==Dragon Rider==
Hours later they finally landed. The world was spinning and Izuku's legs felt like jelly in the saddle, but he had never had so much fun in his life. Izuku unstrapped his legs and slid out of the saddle. He collapsed the second his feet hit the ground. He might have been able to get up, but the ground felt so good.
Jade slammed down into the ground next to him. The dragon was panting, his wings drooping tiredly around them both. The heat rolling off of Jade's body soothed the aching chill that filled Izuku's limbs.
Well done you two, Saphira praised them. Now let us continue.
Izuku halfheartedly glared at the saddlebag her heart currently resided in.
Do not give me that look, Saphira chuckled. You must take the saddle off of Jade and see to its maintenance. Your gear is only as dependable as you are to it.
Yes master, Izuku groaned as he pried himself off of the earth. He went about undoing all of the straps of the saddle. Jade moved as little as possible, probably more due to his exhaustion than helpfulness.
While you work, we will begin your lessons in the ancient language, Saphira told them.
Why are we learning this master? Izuku asked. It didn't seem like the most useful of things to be focusing on.
The ancient language is a powerful tool Izuku, Saphira explained. The magic of Alagaesia runs deep through its words. No lies can be spoken in the language. But it is also a part of the history of the riders. It is a part of your legacy, and it is your responsibility to carry it forward and ensure its survival.
Survival? Izuku thought.
I do not know the final fate of Alagaesia, Saphira sighed. Nor will we ever. I was sent to your world because it was believed that the riders could not stand against the oncoming storm. The riders wanted to ensure that even in some small way, they could continue on and continue to do good.
I understand, Izuku nodded. How do we begin?
I will teach you the words and their forms, Saphira told him. Then we shall practice. When you are ready, we shall speak only in the ancient language.
Yes master, Jade and Izuku nodded together.
==Dragon Rider==
That night Izuku noticed something in the mirror as he was brushing his teeth. His ears, which used to be perfectly round, had the barest hint of a point. He'd freaked out instantly. Spitting the toothpaste out, and quickly rinsing his mouth, Izuku sprinted out of the bathroom and to his room.
My ears are pointed! He shouted mentally as he grabbed Saphira's heart from the bed side table. Jade raised his head off of the bed to look at Izuku.
Quiet down young one, Saphira groaned. I was asleep, not dead.
My ears! Izuku insisted.
Hmm, Saphira hummed. She looked at him through Jade's eyes. Indeed. Your ears are pointed now.
Is this supposed to happen? Izuku asked in exasperation. This felt like a much bigger deal to him than the way Saphira was speaking of it.
In a sense, Saphira mused. The magic that binds a rider and their dragon is a result of an old treaty. That treaty was between Elves and Dragons. As time went on, other races were added to the treaty. Humans first. Then eventually Dwarves and Urgals. Through the bond a rider becomes stronger, more agile, more perceptive, and ageless. Riders would often find that they experienced physical changes over time. Humans would develop elvish features, such as pointed ears. The Drawvish riders stood taller than any of their fellow Dwarves. An Urgal rider's skin would grow pale and smooth.
Whoa, Izuku gasped. So then is this it? Izuku's hand reached up and began playing with the small point.
I do not know, Saphira shrugged. Normally the changes would take longer to appear.
I wonder if its because of quirks, Izuku mused. Humans had to become a lot more adaptable to keep from hurting themselves with their quirks.
Perhaps, Saphira agreed. Or perhaps it is because you are the only rider in this land. The magics which bind dragon and rider exist solely in the two of you. Such concentrated magics could be having greater effects than have ever been experienced before.
So I might change more, Izuku sighed.
Only time will tell young one, Saphira comforted him. For now, you should sleep. We have much to do and you will need your rest.
==Dragon Rider==
The next five months were filled with intense training. They continued to train Izuku's skill at mental fortification and infiltration. Izuku became more and more comfortable in the saddle and Saphira pushed them with harder techniques. Jade was apparently built for speed and maneuverability that few dragons could hope to match, though the way Saphira phrased it made Izuku think she had been built much the same.
The ancient language was something that Jade and Izuku had spent many long hours working on. Izuku had filled more than a few notebooks with words and explanations of the grammar. The thing that helped the most though was speaking with Saphira. She would lace her words with images and intentions that made it perfectly clear what the words meant, even the ones that Izuku hadn't learned yet. They had already made the switch to communicating solely in the ancient language.
Saphira had started teaching Izuku how to wield a sword. Or at least that's what she insisted she was doing. Izuku would swing a stick around in the backyard. He felt ridiculous. But the entire time Saphira would watch him through Jade's eyes and coach him. She would tell him to tuck in his elbows or to not extend so far. Each day he got a little better, and each day she pushed him a little harder.
Today, Saphira began. We are going to be doing something different.
Yes master, Izuku nodded as he sat down in the grass, his training stick resting in his lap. Jade sat a fair distance away and watched as he lounged in the sun.
Throw away your sword, Saphira commanded him.
Izuku furrowed his brow a little in confusion but he followed her instructions. He threw the stick towards the woods. It flew a good fifty feet away before landing in the grass.
Now retrieve it, Saphira instructed. Izuku made to stand. I did not say to get up.
How am I supposed to retrieve it without getting up? Izuku asked.
You can and you will, Saphira told him.
Izuku's brow furrowed further. It couldn't be a lie. You couldn't lie in the ancient language, even in thoughts. So there had to be a way.
Izuku held out his hand and tried to summon the stick. It was something he had done before, when he was experimenting to see if he had his mom's quirk. Maybe Saphira had felt the quirk within him? He focused, looking for some sort of tug or pull, anything that could bring the stick to him. But all he felt was the careful gazes of both Saphira and Jade.
Izuku huffed and did his best to ignore them as he continued. Maybe if he reached out with his mind? He pushed beyond his own consciousness and out into the field. He felt the grass and the insects. He felt all of the life, but the stick was long dead. He couldn't feel it where it lay.
Izuku bit at his lip. Maybe there was a trick? He looked over to where Jade was laying in the grass. The dragon watching him in turn.
Jade? Izuku asked.
No Izuku, Saphira sighed. This is your task. You must do this yourself.
Izuku growled in frustration as he turned back to the stick. He wracked his brain for anything he could do, but the task was impossible. It had to be impossible. But it wasn't. Saphira had told him it wasn't. Maybe he was the issue. Maybe he just wasn't good enough. He felt a white-hot something bubbling within him.
No. He refused to believe that. Jade had chosen him. He may not have had faith in himself, but he trusted Jade. So Izuku would believe in himself because Jade did. The white-hot bubble filled him to the brim at the thought.
"Come here!"Izuku shouted in frustration.
Miraculously the stick flew to his hand. The impact stung, but Izuku was far too amazed that it had worked to pay much attention.
How? Izuku gasped.
Magic, Saphira answered. Others may have provided a more poetic explanation, but I am not one for such things. As a rider, you have access to magic. You're limited only by your knowledge of the ancient language and the strength of your body. Jade will be able to provide strength to bolster your spells as well.
So the ancient language is magic? Izuku asked.
Yes and no, Saphira chuckled. As I have told you magic runs deep in the ancient language, but the power and the intention must come from the spell caster. The words alone are useless and the same spell can have drastically different results if the spellcaster intends them differently. It is not riders alone who can access magic, but I have seen no others in this world with the ability.
You said I was limited by how strong I am? Izuku asked. He had a million questions, but Saphira had always encouraged him to ask them one at a time, breaking him of his rambling habit early.
The energy must come from somewhere, Saphira explained. If you try to do something that you would be unable to do yourself, then you will die.
Oh, Izuku thought.
That is why you must know your limits, Saphira told him. We will work on this.
Yes master, Izuku nodded.
==Dragon Rider==
Magic was something Izuku loved learning. Adding it into his training was grueling, but it was rewarding work. Saphira taught him how to cast wards to protect himself, how to silence any noise that he made, and a million other things that Izuku never would have thought possible. She told him that as long as he could say the words, then he could attempt anything, but she warned against attempting anything too difficult without a failsafe and she warned him against risky phrasing. Apparently, many riders had caused unintended harm due to a poorly worded spell.
