But considering how nervous he is right now, that might not be the case. Sure, he's gotten through the encounter with Aizawa-sensei, but that's about all he's done.

Now, he has to do those check-ups his teacher wants him to, give Kacchan an explanation for his quirk when he inevitably demands one, and today's the day he'll see All Might for the first time.

There's a strange feeling in his chest, something like dread mixed with excitement, and Izuku just hopes he won't burst into tears when he sees the man.

It's been hard to come to terms with his and All Might's relationship since he's been here. He wakes up everyday greeted by the hero's smiling face and his quirk coursing through his veins. He knows he won't have the same relationship with his mentor as he had in the future. He knows. But, Izuku can admit that All Might became like a father figure to him, and it hurts, more than he lets on, that he won't be able to recreate that.

He has entertained the idea of telling All Might and revealing that he also possessed One For All, inherited from a different him in a different dimension. But Izuku isn't quite sure what the consequences would be for saying that, so he holds off on it for now.

He needs to talk to All Might though, no matter what. Izuku's planning has come to a head, like an archway, where everything is poised to fall if not for the keystone. All Might has the answers Izuku's been looking for.

There's his disappearance for one. What exactly had gone down when he was rescued? How far did the scenario stay the same before it inevitably diverged? He has All Might's signature in his notebook, so the hero must know something. Then maybe Izuku can finally find his other self.

But not only would knowing the story help in his missing persons case, it would also answer another very important question:

Did other Izuku find out about All Might's shrunken form?

Depending on where exactly the timeline changed, Izuku might not know about the other form of All Might. And now him knowing could be dangerous. Of course, he still isn't going to tell anybody, but it feels bad to him, if he knows while All Might isn't even aware of him knowing. That secret is only something the possessor of One For All should know.

Which just confuses him even more, because he does have One For All. But he's not All Might's successor in this timeline. There are two One For Alls. And whoever receives it will wield it until All Might can't anymore, which means for a short while, there will be three One For Alls. Which is just...what?! Izuku can't even fathom it. He obviously won't receive the One For All of this timeline, so what would happen to it?

Would it go to Mirio, like Nighteye said? Or did Mirio already have it? He was the most eligible person that was selected by someone All Might trusted. If other Izuku never received it, then that seems the most likely option. Mirio is a good person too, he deserves to wield a quirk like One For All.

(Izuku dutifully ignored the twinge of pain he feels in his chest.)

Even if the quirk wasn't passed to Mirio, it would be passed to someone eventually. Anyone, really.

What made Izuku special in his timeline? Answer: nothing.

It could've been anybody. Izuku happened to have a chance in his timeline, and he took it. This timeline, there was no chance. It would go to someone else, and Izuku would have to live with that.

And he would. It shouldn't affect him or his plans anyway if One For All was wielded by someone else. He just needs to find himself, fix what he can, and then get back to his own dimension.

Beginning with talking to All Might.

Izuku is at UA a full two hours earlier than usual. He enters the gates before the sun has risen and as he moves about, it reminds him a bit of living in the dorms, being able to roam the school at all hours of the night. Izuku makes his way to the staff room and stands outside the closed door. The hallway is empty, but Izuku can hear voices from behind the door. Who would be at school this early, besides Aizawa-sensei? Or maybe it's normal for teachers to be at work before the crack of dawn.

He knocks on the door and hears the voices inside go silent. Then someone opens the door for him.

A familiar face and head of shocking blond hair is revealed.

"Deku?" Present Mic-sensei asks, looking him over with confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Izuku fidgets with his hands awkwardly. "Uh, Aizawa-sensei asked me to come."

The hero makes an 'o' shape with his mouth. He steps aside to let Izuku enter, pulling the door closed behind him.

"Shouta went to check on Eri because she was having nightmares. He should be back shortly."

Izuku doesn't like the sound of nightmares, and he is right about to inquire into it, but his attention is stolen as he looks around the room.

There are a few other teachers in the room. Midnight is there, as is Power Loader and Vlad King. But, tucked in a corner, fretting over something in front of him, is also All Might .

