Chapter 24: Morning Twilight (Light on the Horizon)
The few moments before a Sunrise are cold. As our burning star rises, shadows grow cooler in preparation for the warm light. Clouds begin to glow pink as the first rays of light burn away at them. A blanket of fog swirls at ones feet, waiting to be lifted upwards and rouse dewdrops upon the ground from their nightly slumber.
Morning twilight, when black starry skies lighten to purple as the sun kisses the earth goodmorning. It is a time of wonder that few are disciplined enough to see and enjoy.
And then the dawn breaks.
->*<-
Izuku breathed in the salty scent of the sea as the water lapped against his bare feet.
A week had passed since the entrance exam, and both Uraraka and himself had not yet received any word from the university. However, they were expecting acceptance and refusal letters to be delivered within the next week.
When the practical had ended, Izuku was surprised to find several pro heroes around the area, each one checking on the examinees along with medical school examinees. Once they had found him, he had been rushed back to the main building on the university's campus.
As it turned out, Uraraka had sustained heavy injuries due to overuse of her quirk. She had made a quick recovery, but now bore a grouping of small scars from where rubber bullets had impacted and broke through the skin. After she was released, she joked that she had a first hero scar to match with Izuku.
He couldn't imagine what her exam had been like.
It seemed like a lot of students had ended up in the medical wing, including Bakugo. Though he left before the blonde was released. His mother told him that Mitsuki had called late in the evening, stressing about how long it took for Recovery Girl to help him.
A soft hand on his shoulder caused Izuku to turn. Uraraka gave a gentle smile, her perfectly white teeth flashing in the sunlight.
"You know, I hear this really pretty girl cleaned this beach up."
Izuku raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh? Maybe it was a mirage."
The young woman swatted his shoulder with a laugh. "Oh shut up!"
Izuku laughed and reached down to splash some water on his friend before running across the beach as she gave a squeal at being splashed.
"MIDORIYA IZUKU!"
Uh oh, she used first and last name.
"YOU GET BACK HERE!"
Not risking turning to look, Izuku decided instead to redouble his pace. Uraraka ended up chasing him around the sandy shore for close to twenty minutes before he finally collapsed on the sand, laughing as she jumped atop him and tickled his sides.
"You think you can just splash me and get away with it?"
He couldn't answer as he was laughing too hard. The brunette dug her fingers into his skin and wiggled them, prompting another bout of laughter to ring across the beach.
"S-stop! HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Not until you say the magic words, Mr starman."
"Hoohooheheeee* Okay. OKAY! I'M SORRY! HAHAHA!"
"And what else?"
"I owe you mochi again! I owe you mochi. Hoooo*"
She crossed her arms and gave a huff as he calmed down from the tickle attack. "Well, I guess it'll have to do."
"Oh? Not enough for little Miss Astronaut?" Izuku grinned before flipping her over and tickling her bare feet
"IZUKU! WAIT WAIT HEEHEEHEE- NOOOO! HAHAHAHA!"
"Ah, young love."
Both froze as a voice spoke from behind them. Turning his head, Izuku saw an elderly couple walking along the edge of the shore.
His face felt oddly warm. Oh, he was blushing.
Uraraka seemed to be having the same problem, with her face glowing red like a stoplight.
Izuku rolled away from the girl in embarrassment, face on his hands as the old couple chuckled, continuing on their way.
"Stupid old people and their stupid old people meddling," Uraraka muttered. Looking at Izuku rewarded her with the comical sight of the young man slowly sinking in a pool of cherry red glass as he muttered faster than she could listen.
"Midoriya. You're melting."
It was as if she popped a balloon, because he straightened up immediately and looked at her, his face giving off so much steam she found it difficult to squeal about how cute he was.
' No. Stop brain. He's your friend.'
'But you wanted him to call you pretty!'
'No. No. I was just fishing for a compliment!'
"We're a mess, aren't we."
Ochako giggled as Izuku scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… I'm awkward."
"Eh, it wasn't either of our faults. Those old geezers just had to walk by and make us all flustered." She rolled her eyes. "Imagine. Us? In love?"
"Yeah. Totally. Couldn't imagine being with anyone anyway." Izuku closed his eyes and tilted his head back. "I'm just too good for all the peons in the world."
"Oh my god, just stop." She laughed.
' Look how quickly you two got back to laughing.'
'Brain. Shut.'
"Well, you know it's true." Izuku fluttered his eyelashes at her. "After all, I'm a star."
"Okay diva. Where was all this confidence months ago?" Uraraka stood up and put her hands on her hips.
"Well, you see a few months ago I met this girl."
"Oh? And do tell, was this girl pretty?"
"Well, if you could see past the baby face." He blew a raspberry at her.
"I DO NOT HAVE A BABY FACE!" She leapt at him and the tickling began again.
"IT MAKES YOU LOOK YOUTHFUL!"
"Oh I'll show you youthful!"
->*<-
Gran Torino walked through the streets of Tokyo, his eyes set on the branch office of the All Might agency.