She had him perform a thousand tasks, both with and without magic, to understand his limits. He knew the largest stones he could lift and how long he could hold them. He knew how long he could produce a flame and how hot it burned. He knew how far he could run and how fast.
Now Saphira had him working to find how many arrows he could fire in a row. His mom had bought him the bow a few months ago with the savings the garden provided. It was a simple wooden thing, but it was supposed to have a high draw weight. It was supposed to work for a few years. So when Izuku pulled back another arrow and the bow snapped in his grasp, he was more than a little frustrated.
Damn it, Izuku cursed.
It is fine Izuku, Saphira sighed.
It's not, Izuku snapped. We could barely afford this one. What am I supposed to do now?
We will make one, Saphira told him.
What? Izuku asked, his shock instantly dispelling his anger.
You will make one, Saphira huffed. I did not see this happening so soon, if ever, but here we are.
What happened? Izuku asked.
It seems we were right, Saphira explained. Your body is reacting more than is usual to the changes of being a rider. Your strength is great enough that you can no longer handle a human bow.
So what kind of bow will we be making? Izuku wondered.
I will teach you how the elves sing their bows into being, Saphira told him.
Sing? Izuku asked.
Yes, Saphira nodded mentally. Magicians have often found that songs were incredibly useful in shaping more complicated magics. You could accomplish the same task without them, but it is easier to lose focus or for your intentions to shift. The song helps the caster remain focused on their task.
So I will sing about a bow, Izuku thought, though his doubts were clear in his mind.
You will sing of growth, Saphira told him with a huff. You will sing to the trees and ask for them to shape themselves to your desires. You will sing strength and pliability into the wood itself as it grows. And you will be rewarded with a bow.
Yes master, Izuku bowed. He had seen the image in Saphira's mind that accompanied her explanation. He knew what to do, at least in theory.
Izuku walked to the edge of the forest, to one of the thicker trees. He knelt by its roots and looked up. The tree was massive, easily twenty meters tall. Its thick truck decorated with knots and sap. Its bark was a beautiful chocolatey brown.
Izuku sighed. Jade pressed his presence against Izuku's, letting him know he was there. Izuku reached for the white-hot bubble of magic that was within himself. He allowed the pool of energy to fill him, burning through his veins. Only once he had a firm grasp on it did he begin to sing. He sang a slow song with long notes so that he could take his time.
"Ancient tree, of forest old,
I beseech thee, though I bring no gold,
I offer growth, and new life sprung,
Grow strong for me, as I have sung."
As Izuku sang, a new branch sprouted from an old knot. The green sprout quickly thickening and growing into a large branch. Izuku could feel the drain on his energy instantly. His eyes went wide in surprise, both at the instant growth and the drain, but he continued to sing.
"Ancient tree, of forest green,
I beseech thee, shape it lean,
A curve of wood, to bend with strength,
Grow it for me, grow long in length."
Izuku felt his breath growing heavy. The song was growing strained. The branch was beginning to look like a bow, curving into the familiar shape. He was close to finishing, but he didn't know if he had the strength. Before he could give up, Jade joined his mind more fully with his own. Jade's strength filled Izuku and continuing was easier.
"Ancient tree, of forest large,
I beseech thee, I give this charge,
You've done your task, grown me a bow,
I have one last ask, let it go."
As Izuku's song finished, the bow clattered to the earth. Izuku sighed in relief as he stopped the flow of energy into the tree. He picked up the bow and held it gingerly in his hands.
The bow was the same chocolate brown as the bark of the tree. Its surface was smooth and shiny. The grain of the wood flowed up the length of the bow. It was beautiful. It filled Izuku with a warm sense of pride and accomplishment.
Well done young one, Saphira praised him. I did not know if you would succeed, but you have accomplished something quite difficult here.
Thank you master, Izuku panted. He wiped the sweat from his brow. What will we do about a bowstring?
I will show you how to sing one from the vines, Saphira told him. But that will wait for another day. We've done enough for today.
Yes master, Izuku sighed. He laid back in the grass and relaxed.
The sudden weight of Jade's head smacking into his chest knocked the wind out of him.
I'm glad you like your new stick thrower, Jade teased him.
Thanks for your help, Izuku groaned. I don't know if I could have done it without you.
You don't have to, Jade smiled. He looked at Izuku with one giant forest green eye. We are one. My strength is yours, and yours is mine.
I don't know if that's exactly a fair trade, Izuku laughed. You're a lot stronger than me.
Jade rolled his eye and settled further into Izuku's chest. Izuku reached up and scratched under the curve of Jade's jaw, taking great pleasure in the rumbling that came from his dragon.
==Dragon Rider==
Izuku was meditating in the backyard, sending his consciousness outside the confines of his mind and feeling the life around him. Over the years he had extended his reach, now from the middle of the backyard he could reach out over a hundred meters into the forest.
The plethora of life within the forest was overwhelming. Izuku would always find himself focusing on one creature or another. He knew Saphira was disappointed. She kept telling him to focus on all the life around him, but no matter how much he focused there was just too much.
So he was trying to let go and take in everything. Which was why he could feel it when a creature rocketing towards him entered his perception range. Izuku's eyes flew open and he grabbed his bow off the ground. He drew an arrow just as whatever it was slammed into the earth by the forest.
Izuku ran up to the newly formed crater, Jade running right beside him. He pointed the arrow straight at whatever it was. The dust meant it was nothing but a shadow to him.
"Away," Izuku commanded.
The dust blew away and revealed the creature, but Izuku couldn't believe what he was seeing. Crouched in the crater was All Might. But he wasn't the larger-than-life hero that Izuku was used to seeing on TV. He was injured, barely keeping himself standing as he tried to staunch the bleeding wound on his right side.
"All Might?" Izuku asked as he lowered his bow.
"Fear not citizen," All Might wheezed. "Such a wound-" All Might cut off as a wet cough ripped through him, blood splattering on the earth before him. "Such a wound is nothing to a hero of my caliber."
"Jade, help me," Izuku called out as he rushed into the crater.
He ran up to All Might and threw one of the hero's massive arms over his shoulders. Jade slipped his neck beneath the other arm and together they carried the hero out of the crater.
We need to get him to the barn, Izuku told Jade.
Should we wake Saphira? Jade asked.
Izuku hesitated. I don't know, Izuku admitted.
She knows more about healing, Jade reminded him.
Jade was right of course. Izuku couldn't fight him on it. He just hated to wake her. She was still putting in a lot of effort to their training, and there were days where she would sleep and entrust them to keep up their training. But they needed her.
Izuku nodded. Go get her, Izuku told him. We may need her strength.
Jade slipped out from beneath All Might, trusting Izuku with his full weight.
"Where is he going?" All Might gasped.
"To get help," Izuku answered. "Do not speak if it is painful. Your wounds are serious."
All Might looked around the backyard. He seemed to stare at the forge and the tanning racks. "What is this place?" he asked.
"This is my home," Izuku laughed.
By the time he reached the barn, Jade had returned, Saphira's heart held in his teeth.
Who is this young one? Saphira asked.
This is All Might, Izuku told her. We have to help him.
We will young one, do not worry, Saphira assured him.
Jade pushed open the sliding door of the barn and helped Izuku bring All Might over to the pile of pillows that made up their bed.
"I thought he was getting help," All Might coughed weakly.
He did, Saphira said, speaking to All Might directly. Izuku this is a grievous injury. We will need to work quickly.
"A telepathy quirk?" All Might asked. His eyes scanned the room for signs of anyone else. "I'm sorry, I need to get to a hospital."
All Might tried to get to his feet, but Izuku pushed him gently back down onto the pillows.
"There's no time All Might," Izuku told him. "You'll have to trust us."
"Trust a child and someone I cannot even see?" All Might asked tensely.
"Yes," Izuku nodded. "Now I need you to lay still. I need to focus."
All Might stopped fighting Izuku and laid his head back on the pillows.
Master, Izuku called.
You can do this Izuku, Saphira assured him. Take it slow. You'll need to stop the bleeding and assess the damage before we can heal him fully.
Izuku took a deep breath. Jade's presence in his mind providing him with the stability and confidence he needed to continue. When he began to sing, he sang to the tune of one of the lullabies that his mom used to sing to him.