Not in his muscled form.

Which means Izuku shouldn't know him, which also means he should stop staring at him. But, he can't because it's All Might.

He doesn't realize his eyes are watery until his vision blurs. Thankfully, Izuku blinks the would-be tears away before they can fall. He doesn't need to be crying in front of the teachers.

"It's nice to see you again Deku." Midnight-sensei greets with a smile. "Have fun yesterday?"

Her conversation draws the eyes of the others in the room. Izuku fights not to stiffen when All Might stares at him and they lock eyes. But he still doesn't look away, even when he knows he should.

"Uh...yes. I did. Thank you for taking care of her, uh, by the way." He answers, his attention not on what exactly is coming out of his mouth.

Midnight-sensei rolls her chair around, a soft look on her face. "Of course. Thank you too."

She notices that his eyes are not on her and follows them to where they rest on All Might. "Oh. This is Yagi-san. Yagi-san, this is Deku." Midnight-sensei introduces.

Izuku gazes at the man, his mentor, his hero, and clears his throat to dislodge any number of things he wants to say. "H-hello."

All Might gives him a smile, friendly but impersonal. "I have heard good things about you. It's nice to finally meet you."

His body flinches at the words, a terribly transparent reminder of what he's lost. What he needs to get back. But more than that...did All Might really not know who he was?

Izuku studies his face. Is he saying they'd never met because he needs to pretend they never met before in his All Might identity? Does the other Izuku not know then, about All Might's deflated form, or is this a ruse for the teachers? Is he reading too much into this?

"You too." Izuku gets out, a little disappointed that exchanging pleasantries is all that remains of their relationship. He wants to cry, quite a lot, but he knew this was going to happen, so he needs to get over it quickly.

The door opens and Aizawa-sensei walks in, carrying some sort of lumpy green bag in his arms. Upon closer inspection, Izuku can see it's actually Eri bundled up in a sleeping bag, fast asleep. He can't decide whether he wants to coo or laugh. Either way, his tears dry in his eyes before they fall.

"Midoriya." Aizawa-sensei greets with a tilt of his head. "I apologise for being late."

Izuku waves him away and clears his throat again. "It's okay. I didn't wait long."

Aizawa-sensei sends a wary look at the other teachers which Izuku doesn't really understand, but then he turns back to him.

"Come on." He says tiredly. "We might as well get this started."

Izuku follows his teacher out of the staff room after telling everyone goodbye, his eyes lingering a little too long on All Might. They head towards the clinic, and Izuku pushes the interaction from his mind. The hallways are deserted, and through the windows, he can see the sky turning a brighter blue. He takes a deep breath.

Aizawa-sensei speaks quietly. "We'll do the physical and mental wellness exams first and then the quirk evaluation. I believe you said your quirk was some form of energy manipulation?"

"Yes." Izuku confirms. "I can do a few different things with it. Of course, there are some things I still need to work on, because I know I can do more things with it, and I haven't quite gotten the output all the way up, and-"

"That will be learned throughout your time at school." He interrupts. "I just need to know you aren't going to blow off a limb or something."

Izuku winces, glad that Aizawa-sensei is walking ahead of him and can't see his reaction.

"R-right."

They continue on in silence until they reach Recovery Girl's clinic. The door is open, and when they walk in, the Youthful Heroine is sitting up to her desk, clicking away at something on the computer. She raises her head at their entrance.

"Ah, Aizawa-san and Midoriya-kun. Oh, and Eri-chan as well. Please take a seat."

She gestures to the plastic chairs by the door and they all comply. Izuku fidgets in his seat, a little anxious now that he's here. He's never had a problem with check-ups, but what if they find something he can't explain? What if they find out he has All Might's quirk and they think he stole it or something? What if he gets expelled?

He sneaks a glance at Aizawa-sensei who looks just as calm and tired as always. Eri sleeps peacefully in his hold and Izuku is put at ease by the sight.

