Chapter 14: Touch the Sky
Finally, home. What a day this has been. Still, Izuku didn't regret any of it. Except for maybe gut punching Kacchan like that. Although he deserved it for the years he's bullied him, it still left a bad taste in the sorcerer's mouth.
But you can't change the past and maybe it'll instill some minuscule form of respect into the blonde. Izuku doubted it, but considering they actually had a conversation, for lack of a better term, between one another, instead of the usual threats, beatdowns, and scorch marks, himself being the receiver of said usual. It was possible progress.
Although Glimmer would think otherwise. She would be one first in line to give the blonde a few gut punches herself and get some satisfaction out of it. If he even told her about Bakugou. She already knew that things weren't the greatest between him and his others back on Earth, always trying to get that little more information to complete the story he wouldn't tell.
Bow was too, his keen senses told him everything, especially during the early years. Wondering why he seemed so sad despite wearing a smile, or why he seemed to be unable to walk as quickly as yesterday or asking when he got a black eye some days when Glimmer wasn't around, or he hid it with makeup. Izuku was grateful Glimmer didn't find about the more obvious injuries or was around when he got them. Bow would tell her about them with good intentions, however. Worried for their friend. At least that's what Izuku thought happened.
Bow was the heart of their trio, so it would stand to reason he would care the most about a member's health. Doing whatever he could to help from the front or the sidelines.
The two were building their own picture and Izuku doubt it looked good for either of them. Either they confronted him about it, or he gave them what they wanted to hear, what they should've heard six years ago. That just left the question about how much was he willing to tell?
He would think about it later, right now he needed to change out of his uniform into something more comfortable… and not smelly. After getting to his room as quickly as possible, not wanting to drag the smell through the house, Izuku quickly changed into a favourable t-shirt and pants combo while immeaditly quarantining his uniform into an empty hamper and dousing it in air freshener.
Giving it a few minutes to sit, he then shoved it into the washer across from the bathroom. With his uniform now safely in the wash, Izuku got to the more exciting part of getting home, checking last night's footage. Still ever curious as to what happens to him when he sleeps, he bought an old camcorder and set it atop a shelf in the corner of his room.
He did have to move some of his All Might merch in order for it to be placed at an angle where it could see the entirety of his room. It would be worth it if it proved at least some of his theories on what happened to him.
He also hoped the battery lasted through the night. Grabbing the camcorder from the shelf and taking it to his desk to have seat, Izuku opened the side screen and selected recordings from it. Since it started just as he got to sleep till the morning, he would have to carefully scroll through the footage in order to determine when he actually fell asleep.
It didn't take long as apparently; he was fast sleeper and found the moment he fell into unconsciousness. Moment of truth. It took a few solid minutes of staring at the footage of him sleeping before anything happened. No blinking either. He wasn't sure if would happen in a split second and he didn't want to scroll back.
His patience was rewarded as the footage began to shift and become hard to see static before clearing the image. Said image cleared roughly and he saw a strange light shimmer across his unconscious form. Instead of the teleportation theory he had, after the light shot across him, there was still a very faint apparition of the sorcerer still laying in the bed undisturbed. Laying there as if he never left bed.
Jumping ahead of time to a few minutes before he got up for the day. Finding that the same shimmering light ran over his form, and he returned to normal with no obvious side effects or traces of the travel between worlds.
Well, that disproved most of his theories. What was that light the shimmered across before he woke up? It was magical in nature obviously so that ruled out any quirk use or him being kidnapped in his sleep. But what happened to his body? It was as if his body was being transported while some fragment of himself was left behind. Some sort of anchor to bring him back? Was he astral projecting backwards?
At least he had an answer. Somewhat. He would have to ask the others if his form seemed ghostly when he was asleep next time he saw them. Which would still take awhile still because there was still the wedding tomorrow. So much going on, so much to talk about. Ugh.
With a major part of his day over, Izuku grabbed the kit and the locket from his bag and started giving it a professional shine. As he grabbed a small pick from the kit to scratch out some of the crusted filth from the locket's crevice's, a thought came to the greenette.
What was he going to wear? He's never been to a wedding before. Did he wear his casual? His sorcerer gear? Which had been repaired since he got all of his bandages off. But that seemed a little much. It was a celebration, not a march to battle and it was made for battle then ballroom conversation. Izuku could make something up from whatever clothes he had in his room maybe. It would certainly look better then a t-shirt that says 'T-shirt' in Japanese.
Although that would be a decent conversation starter. An awkward one since he would be the only one what it said, and no one would get the joke or could even read it. Perhaps he could quicky pop by one of the tailors in the markets to get a quick suit measured for him. He wasn't super bulky, but he wasn't exactly 'slim' either.
Wait. What was the currency in Etheria? How much would a suit cost?
It was at this moment Izuku realized he's never had to buy anything in Etheria. Everything was given to him on a sliver platter since he lived in a castle with a member of the royalty being one of his closest friends. He had no concept of its currency or how they trade.
Izuku facepalmed. He was busier with studying new spells instead of getting money! Or even understanding out it worked for that matter!
"Guess it's back to scrounging for an outfit." Izuku mumbled to himself as he made a mental note to look into some books about how trading worked and dabbed some polish with a que-tip onto the locket, now gunk free.
---
"You really don't have any clue on how money works."
"Everything was given to me ever since I got to Brightmoon. I've been more focused on learning new spells or combinations or learning how to speak for that matter, that money… kind of flew by my head."
"Didn't you think to ask Glimmer?"
"She was the first person I asked. She just said that I could go to the tailors and grab something, anything, with no charge! Like I'm just walking into some place I've never been to and grabbing the first fancy thing I see."