He sang for hours. He sang of life and healing, of the body and its beauty. In his mind he held a picture of All Might, full once again in all his glory. It didn't take long for Izuku's strength to fail him, but Jade was there. Together they continued to work. The damage was extensive. All Might's insides had been torn to shreds. His stomach was gone, most of his lung too, and he was missing large chunks of muscle. They worked to weave the hero back together.
They couldn't have done it without Saphira's help. She filled gaps in Izuku's knowledge. He had studied biology, preparing for the day he might need to do something just like this, but he'd never done anything this extensive. She wordlessly pushed his magic towards the right spots, correcting small mistakes in his task without breaking his concentration. And when Jade's strength began to fail, the ancient dragon allowed him to pull upon her reserves as well.
At long last he finished the healing and let the song die out. Keeping his eyes opened proved a monumental task. He sagged against the pillows, panting heavily.
You did well young one, Saphira praised him.
"T-thank you master," Izuku rasped weakly.
Sleep Izuku, Saphira commanded. You've earned it.
Izuku would have loved to argue, but he didn't have the strength for it. All he could do was mumble weakly before his eyes were closed and he was asleep.
==Dragon Rider==
Toshi's fight back to consciousness was strange. He had had close calls before, but never had he experienced anything like this. In the darkness of his unconscious mind, he could hear the ethereal singing. It was so beautiful. It filled him with a sense of calm tranquility, one that he fought against with all of his willpower. He needed to be awake. Give in and he might never wake up again.
Toshi forced his eyes to open, but he did not know if he was dreaming or not. The singing was still there. Just as hauntingly beautiful and strange. It was coming from a boy with green hair, his long, pointed ears and angular features making him look as otherworldly as the song he was singing. He fell back into the blackness before he could see anything but the boy.
The void of blackness was all encompassing. It was so hard to focus on anything, and still the singing followed. Toshi latched onto the song like a lifeline. He tried to understand the words, but the harder he listened the less they made sense. The melody was familiar though. It reminded him of his childhood. It made him feel safe.
Toshi pried open his eyes again. He didn't know how much time had passed. The boy was still beside him, still singing. Toshi tried to reach out for him, to wordlessly ask for help. An enormous, scaled head pushed his arm back down. A giant green eye fixed him with a look that told him that he was not allowed to move. Toshi fell back once again; confused and concerned but unable to fight it.
Still, he fought against the dark abyss that tried to hold onto him. Still, he fought against death, because Toshi could not die here. There was too much still to be done. Too many people who still needed him to save them. So, he fought, and he struggled, and he pushed. Toshi had won every fight, what was one more? Who was death to claim victory over him?
Toshi flew upright. His hand went instantly to his side, to the bloody wound that had crippled him. But the pain was gone. The bleeding had stopped. Toshi looked down, and through the bloody tatters of his costume he saw nothing but smooth skin. There was not even a scar.
Toshi's eyes scanned around the room. Even in the dark Toshi could tell it was huge. The ceiling was nearly ten meters above and the room was wider and longer than that. The room was filled with a strange mismatch of things. There were bookshelves and a desk, racks filled with all kinds of deadly weapons and armors, and a TV and speaker system.
When Toshi spotted the boy asleep against the edge of the cushions, kneeling with only his head resting against the soft pillows, he went to wake him. He could tell Toshi what was going on. His hand had only just begun to move when a voice stopped him.
I would prefer if you let him rest, the voice said. It was a deep voice, almost impossibly so, but it was soft and gentle in a way.
Toshi opened his mouth to respond, but once again the voice stopped him.
You do not need to speak, the voice told him. Think and I will hear, Izuku is a light sleeper.
How does that work? Toshi wondered.
Simple, the voice chuckled. I read your thoughts and allow you to hear my own.
That's quite the quirk, Toshi thought.
Indeed, it would be, the voice agreed.
Who are you? Toshi asked. Where are you?
Movement drew Toshi's eye from behind the boy. What Toshi had written off as a mass of pillows or blankets began to shift. An enormous head, easily the size of Toshi's body, snaked its way towards him. Eyes so green that they almost glowed in the darkness fixed themselves upon Toshi.
I am Jade, the voice, Jade, told him. You are in our den.
Toshi was frozen. This thing was as close to a monster as he had ever seen. It was clearly dangerous. But it was intelligent. He wasn't just some muscle headed buffoon. He knew better than to jump straight to violence.
Good, Jade complimented, he moved his head back down, laying it beside the sleeping boy. I'd hate to have to kill Izuku's favorite hero.
Izuku? Toshi thought instinctively upon hearing the unfamiliar name.
My human, Jade explained. Midoriya Izuku. He is the one who has healed you.
Then I owe him a thank you, Toshi sighed. He rubbed at the spot where All for One had driven his fist, malformed by what was surely over a hundred different quirks. That wound probably should have killed me.
It nearly did, Jade told him. Izuku worked for many hours to save you.
Where is he? Toshi asked as he looked around. He thought there had been another voice, another telepath. He barely remembered though. He'd been losing a lot of blood.
He is here, Jade laughed. Once he was done, he did not have the energy to move. He collapsed where he had worked. Seeing as you were using the bed, I could not move him.
The boy? Toshi nearly screamed. But he is a child?
Yes, Jade agreed. He did well to accomplish something so difficult. We were not sure if he would be able.
Toshi wondered about the second voice. If the boy had been the one to heal him then who was the second telepath.
Our master, Jade said, answering his unintended question. She has returned to her slumbers, entrusting me to watch over Izuku and monitor you.
Monitor? Toshi asked.
We were unsure in what state you would awaken, Jade explained. If you had been violent, then I would have stopped you. But you are not. You were only tired and confused. And now that I have answered your questions, you should sleep.
But- Toshi began to argue.
You may ask your questions in the morning, Jade cut him off. I'm sure Izuku is very excited to speak to you. He will be more than happy to answer you. Now sleep.
How can I sleep when I do not even know where I am? Toshi asked.
No answer came. Toshi looked to Jade's head where it lay next to the boy, but his eyes were closed. Toshi had no choice. He laid himself back down in the bloody mess of a bed, sure that he wouldn't get any more rest, and instantly fell back asleep.
==Dragon Rider==
The next time Toshi woke up it was much more peaceful. Sunlight streamed through the open door. The room was much the same as it had been last night, though now he could see the blood stains that led from the door to where he lay. The only other difference he noticed was the missing presence of the boy or the dragon, Midoriya Izuku and Jade he remembered.
Toshi climbed out of the mountain of cushions he was using as a bed. The tatters of his costume clung to his chest from the dried blood. He pulled off the top of the ruined outfit, leaving on only the bloodied pants. The blood, combined with the unblemished skin of his chest, was all the proof he needed that none of it had been a dream.
The sound of swishing steel caught his attention. He walked over to the open barn door and looked out. The boy, Midoriya, he reminded himself yet again, was out in the grass. He held a sword in his hand and moved through several strokes with practiced ease. Toshi felt his eyebrows furrow as he took in the site.
The boy couldn't be older than ten. He'd guess younger. So, what was he doing with what looked like a very real sword. Even if he did seem to be well practiced with it, he was far too young to be dealing with something so deadly.
The dragon was nowhere to be seen. It was just the boy.
"Excuse me," Toshi called out.
The boy whipped around to face him. Toshi almost laughed at how fast the movement was, but it wasn't panicked, it was smooth and graceful.
"Good morning," Midoriya greeted him. He gave a small bow. "How are you feeling?"
Midoriya began walking back towards the barn, kneeling to pick up a leather scabbard and put away the sword as Toshi answered.
"I feel good as new," Toshi laughed. It was his trademark over the top laugh, with a big smile that showed off his teeth.
"That's good," Midoriya nodded. He picked up a bundle of cloth before he stood back up and walked over to Toshi. "These should fit you," he explained as he handed the bundle to Toshi. It was a plain shirt and a pair of pants, incredibly similar to the ones the boy was wearing, but a half dozen sizes larger. "Once you are changed you may speak to me about what is bothering you."