The man had little doubt that their students would be accepted into UA, especially his own student. Uraraka Ochako was born to be a symbol of her own. Just like him, she was perfect for keeping the greatest hero in line.
As he stepped up to the door of the agency building, he had to suppress a chuckle. If only he knew just how much the girl had in common with himself and Nana Shimura. He wouldn't ever have to show up at UA, his student would do all the scaring for him.
There was little presence within the office today. It was peaceful, with only one receptionist at the desk, typing slowly at her computer.
"May I help you sir?"
Despite his love for it, he had chosen to remain out of costume for the day. So he actually had to take out his old beat-up hero license to show who he was. The warped and wrinkled surface of the golden card alluded to its many journeys through the laundromat. Still,it was good enough to have the receptionist jumping to his tune.
"I send up a call. You can be on your way."
"Thank you dear."
He could already see the bleached white face of his horrified first student as he sat in the elevator, tapping his foot on the floor. He could watch the oaf stumble over himself for hours.
' I might just take that since I have a bone to pick with him.'
"TOSHINORI!"
The blonde man jumped from his desk as Gran Torino kicked his door in.
"Sir! So happy to-"
"Save it! I have a few questions for you. Tell me, why was my protégé kept on a medical wing for heavy internal bleeding brought about by an entrance exam? Her parents were so worried that they wanted me to launch an investigation!"
"Y-young Uraraka's parents called you?" The number one hero winced.
"Oh yes they did, and I have it on good authority that you were one of the proctors for her exam site! Why didn't you step in?"
"W-well you see-"
"Oh do try to give me a good reason." Gran Torino grinned. "After all, this is the young woman who is supposed to eventually protect your successor. What reason could you have for endangering her like that?"
Toshinori seemed to wilt. "I believed it would provide her a decent baseline for what she might face…"
"IT WAS AN ENTRANCE EXAM! A TEST! A QUIZ! NOT A GODDAMNED TRIAL BY A THOUSAND CUTS!" Gran Torino roared, blasting behind the symbol of peace and giving him a good whack with his cane. "And what's this I hear about her costume request?"
Toshinori blanched as he tried to come up with a proper excuse.
"Does your successor know?"
"I-uh- she- huh- he- well, you see I-"
"Does the girl know? Now granted, I assume they would both be out of the loop. I remember you asking for suit designs. Let me tell you, the absolute nerve you have to send your successors design to your personal support engineer while leaving hers with the UA design department-"
"Young Midoriya's quirk is an exception to the suits. I don't think that the support and design department would be able to handle-"
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!" Gran Torino roared. "Those two are going to be a team. If you give one special treatment, you give it to the other as well."
Toshinori slumped back in his chair. "I just thought-"
"You thought wrong." The elderly hero huffed. "Thankfully, I managed to catch your blunder while looking through the files at UA. I slipped a copy of your boy's design into those folders and made a note on his and the girls, which was 'for equipment reference only'. Her suit is being made at I-island with the rest of 'em."
Toshinori nodded. "Thank you…"
"What was that?"
"I said thank you!"
"Don't thank me just yet. The bar is higher when you're a teacher, Toshinori. So I have a whole list of reasons you're an idiot today, and we're gonna go over them together until you can recite them by heart!"
Toshinori whimpered and held his head in his hands. What God did he anger to deserve this?
->*<-
Izuku panted as he and Uraraka walked back from the beach. Both of them were caked in sand and a bit damp from splashing each other.
Nevertheless, they felt good. Better than good. After having so many weeks of training and studying, they finally had a real day off.
It made it all the more meaningful.
"Your parents said you were fine to stay at our place tonight, right?"
Uraraka blushed. "Something like that, just with a lot more picking."
Izuku hummed as they climbed the steps to his apartment, already grabbing for the keys.
Surprisingly, the door was already unlocked.
' Mom's home?'
The door opened with a slight creak, letting the two walk into the apartment to see Inko Midoriya busy in the kitchen.
"Mom! I didn't know that you had off today." Izuku blinked.
The woman turned. "Oh, I didn't at first, but I called in after checking the mail. Oh, hello Uraraka! Your parents dropped this off for you tonight."
Izuku and Ochako both gazed at the letters addressed to them from UA. They stood frozen for a few minutes before the situation caught up to them and they bolted to the couch.
"Who should go first? Should I go first? You should go first, I mean it's only fair."
"You can go first. Yeah, you go. Me? First? I mean, I don't know if-"
Izuku opened his letter. "I'LL DO IT!"
A small metal disc popped out of the envelope and clattered to the floor. Izuku and Uraraka stared, before the white haired young man picked up the disc and looked it over from every angle.
"There's a button…"
Uraraka blinked. "Press it?"
Izuku shrugged and tapped the small button with the tip of his finger. The disk let out a small mechanical whir before a projection flickered to life in front of them.
"Greetings Izuku Midoriya. My name is Nezu, the Dean of UA University."