"Says the guy who's getting their measurements on the first fancy thing they saw."
"…It looked like the only thing that would fit me here…"
"Of course. Of course. You still look good though. You are more muscular than what I gave you credit for, but you pull it off perfectly."
"I'm not sure if should take that as a compliment or an insult…" Izuku extended his arm as a Mothrine tailor continued taking more of his measurements. Looking over his shoulder to Bow who was sitting on a nearby stool, leaning forward.
"Compliment. 100%. Sorry if that sounded rude."
In a small, folded pile, he already had his outfit ready. A short-sleeved tuxedo which was modified to be more of a crop top tux. Everything else was standard. Sleek black shoes, finely crafted pants, the clip-on bowtie. The whole deal.
Izuku on the other hand was waiting for the tailor to finish measuring him so he could get his getup. All he wanted was a tuxedo shirt, but apparently Bow had chosen the shop with most extravagant weaver in all of Brightmoon.
Said weaver was diligently measuring every part of the sorcerer to a T. Not missing a thing or detail that would impede the function and fashion of the outfit. Was he getting a shirt or a whole outfit? At this point now that they were measuring his legs, he was going with the outfit. "I'm sorry but how much longer?"
"As long as it takes! You can not rush genius! Now stop fidgeting, you will ruin the entire feeling."
"You heard'em. No rushing genius." Bow shrugged, bemused with the whole situation.
Oh boy.
--- Hours later, Brightmoon Castle ---
Bow and Glimmer were now standing to the entrance of Izuku's room, waiting on their third to finish getting ready. Both already dressed up for the occasion. Although impatiently tapping her foot, Glimmer was interested on what Izuku would be wearing. The boys came back from the markets, Bow carrying his clothes and gift with him in while Izuku's was placed in a thin box. As if it was the fanciest thing they could've picked up.
She had no idea what the sorcerer picked out. She did ask Bow a few times while they waited at the door since he went with him to the same place to get their outfits. He just said that she would have to wait and decide on how much she would like it.
A solid six minutes later and the doors slowly creeped open. The duo peeked around the opening door to see their third struggling with a tie. "Oh, for the love of- Get over here!" Izuku jumped before walking quickly over to Glimmer. "All these years and you don't know how to put on a tie?" Izuku just scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously as Glimmer helped him with the deep viridian tie. She then took a step back to actually see the greenette's clothes.
Said greenette had taken a very slick back but stylish look. A white tuxedo shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, very dark green slacks with sleek black shoes, standard stuff. The most eye-catching part was the tuxedo vest matching the deep green of his eyes with embroidered sliver looking vines popping with the color all across the vest. And lastly the green tie he had been struggling with completed the look.
All in all, it looked good on him. Minus points for the failed attempt to slick back his unruly hair. Which still looked like an explosion went off on the top of his head. Bow wasn't lying when he said he picked something that fit would him good.
"Gotta say, you look good 'zuku. Now can we go?" The trio finally started making their way to the ballroom where the wedding would take place. Still on time before it started, the three discussed what gifts they brought or made for the couple. Bow had made cute miniatures of the couple for both battle plans or scenarios and cake toppers if there weren't any already.
Glimmer had gotten them a special type of mountain flower that only grew in the craggy cliffs of Dryl. Their mesmerising hues of purples and blues in constant flux made them the perfect wedding present for any blooming relationship. She was lucky because the florist she got them from only had the one bouquet left when she got there.
Lastly, Izuku had an engraved sliver locket from Japan and a card to give. Wrapped together in a carefully crafted box to hold both. With a nice sky-blue ribbon holding it closed. Despite not matching the size of the other two gifts, it was the heart that counted. Plus, something from another planet, it would be a head turner for collectors for sure.
With general conversation over for the time being, the trio arrived at the ballroom and let themselves in with the princess leading and pushing the door open. The sight was immeaditly taken by the assortment of hanging lights and flowers going down the aisle. Tables and sitting arrangements were set across the large space with an empty floor space for possible dancing set to the side afterwards.
All three looked to the left to find the long table holding most of the food and gifts from other guests. The trio took their respective gifts and placed them on the table for later. Then they wandered around the ballroom taking in the sights of the beautifully decorated hall and engaging in small talk to pass the time.
A handful of other guests began to enter the hall as the time for the ceremony quickly approached. The trio seated themselves at an open table closest to the altar. With what few guests arrived; they took their seats as an enchanting melody filled the ballroom. It wasn't too packed as it seemed. Most likely the couple to be wanted more close friends then anyone else to participate .
Netossa strode to the altar in a beautifully woven gown, looking actually anxious as stood she by the altar, twiddling her thumbs. She was usually the most cool and competitive person Glimmer knew! Right now, however, she was nervous. Trying all in her power to push it down it looked like.
It did make sense though. It was her and Spinerella's wedding day. Speaking of. The magenta haired princess walked down the aisle holding a beautiful corsage, wearing a similarly beautiful gown, and finishing it off with a serene smile on her face. The exact opposite of Netossa. Whose expression changed from anxiousness to blown away by her bride, a small blush adorned her. It was dumb staring all the way to the altar.
"Nervous, darling?"
"Don't call me that in front of everyone!" Netossa whisper yelled through gritted teeth. "And I am notnervous." Spinerella giggled softly and Netossa's heart fluttered. At least that's what it looked from where Glimmer and the other two were sitting. A few minutes passed quickly then a hunched over goat man walked to the altar, most likely the coordinator.
The music slowly lulled to a soft hum as the coordinator presented two rings, one a gleaming platinum and the other, a shining gold, and placed them on a small, plush pillow on a podium between the brides. They then thanked whomever guests had come today, including the queen, and proceeded with the rites.