With that Midoriya left him. Toshi watched as he walked over to a garden and began pulling fresh fruit and vegetables off of the vines and out of the earth. He went back to the barn and changed as quick as he could, which was quite fast given that he was a pro hero. By the time he reemerged though, Midoriya was seated at a table that had been set up off to the side. Toshi headed that way.
"Jade warned me you still had questions," Midoriya said as Toshi sat down in the only other seat. He pushed a wooden plate loaded with fresh apples and apricots his way. "I will be happy to answer them, but please eat. You need to regain your strength."
Toshi nodded and picked up a slice of apple. He ate it, marveling at how crisp and sweet the fruit was, and thought of what he should ask first.
As he thought, he looked around. This place felt so unreal. There was the old farmhouse and the barn, those at least made sense. The other things that filled the field, less so. Off to the side were wooden racks with animal pelts stretched across them. There was a giant stone furnace and an archery field. It felt more like a renaissance fair than someone's home.
"What is this place?" Toshi found himself wondering out loud.
"This is my home," Midoriya laughed. The boy's laugh was as other worldly as his appearance. It was soft, sounding almost musical in its beauty.
"But why is it-?" Toshi finished his question by gesturing towards the strange menagerie of things around them.
"Is it so strange?" Midoriya asked with another laugh.
"Who are you?" Toshi wondered aloud. He tried not to blush when he realized he had spoken aloud. Everything was just so strange.
"I am Midoriya Izuku," Midoriya answered, his laughter dying down and being replaced with a kind smile.
"The dragon," Toshi began.
"Jade," Midoriya reminded him gently.
"Right, Jade," Toshi nodded. Best not to offend the boy. "He said you were the one who healed me."
"That is not a question," Midoriya smiled.
"Did you?" Toshi asked.
"Yes," Midoriya answered simply. He pushed another plate of fruit to Toshi, who was amazed to look down and realize he had finished the first one.
"How?" Toshi wondered.
"I wove the energy to heal you into you and allowed your body to grow whole once more," Midoriya told him. It answered less questions than Toshi liked.
"So that's your quirk?" Toshi pushed. "Energy manipulation."
Midoriya shook his head. "No," he laughed. Toshi felt himself frown, and apparently Midoriya saw it too because he chose to continue. "Do not worry too much All Might."
Toshi looked down at Midoriya, at the strange child, and he found that despite all the oddities that surrounded him, Toshi did not have it in him to distrust a child. Much less interrogate him.
"You're so young," Toshi remarked.
"I am," Midoriya nodded. "But again, that is not a question."
"I'm sorry Midoriya but this is all a bit strange," Toshi sighed. "Is there anyone else here? What about your parents?"
"My mother works late most nights," Midoriya told him. "She is unaware that you are here at the moment. Though she will likely wake soon if you would like to speak to her."
Toshi considered it for a moment. He owed this boy his life, but he probably shouldn't be going around spreading that info. If people knew how close to death he had come, then the pillar that held society's peace would begin to crumble. On the other hand, Midoriya seemed so mature. That was rarely a good sign in one so young.
"Yes," Toshi agreed. "I think that would be a good idea. I must thank her for her hospitality, even if she was unaware that she was providing it."
"Would you like tea while we wait?" Midoriya asked.
"That would be nice," Toshi said with a nod.
Midoriya smiled and left him at the table. He was back moments later with two cups and a steaming kettle. As they waited for the tea to steep, Toshi took in Midoriya's home once again. He found that it was peaceful. The sound of the birds flittering in the forest as the wind rustled the trees filled the air. There was no sound of traffic or villain attacks. It was wonderfully refreshing. He couldn't help but wonder if this was what retirement would feel like.
"Izuku?" A groggy voice called from the house. Toshi turned and felt his mind short circuit. Standing in the doorway was a beautiful woman, with long green hair and soft features. Her robe, and the fact that she was still rubbing sleep from her eyes, hinted that she had only just woke up. "Do we have a guest?"
Toshi stood from the table and cleared his throat. "Hello Mrs. Midoriya," Toshi greeted her with a bow.
The woman's eyes went wide as she took in Toshi at his full height. "A-All Might!?" she gasped.
Toshi laughed. "Yes, it is I, All Might!" he crowed.
The woman fainted, falling backwards into the waiting arms of her son. Toshi hadn't seen him move. He brought the woman over to the table and sat her down in the seat he had been occupying. He smiled at Toshi when he saw him watching with concern.
"Don't worry All Might," Midoriya assured him calmly. "My mother has always been easy to startle. She'll wake up soon."
"R-right," Toshi agreed awkwardly. He sat back down and noticed the problem. "There are only two seats. Can I help you grab another one?"
"There are only the two All Might," Midoriya told him. "It is alright, there are chores that need seeing to. Will you watch over my mother for me?"
"Of course," Toshi nodded. "She is in good hands."
Midoriya gave him a gentle smile. "I know," he chuckled. With a bow he excused himself and returned to the barn.
Toshi tried not to stare at the woman across from him. She was just as beautiful up close. Her face was exceptionally kind looking. Her laugh lines and crows' feet a testament to how much she must smile. As her eyes fluttered open, he marveled at how lovely a green they were.
"A-All Might!" she shouted out again, sitting bolt upright in her seat.
"Hello Mrs. Midoriya," Toshi greeted again.
"I-it's Ms. actually," she stammered.
Toshi smiled at her. "Ms. Midoriya," he corrected himself with a small bow.
"Forgive me," Ms. Midoriya said as she bit at her bottom lip. "B-but what is the number one hero doing all the way out here? Or for that matter what are you doing at my house?"
Toshi laughed. It wasn't the overly loud laugh that he was famous for, it was his real laugh. "A fair question," Toshi sighed. "I'm afraid I ended up here after a villain attack."
"A villain?!" Ms. Midoriya exclaimed. "Is he safe? Is he okay?"
"Young Midoriya is fine," Toshi assured her. Her panic disappeared almost instantly as she sagged in relief. "He said he was going to get started on some chores, but he asked that I keep an eye on you."
"That boy," Ms. Midoriya sighed. She sounded exasperated, but fond as well. It was nice to hear and it helped assuage Toshi's concerns, if only a little.
"He seems like a good kid," Toshi agreed. "He helped me with my injuries and allowed me to sleep in your barn."
"You were injured?" Ms. Midoriya worried. Her eyes scanned his form. Taking in his clothes. She furrowed her eyebrows and scowled when she saw them. "He made you clothes?"
"He made these?" Toshi asked in surprise.
Ms. Midoriya sighed. "Yes," she nodded. "Izuku does what he can to help out. He learned how to make clothes and he's quite good at it. But it means that he didn't think he could salvage the clothes you arrived in. Was it that bad?"
Toshi flinched at the woman's astute analysis. "It wasn't good," he confirmed. He rubbed at the spot where his wound had been. "Your son's quirk is really something."
Ms. Midoriya stared off at his words. He followed her gaze towards the barn where young Midoriya was carrying out the bloody pillows and throwing them in a growing pile. Once he had collected all of the pillows, he stood in front of the bloody pillows. Toshi's eyes went wide as suddenly all the blood flowed out of the fabric and into the earth. Midoriya then began carrying the pillows back in.
"I don't understand how he does it all myself," Ms. Midoriya confessed. "One day he just ran into the kitchen all excited. He said some funny words and all of a sudden the vegetables started to float off of the counter."
"So what is his quirk?" Toshi asked.
"The doctor said it was a companion quirk," Ms. Midoriya told him. "He said that Izuku would never have a power of his own and that Jade would stay the size of a house cat."
"A house cat?" Toshi asked in disbelief.
"That's how big he was when Izuku first got him," Ms. Midoriya chuckled. "Came stumbling out of the woods in the dead of night with the tiniest dragon climbing him like a jungle gym."
Toshi couldn't help but laugh at the image.
"At the time it was like my prayers had been answered," Ms. Midoriya told him. "He was a bit of a late bloomer. I was so scared that he would never get his quirk."
Toshi stayed quiet. He knew better than most what it was like to be quirkless. He could only imagine it got worse over the last thirty years.
"So no," Ms. Midoriya shook her head. "I don't really understand his quirk. I can't tell you what it is or how it works." A weak smile spread across her face. "But it makes him happy. Jade makes him happy. And that's all that really matters to me."
