Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Not all men are created equal.

That is the harsh truth everybody in this superhero society eventually learns.

In a world where everyone has a super power, children who are conceived either inherit one power of an individual parent or develop an amalgamation of the two quirks. 

However, even after many generations since the dawn of quirks began an unfortunate 20% of Earth’s population are born without a power. These individuals would be dubbed as ‘quirkless’.

Yet there remains an even more rare phenomenon called ‘mutations’.This not to be confused with ‘mutant’ quirks. Mutations are a rare occurrence, so rare that only 0.1% of the population experiences a case of when the child in question manifests a power that is completely different to either parents.

And one child by the name Izuku Midoriya would be lucky, or unlucky, enough to have his quirk be a mutation.

“SMASH!” 

Izuku excitedly waved his action figure around imitating the way his favorite hero would make fantastical leaps through the city

“I AM HERE!” Izuku said as deep as he could make his voice in an attempt to sound like his idol saying his iconic catchphrase.

Between the toy being a love-fueled birthday gift from his mother and a figurine of his favorite hero, All Might, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that this piece of sculpted plastic became one of Izuku’s most cherished possessions. He loved this toy so much every detail of the action figure was committed to memory from the measurements down to the individual scratches that came from years of playtime. 

Although sometimes Izuku felt nervous playing with the toy. What if he accidently broke his toy while playing with it? Izuku had a few close calls in the past and as much as he loved playing with the toy he wanted to keep it as long as possible, and preferably in one piece. Sometimes Izuku wished he had two figures, one to keep on his shelf and one to play with.

The desire to have a copy of the toy combined with the details Izuku had seared into his memory lead to the first activation of Izuku’s quirk as a viscous substance began to sprout from Izuku’s arms.

Izuku fell back out of surprise and frantically waved his arms in panic as the viscous fluid finished exiting his body and flopped into a pile on the floor.

Izuku watched the strange goop begin to take form and change color. The substance was perfectly shaping itself as if it had a mind of its own. Not long after the viscous fluid finished taking the shape of the action figure its mud like color changed to match the original as well.

And there before the green haired boy was an exact replica of the toy he had been playing with moments ago.

Izuku cautiously picked up the newly formed toy and inspected it. Sure enough, it was an exact copy, down to the scratches the original had.

Izuku processed what had happened and came to the realization that he had just used his quirk!

“MOM MOM MOM!!” Izuku shouted as he ran out of his room to find his mother.

Inko, who was washing dishes at the moment, jumped in surprise at her yelling son. In her shock Inko had dropped a coffee mug she had been scrubbing. The ceramic cup fell and subsequently shattered on the floor.

Inko instinctively reached out her arm to prevent Izuku from getting close to the shards of ceramic. “Izuku stay back!”

Seeing what he had just caused, Izuku looked down in guilt. “Sorry mom.”

Inko tried not to let her annoyance seep into her voice as she spoke to her son. “It’s fine Izuku just stay back while I clean this up.”

Inko quickly grabbed a broom and dustpan and began sweeping up the shattered remains of the coffee mug. “That was my favorite mug…”

Izuku perked up at his mother’s comment and an idea quickly formed in his head.

“Mom, I can make another mug!” Izuku excitedly said.

Before his mother even had a chance to ask what he meant Izuku extended an arm and began using his quirk. He was familiar with the mug in question, it was green in color and depicted a large cat and a kitten curled up together.

Inko watched in amazement as viscous fluid began to ooze from her child’s arms. The viscous fluid once again began to take shape and formed a coffee mug, however before the copy could fully form the process halted and the viscous fluid lost its mug shape and reverted into a shapeless pile of viscous fluid.

Izuku was beyond confused. Why hadn’t it worked? He made the All Might figure, so why not the coffee mug?

“Izuku w-what was that?”

Izuku, now misty eyed, looked up to his mother. “I made a-another All Might toy with my quirk and I wanted to make you a mug b-but-”

Before Izuku could continue his mother, who was now crying in joy, quickly scooped him up into a hug.

“My little hero finally has his quirk.” Inko happily said, already forgetting about the broken mug

The next day Inko took Izuku to the quirk counselors to figure out the ins and outs of his new ability.

Due to the complexities of Izuku’s quirk it took an entire day’s worth of tests, questions, and trials to determine the stipulation behind his new power.

Eventually the quirk was finally given a proper name.

Izuku Midoriya - Quirk: Double. 

Double allowed Izuku to create a copy of anything. The condition for Izuku to make a copy was that he required knowledge of precise measurements and physical features of the object he wanted to copy, otherwise the copy would be unable to form. The only drawbacks was Izuku could only produce two copies at a time and the copy was significantly weaker than the original. If the copy was damaged to a certain point it would revert back to the viscous material that it formed from, something that Izuku would be able to detect. And finally if Izuku willed it he can force the copies to melt away.

Despite the drawbacks all the workers had assured Izuku he was gifted with a quirk that had much potential and usefulness. The green haired boy couldn’t stop smiling even if he wanted to.

Unfortunately the true extent of Izuku’s power was yet to be discovered.

The next day Izuku couldn’t get to school fast enough. He was so excited to tell Katsuki. After entering the classroom Izuku spotted a head of spiky blond hair and rushed over to his explosive friend’s

desk.

“Kacchan! I finally got my quirk!” Izuku exclaimed not wasting any time.

“No kidding Izu? Well don’t keep me waiting, what shitty quirk did you get?” Katsuki asked.

“My quirk is called double, I can make copies of anything if I know enough stuff about it!”

“Really?” That actually sounded pretty cool. Not that Katsuki would ever admit that.

Katsuki pulled a pencil out of his school bag and handed it to Izuku.

“Show me, make me a copy of my pencil.” Katsuki asked/ordered.

Izuku eagerly nodded and pulled a small tape measure that his mother had bought for him after meeting with the counselors from his pocket.

After measuring the length and diameter of the pencil, as well as inspecting it for any unique details Izuku handed the original back to Bakugou and held out his hand.

Instantly the goo-like substance sprouted in Izuku’s palm and formed an identical copy of the original pencil. Once formed Izuku handed the copy to Bakugou.

Bakugou compared the two pencils and sure enough he couldn’t find a single difference. And just to be sure Katsuki pulled out a piece of paper and tried writing with the copied pencil.

“Man you weren’t kidding when you said copies Izu, is there any difference at all?” Bakugou asked.

“Well the copies I make are weaker than the original.” Izuku explained.

Upon hearing this Katsuki took the pencil in both hands and attempted to snap it in half but just as the wooden pencil began to crack and splinter it melted back into viscous.

“Gross! You could’ve given me a warning Izu!” Bakugou yelled as he wiped the mud like residue on his pants.

“Oh sorry Kacchan.” Izuku quickly apologized.

“So all you do is make weaker versions of shit? That’s not a very heroic quirk Izu, not like mine.” Katsuki said smugly, causing Izuku to look down with a sullen look on his face.

Seeing this Katsuki rolled his eyes “Well I guess it’s not completely useless you might make a halfway decent sidekick.”

Izuku’s eyes immediately brightened up “You really think so Kacchan?” Izuku asked excitedly.

“Sure, if you’re lucky I might let you be my sidekick so you can at least be somewhat popular.” Bakugou said.

While any other kid would have taken that statement as an insult Izuku was practically beaming. Soon the pair’s class started and life continued on as normal.

It was one year after Izuku developed his quirk that he learned a life changing application of his power.

Izuku and Katsuki were playing at a local playground. Normally they would be joined by their other friends however they were busy that day leaving the two by themselves.

“Man this sucks we don’t have enough kids to play heroes.” Bakugou said as he angrily kicked a stray stone.

“Maybe we can find someone to play with us?” Izuku suggested.

“Nah there isn’t anyone around, besides you know how you are about making friends.” Katsuki said

The phrase ‘make friends’ kept repeating over and over in Izuku’s head as an idea began to form.

“What if I MADE someone to play with?” 

“What do ya mean Izu?” Bakugou asked.

“Well the doctors told me that my quirk can make a copy of anything, so what if I made a copy of you.” Izuku excitedly suggested.

“Can you even do that?” Bakugou asked.

“I won’t know until I try.” Izuku said, pulling out his tape measurer.

“Alright Izu! Now THAT’S thinking like a hero.” Bakugou said with a smirk.

Izuku took time measuring every aspect of Katsuki from height to foot size. Once Izuku was satisfied with all the measurements he collected he stepped back and attempted to create his first living copy.

Izuku felt more goop pour from his arms than ever before as the mud like substance began to successfully take form and before their eyes was a second living and breathing Katsuki Bakugou.

“Okay even I’ll admit this is awesome.” Katsuki said.

“No kidding! No villain could ever take on two of us even if I’m a weaker shitty clone.”