Loving words were said with laughs and tears, vows made and solidified in their hearts, with heartful final words ending with a 'I do', to a loving kiss. All who attended applauded for the newly weds as Spinerella swooped up her partner for life into a bridal position. Carrying her to the large cake as the trio got up and joined them. Bow took the opportunity to place his gifts on top of the cake, seeing as there weren't any other top decorations.
Time passed as the celebration turned to simple conversation between one another. Glimmer was speaking with some of the other guests while Bow was stuffing his face full of the turns out marble cake and Izuku was showing off the locket to Netossa. She then noticed an empty dance floor and someone who wasn't all too busy. Glimmer walked over to the sorcerer in question and judging by her timing, it looked like their conversation was almost over.
She took Izuku's hand out of the blue and started dragging him to the empty dance floor. He resisted at first saying on the lines of "W-Wait! I-I'm not done with-" Netossa grabbed the locket from Izuku's other hand and started looking into the finer details. With a not subtle nod to the other princess. "Huh. Looks like you are now." Izuku's was speechless as Glimmer walked him over to the floor.
"I-I can't dance! I'll just humiliate myself!" He tried to escape her iron grasp with no luck or no sense of her budging. "Well, just think of this as payback for missing all of the princess proms over the years." Glimmer winked as she turned to face the greenette. Izuku still looked hesitant. "You'll be fine. We'll just sway and I can teach you the finer points. How about that?" She offered her hand in waiting.
After watching her friend go through every emotion on the spectrum just by his face alone, Izuku took her hand and she quickly pulled him close as the music started up again. "Don't step on my feet and follow my lead." He gulped and nodded. Izuku was about the same height as her, so eye contact was even. Just had to ignore the shaking. Glimmer started her lesson, taking the sorcerer through the motions and steps. Slowly getting faster as Izuku became more comfortable.
He didn't notice that everyone else had joined them on the floor. Both began to sway faster and faster until Glimmer thought it would be a good idea to twirl him into the arms of Bow who was already at the ready to receive. She missed her mark at least a table over as she sent her unwitting dance partner crashing into one of the aisle benches. "Whoops" She shrugged apologetically as Bow helped him to his feet.
She was expecting to get a shaky 'I'm alright' or an apology from the greenette. She was actually going to say sorry first. She didn't get that far as she stopped mid sentence when she heard him laughing. Happily, even. It was contagious as Bow joined in at the absurdity of the situation. It was starting to affect Glimmer too as her surprise turned into laughter as well.
The afternoon turned to evening as everyone said their goodbyes and thank you's to all attended and to the newly weds as they left hand in hand to enjoy the rest of their day together. The trio made their leave from the ballroom but not before helping themselves to some of the leftovers and help clean up the hall a fair bit as well.
Glimmer and Bow were eager to lounge for the rest of the day. Having their fill of the well baked cake. "So, I was thinking we go to Mysticor tomorrow. I hear the baths are open again. 'zuku, wanna come with us?"
It was when they asked their third on what he would be doing with the rest of the day that he stopped in his tracks, hand put around wrist. "Izuku? You ok?"
"I-… *sigh* I think I'm ready to talk. About… Earth."
Both of their eyes widened at the statement. Bow was the first to speak. "Are your sure? Completely? If you're not comfortable then it's ok."
"If I don't now then I'll never finish the whole thing. Or even start. If this is a bad time, then I'll-"
"No. We always have time." Glimmer cut him off. Wanting, needing to know more. Izuku sighed and continued. "It's just… that a lot happened yesterday back home, and I went through it a dozen times in my head that I should just tell you guys and get it off my chest. Most of it anyway."
"And today was what made me realize what I should have realized a long time ago."
"You're my best friends in all of two worlds and…and I should try to give you the same amount of trust that you've given me all of this time." Izuku wrapped his arms around the both of them and they returned it in kind.
The three got out of their group hug and Izuku wiped his eyes from the tears that were starting to form. All Glimmer hoped for was why anyone would willingly hurt someone like him. All she wanted was answers.
And maybe she would get some. At least why he was called 'useless' as some sort of sick nickname. She really wanted a name to a face she wanted to break.
"So, do we get questions?" Bow quizzically asked the other worldly sorcerer. He just smiled. "How about I get halfway through my explanation then we'll have questions, ok?" Before that however, the three decide to convene to Izuku's room. "Where do you want to start?" Glimmer asked as the three started walking again.
"I think I have good idea… Here goes."
"Everyone on Earth has unique powers called quirks. Ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary…"
Although Glimmer still did get a good idea on what type of world her sorcerer friend came from. She never did get a name. Izuku was still closed off from that part on why he didn't have any friends. What she did get however is a story on how he fought a giant living slime ball twice and used a column to launch himself through it.
She hoped she would hear the full story about who was Izuku Midoriya when he was on Earth someday. Until then, this was good enough for her.
--- Two Years Later ---
~Today I change my place in history~
~Today I'm going to start a brand-new life~
~Done with suffering, had enough of misery~
~Finally on a path to somewhere bright~
Tomorrow was the day. One more sleep and his dreams he thought impossible would become reality.
To finally become a hero…of Earth. Ugh this was still confusing, even after all this time. Better to think of it as going the number one hero school in all of Japan. There, much better. Izuku dried himself off from water splashed across his face and took a look at himself.
~And somehow, I finally feel like me~
And he liked what he saw.
A young adult and now recognized sorcerer of Brightmoon. With a decent athletic body and a few tiny scars strewn across it. Except for his face which just refused to grow up. Freckles still ever present. Izuku did finally get that haircut he thought of for years. An undercut only on the sides with the top and back still growing, even reaching the back of his neck a little. A little trim off the top just so his hair wouldn't get in the way of his eyes.