Chapter 25: Nebula II (A Mothers Love -redux-)
"Gretings Midoriya Izuku. I am Nezu, the Dean of UA University."
Izuku sat rigid on the couch, staring into the recording as if prompting it to go on.
" I must say, the performances of this years examinees blew me out if the water. Yours was no different." The mouse held up a hand, causing the projection to switch to a grading rubric. "Your written exam was a delight to grade. I only took marks off for two questions. You achieved the highest score in the test, even compared to those who were looking to get in on recommendation. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised. You did turn down your own recommendation after all."
The recording switched back to the Dean as Izuku blushed. Uraraka giggled. "He called you out!"
"As for your practical, you passed with flying colors. Each year, the professors at UA put their heads together to create perfect hero situations to test our hopeful students on. You were kept in test site eight, which was modeled after Snipe's raid on the Crusher Society of Crime several years ago in the Adirondack Mountains of the United States. While you did cause damage, you protected those around you and with you. Your score is as follows. Reconnaissance- Eighty points. You successfully tracked a villain and stealthily followed them back to their base, allowing for the mission to progress. Combat Points- three hundred and twenty-six. Your use of your quirk allowed you to fell three of our high-end exam robots. Atop that, you also managed to destroy other lesser villain robots with minimal quirk use. Rescue Points- One hundred even. As a member of the group that recovered the civilians, you share in the point total, though you are not awarded as many points as your comrade, Tsuyu Asui. Infrastructure Points- negative one hundred and twenty-six. While your power was held on a tight leash, your use of it still caused damage to the surrounding area. Such things are an easy fix on our campus, but as a certified pro hero, you will need to reign in the additional damages, or your career will suffer. Finally, Teamwork Points. You scored two hundred and twenty-three teamwork points, for your quick thinking in directing your teammates, as well as sharing your information with the other examinees. In total, Midoriya Izuku passes the practical exam with a score of six hundred and three points, putting you as our number three spot for this year's practical exams. Congratulations."
Inko squealed and practically leapt over the counter of their kitchenette to get into the living room. She quickly pulled her son up (with Uraraka already hanging from him due to hugs) and squeezed him tightly in her arms.
"OH IZUKUUUUU! I'M SO PROUD!"
"Mom- Uraraka- Can't- breathe!"
The two quickly let him go and he slumped back onto the couch, gasping for air. Inko sat down next to him as the recording continued.
" Hopefully the family celebration is over now." The Dean smiled. "I can explain the contents of this envelope. Along with this recording, we have sent several forms that we will have you fill out. First is the registration forms for your provisional hero license. This form must be filled out with all relevant information from your name and Birthdate, down to your quirk registry serial number. Secondly, we have a sizing chart for your school uniforms. Please fill it out and bring it with you when you move into your student dormitories. Lastly, you have been provided with a list of electives for the coming term. Please select your top two, as you are required to complete one elective class per term in order to graduate on time. Aside from papers, you have your University ID badge. This badge will allow you to walk in and out of campus without setting off alarms for the UA barrier system. Please do not forget it when you are here to study."
Izuku looked between all the papers, nodding as his mother pointed to a few boxes on the provisional license paperwork.
"Now. Classes will start on September fifth. You are expected to move into your dorms at least five days before then. You will be rooming with group A of the first-year hero course, and will have your living space monitored by the group's advisor, Professor Shota Aizawa. Uniforms will be provided to you on the night before your first classes, after your sizing paperwork has been processed." The Dean bowed. "Congratulations once again. Welcome to your Hero Academia."
The projection winked out, leaving the room in silence. Izuku stared at where the image of Dean Nezu had been for a few moments before-
"I got in…"
His voice was quiet. Shaking as though he were the most delicate leaf upon an autumn tree. There were tears welling in his eyes as the weight of the message hit him.
"I GOT INTO UA!"
Inko went with joy as her son cheered. Uraraka leapt up with her own squeal and wrapped him in a tight hug. "You did it! You did it you did it you did it you-"
Izuku grabbed his friend by the shoulders. "But what about you?"
Everyone turned to the remaining envelope, which sat quietly on the coffee table. Uraraka shakily picked up the envelope and opened it, sliding out a silver projection disc, just like the one Izuku had received.
With a single tap, the projector whirled to life, displaying the Dean of Ua once again.
"Greetings, Uraraka Ochako. I am Nezu, the Dean of UA University. I would like to congratulate you on your exceptional performance in our entrance exam. Even among every other examinee, your actions made you stand out from the rest. But before we get to that, let's cover the written exam."
Ochako winced as the Dean mentioned the written exam.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes… I just know I didn't do as well…"
"On the written exam, you scored a ninety-one. I only had to dock a handful of points for a few quirk questions. Your score places you in the top fifteen written exam scores. We seem to have quite the able-minded student body this year."
Izuku smiled. "See? You did fine. Nezu said that I scored the absolute highest on the written exam anyways. You did fine."