“I actually take back what I said Izu. If you can do this then you’re definitely going to be my sidekick.” Katsuki stated but when he didn’t receive a response both Katsuikis looked over to Izuku who was in the middle of a mumble storm.

“If I can make another person, how often do I have to check measurements? What memories do they have? If I don’t re-measure for a long time will I just make a child version?” Izuku mumbled, causing both Bakugous to let out an annoyed sigh.

“Shut up Izu!” Both Bakugous shouted in unison.

Once Izuku was broken out of his mumble storm he bashfully scratched the back of his head and apologized before a question popped in his head.

“Hey Bakuclone, you said ‘even though I’m a weaker clone’ how did you know you were a clone?” Izuku asked.

The Katsuki clone rolled his eyes with a groan “Okay first of course you would come up with a dumbass name like that, second when I formed or whatever I already saw myself standing beside you, and since I know you can only make one copy it wasn’t hard to out two and two together.” Bakuclone answered.

“For real Izu even a mud for brain version of myself could figure that out how couldn’t you.” Katsuki said, causing his clone’s eye to twitch.

“Who’re you calling mud for brains you damn extra.” Bakuclone shouted with his palms sparking.

“Woah! The clone can even use your quirk.” Izuku noted in wonder.

“How you calling me an extra when you’re literally an extra me dumbass.” Bakugou shouted back.

“You wanna fucking go?”

“Damn right I do.”

Before Izuku could attempt to prevent any fighting, Katsukis began firing off explosive blasts at each other. Each Katsuki landed jabs and blasts on the other until one Katsuki managed to get the upper hand and pin the other down with his hand on his head.

“DIE!” The Katsuki on top yelled as he let loose a point blank blast from his palm causing the pinned down Katsuki to revert back to the muddy goop.

Standing up Bakugou wiped some splattered goo from his face with a smirk. “Damn Izu, you can even make some kick ass sparring partners.” Katsuki said as he turned to see Izuku who looked as pale as a ghost.

“Izu?” Katsuki asked.

“K-kacchan you-you killed him.” Izuku stuttered out.

“What?” Katsuki asked, genuinely confused.

“How-how could you just kill him like that?” Izuku asked as he fell to his knees.

“He was just a clone Izu. It wasn’t like he was actually alive.” Katsuki stated.

“But-but he was talking he-he was-.”

“Izu!” Katsuki shouted he could see his friend was freaking out and needed a reality check.

“Look, you make perfect copies right?” Katsuki asked, causing Izuku to nod. “Well if that’s the case then I would be fine with getting blasted into paste.”

“W-what?” Izuku asked.

“If I knew I was some shitty clone I’d have no problem melting because I know the real me is still kicking.” Bakugou explained, however Izuku still wasn't convinced. “If you don’t believe me, make another clone and ask him yourself.” Katsuki shouted   

“What do you mean?” Izuku asked.

Katsuki rolled his eyes as he explained. “Make another clone and ask him if he minds getting turned back into a pile of crap, and if he really is just like me he’ll tell you the same thing.” Katsuki said.

Izuku didn’t know what to do so instead of arguing he shakily extended his arms and created another Katsuki clone.

“K-kacchan-“

“I don’t care.” The clone said immediately.

“H-huh.” Izuku choked out.

“I have the original’s memories idiot so I know what you’re about to ask so I’m telling you I don’t care, I know I’m a clone so I know I’M expendable but he” The clone pointed a thumb at the real Katsuki

“Isn’t, as long as he’s fine I don’t care what happens to me Izu.” Bakuclone explained.

Color slowly started to come back to Izuku’s face.

“I-I still don’t know about this.” Izuku said, standing back up.

With a groan the clone made a suggestion. “What if you just make me a pile of crap?”

“What do you mean?” Izuku asked.

“What I mean is you might feel better if you do it yourself, I know you can make what you copy disappear, just do that.” Bakuclone suggested.

“But I can’t just do that to you.” Izuku cried.

“For the love of God Izu I JUST told you its fine, just snap you fucking fingers and you’ll understand or some shit I seriously won’t care.” Bakuclone said.

Izuku looked back at the original KAtsuki who merely shrugged. “I was going to suggest the same thing.”

Of course he was.

Izuku took another look at the clone and took a breath, shut his eyes tight, and willed the clone to dissipate.

Izuku heard the sound of the clone melting away and opened his eyes to see that all that remained of the clone was a puddle of mud.

“Do you feel better now?” Katsuki asked with a feeling of annoyance and concern.

Not that he’d ever admit that.

Izuku didn’t say anything but rather created another clone of Katsuki.

“You really don’t care?” Izuku asked

“Fuck’s sake Izu how many times do you need to hear it?!” Bakuclone yelled.

Izuku needed to hear it four more times that day.

It was a bright and sunny day Izuku woke up to. There was no school that day and he had plans to hang out with Kacchan and their other friends.

When Izuku left his room he saw his mother standing at the kitchen sink while scrubbing away at a suds covered plate letting out a frustrated sigh that was not lost on Izuku.

“Is something wrong mom?”

Inko turned to her son and gave a tired smile. “No sweetie I’m fine I just have a lot to do today.” Inko explained.

Ever the good son Izuku stepped up. “Do you want me to help?” he offered.

Inko gave a soft smile. “Oh that’s sweet of you dear but weren’t you going to go play with Bakugou today?”

“We weren’t going to meet up for a little while. I can help until then.” Izuku said with a smile.

“Oh Izuku, you are your mother’s little hero thank you.” Inko said, giving Izuku a hug.

After writing up a small list of chores and handing it to her son, Inko grabbed her purse and made way to the front door.

“I just need to run to the grocery store sweetie. If you can do a couple things on that list it’ll help me out a lot.” Inko said.

“Leave it to me Mom.” Izuku said, giving his mother a smile reminiscent of his favorite hero.

Inko gave her son another smile and left the apartment.

Izuku looked at the list and grew a slight frown. The list was longer than Izuku had thought it would be and doing it all by himself would more than likely make him late from meeting up with Katsuki.

Suddenly an idea popped into Izuku’s head, one that he couldn’t believe he hadn’t tried before.

Izuku ran to the middle of the room and held out his arm and closed his eyes in concentration.

Normally when Izuku copied something (or someone) he had to have as much data as possible to create a perfect image in his head.

But since he was making a clone of himself he already had the perfect image in his head.

After all, who would know Izuku better than himself?

And soon a large amount of fluid exited his arm and created an identical Izuku.

“Oh man it worked!” Izuku excitedly shouted.

“This is so cool, why haven’t we tried this before?” Izuku2 asked.

“I don’t know, but now we can get this list done for mom even faster.” Izuku said holding the list up, however Izuku2 brought a hand to his chin as a thought entered the clone’s mind.

“Maybe we can make even more help!” Izuku2 suggested.

“But I already made you and our quirk can’t make more than one copy.” Izuku reasoned with a raised eyebrow.

“But remember when we first copied Kacchan and his clone was able to use his quirk.” Izuku2 reminded his original self.

Izuku’s eyes widened in realization. “Try it! Try it! Try it!” Izuku repeated eagerly.

Izuku2 held out his own arm waiting to see if his theory would prove to be true. Much to the surprise and elation of both Izukus a third appeared before them and the trio began jumping up and down in excitement.

“So I can make only one copy, but my copy can make another copy.” Izuku surmised.

“We could make so many of us!” Izuku3 said.

“Maybe we can show Kacchan, but for now let’s focus on Mom’s list.” Izuku2 suggested earning a nod from the other two Izukus.

After taking another look at the list the trio of green haired boys decided they might need even more help.

So they made another and another and just one more for good measure.

In total there were now six Izukus.

With six people all doing chores at the same time the Midoriya household looked spotless before any of them knew it.

“Alight that’s all of the things on the list.” An Izuku said as he turned to the rest. “Thanks for all your help guys.” Izuku sent out the mental order to make his clones disappear.

“Wait wh-” A single Izuku clone failed to finish his sentence as his form began to break down.

“Huh? How come only one disappeared?”

“That’s because you’re not the original.” One of the Izuku’s said causing all others to freeze and tense up.

“What? Yes I am.” The accused Izuku said as if it were obvious.

“No I am!”

And that’s when it began.

“Both of you are wrong, I'm the original!” Another Izuku shouted.

“Why would you think you’re the original?”

“Because I remember I came up with the Idea of making a clone of myself.”

“Well I remember coming up with that too!”

“But I was so sure I’m the original!”

“But you only made one clone disappear, that means you can’t be the original.”

"What does that prove?!"

“B-but I know I’m the real Izuku.”

“No, I'm the original!”

“I am!”

Soon the room of Izukus began to panic as none of them could remember who the original was.

“Guys, there’s an easy solution to this, if we all make our clones dissapear then only the original will be left right?” One Izuku tried to reason.