"Ummm, Aizawa-sensei." His teacher turns to look at him, an eyebrow raised in question.

"You don't...you don't have to come with me if you don't want to. Right now you're with Eri and so you probably don't want to be sitting here waiting for test results. You can leave. It's fine."

Aizawa-sensei sighs. "While you may be perfectly capable on your own, I am going to be present for all of your visits. Just in case."

He does not explain what he is here 'just in case' of, but Izuku is at least relieved that he isn't encroaching on his teacher's time.

"Alright dear." Recovery Girl announces. "How bout you take a seat right up there and we'll get started." She points to a bench used for examinations. Izuku hoists himself upon it obediently.

Recovery Girl brings a little step stool with her so she can reach all parts of him, even sitting down. "This will be similar to a regular check-up, but there are a few more procedures we'll do. If you are uncomfortable at any point just let me know."

Izuku nods and then the hero starts with her examination.

It's nothing that he isn't already accustomed to. Recovery Girl predictably spends an extra long amount of time examining his hands and arms. She frowns at the scars as she pokes and prods into them. Izuku catches Aizawa-sensei frowning when he has to remove his blazer and shirt and the large one on his upper arm is revealed.

Recovery Girl scribbles things down on her clipboard and clicks her tongue every once in a while. He tries to peek at what she writes, but he can't manage it without making it obvious. He'll just have to be patient and discover what she's found afterwards.

Unfortunately, that chance doesn't come. Izuku gets his x-rays done again, as well as gives a blood sample. Recovery Girl explains that she'll have to see the results of all the tests before she can come to an accurate conclusion. She dismisses Izuku and his teacher and let's them know they should revisit the clinic by the end of the week. Aizawa-sensei nods, although he doesn't seem happy about it, and then they take their leave.

As they walk to the next place, Hound Dog's office if Izuku remembers correctly, it's also unnaturally silent. That is, until Aizawa-sensei speaks once more.

"You said before that you didn't remember everything that happened when you were kidnapped." He stops walking and looks Izuku in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

Izuku pauses, a little stunned at the sudden questioning. "Yes?" He answers hesitantly.

His teacher's gaze flicks to his hands and then he nods and begins to walk again. Is this because of his scars? Is Aizawa-sensei worried about him? Izuku ponders it with confusion all the way until they reach Hound Dog's office.

It's not the same as it was with Heakarā-san, but it proves to be just as pleasant and self-driven. By the end of the visit, it doesn't feel as if Izuku really talked about anything important, although the questionnaire was new. He thinks it went well. He certainly knows he doesn't share the same mindset as a tortured soul, or whatever they assume of him. Izuku is fine.

When they leave the office, (Aizawa-sensei waited outside) Eri is awake now and she urges Izuku to carry her as they make their way to the gym to test his quirk.

Eri and him talk happily as Aizawa-sensei watches in silence. They reach the gym too soon. When they arrive, Izuku hands Eri back to his teacher.

There are more people there than Izuku expects. There's the principal, a serious-looking man that Izuku doesn't recognize, and All Might in his shrunken form. Izuku stares at them all, a sense of dread filling him.

What is going on? Do they know? Why else are All Might and principal Nedzu here?

"Uh…" Izuku starts.

"Hello! Am I a bear? Am I a mouse? No, I'm the principal!" He announces enthusiastically. Izuku wisely keeps his mouth closed. "It's nice to meet you Midoriya-kun. Please don't fret. I am only here to supervise."

Does the worry show on his face? Izuku smiles to hide it. "Uh, okay. So what are we going to do?"

The unknown man steps forward. "Nothing too extensive. Everything is perfectly safe and easy." He holds up a hand. "My name is Senzai Kuse. My quirk allows me to analyze the flow of a quirk within someone's body."

Izuku takes the man's hand and gives it a shake. He continues to smile, but it grows more strained by the minute. Analyse the flow of a quirk within someone's body? What does that mean?

He glances at the others to see their reactions, but no one asks the questions he wants to for him and Izuku doesn't think he is allowed to. He swallows.