Toshi smiled. "It sounds like you're a good mother Ms. Midoriya," Toshi praised her.
"Call me Inko," Ms. Midoriya told him. "It's easier."
"Thank you Inko," Toshi bowed.
==Dragon Rider==
"You boys have everything?" Inko asked as Izuku strapped the saddle onto Jade. It was a big improvement from the first one he had made all those years ago.
"We should be all set mom," Izuku assured her as he pat the leather bag at his side. He turned around to find his mother tearing up as she watched them.
"Oh! I just know you're going to get in," Inko cried. She rushed forward and threw her arms around Izuku. "You'll be safe though, won't you?"
"Of course, mama," Izuku laughed.
"And you keep him safe," Inko told Jade as she sent a glare over Izuku's shoulder.
Yes ma'am, Jade laughed. Always.
"Good," Inko sighed as she hugged Izuku tighter. She shoved Izuku away, throwing him towards where Jade was waiting for him. "Now you two get going or you're going to be late."
"Was that a challenge?" Izuku laughed.
"No, no it was not," Inko huffed.
"I don't know," Izuku teased. "What did you think Jade?"
It sounded like a challenge, the dragon agreed, he bared his fangs in a cheeky grin.
Izuku laughed as he leapt up into the saddle. Jade didn't hesitate. His massive wings spread and with a single powerful swoosh the two of them took to the air.
"I better not see you boys on the news!" Inko called after them seriously. Izuku could see her jabbing her finger up at them, but he could also see the smile that stretched across her face.
Jade roared into the heavens as Izuku let out a joyous whoop. Jade made it over the trees and stopped holding back. The wind whipped across Izuku's face as they raced over the trees.
Remember not to push yourself too hard, Izuku reminded him. We still have to take the exam when we get there.
I am still a dragon Izuku, Jade huffed. I was made to fly.
I know, Izuku laughed. So you better not try and blame the flight when I beat you.
Jade's rumbling laughter reverberated through Izuku. Izuku sat back in the saddle and enjoyed the feeling of flying. Even after all these years it was a unique joy in his life. He still took every opportunity to be in the air with Jade.
The forest beneath them gave way to suburbs, and the suburbs gave way to the busy streets and packed buildings of the city. It had been years since Izuku had been here. Musutafu was the place he had been born, but it wasn't at all like he remembered.
You have never seen it from skies, Jade chuckled.
Izuku was ready to craft a witty comeback, but the two of them felt a presence that stopped it dead. Whatever it was, it was angry, and it was flying towards them, fast. Izuku's head whipped around and found a large gray dragon coming straight at them.
Move! Izuku called.
Jade tucked his wings close and spun down into a dive. They narrowly avoided the gray dragon's claws as it reached out at Izuku. Jade twisted his body back, flapping his wings to slip back up and behind the other dragon. Izuku held on tight to the spike in front of him as Jade whipped around.
As Jade grabbed onto the other dragon, his claws and teeth grabbing at onto it, Izuku was amazed they didn't start plummeting towards the earth. It was only then that he noticed the red qipao it wore.
Shit, Izuku cursed. He threw his mind out towards the dragon as it began to shout.
"Stand down!" the Dragoon Hero: Ryukyu called. "You're under arrest for public quirk use without a license."
Jade shoved the other dragon away, the two hovering steady in the air. Izuku couldn't help but compare the two dragons. Ryukyu was larger than Jade, if only a little, but her scales failed to cover her face or her upper arms.
"I'm sorry Ryukyu," Izuku apologized, speaking aloud and to her mind to ensure he could be heard. "I have a permit that allows Jade to travel with me."
"A travel permit is not the same as a license to fly him around and scare people," Ryukyu demanded.
"We can't exactly take the subway," Izuku laughed.
"And where exactly are you headed?" Ryukyu asked angrily. "Why not leave your dragon at home?"
"We're headed to UA," Izuku told her. "We're taking the entrance exam today."
Ryukyu growled in frustration. "Fine," she snapped. "But I'm escorting you there and you're showing me this permit when we arrive."
"Yes ma'am," Izuku nodded.
Ryukyu flipped around in the air, gracefully folding back over herself, and began leading the way towards UA. Jade followed after her.
She's slow, Jade commented impatiently.
She's holding back, Izuku pointed out. She caught us in the air.
She started from in front of us, Jade huffed making Izuku laugh.
Ryukyu looked at him over her shoulder, but she didn't say anything.
We're attracting more attention, Jade told him.
Izuku looked through his eyes and saw the people on the ground looking up. Some were just pointing; others had their phones out.
Mom's not going to love that, Izuku groaned.
Nothing we can do about it now, Jade shrugged.
Izuku sighed. Jade was right. All he could do was sit back and enjoy the chance to be in the air with Jade.
The rest of the flight passed quickly. Ryukyu kept them away from the taller buildings, something Izuku knew he and Jade probably wouldn't have bothered doing. It didn't take them out of their way, but it was significantly less fun.
As they landed outside the gates of UA, Ryukyu shrunk back down to her normal form.
Izuku slid out of the saddle. There were a lot of other students making their way into the campus. Lots of them were staring at Jade or Ryukyu. Some had gone so far as to stop and watch.
Thank you, Izuku sighed as he pat Jade's shoulder. He turned to face Ryukyu, pulling his wallet out of his bag. He fished out the companion quirk permit and brought it over to her. "Here you go ma'am."
Ryukyu snatched the card from him. After a quick once over she gave Izuku a stern look. "This permit is for a small companion," she told him.
"Sorry," Izuku laughed. "He was a lot smaller when I was five."
"You need to get this updated," she sighed as she handed him back the card. "I'll put out a notice that you'll be flying back out of the city later. But if I see you flying after that without the proper documentation then I'll have no choice but to arrest you."
"Yes ma'am," Izuku nodded.
Ryukyu huffed and walked away, weaving through the crowd of students that had steadily grown around them. Izuku laughed at the absurdity of it all, to think he'd get stopped by someone as high profile as Ryukyu just to double check his permit.
"Come on Jade," Izuku called as he turned back to the gate.
The crowd parted for them, a lot of the students rushing to get out of the way of the several ton dragon.
So, was she cute? Izuku teased as they walked through the gate.
Izuku could feel Jade's exhausted glare on the back of his head.
What? Izuku laughed. I'm just curious.
No, Jade sighed. The half-dragon was not cute.
That's a shame, Izuku frowned.
A sense of shared sadness filled the pair as the continued towards the building. As they reached the steps that led to the double doors, they realized the problem.
I will wait out here, Jade chuckled as the mental image of the dragon trying to fit through the admittedly already over sized doors passed through their mental link.
You'll draw a crowd, Izuku warned.
Good, Jade beamed. They may appreciate my beauty before they fear my might.
You're incorrigible, Izuku grinned as he watched Jade move over to the side of the building. He struck a proud pose, thrusting out his chest, as he brought a claw up to his mouth to clean. Several students were already starting to move towards him.
Izuku just shook his head and made his way inside. The auditorium was easy enough to find. His seat, less so. As he checked in, they handed him a testing ID with his seat number and testing field displayed. The problem was that the auditorium was absolutely massive. Izuku ended up wandering for several minutes before he found his seat.
As he sat down the girl in the seat beside his turned to face him. She had a brown bob with two long strands framing her face and she was all bundled up in a peacoat.
"Hello," she smiled.
"Hello," Izuku nodded back.
"I'm Uraraka Ochako," the girl introduced herself.
"Midoriya Izuku," Izuku offered in turn. "It's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too!" Uraraka exclaimed. "I'm so nervous. Are you nervous? It feels this is a good thing to be nervous about."
"I'm not nervous," Izuku chuckled. "I've worked hard, and I plan to do my best."
"Oh man that's so cool," Uraraka laughed. "You must have a really powerful quirk to be so confident."
"No," Izuku shook his head. "Not really."
The lights began to dim around them.
"Crap! Guess we're getting started," Uraraka said.
The two quieted down as Present Mic took the stage. He explained how the exam would be run. The applicants would be unleashed into a mock villain scenario. Their goal was to defeat as many villains and acquire as many points as possible. Present Mic was in the middle of explaining the types of enemies, having already covered the one, two, and three pointers when a boy near the front stood up and interrupted him.