Maybe if they were older and wise enough to see the logic behind that suggestion, Or were brave enough like Katsuki,the imminent tragedy could have been avoided.

However neither were the case as these were scared, stressed, and confused children who were afraid of dying.

“W-wait b-but I don’t want to disappear.” A frightened Izuku pleaded.

“Don’t worry when Kacchan-“

“That was Kacchan! And at least he KNEW he was a clone.”

As more arguing continued and shouting got louder, one Izuku separated from the group and walked back into the kitchen just to get away from the shouting.

He didn’t know what was going on! Was he real?! Was he fake?! Was he Izuku Midoriya?! He didn’t know!

That’s when he saw it.

A Kitchen knife resting on the counter. Presumably left out by ?his? mother to dry after being washed.

Izuku grabbed the handle.

He wasn’t going to use it obviously! He just wanted to keep the other away so he could think this through!

Unbeknownst to that Izuku another was walking up behind him. This Izuku saw his clone go into the kitchen. The clone looked scared so Izuku was going to check to see if he was okay. That’s what heroes do.

Unfortunately when Izuku put a hand on the duplicate's shoulder it was enough to scare the other Izuku causing him to swiftly turn around.

With the knife still in his hand.

It was an accident when the blade met the flesh of Izuku’s forehead. Due to the momentum the knife made a deep upwards cut only being stopped by the bone of Izuku’s skull causing him to fall backwards onto the floor.

Izuku’s head hurt. It stung. He could feel something wet leaking from it.

His vision was getting blurry. He could only hear bits and pieces.

“He attacked him!”

“N-no I-“

“He’s going to try and kill us!”

The last thing Izuku saw before blacking out was the sight of himself stabbing a clone and being tackled by another clone.

Wait. Was that a clone? …..which one was he?

Inko was walking to her front door with grocery bags in hand.

She felt so lucky that Izuku had decided to help her clean around the apartment.

“Though is it really lucky if it’s just the type of person he is? ” Inko thought to herself.

Izuku really was a wonderful son. Polite. Helpful. Kind to others.

“And growing up too fast.”

Inko let out a small sigh.

Inko knew Izuku had wanted to become a hero. And when her son finally got a quirk it pretty much confirmed that dream was going to be a reality.

She was concerned of course. She had seen so many heroes on T.V. get horribly hurt in the line of duty, but Inko didn’t have it in her to dissuade her son of his dreams so she was going to support him all the way!

Inko’s gaze went down into one of the grocery bags and spotted the box for the limited time All Might themed snack cakes. A little treat to thank her little hero for his help.

Inko arrived at her door, unlocked it and slowly walked in.

“Izuku I got you something to thank you for your hel-“

Inko’s words died on her tongue as she dropped the bags of food on the floor and brought a hand to the mouth of her horrified expression.

Inside the Midoriya household were piles of mud, overturned furniture, and her little hero laying on the floor in a puddle of blood with a stained knife right next to him.

Inko's scream was so loud the family in the next apartment unit rushed out to see what was wrong.

Katsuki. Was. Pissed.

First Izu decided to ditch him for whatever reason leaving him with some damn extras.

Then while walking on an overturned tree he fell off like an ass and landed into a creek.

In front of the extras!

Katsuki marched inside his house, clothes still damp, expecting to get a verbal lashing from his mother. Instead what he saw was his mother looking pale nervously biting on thumbs fingernail.

Once Mitsuki noticed her son’s return she immediately made her way to her son’s side.

Mitsuki’s voice was shaky and overflowing with anxiety. “Katsuki, thank God. We need to go to the hospital.” 

The hospital? Why? Did one of the extras tell their parents what happened at the creek who then told her? He was fine!

Mitsuki spoke before Katsuki could protest. “Izuku’s been hurt and we need to go see him and his mother.”

Katsuki’s eyes widened.

Izu? Hurt? Why he fuck was he standing around then?!

After a silent car ride to the hospital Katsuki rushed through the front doors in a panic, much to the protest of his mother, and after yelling demanding to be taken to Izuku a nurse approached the mother and son and guided them to Izuku's room.

Once inside Katsuki saw Izuku, who was as pale as a ghost, sitting on a bed wearing a patient gown holding his hands to both sides of his head. He seemed to be hooked up to a heart rate monitor making a steady beeping sound, however Katsuiki’s attention focused on Izuku's entire upper head wrapped in bandaging. 

Izuku looked horrible. His face bore a look of terror, his eyes had dark rings, and he was visibly shaking as if the room was freezing.

Inko was seated by her son’s bed, rubbing circles into her son’s back as a way to provide any form of comfort. Her eyes were red and puffy from the amount of tears she had been shedding.

“Inko.” Mitsuki softly said as the blonde mother walked over to her friend.

Inko looked at the arrival of her friend and stood up, not leaving her child’s side, and accepted the comforting hug given to her.

“Inko what ha-“ Mitsuki began to ask but was stopped by Inko holding up a finger.

Inko looked at her son. “Izuku, do you mind if I step outside with Mitsuki? I’ll be right outside the door.” Inko assured.

“Yes….N-no…..Yes.” Was Izuku’s shaky response.

Inko looked unsure but decided to talk with Mitsuki outside. Once the door closed Katsuki, who was in stunned silence, finally spoke up.

“Izu?” He asked only to receive silence.

“Who did this to you?” Katsuki asked, only getting more silence, causing the explosion quirk user to ball his fists in anger.

“Just give me a name Izu and I’ll blow their ass to kingdom come!” Katsuki shouted.

“M-me.” Izuku quietly said

“What?” Bakugou asked.

“I-I did this.”

“What?! Why? How?” Katsuki pressed.

Izuku gripped his head slightly harder as he explained. “Mom asked me to help her clean, but it was a long list so I thought I could help so I made more of m-me, six I t-think.” Izuku said.

Katsuki’s eyes widened. “I thought your quirk could only make one copy of something?”

Izuku shook his head slowly, still only staring downwards. “I made a copy then that copy used its quirk to make a copy and that copy made a copy and th-“

“Okay I get that part, but Izu that sounds pretty cool you can make as many of yourself as you want.” Katsuki said.

“IT’S NOT COOL!” Izuku shouted, causing Katsuki to flinch.

Neither boy noticed the increase of beeps.

“Once we got done cleaning we couldn’t figure out who the original was, then we-they-we started fighting then one of us-them-I grabbed a knife and…and….and.” Izuku began stuttering as the heart rate monitor began picking up pace catching Katsuki’s notice.

“Izu calm down.” Bakugou suggested.

“And the worst part is Kacchan.” Izuku began as he finally looked up at his friend in the eye with his hands still firmly planted on his head. “I don’t know if I’m a clone or not!” Izuku shouted.

“W-what.” Bakugou asked for what felt like the hundredth time.

Izuku turned his gaze back to the foot of his bed as his grip on the sides of his head tightened as if he was attempting to squish both sides together.

“So much happened so fast I can’t remember who was who, I don’t know if I’m a clone or if I’m the original.” Izuku began tearing up. “Was there a body? I can’t remember! I don’t know if I’m real or not Kacchan!”

Bakugou took a step forward. “Izu you ARE real.” Bakugou assured.

Izuku once again turned to look at his friend. “HOW CAN YOU BE SURE!?” The green-haired boy shouted.

At this point the heart monitor began beeping so loudly that two nurses and Inko rushed back into the room.

Before Katsuki could process what was happening his mother grabbed his arm and started dragging him away.

The last thing Katsuki saw was the nurses and Inko trying to calm Izuku down hearing him scream asking if he was real or not.

It was two weeks later when Izuku finally came back to school and all the kids were whispering about the new scar that ran directly down his forehead.

It was at recess that kids began crowding around Izuku asking what happened. Izuku, becoming stressed, brought his hands to the sides of his head to provide some strange form of comfort.

“Leave him the hell alone, you damn extras or else!” Katsuki yelled with small explosions popping in his palm causing the small crowd to flee.

Katsuki watched the group of children run away with a satisfied smirk.

“You okay Izu?” The explosion quirk user asked.

“Y-yeah thanks Kacchan.” Izuku mumbled.

“Tch, whatever. If they bother you again just grow a pair and stand up to them until I can bail you out.” Katsuki said.

Izuku looked at Katsuki with a small smile. “Thanks Kacchan, I’m glad you’re my friend.” Izuku said sincerely.

Katsuki clicked his tongue and turned around to hide the small smirk growing on his lips.

Then suddenly Izuku spoke again in what sounded like a different tone of voice.

“You’re the worst.”

Katsuki immediately turned around with sparks popping in his hands. “What the hell did you just say Izu?” He asked but paused as he saw Izuku covering his mouth with both hands looking terrified.

“Kacchan I didn’t mean that I swear.” Izuku promised.