Uraraka nodded, melting back into the couch in relief, before sitting straight up once more. "But what about my practical exam?"
" Each year, the professors at UA put their heads together to create perfect hero situations to test our hopeful students on in our practical exams. You were kept in Test Site One, modeled after the invasion of the Super Syndicate in Nagasaki fifteen years ago. Your use of your quirk to minimize damages netted you an impressive total score. Reconnaissance Points- unfortunately, you scored zero recon points, as most villains were already active within the city. Your Combat Points and Rescue Points have already been tallied together, due to your heroic sacrifice that helped to save twenty-five co-examinees."
Izuku's eyes bugged out as a video played, showing Uraraka leaping up and wielding a damaged iron support beam against a giant robot, spearing it after a brutal beating, and causing it to explode.
"Holy Shit Ochako…"
Inko would have scolded her son for his use of language, but was also in shock.
" Even while utterly exhausted, you responded to the call for action, pushing beyond your limits in order to save the multitude. That embodiment of our University's Motto cannot go unrewarded, and so your total combat and rescue points add up to an additional five hundred and thirty-three points. Well done. Finally, Infrastructure and Teamwork Points. Your efforts on protecting the city around you rewarded you with eighty points, while your close Teamwork with Mashirao Ojiro gained you another fifty points. All together, you scored an outstanding six hundred and sixty-three total points, the highest on the practical exam. Congratulations."
Ochako would have fainted if not for Izuku being there. He caught her shoulder and grinned. "That's amazing, Uraraka. You're incredible!"
" Hopefully, the family celebration is over now." The Dean smiled. "I can explain the contents of this envelope. Along with this recording, we have sent several forms that we will have you fill out. First is the registration forms for your provisional hero license. This form must be filled out with all relevant information from your name and Birthdate, down to your quirk registry serial number. Secondly, we have a sizing chart for your school uniforms. Please fill it out and bring it with you when you move into your student dormitories. Lastly, you have been provided with a list of electives for the coming term. Please select your top two, as you are required to complete one elective class per term in order to graduate on time. Aside from papers, you have your University ID badge. This badge will allow you to walk in and out of campus without setting off alarms for the UA barrier system. Please do not forget it when you are here to study."
"The rest is the same as your recording," Uraraka noted. "Hm… the electives all look quite interesting."
" Additionally, as you are the highest practical scorer, and we have processed your application, I am happy to tell you that you are one of the three recipients of the 'UA Promising Future' scholarship. Your time here will be fully paid, including your room and board, as well as meals. So long as you maintain a steady GPA above three point four, you will keep this scholarship and be awarded enough money to pay half of the cost for establishing your own hero agency. Congratulations."
"WOAH! THAT'S INCREDIBLE!" Izuku grinned.
"I-I-I-"
" Classes will start on September fifth. You are expected to move into your dorms at least five days before then. You will be rooming with group A of the first-year hero course, and will have your living space monitored by the group's advisor, Professor Shota Aizawa. Uniforms will be provided to you on the night before your first classes, after your sizing paperwork has been processed." The Dean bowed. "Congratulations once again. Welcome to your Hero Academia."
The recording winked out, leaving two excited (and flabbergasted) college students and a proud mother.
"I GOT INTO UA!"
"WE HAVE THE SAME ADVISOR!"
"We're going to live together!"
Izuku jumped up. "Think of all the time we'll have to go get mochi!"
"Mochi…" Uraraka drooled.
"Ahem. I do hope you will take your classes seriously." Inko looked at them crossly, before bursting into fresh tears. "I'm so proud of you both!"
"Mooom!" Izuku cried, hugging his mother. Uraraka couldn't help it. She began crying too, and was welcomed into the family hug.
I *sniff* should call my *sniff* parents." Uraraka wiped her nose as they all calmed down.
"Go on dear." Inko smiled. "Call them."
She sat back down on the couch while the two Midoriyas sat down in the kitchenette to talk over some of the paperwork. The number was punched in quicker than she could remember, and she hit the call button.
* brrrrrt… brrrrrrt… brrrrrt… click!*
"Hello?"
" Poppa ?"
"Ochako! Are you okay? Your voice is shaky."
"I'm fine." She sniffed. "Is momma there?"
" I'm here mochi. What's wrong?"
"Midoriya and I got our letters. You dropped mine off, so you know but…"
" Oh sweetheart, it's okay. We can find another college. UA doesn't know what they're-"
"I was accepted."
" ... what?"
"I was accepted. I got the top score in the practical."
"OH MOCHIIIIII!" Her mother's squeal rang out if the phone in her hand. " We're so proud! Oh goodness. You're going to have so much fun! You're going to meet so many amazing people!"
"We should try to take some of the savings for something for her Jen… we can-"
"You don't have to do that, dad." Ochako sniffed.
" Of course I do! You'll need all your savings for-"
"No Poppa, I got UA's Promising Future scholarship. Everything is paid for."
There was silence, and then the door to the apartment burst open.
"MOCHIIIII!"