It was a good new look for him, and he liked it.
~'Cause I feel just fine, and I might just Touch the Sky!~
~I might just Touch the Sky!~
Ten years since he came to Etheria. Eight years since he began to learn sorcery. Two years since he started feeling like a hero. Now he was one in the eyes of many people. Just here. Only here. An alarm rang out just outside the bathroom, they had one installed as he got older, he couldn't thank them enough for that, and realized the time. He hit pause to what he was listing to in the shower.
With one final look into his reflection, a determined look on him as he left to get ready for his sparring match. A certain princess wanted a rematch today and since she knew about U.A now, it was the perfect excuse for 'on the spot training' she called it. So far it was two to one with Glimmer in the lead. Izuku was going to make it even point after today.
It was unsanctioned but Bow volunteered to be the witness and ref for the match, making sure they didn't go too far. They never did and Bow got to fight in two verses one matches. Non-princesses vs. Princess. Always rotating who was teamed with who. It gave them all much needed practice for if they ever got separated against two even foes.
Izuku strapped on his last boot and checked if everything was secure. After making sure everything was fit, Izuku walked to his door ready for the day. Only to find Glimmer just outside his door holding a large box with both of her arms. She excused herself and entered his room like it was normal thing to do. It was, and she placed the large box on Izuku's bed. He walked over to the princess's side wondering what she brought him this time.
"Uh, so… What's in the bo-" Glimmer placed a single finger on the sorcerer's mouth to shut him up without looking away what was in the box. After carefully removing the lid, she reached in and grabbed something. Before moving anymore Glimmer patted to the spot next to her on the bed signalling Izuku to sit. He did so only a little confused on what was going on. "Close your eyes."
"Glimmer, what did you ge-"
"Shu-shush! No words, only closed eyes." Izuku obeyed and closed his eyes. Presenting his hands as he was clearly getting something. Then he felt two objects carefully placed into his hands, one much larger then the other clearly. One felt metallic as he could feel some sort of chain starting to wrap around his finger. In the other hand, something small, no bigger than his fingernail. It felt faceted as if he had a chiselled gemstone in his hand. What were these? "You can open your eyes now".
Izuku opened them, curious to see what he just received. In the hand with the metallic object was actually a sliver pocket watch with a with a halfmoon with a magical symbol cradled within it engraved onto its surface. Glimmer reached into her pocket to pull a similar looking watch out, hers having the symbol of Brightmoon engraved onto it. Showing it off with a smile one her face.
In the other hand, a moonstone stud earing shaped much like the engraving of the pocket watch. As he looked back to the princess beside him, she pointed to her ear the same earing already attached to her ear. Did she get him matching gifts? "No just you. I stopped to see Bow and drop off his stuff before I came to see you."
"How- How much did this cost? This doesn't look cheap considering how well it looks."
"Let's just say I've been saving up since our first mission. Anyway, open up the watch, you're going to love it!" Ignoring the fact that this must've cost a small fortune to have custom gear made for each of them, Izuku clicked open the watch to a find the watch part of the item, slowly ticking away the seconds passed. On the inside of the hatch was where the real surprise was.
It was the picture they took together the day before their first mission. 'Best Friend Squad' was written in bolded letters just in the lower left corner. All of them smiling, ready to see what the world had for them and ready to show it what for. Izuku was speechless.
"What do you think?" Glimmer turned forwards as her feet dangled off of the bed, touching the floor. He silently closed it and gently it placed against his chest. The ticking matching up with the beat of his heart. "I… I-I love it. Thank you." No matter what he said, it would never amount to anything to the amount of joy he was feeling right now. Glimmer smiled.
"Thought you'd like it. Figure it'd be nice to have a reminder, you know?" She fell back, landing on the bed she was sitting on, staring up to the marble ceiling of Izuku's room. "Whenever you think can't do it, or if think you don't have anyone else, I want you to look at that picture to remind yourself that you have people that care about you. Rooting for you. Even if they aren't beside you"
"I don't want to hear any of this 'Deku' bull, alright? Never." Once again, he was speechless as Glimmer stood back up from the laying position. "Never again." Glimmer stared forwards as the greenette could only imagine what she was thinking. She sighed and readjusted herself, sitting cross legged, facing Izuku's side. "Now…" The princess plucked the earring from his other hand, twirling it between her finger and thumb. "How about we get this on, eh?"
Izuku shook his head and chuckled as he leaned closer for the princess to place it on his left ear. There was a quick pinch but was quickly over as the earing was successfully placed and Glimmer stood up from the bed. She waved the sorcerer up. They still had a match to get to. The two left the room and walked to the open training field where their spare would take place.
Halfway there, the princess started back up another conversation from a few days ago. "So, 'hero school', huh? Why do you need a school to be a hero? Just do good and help those who can't help themselves. It's not First One's tech."
With not much else to say, Izuku said the first thing that came to mind. "I understand where you're coming from, but It's necessary. There are those who want to become better than themselves and improve their quirk. And most can't do that by themselves. They need teachers and like-minded people like themselves to be around and aspire to be. Train to be next generation of heroes to keep people safe."
"Ok, that I get. But why do you need it? You've probably or definitely seen more action than anyone else you'd go with there! You don't need the training. Or at least, not sit with the beginners." Glimmer shrugged. "That might be true, but I can't exactly say that my teacher is a sorceress from another planet that I go to every time I sleep. And that's just my magic. Like I really need to tell them I'm a freedom fighter for said other planet too."