Izuku rolled his eyes at the boy's over seriousness.
He's like a robot, Jade pointed out.
What do you mean? Izuku asked with a quirked eyebrow.
Look, Jade instructed as the boy began chopping his hand through the air and rambling about the importance of concise information.
Point taken, Izuku laughed.
Present Mic eventually got everything back on track and finished explaining about the zero pointer, a dangerous robot worth no points. Once he was done, he sent the students out to the busses that would take them to their testing fields.
You should take the bus, Jade told him.
Planning your dramatic entrance? Izuku sighed.
Always, Jade promised.
==Dragon Rider==
Tenya prided himself on his readiness. This was the most important test of his life. Today he would prove that he could be a hero, just like his brother. He was ready. So, it was very frustrating that no one else seemed to be taking this seriously. Present Mic's forgetfulness in explaining the zero pointer had already annoyed him. The boy stepping off the bus in loose flowy pants and sandals really set him off.
Tenya approached him. He wasn't deterred by the boy's lithe frame or the fact that he stood several centimeters taller than him.
"Excuse me!" Tenya proclaimed as he grabbed the boy's shoulder. The boy turned to him; his angular features raised into a look of surprise. "You are dressed entirely inappropriately for this exam. If you are ill prepared, I recommend you leave at once."
The boy looked Tenya up and down, his green eyes taking in the Ingenium brand track suit that he had had tailored to fit him despite the exhausts on his calves.
"My clothes will not impede me," the boy assured him. He was soft spoken, but his voice still had a firmness to it.
"Your shoes are a safety hazard!" Tenya demanded. "You could trip and get in the way of the other applicants!"
The boy lifted his foot and showed Tenya the sandals. He was surprised to see that the leather straps went around the other boy's heel and up his calf, securely fastening the shoe to his foot.
Before Tenya could point out that they still did nothing to protect his foot from danger, a sound like a hurricane and the winds to match slammed into the group of students. Tenya had to put one foot back and brace himself not to be blown away. He shielded his eyes and watched as an enormous green dragon slammed into the earth directly behind the boy. One of the other applicants screamed. It wasn't Tenya who screamed, right?
"Is this part of the exam?" someone asked in disbelief.
Is this boy bothering you Izuku? A deep voice rumbled. It was incredibly strange, as though it was spoken directly into Tenya's thoughts. Apparently, the other students heard it too because there were several startled exclamations.
"No Jade," the boy shook his head. With that he turned and started walking towards the gate, the dragon close behind him.
Tenya went to complain about the clear attempt to distract the other applicants when Present Mic hopped up by the gate.
"GO!" he screamed, his voice amplified by his quirk. The gate slammed open beside him.
Tenya was blown back another half step as the dragon launched itself over the crowd with a mighty flap of its wings. Tenya and the other applicants stared after it as it let out a roar that shook the very earth they stood on. It made it through the gate at the same time as the green blur that streaked across the ground beneath it.
"They've got the right idea!" Present Mic laughed. "There aren't any count downs in real life. Now, go, go, go!"
==Dragon Rider-
Izuku and Jade had separated the moment they were through the gate of battle ground Beta. They were a team, a perfect unit of cooperation, but Izuku's request for a bow and a sword had been denied. He could have sat atop Jade's back and cast spells to destroy the robots, but that didn't sound as fun. So, they chose instead to divide and conquer. And if there was a bit of healthy competition, then so be it.
Thirteen, Jade bragged from across the battlefield.
Shut it, Izuku laughed as he leapt atop another three pointer. He wrenched the head off the robot, throwing it away as he jumped back down. Twelve.
Izuku ran down another street looking for any other robots. He came across a boy with yellow hair cursing as a pair of two pointers cornered him. Izuku ran straight at the two pointers, leaping as he came close. He kicked off the near one and shoved it into the other. He landed beside the other boy.
"Come on," Izuku commanded as he grabbed his hand. He raced away, dragging the blond boy away from the two pointers. Once they made it back to the main street, he let the boy go.
He was already racing away when the boy shouted a thank you after him. Izuku couldn't help but smile hearing it.
==Dragon Rider==
Of course Izuku would waste time keeping the foolish two-legs from hurting themselves. This was the third fool Izuku had saved, and Jade could tell it was slowing him down.
It is my duty as rider and hero to help others, Izuku sighed when he felt Jade's judgement across their bond.
What was it you told me? Jade growled. Fine, but you better not try and use it as an excuse when you lose?
Jade clawed through another robot as he swooped low to the earth. He did not concern himself with the different types of robots. Prey was prey and he was a predator.
Fourteen, Jade told Izuku.
Wait you aren't tracking points? Izuku questioned. Jade felt Izuku's spark of realization. You're relaying the number of robots you've destroyed!
Yes, Jade grinned. Are you not?
Jade felt Izuku tapping into his magic. Twelve, Izuku snapped. Ignore the points all you want; I'm still going to win.
You can try little warrior, Jade laughed. He let another roar as he flew higher into the sky. He scanned the battlefield, feeling elation like he'd never felt before, and looked for more prey.
==Dragon Rider==
Twenty-five, Izuku called out as he sent a rock through the head of another three pointer. Jade might not care about the points, but Izuku knew they needed as many points as possible to pass. He had tried to focus on taking out three pointers, but he'd taken down a lot of two pointers and a couple one pointers too.
You worry too much, Jade sighed. All you need to concern yourself with is the fact that I have twenty-six.
Izuku growled in frustration. He needed another big group, but they'd mostly been dispersed at this point. He was about to turn and run off when the ground began to rumble beneath his feet. For a moment he looked around for Jade, what he found instead was a robot so large it was almost comical.
The zero pointer had been unleashed. A twenty-story tall robot was currently smashing its way through buildings as it worked its way down the main street.
That seems excessive, Izuku sighed.
It looks like fun! Jade exclaimed. Izuku could hear his roar clear across the battlefield.
Don't, it's just a distraction, Izuku reminded him. He could feel the disappointment. He was already turning away to find more points when a grunt of pain came from where the debris was falling. Izuku turned around and could just make out the face of the girl he had sat beside in the auditorium, Uraraka.
Jade! Izuku called as he took off towards Uraraka.
I'm coming Izuku, Jade answered him and Izuku could feel the effort he was putting into making it in time.
Izuku wove between the river of applicants moving the opposite way, barely slowing as he passed them. A few students shouted in surprise as he tore past them, but he didn't care. He made it to Uraraka's side in seconds.
It wasn't good. A giant chunk of concrete had fallen directly atop of her. She was still awake, but she was clearly in pain. She locked eyes with him, pain and desperation clear in her expression as she took ragged wheezing breaths.
"Try not to move," Izuku told her as he looked her over.
Pinned as she was, it wouldn't be safe to try and move her. She'd need healing almost as soon as the weight was gone, and Izuku didn't have time to do it. Not with the zero-pointer barreling down upon them.
Izuku could feel Jade approaching. As the dragon swept low, close to the earth, Izuku leapt into the air. He grabbed hold of one of Jade's neck spikes. He didn't have time to make it into the saddle, so instead he just held on.
Jade's roar echoed through the air as the two flew straight to the giant's head. The collision was almost enough to knock Izuku free, but his grip held. Jade took a deep breath and Izuku had just enough time to turn his face away as Jade bathed the giants head in white hot flames. When he could look again the metal had melted away, but the behemoth was still moving.
Through the hole melted in the robot's head Izuku could see thick metal wires. He didn't hesitate, simply acted. His body filled with the white-hot energy of magic and he spoke.
"Come," Izuku commanded.
The tearing and ripping sound of the wires flying to Izuku's outstretched hands was grating. The robot grinding to a halt once they came free though was satisfying.
"Twenty-six," Izuku sighed. His joy was short lived though as he remembered Uraraka pinned to the street below them.
Jade moved before Izuku could say a thing. He plummeted back towards the earth as fast as gravity could take them. Enormous green wings spread at the last moment, the deceleration so fast that Izuku's grip on Jade finally gave out and he tumbled to the hard pavement.