Then in an instant Bakugou saw something change in Izuku’s whole demeanor. He couldn’t describe it but the Izu he’s known all these years just seemed different when he spoke again.

“I meant every word.”

And once again Izuku was back and covered his mouth with his hands with wide eyes and a fearful expression.

“Kacchan I think something’s wrong with me.” “I’m totally fine.”

Bakugou immediately rushed Izuku to their teacher who in turn called Inko to pick up her son.

Chapter Text

“Sooo, as third year students it's time to think about your futures and what you want to do with your lives.” The teacher began as he clutched a stack of papers. “I could pass out your career aptitude test, but why bother? We all know you all want to go to the hero course!” He exclaimed, throwing the papers into the air.

The class of students soon erupted into a chorus of cheers as all showed an example of their quirk.

“Okay calm down, you all know the rules about using your quirks in school.” The teacher said.

Katsuki clicked his tongue and leaned back into his seat resting his feet on the desk.

“Don’t lump us all in the same group Teach, only some of us are destined for greatness while others are just going to end up as half-assed rejects.” Katsuki said with an air of confidence mixed with arrogance that angered the class.

“What the hell Bakugou?!”

“You think you’re better than us?!”

“Bring it, I’ll take you all on!” Katsuki challenged.

The teacher then looked at Katsuki’s academic records. “Well Bakugou, with test scores like yours you have a good shot at making it into UA.”

The class went from angry shouting into hushed whispers.

“UA? They only accept like two percent of their applicants.”

“Does he really think he’s that good?”

While the class was focused on gossiping, the teacher spotted another name with UA on their desired list.

“Oh yeah, you also wanted to go to UA as well didn’t you, Midoriya?” The teacher asked, making the entire class go silent.

Heads began to turn to the quiet boy in the back who had a large scar down the center of his forehead only partially covered by his messy green hair.

“Midoriya? Are you serious?”

“Do they even let crazy people into UA?”

“I always see him talking to himself.”

Izuku looked up in visible confusion. “Sensei I think there’s a mistake, I didn’t put UA on my list.”

As soon as Izuku said those words his body took on a more relaxed posture and spoke once more in a tone of voice that was a higher pitch. “I totally wrote that down.”

The teacher slightly raised an eyebrow. By now he was used to Izuku’s…..unique mannerism and, for the most part, could decipher what he really meant.

“Well that’s what your list says, but if you want to change it you can meet with the guidance counselor tomorrow to change it.” The teacher said.

That didn’t help Izuku’s confusion however. Izuku glanced around his class and his eyes landed on Katsuki, who was purposely not looking at Izuku, and his question was inadvertently answered.

After the final bell rang the students began packing their bags up and made their way out of the classroom.

Katsuki was carelessly shoving textbooks into his bag as Izuku walked up to the explosive boy.

“You shouldn’t have done that Kacchan.” Izuku said. “Thanks for doing that for me.”

Katsuki didn’t bother looking at Izuku. “Do what, Nerd?”

Izuku let out a sigh that wasn’t in anger or annoyance but rather just sounded tired.

“I know you somehow put UA on my list of school choices.” Izuku said it as a statement rather than an accusation.

“Tch so what if I did?” Katsuki asked back, finally looking at his green haired friend.

“Kacchan, I’ve lost count how many times we’ve had this talk but you know I can’t be a hero.” Izuku sadly said as his demeanor changed. “I have everything it takes to be a hero, I’ll crack the top ten easy peasy.”

“You should really take your own advice.” Katsuki said casually.

Izuku rolled his eyes as the two exited the classroom and made their way to the school’s entrance.

“You really need to let this go Kacchan if you’re going to get into UA you can’t spend your time worrying about me.” Izuku said before clapping his hands together and bowing in a pleading manner. “Please don’t leave me behind.”

“You mean ‘when we get into UA’.” Katsuki curtly said.

“Kacchan you know I can’t be a hero if I’m a-“ Katsuki immediately turned to get into Izuku’s face.

“Don’t start with this shit again Izu.” Katsuki angrily said.

Izuku had an annoyed look on his face. “I already let this go Kacchan, why can’t you?”

Katsuki silently looked around to make sure there were no potential eavesdroppers nearby. “I’m not letting this shit go because You. Are. Not. A. Fucking. Clone!”

Izuku didn’t have an answer and only looked at his feet instead of responding.

“Hey Bakugou you coming or what?” a voice called out and both students turned to see Katsuki’s other two friends waving him over.

Bakugou let out a sigh. “Me and the extras were thinking of hitting up the arcade, you in?” 

Izuku shook his head. “No thanks, I was just going to head home today.” “Right behind ya Kacchan.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes and turned to walk away. “Whatever, but before I go Izu.” Bakugou began turning around to look his friend in the eye. “It’s been our dream to be heroes since we were fucking kids, the fact that you’re trying to give that up over something as stupid as….. that , makes me sick.” Bakugou said as he walked away without a word leaving Izuku to look down at his shoes guiltily.

“I wish he’d let this go.” Izuku sadly thought.

“I still think we can be a hero.” Izuku’s other voice chimed.

“You only say that because it’s the opposite of what I think.” Izuku bitterly thought.

“Maybe, but I’m right in this case.”

Izuku didn’t bother responding as he brought a hand to his scarred forehead feeling the headache coming on.

Deep down Izuku still had a burning desire to become a hero alongside his best friend, despite what he told Katsuki. Unfortunately Izuku’s wish to become a hero was smothered by his realism.

After all, how could a clone be a hero?

Izuku was left wondering to himself as he walked through a tunnel. Before Izuku could exit the other side of the tunnel a hand made out of a foul smelling substance grabbed his leg and began pulling him back.

Katsuki kicked a stray can in the alleyway he and his, well he wouldn’t exactly call them friends more like acquaintances that liked to follow him around, were in

“Man, I can't believe you and Midoriya are trying out for UA Bakugou.” The one with long fingers said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Fingers just held his hands up. “Nothing! I’m just impressed you’re going for it.”

Bakugou turned back and kicked the can once more.

“You shouldn’t be, Izu and I got what it takes to be heroes and nothing’s going to get in our way.” Katsuki said, causing the other boy, with the sharpened teeth, to let out a small laugh.

Angrier than before Katsuki quickly turned around with sparks popping in his palm.

“Got something to say!?”

“Calm down Bakugou, it's nothing against you, it’s just that you don’t really think Midoriya can be a hero do you?” Sharp teeth asked.

“Why the hell not?” Katsuki asked back.

“Well he’s crazy for starters.”

Upon hearing this Bakugou turned around and marched up to the sharp toothed boy. “He’s not fucking crazy!”

“The dude talks to himself all the time, and doesn’t he say he isn’t real or something?” Sharp teeth asked back.

“Isn’t real? What the hell does that mean?” Fingers asked.

“That’s not important, the point is he’s going to be a hero alongside me even if I have to drag him by the short hairs.” Katsuki said as he spoke quietly. “I owe it to him.”

“I get you guys are friends Bakugou, but all Midoriya is going to do is hold you back if you spend all your time holding his hand dude.”

“How about you worry about your own shit instead of my hero career or Izu’s fucked head, huh?” Katsuki angrily asked.

“So he is crazy?” Sharp teeth asked, causing Bakugou to spin around with eyes full of rage.

“You got good timing kid, I needed a new skin suit. Now hold still!” The sludge villain said as his fluid like arms lifted Izuku into the and without saying another word instantly blocked all of Izuku’s airways suffocating the boy.

“I-I can’t breathe. I need to think of something fast.” Izuku thought. “Take your time, there's no hurry.” 

Izuku was panicking but managed to come up with a quick idea. What Katsuki had said earlier was true, he and Izuku had been dreaming of being heroes since they were kids and as such Katsuki had been training for the day he would try out for UA.

While Izuku may have given up his dream to be a hero he was sure to give his friend any support he could, and one of those ways was creating sparring partners.

Izuku may have sworn to never copy himself again but he had no qualms about making other Katsuki for the original to practice fighting, thus Izuku made sure to keep up to date with all of his friend’s measurements in case Bakugou wanted to have a surprise training session.

Izuku began struggling while extending one of his hands free much to the amusement of the sludge villain.

“Squirm all you want, my body is made out of fluid, for what it’s worth you’re a real hero to me, kid. I didn't know HE was in the city. I gotta get out of here fast before he tracks me down.”

Izuku began to concentrate as the familiar viscous substance poured from his hands and began taking shape just as Izuku’s vision was getting blurry from lack of air.

“What the hell are you doing?!” The slime villain yelled.

The mud formed into an identical clone of Katsuki in his school uniform.

“Izu wha-” Bakuclone began asking but stopped as he saw the scene before him.