Glimmer looked at him ludicrously. "…Izuku. Not even a week ago you told me how you ran into someone who's power was just they had a cactus for a head. Who could still speak perfectly with no visible mouth to use by the way! That's just as ridiculous!"
"T-That's beside the point!" Even after all these years, he still stuttered when was nervous or anxious. "W-Wha- *ahem* What I'm getting at is that I can't say I'm already a hero if they catch me saving someone or using my power and they ask for my ID to prove it. Especially other heroes."
"Which is dumb and IF they catch you, which they won't."
Izuku sighed, it was true. He did have a knack of getting into trouble and saving the day before any other heroes showed up to try and catch him. And even if they thought they had him, it was probably a dummy copy to lure them away while he made his real escape.
"Yeah…But that's the law there. Not everyone is like me."
"No one will be." Glimmer added on.
"…And not everyone looks kindly to those who have 'villainous' quirks." Which was a dumb thing people thought and that would be the second thing he changed when he started up as a hero. "Not everyone is created equal…"
Glimmer looked to him with hardened eyes before relenting with a sigh. "…I know, the same's here too. The beast-kin at the edge of the Crimson Wastes, the other princesses, …the war…" Glimmer shook her head and returned to look at the greenette. "I just want to understand why you need to prove yourself when you already have…" Glimmer…
"But what I'm saying, I don't know how Earth works or how it figures itself out. The only impression I have is that it tried to push you down and you said no, and you pushed back."
"…Thanks, Glimmer. I mean that."
She raised her fist and Izuku brought his own to hers for a fist bump. "Where would you be without me." The princess snickered while Izuku just laughed along. They finally arrived at the entrance of the open field with Bow waving them over, having waited just outside for them.
"Hey, I was wondering but, could you help me out after our spare?" Glimmer raised an eyebrow as they started to reach earshot of the archer. "I was hoping you could help me work out the kinks in a new spell I've been working on. I really don't want to slam into a wall again…"
"You slammed into a wall? How?" Bow asked as they reached the door. He turned over to Bow with a sigh. "Yeah… It'll make sense when I show you guys." The trio entered the open field. As Bow walked to the side, Izuku and Glimmer walked to opposite sides of the field. "Oh, I'll help alright. After I beat you." The glittering princess taunted.
"I don't know about that. What I got might surprise you." Izuku took a single finger a drew a large circle of light before placing his hand through it. The ring shrunk slightly as it casually hovered around his wrist. He really wanted it to work this time. If not, Glimmer would help him out.
He hoped.
Without further ado, the two combatants rushed forward against one another.
--- U.A Entrance Exam Day. The next morning. ---
Did the main entrance always look this big up close, or was it just him? No, it was definitely the entrance they did have fit students and teachers of all shapes and sizes. That a was certainty considering there about a dozen applicants passing him by as he looked up to the doors of his future. All he knew is there was an orientation to be held before any exams took place.
All he had to do was enter the building in the next five minutes, just a few steps forward, yep. That's all it was. You got this Izuku. The sorcerer took in a deep breath and walked inside not realizing the three familiar faces passing by as well. Saying good luck to one another and parting ways to their respective lecture halls.
It took some time after he got into the building but eventually, he did find his marked seat, it was right next to Baku…go… Oh. The explosive blonde glared daggers and his mouth a thin line on the verge of becoming a sneer. He didn't say a word and jerked his head towards the front of the lecture hall. Grumbling under his breath. Ok, just stay quiet and he won't annoy you or throw off your game. Izuku took his seat, making sure his notebook and the spell tome he brought for reference were well away from the blonde's reach.
Someone Izuku didn't recognize walked to the front, prepared some notes, and gave instructions on what today would look like. A written exam would be taken first then afterwards, another member of U.A would explain the practical part of the exam to the applicants. If you don't score high on the practical but do at the written part, you still could secure a seat in either the general or business courses if you choose to. But Izuku wanted in the hero course. So, he had to bring his best for everything if he wanted a shot to get in.
The presenter ended their speech with how the written exams would be written in specially marked classrooms with only twenty applicants per room. The practical would be explained in the same hall by a U.A teacher.
With that, Izuku proceeded to his assigned room and took a seat at an empty desk. The exam papers were passed out as he was the last one to arrive and quickly started as soon as he was seated. It wasn't terrible difficult as he studied with the remainder of the night after his spare with Glimmer. Trying to ignore the stinging from the sparkles in his eyes. It did fade this morning thankfully.
With the written portion of the exam complete, Izuku returned to his seat from earlier and seeing he had time before the next presenter showed up, opened the spell tome to his own created section. Studying up on the newest spell he tried his hand at against the glittering princess.
Her advice was invaluable and helped immensely on how to properly utilize the spell. Unfortunately, in order to find what was going wrong he had to use it during their spare. Which ended in him crashing into the ground in an instant from what was supposed be a slam attack. After laughing with every fiber of her being, she helped him out.
What he wanted to know was how he chose her destination or how she felt when she teleported.
Getting that was the final piece of the puzzle and, in theory, would allow for better control of the spell he learned. Making some final adjustments to the diagram of the spell with some changes to the glyphs, the presenter for the practical approached at the front of the hall. He called out to get the attention of all the applicants.
*Ahem* "HEYO LITTLE FUTURE HEROES AND WELCOME TO U.A!! ARE. YA. RRRRRRRRREEEEDAY!!?" The hero bombastically pointed to the applicants with gusto. Although the hero Present Mic had their attention, his attempt at hyping the crowd failed miserably as dead silence took hold. Bummed out but shrugging it off, Present Mic continued with his explanation.
Referencing a pamphlet everyone had hopefully grabbed as they entered the hall. The practical would take place in a fake city constructed on school grounds with various robots roaming the city acting as villains.