"MOM? DAD?"
The two leapt across the room and practically tackled their daughter off of the couch. Ochako blinked as she heard giggling behind her, and then a groan.
"YOU KNEW!"
She looked up to see Izuku staring at his mother in shock. "You knew we got in!"
Ochako looked at her parents, who gave innocent smiles. Her face prompted them to explain.
"Mr. Yagi told us you made it, but he didn't say anything else. We didn't know your grades or anything about classes or scholarships."
"Oh no… if you knew, then that means-" Izuku looked around.
Uraraka blinked. "What is it Izuku?"
"You wouldn't, right? You wouldn't do this to me, right Mom?" He asked, his eyes searching the apartment.
"Hm." Inko smiled. "You should look up, dear."
Doing so rewarded both Ochako and Izuku with the sight of a large banner, which read "congratulations" in big red font.
"How did we not notice-"
"SUPRISE!"
Izuku jumped so high that his head touched the ceiling. People from around the apartment complex spilled in through the front door. Family friends tumbled out of the bedrooms. Mr.Romero, Mr. Yagi and even the vendors from Jakuu Street. All of them were there.
"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCEPTANCE TO UA!"
Izuku rubbed the top of his head while groaning about never doubting his mother again.
Uraraka looked at everyone trying to cram themselves into the apartment. ' We're going to be crushed!'
Suddenly, Inko clapped her hands loudly, causing everyone to turn to her.
"While I love to have guests, our plan called for us to surprise them here before moving to Miss Kitayama's. Thank you for allowing us to use the space."
"Of course." The woman beamed. "As it just so happens, the Ashido's daughter and her friend from high school also got their acceptance letters. I hope you don't mind that I invited them to join in the celebration."
Mr. Yagi nodded. "A wonderful idea! I'm sure it will be a great opportunity to meet their future classmates."
Inko smiled and helped the Urarakas up from her floor. "How about we take this down the street. Come on everyone!"
Anyone looking from their windows that night would have seen a lively parade of locals marching two young adults to Miss Kitayama's Nursery School. A few joined in on the fun, hearing congratulating chants and songs as everyone filed into the nursery building one by one.
Inside, Izuku and Ochako found that a party had already been set up, with pans of food brought by almost everyone attending. Dishes from around the world, such as Feijoada and Brigadeiro from Mr. Romero's family recipes from Brazil, Gumbo and Jambalaya from Jen Uraraka's childhood recipe book from New Orleans, and even some of Mr. Yagi's favorite dishes from the States- Brisket and Ribs.
"I may not be as good a chef as your mother, but I put my heart and soul into learning how to make a good American Barbecue." The man winked. "Congratulations on your acceptance. I'm proud of you two."
Both Ochako and Izuku gave the man a hug, before turning as cheers went up at the owner of 'Coffee Dreams' bringing in drinks and pastries.
More and more people poured in, each grabbing food and giving their congratulations, along with gifts. Neither of the two would admit it, but they both cried a bit when some preschool children and their parents stopped by to give hand-drawn cards.
' They're so precious!'
"So, looks like we both got in, huh?"
Izuku turned to see a familiar head if crimson hair. "Kirishima! I didn't know you were around here!"
"I'm old friends with Mina. Her parents work at this nursery school."
"You're who Miss Kitayama was talking about! Does that mean-?"
"Yup!" The man flashed a grin. "I'll be with you in the hero course. Both Mina and I are with group A."
"We are too!" Uraraka and Izuku smiled.
"Midoriya, did you take the exam with him?"
"Oh! Right. Uraraka, this is Kirishima. We teamed up during the practical."
"Nice! You probably had him gushing over your quirk." Uraraka chuckled.
"Oh, so he does that often?" Kirishima laughed. "Seriously though, Midoriya's a total man. Kinda scared me when he used his quirk. I couldn't even move!"
Izuku chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that…"
"He's got a lot to learn still." Ochako smiled.
"So what's with the two of you. You together? Or-"
"WHAT? Oh no! No no no!" Both blushed as they spoke in sync. "I couldn't possibly-"
"Riiiight." Kirishima chuckled. "Well, when you figure that out, you should tell me and Mina. She's already gossiping about how cute the two of you are."
He pointed to a girl with pink skin who was rapidly talking to a group of other girls.
"Either way, I'll catch you later. I'm gonna dive into some food and see if I can pull her away from her role as 'the drama'."
Uraraka and Midoriya bid him farewell and turned to their next guests.
"Sensei!"
Both Toshinori and Gran Torino stood there, cards in hand.
"I told the oaf here that he better get you a good gift." Gran Torino motioned. "Also got yeh an opportunity while I was out."
A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a red dress stepped forward. "I owed Gran a favor, so I decided to stop in and see who you were for myself."
Uraraka was nearly catatonic at the woman's appearance. Izuku was as well.
"You're the dragon hero! Ryukyu!"