Seeing his friend was in desperate need of help Bakuclone wasted no time unleashing a powerful explosion “DIE!” he yelled as the blast splattered a chunk of the slime villain away including the part that was suffocating Izuku.

 Taking a desperate breath of air Izuku was about to warn his friend’s duplicate but before a word could be uttered the slime villain smashed the clone against the wall of the tunnel with a reformed hand causing the duplicate to revert back to mud.

“Nice trick kid, I’m almost impressed but you wasted enough time! I need a disguise before HE shows up!” The slime villain yelled as a new voice spoke up.

“Too late for that you dastardly deviant because I AM HERE!” The booming voice of the number one hero called out causing both Izuku and the villain to go wide eyed.

“TEXAS SMAAAASH!!!!” All Might shouted as his punch caused the villain to splatter against the walls of the tunnel, but unlike Bakuclone’s blast all of the sludge villain dissipated leaving Izuku on the ground unharmed.

Izuku was awestruck. Here he was in the presence of the number one hero. HIS hero.

“Are you unharmed young man?” All Might asked as Izuku tried to stutter a response.

“A-all M-Might y-y-you’re-.”

“Okay stay with me kid you may have a head injury.” All Might said.

“No I’m fine, I mean I do have a head injury but that’s always been there it’s just that I can’t believe I’m meeting the number one hero I don’t know what to say and-“ Izuku’s mumble storm was cut off as All Might held up a hand.

“Slow down there young man just take a deep breath and answer me, are you unharmed?” The hero asked.

Izuku did as his hero asked and took a deep breath and answered. “Yes I’m Fine.” Izuku answered however he could feel his other voice take over instantaneously. “I’m seriously hurt.”

All Might raised an eyebrow in confusion. “If you’re hurt young man we should-“

“No I really am fine I just have a nervous tic don’t mind it.” Izuku lied. He wasn’t sure how ‘I have a split personality that always disagrees with me’ would sound to his idol. “It’s not a tic.”

“Well after dealing with that villain I’m not surprised your nerves are out of sorts.” All Might said giving Izuku a pat on the back as he walked by the green haired boy to the remnants of the sludge villain and pulled out two empty soda bottles and much to Izuku’s amazement somehow began shoveling all the puddles of the villain into the bottles.

How was he doing that?!

“It’s amazing you weren’t seriously hurt my boy did you have to use your quirk?” All Might asked. “It’s fine if you did since it was self-defense.”

“U-um sort of it was mostly Kacchan-err my friend’s quirk that saved me.” “I did all the hard work.”

All Might Paused to look around.

“Is your friend still around?” All Might asked.

“Umm no he wasn’t actually here you see my quirk lets me make a copy of anything, including people, so when I was in trouble I made a copy of my friend to help me.” Izuku explained.

“If that’s the case, where's the copy you made?” All Might asked in a tone that wasn’t accusing but rather just curious.

“O-oh when the copy takes too much damage they revert back to the goop they’re made from.”

All Might took a moment to process the information as the hero finished containing the last of the sludge villain. “That’s a very powerful quirk you have young man. I know many pros who would love to have someone like you as a sidekick.” All Might praised, causing Izuku to go wide eyed.

“Well I better get this guy to the authorities, will you be alright from here young man?”

Izuku snapped out of his trance and realized this would be his only chance to ask his hero a question he so desperately needed an answer for.

“A-actually All Might I want to ask you a question if you’ll let me.” Izuku asked. “You can lea-“ Through sheer willpower Izuku slapped a hand over his own mouth.

“Please, please just let me have this.” Izuku internally begged.

All Might did some mental math to estimate how much time he had. “Well I’m in a bit of a hurry, but suppose I have a minute. What’s your question, young man?” 

Izuku instinctively brought a hand to his scarred forehead and took a deep breath. “A while ago I was…in an accident and because of that it makes doing things…a lot of things harder for me and it means I can’t take too many punches, the question I wanted to ask is despite this do you think someone like me can still be a hero?” Izuku asked as he stared down at his red shoes, afraid of the answer.

All Might had to keep himself from reaching for his abdomen. Toshinori would be lying if he said he didn’t relate to the kid’s story.

Despite his injuries and so many people telling him to retire, All Might still remained the symbol of peace.

Thus the number one hero took a moment to consider his words.

“Being a pro hero means taking on a lot of danger, some more than others I’ll admit, however the one thing they all have in common is accepting the risk of being greatly injured or worse.” All Might explained. “I’ve seen many heroes get hurt on the job some manage to get back to work and others are forced into retirement. Some even give their lives in the line of duty, seeing as you were able to keep yourself safe from that villain, albeit even for a short time, tells me that the only person here that can decide whether or not you can be a hero is yourself. I understand your hesitation, more so than you might think, but the big question is are you willing to put yourself in danger to help others?” All Might asked as he turned to walk away feeling his time running out.

Izuku looked up at his idol.

“I can’t stand here and tell you how to live your life young man but if you do choose to follow the path of being a hero I’ll be rooting for you. Have I answered your question?” All Might asked, looking over his shoulder.

Izuku nodded his head, tears filling his eyes.

“Well then young man I wish you best of luck and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you choose.” All Might said before giving Izuku a thumbs up and jumping away.

As All Might was soaring through the air one thought came to the number one hero’s mind.

“Crap I probably should have asked for his name before flying off.”

Back on the ground Izuku was slightly shaking trying to keep the tears in as All Might’s words replayed in his head.

  The big question is are you willing to put yourself in danger to help others?”

“The only person here that can decide whether or not you can be a hero is yourself.”

“If you do choose to follow the path of being a hero I’ll be rooting for you.”

“He’s right, the quirk I have is a strong one.” Izuku thought, looking down at his palm. “Only I can decide if I’m going to be a hero, if I am real then I’ll finally follow my dream.” Izuku then closed his palm looking forward with newfound determination “And if I am a clone then I’ll honor the original Izuku and see his dream through.”

Inko took another sip of her tea as she looked at the clock once again.

Izuku said he was going to come home after school so he should be here by now.

“Mabey he and Katsuki decided to do something.” Inko thought. “But surely he would have called first.”

Inko’s growing anxieties were quelled as she heard the front door open.

“Mom, I'm home.” “Where am I?”

Inko breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her son enter the living room.

“Izuku next time you run late please let me know ahead of time, you know how much I worry.”

“Sorry Mom, I know I should have called but I got caught up with something.” “I was free the whole time, I just didn’t want to talk with you.”

Inko nodded knowing what her son really meant. “Well just remember next time.” Inko paused and noticed the bright smile on her son’s face which was a rare sight.

“You seem happy.” Inko noted.

Izuku smiled of course but the smile he currently wore had no fake emotions or awkwardness to it. It was a genuine smile that looked as if a new life had been breathed into the green haired boy.

“I had a really good day.” “Today sucked, I got attacked by a villain!” Izuku answered before slapping a hand over his mouth praying his mother didn’t hear-

“You got attacked by a villain?!”

She heard.

“Why would you tell her that?!” “Because you didn’t want to.”

“I-I did b-but don’t worry I got saved by All Might.” “No one saved me, I died.”

Inko brought a hand to her mouth as she gasped. “All Might?! You were saved by All Might?”

“I did and he was amazing!” Izuku said with admiration before he adorned an unimpressed look. “He was super lame.”

“Well I suppose that explains your good mood but please don’t keep things like that from me Izuku.” Inko pleaded

Izuku looked down with a guilty expression. “I’m sorry mom I didn’t want to worry you.”

Inko got up from her seat and walked over to Izuku and gently took his hand in hers.

“Izuku I’m your mother of course I’m going to worry about you.” Inko gently said.

Izuku took a deep breath and told his mother the real reason behind his mood change.

“Mom, I think I’m going to give the hero course a try.” Izuku said, causing Inko to let out a gasp as tears began to fill her widened eyes.

“I’m gonna be a dentist.”

After an emotional dinner and a full explanation of the day’s events Izuku got ready for bed. Izuku was mindlessly switching into his sleepwear but as he finished putting on his shirt Izuku began feeling a throbbing pain in his head.

“No, not tonight. Not after such a good day.” Izuku pleaded as he brought his hands to both sides of his head.

“It’s okay I’m okay.” “I’m so not okay.”

With each thought Izuku’s headache grew worse and worse.

“It hurts.” “I’m fine.” “I don’t need it tonight.” “I definitely need it.”  “Okay I need it.” “You don’t need it.” “I-I’m I’m-“

“I’m splitting.” Izuku said through gritted teeth. “No I’m not.”

Izuku quickly ran over to his bed and hastily grabbed a pillow and removed the casing, throwing the pillow aside. Izuku proceeded to cover his head with the now empty pillow case.

As soon as his head was covered Izuku let out a sigh as the pain in his head subsided.

“I’m okay….I’m okay.” Izuku repeated to himself between breaths.