Their goal would be to destroy as many robots as possible in a 15-minute time frame with points being racked up with robot destroyed ranging from 1 to 3 points based on the robot. Although he did say there were only three robots, the pamphlet said there were four instead. Izuku was going to raise his hand in question but was shot down by someone else who had the same question.
The speaking hero saw this as the other one had shot straight up with his hand raised. "Excuse me sir, I have a question!" The glasses wearing, prep looking applicant said clear and concisely. Present Mic although slightly taken back, allowed for the applicant to ask his question. Said applicant bowed and continued with his question. "Thank you, sir. I have two problems I wish to be addressed or at least to be known." Two? Izuku only had the one. What did he see?
"The first is the information in this pamphlet provided." He motioned to the pamphlet in his hand. "You state that there are only three machines worth points but this information describes a fourth one not worth any points. Is this a discrepancy and if not, why hasn't it been mentioned as of yet? This is much needed information to be known if we wish to succeed in this exam" A sweat bead drop from the side of the radio show hero as he tried processing this information.
"…Right you are, little listener… There are in-fact four bots. Although this forth one is more of obstacle or something that should be avoided then attacked head on. Hence why we don't mention it until the end or just before the exam in recap. But thanks for pointing that out!" Izuku could see the applicant glow with pride at the confirmation from the hero. "Thank you, sir. My second is complaint is for you!" The glasses wearing applicant extended his entire arm with his hand out like he was about to chop someone.
Izuku looked around then pointed to himself. "Yes you! The green one! How could you enter this prestigious school looking like that!" What? All he did was come in a track suit he had lying around. What else could be the problem? "Your hair should not be cut like that and don't think I didn't see that earring. These glasses aren't for show! You like a delinquent!" A delinquent!? HUH!?
"Not to mention your incessant rambling is bothering the other applicants! You clearly have no respect for your peers nor for how a hero should look! You clearly do not belong here." The applicant finished his rant of the greenette and sat back down with one last glare towards him. Izuku sat there, slack jawed. Respe- He regularly had meetings with the queen of a nation and several important figures at least once a week. He knew everything when it came to respect!
"…Well, alright, lets…lets move on…" Present Mic awkwardly finished his lecture and guided the applicants to the testing grounds. The hero told all of the applicants to head to the testing grounds and to get ready to get sweaty. His exact words. He was very music oriented, Izuku just didn't realize how much until he met him in person.
Arriving at the entrance to the outside training, Izuku got a feel on how big this test would really be. If the giant doors to the fake city and the hundreds of applicants surrounding him didn't fill that picture. Izuku quickly went through the spell on last time before putting it away in his backpack and set it aside. The loudspeaker roared, telling all applicants to get to the starting line as the doors started to open.
Running the spell a hundred times in his head, Izuku joined the other applicants at the starting line. The loudspeaker jerked on again, this time the voice of Present Mic blared through the speakers. "ALLLLRRRIGHTTY! Are you future heroes ready?!" He sure hoped so. Izuku took in a deep breath and began drawing the ring of light.
"On your mark…" The spell completed and the greenette put his hand through it.
"Ready to…" The faint green ring of light hovered gently around his wrist and thought about his friend's advice.
He closed his eyes and breathed.
"SHOW US WHAT YOUR MADE OF!!"
Izuku's eyes burst open, shot his arm straight out…
…And pulled back.
Izuku suddenly jumped forward in a streak of light a solid thirty feet from the starting line, stumbling for a moment from the sudden stop of momentum before getting his footing again. He looked to the ring of light around his wrist to see it was perfectly fine. He was perfectly fine.
It worked. The spell worked! Yes!
Izuku ran further into the city to find some robots to destroy. Leaving the other applicants behind as they stared on in confusion on what just happened.
"LOOKS LIKE OUR GREEN HAIRED FUTURE HERO'S GOT THE RIGHT IDEA! THERE AIN'T NO GREEN LIGHTS IN HERO WORK! JUST GO WITH ALL YA GOT!~" The other applicants dashed into the testing grounds already behind the sorcerer hero.
---
Nice! Three points! These bots were going down much faster than he thought!
Kirishima saw another three pointer scurry out of the rubble of a somewhat destroyed building. He activated his quirk and rushed forward towards the bot. Just before he could he reach it however, a streak of light shot out from a window of the adjacent building as another applicant blasted the bot with light-based blasts from his hands. The other guy was aiming for the joints of the bot instead of the main piece.
The bot collapsed due to its lack of support and the green haired guy did a three-point landing just beside the wreak. Pulling out a small notebook and tallying his score. Kirishima walked up to the greenette and placed his hand on his shoulder. The greenette jumped back before looking who it was. "Whoa! Sorry dude, didn't mean to scare ya like that." Kirishima flashed a big grin with his apology.
The greenette laxed with the red head's smile. "S-Sorry. Was this one yours?" He pointed to the wrecked bot beside him. Kiri looked over to the bot with the same easy-going smile and shook his head. "It would've been, but you got to it first. Fair and square. I can't be mad about that!"
"That's a wicked quirk ya got there. What's it do? If you don't mind me asking that is." Kirishima asked the strange quirk user. "Well to put it simply I can manipula- Look out!" The greenette pushed past the red head and created a large green screen of light stopping the massive arm of a two pointer from crushing him.
That shield looked familiar…
He would think about it later, time to return the favor! Kirishima slid under the shield and activated his quirk more in his arms as he punched out the legs of the bot, causing it to kneel but remain active. The greenette blasted the wall of light with another light bolt and the shield pushed the arm back causing it to spark and sputter with the push back.