"A-alright. Uh, what's first?"

Senzai-san gives him a professional smile. "Why don't you demonstrate your quirk first? Just so I can get a feel for how it works."

Seems easy enough. Hopefully Senzai-san won't see anything wrong with his quirk.

Izuku decides he'll start with Full Cowling. He takes a deep breath and then allows the thrum of power to wash over him.

Immediately, something goes wrong.

"Stop! Deku stop! You can't!" Eri yells, squirming in Aizawa-sensei's hold. He has to let her down just so she won't throw herself out of his arms.

She runs up to Izuku and clings to his leg, him having dropped his quirk at the first sign of her distress. He doesn't know why she started to panic and he gently pats her head to reassure her.

"Eri? What's wrong?" He asks, completely lost.

Aizawa-sensei approaches while the others stand there in awkward concern. Except for Nedzu who eyes everything shrewdly.

"You're gonna break." Eri says, looking up at him with her worried red eyes. "Don't do it." She turns back to hugging his leg.

Izuku freezes, panic bubbling up because he certainly never expected to be outed like that, and by Eri of all people.

"Uh, Eri." Izuku begins, all too conscious of Aizawa-sensei's glare on him. "I'm not going to...uh, break." He winces as he says the last word.

Eri trembles while she holds him and shakes her head. Izuku bites his lip. What can he do here?

"Eri." Izuku calls softly. He squats down til he's eye level with her. "When you use your quirk, does it hurt you?"

She fidgets with her hands as she nods. "I can't control it."

"Yeah, but it's not your fault." He promises. "My quirk hurts me too when I can't control it." He speaks quietly, but he knows Aizawa-sensei can hear him, maybe even the others too.

Izuku grabs Eri's hands. "But I can control it. I practice with it all the time and now it doesn't hurt me anymore. Just like how yours won't hurt you eventually. Our quirks are good. My quirk is good, and I'm proud of it. Can I show it to you?"

Eri looks at him skeptically. "It won't hurt you?"

"It won't."

He waits for her to nod, and eventually, she does.

Izuku reactivates One For All and searches for Eri's reaction. She examines the electric glow around his limbs and pokes one experimentally. Izuku smiles at her and moves each of his limbs, demonstrating their ease of movement and wholeness. Her eyes study everything seriously.

"Interesting." Senzai-san cuts in, startling both Eri and Izuku. He grasps his chin as he stares at Izuku with glowing yellow eyes. "I've never seen something like this before."

Izuku drops his quirk and shudders at the overwhelming feeling of being x-rayed. "What is it?" He asks quickly, anxious.

Senzai-san's eyes lose their glow. "I have never seen a quirk like yours. It is almost as if your quirk is not meant for your body."

Izuku stalls. An awkward smile crosses his face. "H-how so?"

"It may have to do with the way you developed your quirk. Considering that, it makes sense to me. It's just odd." Senzai-san explains.

"That's great and all, but I need to have a word with Midoriya." Aizawa-sensei interjects. He does not sound happy. Izuku flinches and the other people present exchange looks.

"Actually Aizawa-san I think it's important that we all hear the information that follows. I'll have Hizashi-san take care of Eri in the meantime." Principal Nedzu responds. "Please don't start until I get back."

The principal then has Eri accompany him out of the training area while she looks around in concerned confusion. As soon as they leave, Aizawa-sensei does not wait, he gets right into it.

"You're quirk hurts you? And when were you going to tell me this? When you're on the battlefield and have rendered yourself incapable of further combat and become a liability?!"

Izuku doesn't think he's seen his teacher properly angry many times. But Izuku knows more than Aizawa-sensei does in this instance, and even if the hero is worried, Izuku isn't going to stop using his quirk.

"It doesn't hurt me. Not anymore. I've gotten better." He shoots back.

"But it has." Aizawa-sensei hisses. "Enough to make Eri notice it."