He was on his feet in an instant. His eyes whipped around, searching for Uraraka. He found her, another applicant, a boy with gravity defying purple hair, was trying to lift the concrete off of her. Uraraka was still awake, still struggling to breathe beneath the weight.
"Here," Izuku called as he walked up. He was panting hard. "Let me help."
The boy stared at him for a moment before shuffling to the side to make room for him. Izuku fit himself beside the boy and lifted. He knew better than to try and leverage it, the weight might have just crushed her legs if she was pinned wrong. Instead, he made sure his grip was strong, locked his wrists, and lifted the entire slab parallel to the earth. It was heavy, but not undoable.
"Let's just toss it aside," Izuku grunted.
"R-right," the other boy nodded.
Together they threw the slab of concrete away. It landed with a resounding thud a meter away from them, splitting down the middle from the impact. The purple haired boy stared after it, but Izuku was already kneeling by Uraraka's side.
"It's going to be okay," Izuku told her. He rolled her as gently as he could onto her back. He ripped her tank top down the middle, exposing her sports bra and the growing bruising on her ribs.
"Hey!" the boy shouted. "What the fuck are you doing man?"
"I needed to be able to see the damage," Izuku explained. His eyes never leaving Uraraka as he assessed her injuries. He looked her in the eyes. She was still breathing, but he could see the panic in her eyes.
"You broke several ribs and one of your lungs has collapsed," he explained. "I'm going to heal you."
You don't have the energy, Jade told him gently.
"It doesn't matter," Izuku snapped at him. He glared at the dragon where he stood, watching them from where they landed. "We have to do this."
Very well, Jade relented with a bow of his head. I am here.
"Thank you," Izuku nodded.
He let the bubble of magic within him come to the surface once again. This wasn't a difficult healing, but he rarely got practice with this type of magic. It didn't help his confidence that Saphira had chosen to stay at home, meaning he and Jade were on their own. He took a deep breath. He focused on what he was doing. And he began to sing.
It wasn't a fast song, but it was filled with the desperation he felt. The result was a strange, rushed feeling that he hoped didn't seep into the healing.
"Make this body whole,
Fix that which broke,
Close every hole,
Don't let her choke.
Jade was right. He'd used more energy during the exam than he'd thought. He could feel where his energy stopped feeding the spell as Jade took over. He only hoped that Jade had more strength than he did.
The spell was working. Uraraka's breaths were already growing deeper and the bruises were less prominent. The pain was no longer twisting her features. But they needed to finish it.
"Ensure she is well,
Soothe all her aches,
Leave no tell,
Whatever it takes."
Izuku panted as he finished the song. The bruising was gone, and her breathing was smooth once again. He let his eyes rest as he sagged backwards.
"Whoa," the purple haired boy exclaimed as he caught Izuku.
"Sorry," Izuku offered weakly. He opened his eyes and looked up at the concerned face of the boy. "I'm okay. Healing like that takes a lot of me."
"T-thank you," Uraraka gasped as she sat up.
Izuku's eyes turned to her. She was rezipping the jacket she wore to cover herself back up. "Sorry about your shirt," Izuku told her with a weak bow.
"Don't worry about it," Uraraka shook her head.
A sudden gust of wind ruffled their clothes and hair, and there before them stood All Might, he carried a small old woman in his arms. When he saw Izuku there he seemed to sag in relief. He set the woman down, who instantly rushed to Uraraka's side.
"Young Midoriya," he sighed. "It is good to see you."
The woman, who Izuku could now recognize as Recovery Girl, started fretting over Uraraka, which meant Izuku could round on All Might with all the rage that was boiling in his gut on full display. In his anger it was as if all his exhaustion was gone.
"I wish I could say the same," Izuku snapped. He felt his eyebrows furrowed in a glare. "What the hell Toshi?"
"Now Young Midoriya," Toshi defended as he took a step back. "We got here as fast as we could."
"Y-you know All Might by name?" Uraraka gasped.
"Who let that thing loose without having a safety net in place?" Izuku demanded, he could explain later.
"UA's never had any serious injuries during the exam," Toshi told him.
"Well that record died today," Izuku cut him off before he could continue. "I want to speak to whoever's in charge."
"I'm afraid you can't just demand such things Midoriya," Toshi sighed, but Izuku wasn't listening.
As he walked over to Jade, he turned his head to Uraraka. "Uraraka," he called. "I'm leaving you in Recovery Girl's capable hands. She should be able to help get you home."
"T-thank you," Uraraka managed through a mouthful of candies that Recovery Girl was continuing to give her.
Izuku leapt up onto Jade's extended knee and into the saddle. He didn't bother to strap his feet in.
"Now Midoriya," Toshi warned him.
"Bring him," Izuku said aloud.
Gladly, Jade laughed, projecting the word into the mind of everyone present.
Jade leapt into the air with a mighty flap of his wings. As he surged forward, he snagged All Might, one arm in each of his powerful front claws.
"Midoriya!" Toshi screamed as they took off towards the main building. "Put me down!"
Izuku just shook his head.
You're angry, Jade pointed out.
Yes, Izuku nodded. I am right to be.
Maybe, Jade agreed. But you do not have much strength left.
I have enough, Izuku told him as they began to descend towards the front steps of the building.
Izuku was pleased to see a welcoming party for them. Jade tossed Toshi not all to gently towards the group as he landed before them. Izuku scowled as he recognized what this was. It was a show of force. Izuku leapt from the saddle undaunted.
"Who is in charge here?" Izuku demanded.
"That would be me Mr. Midoriya," a small white animal in a tailor fit custom three-piece suit, President Nedzu, stepped forward.
"Nedzu," Izuku scowled. "I would have expected better from someone of your reputation. I believe you owe me an explanation."
"We don't owe you a thing," Vlad King snarled as he stepped up behind the President. "Just who do you think you are kid?"
Nedzu sighed, whether in disappointment or relief Izuku couldn't tell, but Vlad King's words had already had their affect. Izuku was pissed.
"I,"Izuku seethed, "am the one who just saved the life of the applicant you almost murdered."
Izuku let his words sink in. Several of the other heroes were clearly taken aback, both at Izuku's ferocity and his words. Vlad on the other hand just scoffed.
"Recovery Girl was already on the way with All Might," Vlad reminded him. "That girl would have been fine."
"She had a collapsed lung," Izuku informed the man. His voice dripped with the loathing he was beginning to feel for him. "Not only that but several broken ribs were piercing it. Recovery Girl's quirk speeds up the healing process, but it can't fix that. Even with All Might there, she would have suffocated in minutes."
"And we're just supposed to take your word for it?" Vlad asked with a barked laugh.
"Yes," Toshi finally spoke up. Izuku hadn't seen him pick himself up. "Young Midoriya has one of the most powerful healing quirks I have ever seen. If he says that she would have died, then I believe him."
Several murmurs broke out at hearing the number one hero back up Izuku. Izuku had to take a deep breath and calm himself. It wouldn't do to go attacking pro heroes.
"So, let me ask again," Izuku said through clenched teeth. "What happened?"
Nedzu stepped forward once again, leaving a rather shaken looking Vlad King in his wake. "I'm afraid a mechanical issue led to the zero-pointer causing more destruction than intended," he sighed. "While nothing like this has happened before, it does not excuse us from our responsibility. You have my deepest thanks for saving Ms. Uraraka's life."
"I don't want your thanks," Izuku told him. "I want to know that this isn't going to happen again."
"You have my word," Nedzu bowed. "We will be removing the zero pointer from the exam and looking at a full rework of the application process."
"Good," Izuku nodded. He turned around and returned to Jade who was watching him with curious eyes.
What? Izuku asked.
You would have made a good dragon, Jade told him.
Izuku rolled his eyes as he climbed back up into the saddle.
"That's it?" Vlad King demanded as he seemed to snap back to reality. "We're just gonna let him go? He just threw the symbol of peace at us?"
"I'd love to see you stop him," Toshi laughed loudly.
Izuku couldn't help but smile. The way Toshi said it broke through the last dregs of his anger and left him feeling exhausted.