With the main form of attack hindered, the red head jumped up and smashed down on the bot's chassis, causing it to immeaditly shut down and collapse. With the immediate danger passed Kiri thanked the greenette for the save, he would have to be more aware from now on. He also asked for a name if possible. The greenette responded with Midoriya Izuku as his name.
With pleasantries made, the greenette named Midoriya offered some advice on how to better break the bots, especially with Kiri's quirk in mind. The red head absorbed as much as he could before they had to part ways wishing one another luck on the exam. Midoriya ran up the wreck of the three pointer, aimed his arm outward and pulled back. 'blinking' to the rooftop in another streak of light before running off again.
Kiri did the same, running down the street to look for more bots to smash. It left him time to think that Midoriya might be All Mask. Both of their powers matched up. The light blasts, the shield, the only he didn't see was if he could create those columns like All Mask could. It was better evidence then nothing though.
He would have to tell Mina about this and how he might've found their masked hero after all this. Kiri hoped all three of his friends ended up in the same class. Including Midoriya. Before another thought crossed him, he managed to get a glimpse of some one pointers wandering around, ripe for the picking.
"LETS ROCK!!" Clashing his hardened fists together and dashed into the fray.
--- U.A Exam Observation Deck ---
"We got some strong candidates this year. Wouldn't you agree Aizawa?" The chimera/rat looking principal spoke while taking a sip of tea from the side. Aizawa grumbled. "While I won't deny that sir, I do see some problems too."
"Oh, I suppose that is true. But that's why there here in the first place! To become better people as well as heroes." The ragged hero sighed and monitored some of the other applicants. It was close to the halfway mark and that meant letting out the 0-pointers. Which was completely unfair in his opinion. In fact, the entire exam was unfair for those who didn't have quirks that immeaditly caused damage to their opponents. Leaving the more support and defensive oriented quirks to fester away.
But that was the world they lived in now. The more flashy and powerful the quirk, the better your chances of surviving and fighting another day. Speaking of flashy, a certain applicant was drawing his attention more then most. "Midnight, pull up information on applicant #562. In the third simulation."
"You know you could say please for once. Hold on." The X-rated hero went through the roster of applicants then sent the asked for one to Aizawa's screen. Midoriya Izuku. Age: 18, Quirk: Aether. Hmm. Description: Able to manipulate a light-based energy to focus into attacks, protection, or distracting illusions. Note: Some of these abilities require a circle of light to be formed ahead of time. Is that so?
Then why was he watching the same person shoot out sharpened spikes of ice made from nowhere at some of the bots? He could tell it was actual ice from the frost build up on the bots and walls the spikes impacted with. Meaning it was freezing cold to the touch, not light or energy based. Either this info was false and outdated or there was more to this kid then he let on.
Either way, it was going to be a headache. Not unlike… "WE'RE AT THE HALFWAY POINT CANDIATES! MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR HERO ON!" …His partner. "Well, you know what that means everyone." Nezu was getting way to into this.
"Time to up the stakes a little." The principal pushed a red button on the arm rest of his chair.
--- Back to the Exams ---
Already? Huh, time flies. Izuku quickly reviewed his currently tallied points. With all of the bots he destroyed so far, he had a solid eighty points. He probably would have more if he didn't stop give some advice to some of the other applicants. But the analyst side of him was showing and he felt compelled.
For one there was this orange haired girl who could increase the size of her fists, easily crushing the one pointers, but struggle with the three pointers and their ranged firepower. His advice for her was to use the increased strength of her fists to launch herself towards the bots so she could more easily crush the legs and arms when she got in range.
Another candidate could generate and discharge electricity, acting like a living taser. The electric blonde actually blasted a one pointer that was sneaking up on him and Izuku returned the favor the same way. Izuku's advice for him was to point out exposed electrical panels on the bots the electric blonde could exploit, mostly on the two and three pointers. As they all seemed to be made the same way. Including weaknesses.
So many amazing people and so many amazing quirks to boot! He really wished he brought one of his quirk analyses notebooks with him. This would've been the perfect time too! He hoped he could go more in depth with them once he got into U.A. Oh, he couldn't wait to tell the others!
But right now, he had an exam to get back too. He couldn't stand by, even with the points he had. The more the better. Now let's see if there's any more bots around. Izuku blinked up to one of the many rooftops that made up the simulated city. Is this how Glimmer felt when she first started teleporting? It was so… freeing.
Although not as powerful as her powers, being unable to simply appear in a thought of the wanted destination. The blink spell could still allow for mid-air dodges and rapid, unpredictable movements. He just had to adjust the distance as the max seemed to be between 6 to 30 feet and he had to have line of sight of where he wanted to blink to. He couldn't phase through walls or solid objects.
As Izuku scouted out for anymore bots to destroy, he couldn't help but wonder where all of the other candidates went. This place was packed just a minute ag- *CRASH* Eh?
Izuku turned around to see a massive leg having stepped between the buildings. It was only when he looked up did he realize what he was seeing. A massive, mechanized giant marched through the city, ruining the street with its massive weight. How did he miss that!? That did explain where all of the other applicants went. Probably running away from that thing.
Good thing it didn't notice him due to its size. Izuku made a hasty retreat running across the rooftops along side the metal behemoth as it strode through the city. As he blinked from rooftop to rooftop, the rush wind passing by, did he notice a pile of rubble in the middle of the street. He thought nothing at first, seeing he was now a fair distance away from the giant, but then he something else beneath the rubble.