"I-" Izuku protests. "That was once and it was necessary at the time…"

His teacher's eyebrows shoot up. "Necessary? Necessary to 'break' yourself? Are you hearing the words that are coming out of your mouth?"

"Aizawa-san-" All Might tries to cut in.

"Shut it."

All Might closes his mouth.

"I just spoke with you about honesty, problem child. This whole exam was to find out whether your quirk was dangerous to you, and you knew the whole time but didn't tell me!" Aizawa-sensei seethes.

"I can control it!" Izuku shouts back. "And I didn't want to worry anybody over something that's not relevant any-"

"You don't know that." Aizawa-sensei's scowl deepens. "You're quirk is new and still uncharted. It could hurt you again."

Izuku pauses. That's true, isn't it? One For All has never been a painless quirk to master. Many of his injuries sustained in past battles have been self inflicted. But, he is getting better. And if he needs to use his quirk to save people, he will, regardless of how much pain it could give him.

"It doesn't matter." Izuku says, hands clenching into fists. "If there's someone in trouble, I'm going to save them. And if my quirk hurts me to do it, then I'll still have helped somebody."

Aizawa-sensei stalks towards him. "A hero does not need to risk their own lives to help others. That is selfish and arrogant. You save more lives if you live to fight another day."

"But when you're a hero, there isn't always that chance!" Izuku protests. "If you wait, you can't save them! When your legs move on their own, there is no time to wonder if 'this will kill you' or if 'this is worth it'! There is only someone's life in front of you!" He takes a deep breath, belatedly realizing how heated he has gotten. "I can't ignore that, Aizawa-sensei. I don't want to die. I don't want to sacrifice myself if there's another option. But, I also don't want to live in regret that I didn't."

Something flashes across the hero's face. Something like shock, as well as understanding. He groans loudly and puts his hand over his face.

"I should've expelled you." Aizawa-sensei sighs. "Why didn't I expel you?"

All Might coughs, alerting Izuku and his teacher to the presence of the others.

"Aizawa-san, isn't that a tad harsh? The boy has the makings of a fine hero."

Hearing All Might say that, Izuku turns to him with wide, hopeful eyes. He smiles. "Thanks Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-Yagi-san."

Fuck.

All Might stares at him quizzically, but doesn't say anything. Oh dear, did he seriously just do that? Damn, he needs to be a lot more careful.

"I'm sorry! I just, uh, forgot your name for a second. We only, uh, met this morning…" He stutters, scrambling for a good excuse.

All Might gives him a placating smile. "It's alright, my boy."

"So," Senzai-san says. "Are we going to continue?"

Aizawa-sensei sighs again. "No. Class will start soon. I'm afraid we won't have the time. Just tell me, is his quirk unstable? Will it maim or injure him?"

Senzai-san hums. "From what he demonstrated to me,...no. I didn't see much though."

The pro hero frowns. "That'll be good enough for now, I suppose. We'll have to call upon you later to continue then."

Senzai-san nods, incredibly unfazed by someone who just saw a bunch of people arguing. Izuku gazes at him warily. He still doesn't like the idea of someone peering into his quirk. However, it seems he won't be able to avoid it.

Aizawa-sensei turns to him. "If you want to be a hero, you need to know how to properly use your quirk. I expect you to stay in one piece throughout any and all training exercises, do I make myself clear?"

Izuku nods his head. He's never come from a fight in multiple pieces anyways. He intends to work with One For All until he can use it at 100% and not strain his body at all. He's come a long way with it already.

"Good. Get to class. And don't be late."

Izuku walks out of the training area while his mind runs through what just happened. That was exhausting. He doesn't know if it's even worth it to keep everything a secret anymore. If anything, it seems to be doing more harm than good. Maybe he should-

"Midoriya-kun! I suspected Aizawa-san wouldn't wait for my return. Heading to class?"

It's Principal Nedzu who rouses him from his thoughts. Izuku has never really interacted much with the man- uh, rodent. He's heard things though, about the principal's intelligence, and to say he's wary would be an understatement.

"Uh, yes,...sir? I am."