"Hey Toshi," Izuku called back down. All Might looked up at him with his trademark smile on his face. "You know my mom's gonna want to have you over for dinner now that you're back in town."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Toshi cheered. He either didn't know or didn't care about the strange looks the other heroes were giving them. Izuku just laughed to himself, Jade taking to the air as Toshi and Nedzu waved.
As they flew over the gate and back into the city Izuku slumped against Jade's neck.
Sleep little warrior, Jade told him. You've earned your rest.
Izuku just nodded as he slipped away into sleep.
==Dragon Rider==
"Izuku!" Inko yelled from the back door. Izuku looked up from the smithy and towards his mom. She wore her favorite blue sun dress and a giant smile. "He's here!"
"I'll be there in a second," Izuku hollered back before he returned to his work.
His hammer struck at the plate of metal he was shaping. As the hammer provided the beat, Izuku sang. Saphira had taught him how. He sang strength into the metal so that its strength would be far greater.
Once he had finished fixing its shape, Izuku dunked the red-hot metal into a barrel of water. The water hissed and steamed as it cooled the plate. Pulling it out, Izuku inspected the now dark steel. It was as close to perfect as he would be getting. He added it to the pile.
Izuku closed the door to the furnace and pulled off his work gloves before heading to the house. His mom and their guest, none other than Toshi, had already moved to the table in the yard. The sound of his mother's laughter brought a smile to his face as he approached.
"She didn't," Inko laughed with a shake of her head.
"I swear to god," Toshi laughed. It wasn't his All Might laugh; it was just as big and loud but it was filled with so much more mirth. "Just wait. I got them to include it in the video."
"You didn't!" Inko exclaimed as she fell into another fit of laughter. "Oh, he is gonna love that!"
"Who's going to love what?" Izuku asked curiously as took the third seat at the table.
Both Toshi and his mom jumped as he interrupted them. He had to fight not to roll his eyes at the way they both blushed.
Toshi cleared his throat. "Ah young Midoriya," he greeted Izuku. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise," Izuku nodded. "But you didn't answer my question."
Toshi coughed awkwardly again. "Yes, well," he held out a sealed letter. "I got Nedzu to agree that I could deliver your results."
"Oh," Izuku chuckled as he took the envelope from Toshi. "Thank you Toshi," he bowed.
"Go on Izuku," Inko urged him impatiently. "Toshi won't tell me how you did."
"Okay mama," Izuku laughed. He shook his head at their antics as he opened the envelope.
A silver disk slipped out and onto the table. Instantly a holographic Nedzu was projected above their plates.
"Greetings!" the hologram cheered. "Am I a rat, a dog, a bear? Who knows! What matters is I am Nedzu, the President of UA University and I am here with your results Mr. Midoriya."
"The President himself," Inko gasped.
"Your strategy for the exam was commendable," Nedzu continued. "By separating, you and your companion managed to acquire quite the multitude of points. Even if we scored you separately, you each would have earned a place in the Hero Course."
"Combined you shattered the record," Toshi informed them.
"Indeed," Nedzu nodded. It felt like he'd been nodding to Toshi. "Your combined score was 110. That score alone was more than enough to earn you first place in the exam."
"Oh my baby!" Inko cried as she threw her arms around Izuku in joy.
"And that's not all!" Nedzu cheered. "For you see Mr. Midoriya there is a second part to the exam. One kept secret so that we can measure the heart of our contestants uninhibited."
The 3-D hologram switched to a flat video feed of Izuku during the exam. It showed him pulling students away from dangerous situations when they got in over their head, it showed him taking down the zero pointer, healing Uraraka, even Jade throwing Toshi down before the line of faculty.
"You went out of your way to assist those in danger," Nedzu told them happily as the hologram returned. "Even going so far as to insist that we hold ourselves to a higher standard. You inspired us. And you inspired those around you."
The hologram switched to a video feed once again. The blond boy he had saved had hoped back into the fight with renewed vigor. The boy with purple gravity defying hair had followed him towards the zero-pointer only after seeing him rush to Uraraka's aid. And finally, it showed Uraraka, she was speaking to Present Mic.
"Please," she begged him. "He saved my life. I don't know how, but he did. He deserves to get in, let him have some of my points if he needs them. He just has to get in."
The hologram of Nedzu returned once again.
"You see?" Nedzu asked. "Your actions were those of a true hero and as such you have been awarded with 200 hero points!"
Inko screamed out loud in shock.
"I'm sure your mother is very proud," Nedzu laughed. "I will let you return to your dinner. Move in will be Friday of next week, I have included a single day license to allow you to fly with your companion to campus. Now come Mr. Midoriya, to your hero academy."
The hologram died out and Izuku sat there in shock. He probably would have sat there for hours if not for the sudden noise of his mother bursting into cheers.
"Oh Izuku you did it!" she cried as she did her best to crush the life out him with her arms.
"Indeed," Toshi laughed. "The highest score ever recorded too."
Hearing that his mother burst into a fountain of tears, clutching Izuku even closer.
"Careful Inko!" Toshi warned as he grabbed the plates off the table and held them high above the deluge of salty tears. "We don't want you to flood dinner!"
==Dragon Rider==
Izuku was laying back in the grass, staring up at Jade flying in the night sky. He could only tell where the dragon was by the absence of the stars. He probably would have fallen asleep like that, but he could feel Toshi making his way towards him.
The large hero sat down in the grass next to him, resting on his arms as he looked up. Izuku watched out of the corner of his eye, never bothering to turn his head.
"You should be very proud of yourself young Midoriya," Toshi told him. "Your mother and I both are."
"Thank you Toshi," Izuku said with a soft smile. "That means a lot."
"Are you excited?" Toshi asked.
"Yes," Izuku nodded. "And no."
"No?" Toshi laughed softly. "What is holding you back?"
"I worry," Izuku sighed softly. "My mother will be all alone in this big house."
"Your mother is a strong woman," Toshi assured him. "You do not need to worry for her."
"But she is my mother and so I will," Izuku told him. "I know what you're thinking Toshi. I know why you were at UA."
Izuku waited to see if Toshi would say anything, but when his silence was all that followed, he continued.
"It's okay to want to retire," Izuku said. "But it's okay to live a little now too. She doesn't need someone to take care of her, but she could use some company Toshi."
"R-right," Toshi agreed hastily.
"Just don't break her heart," Izuku warned him as he closed his eyes.
"Never," Toshi promised.
==Dragon Rider==
Izuku and Jade touched down just outside the gates of UA. It was move in day, and tomorrow they'd start at UA. It might not have exactly been the beginning of their training, but it was still a big step towards their goals.
"Mr. Midoriya," the chipper voice of the President called out.
"President Nedzu," Izuku bowed.
"And I do not believe I have been introduced to your companion," Nedzu chirped. He turned to Jade. "Greetings. I am President Nedzu."
I like this one, Jade projected to them both as his rumbling laugh filled the air. I am Jade.
"A pleasure," Nedzu bowed. "Now All Might warned me that you two are accustomed to lodging together. Would you like to continue this arrangement?"
"Yes," Izuku nodded.
"Perfect," Nedzu smiled. "Then follow me please."
Nedzu turned and led them through campus. The main part of the campus was relatively small. The classroom building was front and center when you walked through the gate. Inside were all of the classrooms, the auditorium, and the cafeteria. The dorms were clustered by year, each on a different side of the green behind the classroom building. Nedzu led them to the first-year dorm cluster, and then to the first building.
"Welcome to Heights Alliance," Nedzu told them with a wave of his hand. "These are the dorms for class 1-A. I went ahead and had Cementoss put in a special addition on the roof. Let me know if anything needs adjusting."
"Thank you, President Nedzu," Izuku bowed.
"Think nothing of its Mr. Midoriya," Nedzu dismissed his thanks with a wave of his paw. "Ensuring that every student here at UA is well taken of is my job as President. You and Jade are now under my care and I take that very seriously."
"Okay sir," Izuku nodded.
"Now go, go," Nedzu laughed. "I have places to be and people to scare. Relax and make yourself at home."
"Yes sir!" Izuku agreed with a single nod. He hurried over to Jade and hopped back up into the saddle. Come on Jade. Let's go check out our new home.
Gladly, Jade hummed. His massive wings spread out and the two took to the air.