The woman chuckled. "Glad to meet a fan. Yes, I am Ryukyu. I heard a lot about the both of you already. Two promising you heroes. Though it seems my friend already has her claws in one of you."
Izuku blushed. "I assume you mean Sensei Mirko."
"You called?"
The rabbit hero gave Izuku a boogie as she stepped over next to Toshinori.
"Gotta say kid, I'm digging the new hair. Makes you look like your teacher."
Ryukyu rolled her eyes. "You're really serious about having a protege."
"You hog all the good ones! It was about time I found a decent kit to train." Mitko rebutted. "Now, remember our deal kid. Your first internship is gonna be with me, got it?"
"Got it ma'am."
"Good. Now, as a congratulatory gift, I got you a little something for your costume." Izuku blinked as the hero handed him a white scarf.
"This is-"
"Yagi here told me about how much your quirk turns up the heat. That there is a heat and radiation resistant scarf, built to be used as a breathing filter, face wrap, anything you can name. I think you'll wear it well."
Izuku dropped into a low bow. "Thank you so much Sensei! I will wear it with pride!"
"I know ya will." Mirko ruffled Izuku's hair. "I gotta go for now. I look forward to seeing your application come across my desk."
"Right!'
Ryukyu gave a huff as Mirko left. "She always talks too fast."
Uraraka squeaked as the dragon hero looked at her.
"UA does its starting internship after the first two months of classes. I want you to work for me during that time. Is that good for you?"
"Yes ma'am! Thank you for the opportunity!"
"Don't thank me yet." The hero smirked as she turned. "You'll still have to impress me when you're there."
Uraraka and Izuku watched the heroes go before turning and sharing squeaks of excitement. The party went on as they calmed down, and soon, the two were walking home to the Midoriya apartment, with Inko and the Urarakas trailing behind.
"That was a good party." Izuku sighed.
"Yeah, it was." Uraraka smiled. "What was up with you being scared of the surprise?"
Izuku sighed. "When I was little, mom said she'd get the whole neighborhood in on celebrating my future after high school. I always thought she was bluffing."
Ochako turned to see her parents giggling at something Inko had whispered to them.
"You have a great mom, Izuku." She smiled. "She loves you a lot."
"I know she does." He smiled. "Beyond the moon and stars…"
->*<-
A Nebula never leaves. Its cloudy body protects its children for all time, always reminding them just how warm the universe can be.
Always reminding them why they burn bright.
Chapter 26: Daybreak (Move In Day)
"Go on… feel the power inside of you…"
Izuku sat cross-legged in front of Mr. Yagi, wearing his nine-star emblazoned kimono. The remaining week between the acceptance letters and the UA move-in date had been spent trying to get more of a handle on Izuku's mysterious dormant quirk.
"It's an infinite well of power that runs beneath your skin. Breathe in… feel that energy coursing through you- OKAY OKAY STOP!"
Izuku yelped as his quirk began to scorch the floor. He quickly deactivated pulsar and smacked any embers from the floorboards.
"It's useless." The young man groaned, holding his face in his hands. "I'll never be able to use this power safely."
Mr. Yagi shook his head. "My boy, I learned from you that quirks can be used in all sorts of ways. It's one of the things that actually impressed the professors at UA."
Izuku blinked. "You…learned from me?"
"I will be the first to admit that I am a terrible teacher. I'm too prideful, too focused on my own style of heroics. But as you have trained and as I have watched you grow, I have done some growing of my own." The man grinned. "And who better to teach first than my successor?"
"You're not a terrible teacher, All Might."
"Young Midoriya, I pushed your martial arts lessons onto Mirko. I neglected to teach young Uraraka anything and simply handed her to my mentor, Gran Torino. I have not been a good teacher in any sense. But, like you, I am learning." Mr. Yagi smiled, his hero form shrinking just a bit and revealing the healthy look that everyone had come to know. "For example, watch."
Izuku blinked as the man sat down in front of him, eyes closed. His face was set in concentration, and his body still.
It started slow at first. Izuku could have brushed the first yellow spark of as a trick of the light. But when Mr. Yagi brought up his hands, Izuku became entranced by the vibrant sparks that poured over his skin.
Yellow energy danced along each of the hero's knuckles, and as he brought his hands together, those sparks warped. Arcs of lightning flowed between each finger and danced between his palms, crackling softly as the man breathed in.
"This… is One For All in a different state." Mr. Yagi spoke, letting the lightning run up his arms. "Your awakening made me realize that it is much more spiritual. It's its own entity. In my prime, I felt this power fill up my arms and legs. It was controlled. Measured by confidence and that feeling of freedom, but it was only the surface. My body automatically scaled the power back so that it wouldn't do this."
Izuku gasped as the man's piercing blue eyes opened. His iris was jagged, illuminated by the power he was channeling.
"As it turns out, this power is greater than any of us realized. We all saw it as a tool, something to use when needed, and as such, we never truly understood how strong it really was." Mr. Yagi held his hands open-faced, letting liquid power pool within his palms. "The power you see… it is so vast that it cannot simply be contained by my skin. But instead, it escapes as lightning. It is this power which interacts with your own, manifesting as pure heat and light."