Once calmed down Izuku soon went to bed with the pillow case remaining over his head throughout the night.

Toshinori Yagi tiredly made way into his home at Might Tower. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that All Might, the workaholic he is, decided to actually live at his hero agency.

Toshinori slunk into his leather recliner and let out an exhausted breath. The fatigue one for all caused him seemed to be getting worse by the day.

The ringing of his cell phone jolted the hero from his rest. Toshinori smiled as he checked the name of his caller. 

Toshinori sat up straight and answered the phone. “Do you know why the number one hero was tired?”

“Because he was up ‘All Might’.” The dry voice on the phone said.

Toshinori let out a laugh. “You’re as sharp as ever, Mirai. I really thought I’d get you with that one.” “Don’t feel too bad, Toshi. That’s actually one of my favorite jokes.”

“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call to?”

“I wanted to continue our discussion of Mirio.”

Toshinori pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mirai….”

“I know what you’re going to say Toshi, but this isn’t something we can just wait on.” Mirai let out a frustrated sigh. “I know I’m pushing you on this Toshi.”

“I know it’s because you care about me, Mirai, but as I said before this is more than passing on power. I’d also be passing on the baggage along with it.”

“All the more reason to find a successor. If you’re against the idea of Mirio then perhaps-”

Toshinori already knew what Nighteye was going to suggest. “You know as well as I that he already denied the offer.”

The line was filled with an uneasy silence.

Mirai decided to be the first to speak up. “As a favor to me will you at least meet Mirio?”

Toshinori mulled over the words. “Alright.” He relented. “I won’t make any promises, but I suppose I should meet him before I decide one way or the other.”

Toshinori heard the relief in his friend’s voice. “Thank you Toshi, I promise you won’t regret this. I’ll get in touch with Nedzu and schedule a meeting with all of us.”

“You don’t have to do all that, Mirai. You’re not my secretary.” Toshinori laughed.

“I’m more than certain that being your secretary is exactly what I am. Regardless, leave it to me. Also, do you know why heroes don’t team up with Endevor?”

Toshinori felt a smile form on his lips. “Why’s that?”

“Things tend to get heated with him.”

Toshinori let out a laugh and both friends bid each other a good night.

Toshinori stood from his chair and went to prepare himself for bed, but not before the buzzing of a text caught his attention.

 Nephew: Heard you caught a robber today. I wish you actually used your days off to, ya know, RELAX. But good job I guess. Text me next time you’re in the area.

Toshinori smiled once more at seeing the message. He sent a quick text back before pocketing his phone and finally turning in for the night.

Chapter Text

Years ago

“Okay Midoriya, are you ready to finally have your bandages removed?” The doctor asked with a pair of bandage scissors in hand.

Izuku only nodded in response, causing his mother to take on a worried expression.

Izuku had been quiet ever since the accident, only giving small answers to questions.

“Keep in mind the scar will be quite visible but we’ll be able to take out the stitches in another week or so.” The doctor explained as he slipped the scissors underneath the boy’s bandages.

“But don’t worry too much Midoriya between you and me girls love guys with scars.” The doctor joked.

Izuku once again didn’t respond.

Once the bandages were off neither Inko nor the doctor noticed the pained expression the Izuku had.

“Now I can prescribe some medicine for the pain after that we can-“

“AHHH!” Izuku shouted as he brought his hands to his head as the doctor rushed to his side.

“Izuku what’s wrong?!” Inko asked in a panic.

“My head! It hurts! I feel like I’m splitting!” Izuku said as his voice filled with pain.

The doctor immediately inspects the stitches on Izuku’s forehead.

“Izuku the stitches are fine I don’t see-“

“Ahhh!” Izuku let out another pain-filled shriek.

“I’m really sorry I told people you were crazy.”

Izuku blinked once again in confusion. He had known the sharped tooth boy in his class for years but they had rarely talked, only ever interacting because they were both friends of Katsuki.

Yet here he was out of the blue, with a black eye, apologizing to Izuku for supposedly calling him crazy, which didn’t really bother him; he had gotten used to it at this point.

“Umm no problem” Izuku awkwardly said. “I’ll never forgive you.”

With a nod the boy walked back to his desk, tensing ever so slightly as Katsuki passed him walking to Izuku’s desk.

“So did he apologize?” Katsuki asked.

“Umm yeah he did, but what happened to his eye?” Izuku asked.

“Don’t worry about it, so what’s the big news you wanted to tell me?” Katsuki asked. It was weird getting a text from Izuku that only said ‘Big news!’ and nothing else the previous night.

“I’ve decided to try out for the hero course.” Izuku said with a large smile. “I’m gonna become a villain.”

Katsuki’s eyes widened as a grin grew on his face. Katsuki would take the secret to the grave, but part of him wanted to cry. To Katsuki it was a major milestone of Izuku’s healing.

“About fucking time you got your shit together.” Katsuki said with a firm pat on Izuku’s back.

“Yeah I kind of had someone talk some sense into me.” Izuku rubbed the back of his neck

“Who the hell got you to realize what I’ve been telling you for years?”

Izuku paused before looking to the side to avoid Katsuki’s gaze. “Umm A-all Might.” “It was Endeavor.”

“…say what?”

“Un-fucking-believable.”

“N-now Kacchan stay calm.” “Get angry!”

“You fucking met All Might.”

“I-I understand your frustration.” “What are ya mad about?”

“You met All Might WITHOUT ME?!” Katsuki screamed causing students around them to either flinch

“It’s n-not like I planned to get attacked.” “The waiting list was hell.”

Katsuki took in a breath and calmed himself down. He was right, the nerd wouldn’t have planned on meeting their favorite hero without him.

“Whatever, so we’re both aiming for the hero course. What's the next step?” Katsuki asked.

“Well as of now we have a little over ten months, the smart idea would be to use this time to train our bodies.” “Let’s laze on the couch and eat mochi.”

“Alright we can use the gym that the old hag uses, they have plenty of equipment.” Katsuki suggested as their class began.

For the next ten months both boys trained regularly. Katsuki even had Izuku start following his usual diet to achieve the same results….minus the spice of course. And each day no matter how hard it got Izuku pushed through with determination and grit. 

Honestly Katsuki was surprised with his friend’s progress, pushing himself well past his limits.

“I’m at a late start so I have to work twice as hard to catch up with you!” Izuku said.

All in all Katsuki’s plans to train alongside Izuku had gone better than he could have imagined.

Except for one thing.

“For fucks sake Izu take a punch!” Katsuki yelled as he swung his gloved fist.

Currently both boys were wearing boxing gear and facing off against each other in the gym’s practice ring.

And once again Izuku nimbly dodged Katsuki’s left hook.

“Why would I willingly take a punch?” “Break my noose.”

This had become a common occurrence whenever Katsuki and Izuku sparred. Izuku was okay at throwing a punch, he knew the basics, but always kept a distance avoiding any attacks that came at him. Katusiki was just as impressed as he was pissed at how agile Izuku was.

Katsuki finally managed to land a gut shot. “Fucking finally!”

Izuku kneeled over trying to catch his breath. “I think we should call it there.”

“What? No, c’mon let's go another round.” Katsuki raised his gloves.

Izuku shakily stood up. “No I’m done, I can’t take too many hits you know that.

Katsuki angrily grunted. Physically Izuku had made loads of progress these past few months. Unfortunately Katsuki has had the same amount of luck trying to convince Izuku he’s not a clone as the past few years.

Katsuki let out an aggravated sigh. “Fine, but let’s at least keep practicing your dodging.”

Well here he was, after ten months of training pushing his body to its limits Izuku finally stood on the stone path leading to his future.

Instinctively Izuku brought a hand up to his scarred forehead.

“Okay Kacchan said to wait for him at the gate .” “Let’s go on in.”

Izuku’s contradictory thoughts were interrupted by the familiar chime of his phone indicating a text message.

“Running late. Go on in. Better be grateful. Save me a seat or else.”

 With a sigh Izuku began walking to the UA entrance.

 Walking along the stone path Izuku had a determined look on his face.

“This is it, I'm actually going to become a hero.” Izuku thought as he accidently tripped and began his literal fall from grace. “Nah we’re gonna die.”

However before Izuku could face plant into the concrete his momentum ceased and began floating?

Izuku squirmed around in the air trying to figure out what was happening to him but his questions were answered by a bubbly new voice.

“Are you okay?”

Izuku looked to see a girl with short brown hair with equally brown eyes.

“I used my quirk to stop you, sorry I didn’t ask but I figured falling on the first day would be bad luck.” The mystery girl said as she moved the now weightless Izuku back on his feet.

She gave a warm smile and pressed her fingers together and Izuku felt his feet gently land on the ground.

As the girl began talking about how nerve-racking it was being here Izuku was having his own internal conversation.