Or rather someone. Struggling to get the rubble off of themselves. Someone else was also there, trying to lift the rubble with no effect. Wasting no time, seeing he had only a solid minute before the giant came to them, Izuku blinked down to the street and ran to the rubble. A purple haired applicant was trying his hardest to lift the leg of a destroyed two pointer off of a brunette girl was also struggling to lift the large piece of metal.
Izuku reached them and quickly got to helping the other applicant trying to lift. It wasn't budging. Izuku told the purple haired candidate to grab hold of the girl and to pull on his que, he had an idea. The other boy looked over the pile of rubble to the behemoth only a solid 20 feet away giving them only another few seconds to get going.
With no other plan, the tired looking boy got into position. Izuku looked for a small gap between the ground and the metal. After finding a suitable spot, Izuku drew some pillar runes into the ground. The thought being that pillars would help push the metal up enough for the girl to get pulled out.
Izuku sent some magic into the runes, and they activated, grinding against the wreck, and ever so slightly pushing it up and away. Izuku grabbed hold of the newly created gap and started pulling up with all he had. "NOW! PULL!" Wasting no time, the boy started pulling the brunette out of the rubble, her using a free arm to help out and push herself.
Her entirety was successfully pulled out and the other applicant got her back on her feet. The giant's foot was now right above the three would-be heroes, slowing coming down to take a step. Izuku pushed the other two away and blinked himself out of the shadow of the foot just before he got flattened.
All three looked back from the side of the street to see the behemoth walk on its path, clearly unphased that it was about to step on them. All three let out a sigh of relief at not dying. Izuku quickly double checked with the other two if they were ok. The purple haired boy was fine, only a few scraps here and there. While the brunette girl had gotten a sprained ankle and a few nicks from being pulled out of the wreck.
They looked fine. Maybe he could-
*BBBBUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRR* "WE ARE OUT OF TIME!! PLEEEEE- HYA! HOLD ON!" Another, more tired and annoyed voice ripped the mic away from the other announcer "Please report to the exam entrance and if you were injured, please make your way to the medical area inside the main building or wait for personnel to find you."
Oh… damn it…
"Dammit… out of time… like it mattered…" The purple haired boy muttered, clearly displeased with his results. The brunette however seemed perfectly alright with the time out. "Its alright, I'm sure you did great! And thank you for saving me, both of you."
Bowing in welcome to the brunette, Izuku dashed off to the entrance. Still having the habit of running away before they asked for a name. Leaving the other two behind in confusion.
"Can you stand?" The boy asked. Uraraka struggled and was unable to stand on her own. The tired looking applicant helped the girl onto her feet, and they started walking together to the medical area or to find some personnel. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't get your name. I'm Uraraka." A brief silence went on for a few seconds. "It's Shinso."
Huh?
"I'm not repeating myself."
"Nice to meet you Shinso." Uraraka beamed. "Thanks for coming to save me when everyone else was running away." Shinso looked away for a moment before returning to a more neutral expression. "Whatever…"
"Hey, did you happen to get that green haired guy's name? He kind of ran off before I could ask."
"…I'm in the same boat as you. He kind of ran off on the both of us…" Oh, right. Duh. "All I know is that he had a knack for helping people out."
"What do you mean?"
"Earlier I saw him help some of the other candidates by disabling some of the bots with spikes. I thought nothing of it at first thinking he was just grabbing points. Until he jumped down and gave them advice on how to better deal with'em."
"He probably would've gotten more points if he hadn't stopped to help others get a chance. Letting others destroy the bots he clearly saw first." Wow… Uraraka took the conversation into a whole other direction.
"Do you want to be friends and thank him?" Shinso stopped dead in his tracks. His mouth became slightly agape. His entire form shivered before giving his response. "…Do what you want…" A small blush appeared on his pale face. Uraraka beamed again. "Sounds good! Let's keep going!"
"Hey, I'm not you're walking sti-! Wait…ugh…" He realized he was until they got to the medical area. The two continued to walked down the destroyed street. Uraraka chatted up a storm and Shinso listened in silence.
While Izuku wondered what Glimmer would think that he almost got crushed during a test as he collected his things and started walking home after getting a clean bill of health.
--- Back in Brightmoon ---
"What do you mean you "almost" got stepped on! WHAT!?"
That was an accurate response to hearing something like that.
--- A Japanese Sorcerer's Handbook: Spell: Illusory Copies---
Written in a filled section of the unknown spell tome by an unknown author.
Spell Name: Illusions: Copies
Spell Type: Spell Circle/Concentration
Description: By focusing more magic into an Illusion based spell, one can create lifelike copies of themselves to send out to confuse foes. Look to basic illusions for more information on creating illusions. These copies can be sent out on there own. However, their density is based on the amount of magic that you pour into them. Therefore, multiple copies are extremely fragile then a single copy.
Notes: Copies can also cast very basic spells also based on the magic given during creation and the knowledge of the sorcerer. Knowing this, you shouldn't just create an army of yourself (The next sentence is too faded to read. Based on the way it was written, it might've been a name.) -a. Because the spell will be far weaker coming from a clone then the one who created them.
Basically, shooting peas at a tank. It'll distract them, sure. But don't expect to do real damage. Or any for that matter (The rest of the page is an excerpt from the author on how they would use these copies in fun pranks in their younger days. The rest is scratched out.)
Caster's Notes: The first spell I actually mostly mastered. It seems so long ago. How I could barely keep one up at a time and it looked like a pre-schooler drawing. Now I'm throwing them around in groups of five or six. And if the barrier/bolt combination taught me anything, I can mix and match spells for varying effects. Maybe I can find a way to switch places with one in a group.
Next time I'm in Mysticor, look into possible teleportation or warp-like spells. Maybe I could learn a spell that could help close distances. Maybe a weaker form of Glimmer's teleportation?