"But… how can I-?"
The light dimmed as Mr. Yagi let One For All settle. "Like I said earlier, One For All is a spiritual quirk. In order to separate it from your fire, I firmly believe that you will have to connect with it. So we will meditate. We will connect. It is my hope that together, you and I can uncover the secrets that this quirk holds."
Izuku felt a spark pass between their hands as Mr. Yagi pulled him to his feet. "You mean…"
"We are now learning as students together, Young Midoriya. Though I hope that doesn't make you act out in my class."
Izuku smiled. "I won't. I could never."
"I know you won't." Mr. Yagi smiled. "Now, how about we go and meet your mother for shopping before you move in today?"
Izuku nodded. "I think that sounds like a great idea."
->*<-
Two Hours Later: Musutafu Department-Mart
"So that's another five thousand yen. Are you sure that you need this many?"
Izuku nodded as he stacked another package of notebooks onto the shopping dolly. "Professors typically recommend that we have the minimum for their classes. I take a lot of notes, so I'll need at least two sets of notebooks per class."
"Which comes out to fourteen sets… which classes are they for again?"
Izuku smiled. "Well, I have my five mainstream classes: Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Science, History, Language, and of course- Foundational Heroics. My other two are my electives, and I don't know if I'll get the two I want."
"Don't you pick out two to take as electives?" Inko hummed.
"I pick my preferences. There's always the chance of the class being full. So now let's see…" The young man pulled out a notebook and ran over a list. "Books, pens, we've covered all of my class supplies. Now it's just dorm essentials."
"Remember, UA provides a desk, a bed, and a closet." Inko spoke. "And there's also a kitchen for each student to use."
Izuku nodded. "So I'll need bedsheets and such. Alright then. Two sets of linens and an extra pillow and we'll be perfect."
Inko nodded. "And some new clothes, sweetheart. You need to have a fashion sense now that you're going to college."
Izuku winced. "Yes Mom…"
A giggle caught his attention and he turned around. There, with a dolly of their own, were the Uraraka's.
"Oh! You're shopping today as well?"
Mr. Uraraka smiled. "Since Ochako got a full ride to UA, we have some money to spend on supplies. She's going to need a laptop for her schoolwork."
"Daaaad. I can make do with my phone!"
"Phones won't let you take down notes as easily, and you'll need everything at your disposal to keep your grades up." Jen Uraraka patted her daughter on the back.
"Well it's wonderful to see you." Inko smiled. "I thought you lived on the other side of the city?"
"Seems like we're here for the same reasons. Last-minute shopping lists before campus opens this afternoon?"
Izuku and Uraraka blushed.
"I-uh… well…"
"These two have always been busy busy busy." Inko laughed. "I suppose it is easier to buy everything as we're on our way. Thank goodness Mr. Yagi got Izuku back on time. They were doing early morning training, and I had no idea what I was supposed to buy!"
"I don't suppose they wrote down full lists, did they?" Jen smirked. "Don't give me those looks you two! I have the official UA supplies list from your letter. Now maybe Midoriya here has a complete list, but you, young lady, certainly do not!"
"I went over it and figured I could save some money-"
"Your entire college fund should be focused on your supplies, since your scholarship will pay for your tuition. Luckily, I managed to make a copy because I figured you'd do this." Asahi pulled out a folded piece of paper.
"Now now dear, she learned how to cut corners because of our own financial situation. We can't really blame her."
"You have the list! That's perfect!"
"Mom-" Izuku turned to protest what he knew was coming.
"Oh pish. This is just what we needed! I'll go with the Uraraka's, and you take Ochako to help with clothes."
Izuku pouted. "Mom says I don't have a fashion sense."
The Uraraka's were quiet, before Ochako burst out laughing.
"Oh my god! You're too adorable!"
She then froze as she realized she had said that out loud.
Both young adults blushed redder than tomatoes. Izuku struggled to take Ochako's hand.
"Let's j-just go look for clothes."
As the two left their parents behind, Inko couldn't help but smile. "They're too precious."
"I do hope that UA revisits health and wellness." Jen sighed.
"As far as I know, the sex ed seminars are given each night as students arrive, since they are in a co-ed dormitory building." Inko smiled. "Besides, with how flustered they get now? I'm betting they won't realize that they genuinely have the same thoughts for each other until after their first semester."
"Still, should we play it safe and make sure to give them some… protection?"
The three parents stood silent, before agreeing that it was probably a good idea.
->*<-
Ochako huffed as she looked through the clothing racks in the department store. "Why does this always happen?"
Izuku was the same, looking over pairs of shorts and pants. "Stupid stupid stupid. Why are you so stupid, Izuku!"
"Oh! Wait, this would look good on you!"
Izuku blinked as Ochako popped over to him holding a plain white button-down tee. "If you wore it with jeans. Mmmmh."