“Holy whoa girl's talking to me! And she’s cute too!” “Ugh look at her I think I’m Gonna puke.” “Okay don’t say anything weird.” “Propose to her.” “I should ask her for her name.” “Ask her what she thinks our kids will look like!”

“I…uh..ah…eh.” Izuku stuttered out. “Eh…ah..uh…I”

“Guess I’ll see you inside. Bye!” She cheerfully said leaving Izuku by himself.

“Wow I talked to a girl!” “You didn’t actually talk to her.”

“Izu!” The angry voice of Katsuki yelled out.

Izuku turned to see his blonde friend run up to him and come to a halt slightly out of breath.

“I thought you said you were going to be late?” “You said you’d be early damnit!”

“I texted that on the way then I hurried my ass here.” Katsuki responded after catching his breath.

“Who the hell were you just talking too?” Katsuki asked.

“Uh she was just a girl, I didn’t catch her name.” “That was my future wife.”

Katsuki’s eyebrow arched. Even by Izuku’s standards that was weird.

“Whatever, c’mon I don’t want to miss orientation.” Katsuki said/ordered as the pair of friends made their way into the building believing they were ready for anything that UA could throw at them.

After checking in and completing the written exam Izuku and Katsuik sat side by side in the auditorium. Izuku began shaking in his seat as he saw the orientation process was being presented by the pro hero Present Mic.

"Gooooood morning listeners, can I get a HEY!?" The voice hero exclaimed to the crowd.

Only to receive an awkward silence.

"Wow, tough crowd. Well listeners you better tune in because I'm about to lay down the rules for your exam." Present mic went on to explain the rules of the practical exam.

"Oh man Kacchan I can't believe this is actually happening." "What am I doing here again?"

Katsuki scoffed and bumped Izuku with his elbow.

"Quit whining and listen."

"Your exam will have a ten minute time limit, during this time you will be let loose in a faux city filled with robots acting as villains. Each robot you destroy will earn you one, two, or three points." Present mic explained as a giant screen behind the hero showed the different types of enemies the young hopefuls would encounter. "Also remember this is a HERO school so violence against your other examinees will NOT be tolerated."

"That's simple to understand, it's almost like a video game." Izuku said before donning a confused expression. "He totally lost me."

Katsuki however was looking over his handout sheet rather than the screen.

"My ID number is right after yours but we're being put in different areas."

"They probably did that to make sure people who went to the same school don't help each other out." Izuku guessed.

Katsuki gave Izuku a knowing smirk. "Either way it won't make a difference for you huh?"

Izuku shared his friend's smile. "Nope!" "It'll be a pain in the ass." Izuku said dejectedly.

"Excuse me sir but I have a question." A tall boy said, raising his hand while standing from his seat with a spotlight shining on him.

"Hit me." Present Mic said with enthusiasm.

"Thank you, there seems to be 4 faux villains on this sheet! Such a blatant error, if it is such, is very unbecoming for U.A. Also you! With the curly hair!" The boys said pointing directly at Izuku.

"You've been mumbling this entire time, stop it, it's very distracting if you're not going to take this seriously then leave. "

"Oh uh s-sorry." Izuku nervously apologized bowing his head.

As soon as the apology left Izuku's lips the green haired student stood up from his seat with an angry expression and raised a fist towards the boy. "Why don't you come up here and make me you four eyed D-lister."

The boy looked absolutely taken aback from the sudden outburst.

Izuku immediately shot back into his seat covering his mouth with his hand.

"Pfft hahah nice one." Katsuki laughed, offering his friend a high five.

Izuku shot Katsuki an annoyed look. "You know not to encourage me." However his other self eagerly accepted the high five.

"Hey now listeners, how about we save that energy for the exam yeah? Now as for your question, the fourth robot is worth zero points, it's mostly just there as an obstacle; you can destroy it if you want, but there's really no point." Present mic explained.

"I see I apologize for the disruption." The tall boy said, sparing one last glance towards Izuku before sitting down.

Once Present Mic finished his presentation all the potential hero course students began exiting and making way to their designated starting spots.

After Izuku and Katsuki parted ways Izuku stayed back in the presentation room waiting until most of the students were gone before walking up to Present Mic, whom was in the middle of leaving himself.

"U-um excuse me Present Mic sir." Izuku meekly asked

Present mic stopped his exit to see the nervous looking green haired kid.

"What's up little listener." The pro hero asked, putting on a cheeky smile.

"I had a quick question about earning points." "I didn't understand a thing."

"Sure thing, but you could have asked earlier during the presentation like the other kid." Present Mic pointed out.

"I know that but it's kind of a specific question that would have taken too long." Izuku explained. "It'll be quick."

Izuku sucked in a small breath before asking. "If my quirk made a copy of another applicant and that copy destroyed a robot, who would get the points?"

Present Mic brought his hand to his chin as he mulled over the question leaving the two in an awkward silence.

Present Mic then snapped his fingers giving Izuku a pair of finger guns. "I got no clue." He said confidently.

"W-wuh?!"

The pro hero then placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "But don't worry listener we have a top notch panel of judges to determine your performance, I promise you'll be judged and rewarded fairly." Present Mic assured.

That actually did make Izuku feel a bit better.

…….Is what Izuku would like to think, however the pro hero didn't actually answer the question rather give him the equivalent of 'someone else will figure it out'.

Without waiting for Izuku to respond Present Mic walked past the green haired doubler to the observation area.

Izuku let out a sigh and made his way to the designated starting area.

Izuku nervously looked round at the other participants seeing that they were all doing some kind of exercise to either prepare themselves physically via stretching or trying to remain calm under pressure.

Amongst the applicants Izuku spotted a familiar head of brown hair.

" It's the girl that helped me earlier." "Wifey!"

The girl in question seemed to be patting her chest. Probably to calm her nerves.

" She looks like she's focusing, I should let her be." "Go up to her and ask her if she wants a destination wedding."

As Izuku continued having split thoughts as a hand placed itself on his shoulder causing Izuku to tense.

Looking back Izuku saw the owner of said hand was none other than the tall glasses wearing boy that had called him out earlier.

" Hey it's the guy you insulted!" "Don't blame me for what you do!"

"I see you looking at that girl, I don't know why you seem to be so determined to sabotage the other people here who are actually taking this seriously, but I won't stand here and allow you to prevent anyone else from doing their best, do you understand me?" The boy firmly explained.

With a loud gulp Izuku answered "Y-yes l-loud a-and clear." "Mind going over that again."

The bespectacled teen was about to respond, presumably in anger, but was interrupted by the loud announcement from Present Mic.

"AND GO!...What were you expecting a countdown? Villains don't wait so get a move on!"

At that all participants, including the glasses boy who decided not to finish chastising Izuku, raced forward into the mock city eager and ready to destroy any and all robots.

Much like those around him Izuku ran forward and broke off from the group charging forward.

" If I stay close to the group I'll have to fight through the crowd to get to any robot that shows up, it'll be easier if I split up and pick off stragglers without having someone to compete with." "This is making everything harder dammit."

Izuku was about to turn a corner of a building but jumped back behind the wall once he saw a roaming two pointer.

Luckily for the green haired boy the machine didn't seem to notice him.

With his back to the wall Izuku raised a hand and began making a copy of Katsuki. Since Izuku had much experience creating Baku-clone the cloner had a near perfect image of his childhood friend in his head, which in turn led to Bakuclone having the quickest creation time out of anything Izuku could make. Seconds later Izuku was staring eye to eye at an exact copy of Katsuki Bakugou.

"Iz-" Anything Bakuclone was about to say was cut off by Izuku covering the copy's mouth with his palm.

"You're a clone so don't even ask." "What's it like being real?"

Understanding that he wasn't real, in other words expendable, Baku-clone swallowed the large amount of pride he had inherited from the original and was ready to take orders.

"So what did the teachers say? Do any points I get go to you or what?" While he may be a copy Baku-clone retained all memories the original had from the last time he and Izuku interacted with one another, and that includes the memory of the two friends discussing their plan before parting ways.

"He wasn't really clear, said that the judges would decide." "He was such a big help."

Baku-clone scoffed. "Useless dumbass, okay so what's the plan then."

Izuku paused for a second to think it over. "Can you keep the robot distracted while I sneak up on it, if what I use can't break it I'll need you to help me, this way I'll know for sure i can get some points." "Go in there and blow yourself up, I'm gonna hang back and chill."

"Tch if I wasn't a fucking clone I'd kick your ass for using me as just a distraction."

After confirming the plan both Baku-clone and Izuku waited for the two pointer to get into position.

Baku-clone used explosions to propel himself forward while also making bright flashes causing the robot to focus its mechanical eye on the copy.