The principal nods, placing his small hands behind his back and rocking on his heels. "I won't keep you long then. I was wondering if you could perhaps help me out with a little problem I have?"

Izuku's nervousness increases. Is he even smart enough to deal with a problem the principal has? But, if he needs help…

"Uh, sure. What do you need?"

Principal Nedzu smiles at him in a way that can only be called sly. "Well you see, the main issue with my problem, is that it has too many solutions. Each one explains a number of things, in a way that is reasonable, but then there remain things that don't quite click."

Izuku stands there, wondering if he's being punked. What is going on? He doesn't understand at all.

"If I were to pick any of these solutions, I don't imagine they could fully help with my problem. That leads me to believe that none of them are the correct solution, wouldn't you agree Midoriya-kun?"

He fumbles for a response at being addressed. "Y-yeah. I guess that makes sense."

Principal Nedzu nods. "Indeed. But now I find that the only solution to my problem is one that is impossible. One that shouldn't be achievable, and yet makes more sense than the others. What do you think I should do then?"

Izuku shifts on his feet, trying to think. "Well then I think you'd have to believe the impossible solution, uh, right? Since it makes the most sense." He fidgets with his hands as he thinks of the circumstances of his own life. "Sometimes things may seem impossible at first, but, uh, with time they turn out to be not so impossible. I think."

He looks to the principal for his reaction, and sees him smiling widely.

"Well said, Midoriya-kun. You've helped me quite a bit. Thank you."

Izuku still isn't sure what this is about, but he's grateful that he could help. "Uh, you're welcome. I've got to get to class now."

Principal Nedzu pats his leg. "Of course. I'll see you later."

He walks off, toward the direction of the training gym as Izuku heads towards 1-A. There are students in the hallways now, and he pushes the ordeals of this morning behind him. Today they will have the battle trials, right? And All Might teaches the class. Will he be put in the same team with Uraraka again? Will they face Iida and Kacchan again? Izuku just hopes he doesn't get burnt to a crisp like he had last time.

Izuku steps through the door of 1-A and finds most of his classmates already present and seated. He can feel the excited buzz in the air and catches snippets of conversation as he walks to his desk.

"You don't think we'll take another test that could get us expelled, do you?"

"-super cool hero classes-"

"-teacher a pro hero, he looks so-"

"We'll find out soon enough."

He takes his seat. Kacchan glares at him the whole way there. That interaction, when it happens, won't be pretty, but at least Izuku now has the cover story of having a trauma-induced quirk. For now, he ought to think of what his plan will be for the battle simulation today. It shouldn't go the same way as last time, especially if he's improved. Honestly, he might even be leagues ahead of his classmates since he knows their quirks and fighting styles, at least when it comes to battle…

"Battle? What are you talking about Deku-kun?"

Izuku jumps, not aware of Uraraka until now. She must've snuck up on him.

"Was I mumbling?" He asks, scratching the back of his head.

"Mmhmm! But it's okay! What were you mumbling about? A battle?" She leans in curiously.

"Oh, uh…" Izuku looks away. "Today we might be having mock battles...is all. Or, uh, you know, we might , uh, yeah."

"Do you really think so?" Sero asks, leaning over his desk. "It's only the second day."

"We don't even know how to fight." Mineta speaks nervously from behind him.

"That'd be super manly though! You know, testing our skills right off the bat!" Kirishima adds.

Jirou rolls her eyes. "We already tested our skills yesterday. Besides, heroics isn't all about fighting."

"Crap, you're right!"

"Well," Uraraka says with a smile. "I think it'll be fun to have battle trials! I hope I'm on a team with you Deku-kun!"

Izuku smiles awkwardly. "Yeah me too. It might be more likely than you think."

"Huh? I-"

"Take your seats." Aizawa-sensei commands, having entered the classroom unseen.

"It's time to begin your second day at UA."

Nedzu has bore witness to many strange things as the principal of UA. He runs the top heroics school in the country, which doubles as a licencing and heroics agency completely independent of the commission. He has seen quirks of every kind, and students of every kind. One could even argue that it was in his job description to know everything that goes on within the walls of his school.