Izuku felt his face get hot as his friend gave a groan. She quickly caught herself and seemed to start steaming as her brain caught up with her.
"That is to say, it would really bring out your eyes! And erm… show off some of your physique!"
' Stupid Ochako, now he's gonna think that you're weird!'
Izuku robotically took the shirt and picked out a pair of jeans before walking to the changing room. Ochako waited until the door clicked shut to bury her head in a stack of folded graphic t-shirt and scream.
' I'm hopeless. Why the hell am I feeling like this around him? It's not like I could ever really duuuuuuuh~'
Izuku had stepped out of the changing room. His cheeks were still red from being embarrassed but the rest of his face had gone back to normal.
The rest of him? Well.
Thank the stars above for men in tight jeans. They were by no means skinny jeans, but they clung to the young man perfectly. The white shirt she picked out was perfect tucked in, and it really helped to show off his eyes when paired with his ash white hair.
Now, if they could just find a nice alternative for those red high tops.
"D-do I look okay?"
Okay? He looked better than okay. Why did he never wear clothes like this?
"I think… we found a good style for you."
"Jeans?"
Ochako nodded. "And button-ups."
"It feels so… American."
"Mr. Yagi would be proud."
The two spent quite some time picking out outfits from among the clothing racks, some nice, some silly, some downright abhorrent.
"I like 'em."
"You will put those abominations back on the clothing racks Izuku Midoriya!"
"But they're comfy!" The white haired man grinned, strutting around in the shiny mustard yellow and lime green parachute pants.
"Please, pick any other parachute pants. Look! These ones match your hair!"
Izuku rolled his eyes. I need some color, and besides. It's fun to see your face at my 'lack of fashion sense'."
Ochako shook her head. "The only reason you have no fashion sense is because it ran away screaming eight years ago. Why would you pair it with-"
"Yup. I'm thinking this purple shell print button down completes the look." Izuku put his arms through the sleeves of an even worse dark purple shirt.
"This might be my thirteenth reason…"
"I think it makes me pop." He spoke smugly.
"You're wearing neons and darks in the same outfit!"
"I know, doesn't it suit me so well?"
Ochako refused to bicker over the outfit anymore. She would put it with their purchases, but the first chance she got, it would be burned into dust without Izuku ever knowing.
"It's one thirty. We should find our parents and go get lunch before heading to campus." She shuddered as Izuku folded his new outfit neatly with the others. "Shall we go look for them?"
"Oh, most definitely." Izuku smiled. The two picked up their shopping bags and walked back into the store to find their parents.
"Did they even see that we were right here?"
"I think they were more focused on that pair of pants."
Inko shuddered. "I'm going to burn those pants…"
"I think our little Mochi might beat you to it. I saw her snag a lighter while they were checking out."
"Here they come. I think your daughter saw us sitting here."
Asahi stood and smiled as his daughter pulled her friend over with their shopping bags. "There you are! What took you so long?"
Ochako grumbled something about a pair of pants made by the devil before shaking her head. "We just went back to look for you! I didn't see you over here. Did you just get done with grabbing the school supplies?"
"Yes, Mochi. Now, how about all of us grab a bite to eat before shipping you off to UA?"
"Funny, Izuku and I were just talking about doing the same thing."
->*<-
Shota Aizawa hummed as he checked another name off of his dormitory list.
"You'll be in dorm seven. Please report to the common area at five thirty for dinner and introductions. There is also a mandatory sexual education seminar tonight at seven. If you can't make it to dinner, please try to be with us for the seminar."
The blonde-haired family thanked him and began moving boxes into the building. Aizawa looked back at his roster.
So far, only five students had moved in. It was, of course, perfectly acceptable. It just meant that Nemuri would be joining them every night for her seminars. And that meant he'd have to prepare extra food every night.
' Maybe I could just go to Lunch Rush.'
"Excuse us? We're here to check in."
Aizawa looked up to see a group of five, which contained two of his new charges.
"Ah, welcome. You are Ochako Uraraka and Izuku Midoriya, correct?"
"Yes. We're checking in for our dorm assignments."
Aizawa nodded, checking the two off of the list. "You are in dormitories thirteen and fourteen. Did you bring your paperwork?"
The two procured licensing papers as well as the paperwork for enrolling in electives.
' I typically wait until the third day to give the students some more time. They're good.'
"Perfect. I will begin processing these tonight. Your provisional licenses should be available tomorrow. They will not be active until our first day of classes. Now, dormitories thirteen and fourteen. Dinner will be in the common area at five thirty, and that will be followed by introductions as well as a mandatory sexual education seminar. I would request that the two of you remain available for introductions throughout the week. Other students will be arriving over the next four days, and it is my hope that everyone under my care can know one another."
The two nodded and thanked him, before moving on their way, along with their parents.
Aizawa leaned back in his chair and looked over the licensing papers, a smirk tugging at his lips as he scanned over the names section.
' Interesting… I can't wait to see how they plan to embody these.'