As the robot began shooting (hopefully nonlethal) projectiles at Baku-clone, who was avoiding all the shots by flying through the air via explosion recoil, Izuku dashed towards the robot and extended his arm. From the palm of his hand Izuku's quirk activated sprouting the goop and from the time Izuku ran from his hiding place to the robot the goop formed a crowbar.

To ensure that he was prepared for the physical part of the exam Izuku took the time to memorize the specifications of certain items that would help him from a baseball bat, a large rock to throw, and of course a crowbar just to name a few.

With a mighty swing Izuku attacked the robot, and much to the green haired boy's surprise the crowbar that despite only having half as much durability as the original smashed through the metal plating that made the machine's armor with relative ease.

The robot turned its attention away from Baku-clone to its new attacker, however before it could act Izuku quickly let loose several more swings from his duplicated crowbar onto the machine's head effectively dismantling it.

Baku-clone quickly ran to Izuku's side looking down at the broken pile of metal and circuitry.

"Wow these things are even weaker than your shitty clones."

"They probably made them fragile to give people who don't have combat oriented quirks a chance." Izuku reasoned. "So unfair!"

Not wanting to waste any more time the duo set off finding other robots and using the same strategy of Baku-clone distracting them while Izuku snuck behind them for the kill.

In the observation room all UA teachers sat staring at screens showing all the participants.

"Quite a lively bunch we have this year, all that raw power is getting me excited."

"Indeed, that one boy has already accumulated thirty villain points."

"That's nothing, the blonde kid has fifty-five points."

"Fifty-five already? Such tenacity."

"Blonde kid? Wait a second, what the? Are you guys seeing this? How is that kid in both area B and A?"

"I believe that can be attributed to his friend." A cheerful voice answered before pressing a couple buttons as one screen showed Izuku's file.

"It seems this particular candidate's quirk allows him to make clones of people, this also says both him and the boy in question went to the same school."

"So he used his quirk to make his friend to help him rack up points? Pretty smart."

"Should we really allow that? I mean the whole point of splitting people up like this is to keep them from helping each other."

"You're just nitpicking, the guy used his quirk like any other applicant."

"Come now let's not start fighting, after all the real show is about to begin." The cheerful voice said once again as he pressed a big red button.

Izuku and Baku-clone had managed to round up thirty-one points. Baku-clone had gotten a little 'enthusiastic' and destroyed a few robots on his own volition.

Izuku still wasn't sure if he'd get those points but he can't waste time worrying about that.

While running around with his friend's clone, Izuku once again spotted the brown haired girl who was running toward three two-point robots.

The girl, with impressive speed, ran forward and quickly touched each robot with her hand and to Izuku's amazement each robot began floating up into the sky. Then the girl pressed her fingers together and the airborne robots plummeted into the pavement below shattering into pieces.

Izuku desperately wanted to take the time to go over what he just saw and write an ocean of words into his notebook going over all possibilities of the quirk he just witnessed.

Izuku was shaken from his thoughts at the loud rumbling sound along with the sound of many other applicants running away.

Looking up Izuku saw a colossal robot several stories tall carving a path through the streets running over anyone and thing in its way.

"Oh hell yeah now THIS is what I'm talking about." Baku-clone said before blasting off again towards the mechanical behemoth.

"Wha- Baku-clone wait!" "Go get it buddy I believe in you!"

"What's the point of making a clone to help me if he runs off?!" "But look at him, he looks so happy."

When Izuku made clones of people the clones were exact replicas in both appearance and personality. Thus Izuku should have expected this while Katsuki was his friend, as much as he denied it, he had his flaws. One said flaw was rushing into danger to prove himself tuning out the rest of the world.

Izuku was about to run off in the opposite direction of his clone partner but stopped when he noticed something.

The blue haired boy from before was standing completely still staring at the zero pointer in shock unmoving.

The boy was also too stunned to notice the falling debris above him.

Izuku felt his body move on its own. It was different from the few moments his other self took over, it was hard to explain.

"Get out of the way!" Izuku shouted as he used his body to slam the boy out of the way leaving the rubble to fall on him.

Izuku closed his eyes as the debris fell upon him, trapping him. As Izuku lay trapped under a pile of concrete he clenched his eyes anticipating the feeling of melting, or falling apart, or whatever clones felt. But the feeling never came as Izuku opened his eyes, only seeing the debris surrounding him, he started to feel happiness swell up in him. Does this mean he was real? Izuku's excitement was short-lived as he noticed the lack of severe pain.

Moving his body in what little way the enclosed space would allow him Izuku realized two things. One being that he was indeed stuck. And two being that despite having debris fall on him Izuku was relatively unharmed, in fact it feels as though all he may have gotten was a sprained ankle.

" Man, talk about lucky." "More like bad writing."

Izuku was feeling a rollercoaster of emotion. First he thought he was dying. Then he thought he was real and the internal turmoil he had been dealing with over the years had come to an end. Then he had realized he wasn't hurt enough to make a clone fade. Back to square one.

And now he was about to be run over by giant robot treads stopping his hero career before it even started.

Under the rubble Izuku felt a chill go down his spine.

"And there goes Baku-clone. At least he died doing what he loved, blowing stuff up and probably yelling angrily while doing it." "Meanwhile I get to die trapped and just as pathetic as ever." "What do you mean? We're free as a bird." Izuku ignored his other voice as he had gotten so accustomed to over the years.

Instead Izuku took solace in the fact that the whole reason he was in this mess was because he pushed the other boy out of harm's way.

"I guess in some way I got to finally be a hero." Izuku thought as the sound of the approaching robot got louder and louder.

"At least the other guy is safe, better it be a copy that gets run over than someone real."

Izuku was pulled from his thoughts, not by the sound of the imminent robot, but rather the sound of someone shifting the rubble that was on top of the green haired boy.

"Are you alright?! Can you move?!" A panicked voice asked.

Izuku blinked as he recognized that voice. Peering through the slim openings of the debris Izuku confirmed the boy that was speaking to him was the brown haired girl.

"W-what are you doing?! You need to get out of here?!" "Stand still!"

The girl placed her hand against another piece of concrete lifting it up effortlessly letting it float in the air. “I saw you were stuck, I wasn’t about to let you get run over! What kind of hero would I be then?”

Izuku felt something swell within his chest as he listened to the girl’s words.

“She’s amazing…” “Best girl status!”

"Can you move?" The girl asked.

Seeing that she was dead set on helping, Izuku didn't argue. Hopefully the both of them could vacate the area quick enough to avoid the impending murder machine.

"N-no my legs stuck under something." "Super limber down here no problem."

"Er wait so you can move?" The girl asked confused.

Izuku was internally cursing his other voice "Rude."

"I-i can't, my leg is pinned and can’t move.”

Despite pulling with his full strength Izuku couldn’t pull his leg free. It seemed the largest chink of debris was holding him down. 

Light from the sun fully shined on Izuku as the final pieces of rubble floated upwards.

And there she was. The sun shined behind the girl creating an almost halo surrounding her body. 

“Hurry…..I’m already……pass……my limit as is.” 

Izuku saw that it was the brown haired girl’s face was several shades paler that what it had been

Izuku crawled out an caught the girl as she stumbled, with one hand clutching her abdomen. Izuku looped her free arm around his shoulder.

“Come on! We have to get out of here!” “Perfect place to rest, right?”

Izuku began hobbling as the girl struggled to keep up. Unfortunately the pair was not fast enough as the tread of the zero pointer was about to run them over.

In what he thought would be his final act, Izuku was about to forcibly throw the girl out of harm's way.

However Izuku’s would-be sacrifice was stopped as a blue blur tackled into the pair hurtling the three out of the way.

Izuku kept a tight grip on the girl as the topples and rolled on the ground.

The zero pointer rolled along, not even noticing the ants at its base.

Izuku opened his eyes to see what had happened and saw the blue haired boy he had pushed out of the way, on his hands and knees panting.

“Are you*huff* okay?”

“Y-you saved us?” “What’d you do that for?!”

The boy looked at Izuku with a smile. “Despite our *huff* transgression earlier you saved me. How could I call myself a hero if I didn’t return the favor.”

The girl had said something similar as well……THE GIRL!

Izuku looked down, and blushed profusely as he saw he was cradling the girl in his arms. 

The girl weakly opened her eyes and looked up at Izuku.

“H-hey we’re alright! We’re safe now.” “Pretty sure we died because I’m looking at an angel.”

Izuku’s blush increased tenfold at what he had just said, dreading the reaction it would earn.

The girl opened her mouth and Izuku assumed she was going to say something about his comment.

However the only thing that came from the girl’s mouth was vomit. The sour smelling liquid soaked the front part of Izuku’s tracksuit and the girl passed out immediately afterwards.

Izuku had no words for what had happened.

“At least it can’t get worse than this.” “This is as easy as we’re going to get it.”