"Senzai-san." Nedzu speaks from around his teacup. "I apologise that your visit was not completed within the allotted time. We will compensate you for that."

Senzai-san waves a hand as he sips at his own cup. "It is quite alright. I'm always happy to help the next generation of aspiring heroes."

Nedzu smiles pleasantly at the man. He'd peered extensively into his background to be assured of his character, and the man's presence here is proof that he'd passed.

"How admirable." Nedzu praises. "I've been meaning to ask you about the results of our little...examination earlier."

Senzai-san stares at him quizzically. "I'm afraid there isn't much to report, I only-"

"Oh don't worry." Nedzu assures, adopting a friendly tone. "This isn't official. I know you've said you'd never observed a trauma-induced quirk before, have you?"

"Yes, this was my first time. It was something I'd not seen before. I believe this experience will help me with my work in the future, thank you."

Senzai-san works as a Quirk counselor. He uses his quirk to help coach young children through the confusion and intricacies of developing and training quirks. His job is highly respected.

"It's you who is helping us. I am quite interested in how trauma quirks work. I haven't encountered one either; some would even say they don't exist." Nedzu muses over another sip of tea. His eyes find those of his guest. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to share?"

Senzai-san frowns in contemplation. "Like I said, there isn't much to tell. But I will relate to you what I can."

"Thank you."

The man sets down his teacup with a small clink. "My impression of Midoriya-kun's quirk was like that of a canyon. It seemed as if the 'route' or control of the quirk was formed through the repeated erosion of practice. Something like, it was hard for his body to manage such power until he made a groove for it. Now, it will likely become easier with time."

Nedzu hums. How very interesting. "That's good to hear. May I ask what may seem as a strange question?"

Senzai-san shakes his head. "Go ahead."

"If you weren't informed beforehand of how Midoriya-kun developed his quirk, what would you assume it was from?"

The man raises his eyebrows. "I'm sorry? I don't-"

"I'll rephrase." Nedzu suggests smoothly. "You said you had never observed a trauma-induced quirk before. How do you know that Midoriya-kun's is one?"

Senzai-san knits his eyebrows together. "Didn't you say it was?"

Nedzu taps impatiently on his desk, but keeps a calm smile on his face. "I did. I just wondered what conclusion you would have drawn if it wasn't. As the expert in the field, I was curious about your opinion."

The man brings his hand to his chin, finally giving some true thought to his query.

"I suppose...," Senzai-san starts, "That it seemed like the quirk wasn't his." His eyes flick to Nedzu's as if he expects to be told he's an idiot. Nedzu motions a paw eagerly to encourage him to say more.

"The theory behind trauma induced quirks is flimsy, but the idea is either that the body develops a quirk in a situation where the subject's life is at risk, in order to protect them, or that the subject always had a quirk, and the trauma only brings it out. Much like how a quirk is manifested at a young age seemingly spontaneously and uncontrollably by moments of heightened emotion. The subject would've just missed the initial activation." He bites his lip. "That would suggest, however, that Midoriya-kun's quirk should be made for him. Well, in theory."

Nedzu sips his tea, hiding the satisfied smile on his face. "Go on."

"But like I've said, I've never encountered a trauma-induced quirk before. If I had to assume another way he could've gotten a quirk at such an age, well, it would have to be given to him, maybe forced on him in some sort of experiment? But that's impossible." Senzai-san laughs, likely dismissing his own ridiculous thoughts.

Nedzu smiles. "Well, I've heard that sometimes things may seem impossible at first, but with time they turn out to be not so impossible. Thank you for your time. Your insight has been truly enlightening."

Notes:

Hey all! Extra Long chapter this time! Hope y'all enjoy! I know it's finals season so I wish everyone luck! I'll try to post more before the holidays, but if I don't, than HAPPY HOLIDAYS for everyone! Let's cross our fingers that 2021 won't suck, amirite?