Chapter 4
Are Encounters Rigged?
(Midoriya Household, Living Room)(One Month)
"Hey, is anyone home?" Katsuki said, opening the door and entering. He was wearing more casual clothes due to it being the weekend and he had the full intention of spending it with their break.
"In the kitchen~" He scoffed upon hearing Himiko's voice, hearing how cheerful she sounded. He stepped to find her happily cooking lunch, her own clothes slightly messy from how much she was making. "Hey Cat-Sensei~"
"Didn't I tell you not to call me that, Fangs?" The boy growled while Himiko giggled in response.
"You have me a nickname, so I gave you one!" Himiko claimed while Katsuki continued to growl. "Besides, it works out given how you're teaching me how to cook properly." Himiko had to learn how to cook for herself thanks to how her parents were, but what she made had genuinely disgusted Katsuki and concerned Inko. Both agreed to help her cook so she could keep herself healthy.
"Tch. Someone had to." Katsuki scoffed, but didn't say anymore. Thankfully, she was a quick learner, at least for basic things. "Where's Aunty and Deku at?"
"Mamadoriya had to go into work at the last minute while Izu is out shopping." Himinko answered, getting a small scowl from Katsuki. "I think you can still catch up with him if you hurry."
"No point. The nerd won't be that long." Katsuki claimed as he joined her by the table. Seeing what she was making, he quirked an eyebrow. "Katsudon?"
"I wanted to thank them." Himiko said, an honest smile replacing her teasing one. "They've done a lot for me and I wanted to pay them back. For helping me...for taking me into their family."
"Ha. As if they'd take it." Both of them were too nice for their own good. It was a good thing his family was more than willing to be their backbone when they needed it. When they didn't...well, that was never pretty. "Still...you good? With this whole deal they have you?"
"Hm? Oh you mean my blood supply!" He nodded while she took off her apron and sat down. "It's been great for the most part. Their Blood isn't the greatest in the world compared to Izuku's though! Nothing can beat having it from the source after all."
"Tch. Good." Katsuki wanted to make sure that Himiko's deal was still strong. Granted, he knew Izuku would have said something otherwise. "...Just so you know, if you do ever run low and can't any from Deku then...you can have some of my blood."
Himiko perked up, not shocked, but definitely surprised. "A-are you sure?"
"Of course I'm fucking sure! It's basically donating blood or something like that." Katsuki simplified.
"B-but I normally b-bite into Izuku and Mamadoriya when I do that." Himiko admitted, her fears coming up again. It didn't go unnoticed.
"Yeah and you purr like a cat when you do so. Big whoopee do." Katsuki said bluntly. Himiko hissed at that, but he ignored it in favor of getting to the point. "Listen, Fangs. I already made it clear I don't give a damn about what you need for your Quirk. It's normal. Besides, if I get scared of giving some blood, then I might as well call it quits about being a Hero."
"...If you're sure...would you mind if I have some now?" Himiko asked, clearly holding herself back. Katsuki just slammed his arm on the table with a raised eyebrow, making her eyes instantly lock on. However, unlike her first time she simply leaned down and bit into his arm. Not getting so much of a flinch, she drew upon his blood while letting out a purr.
"...So, how'd I taste fangs?" Katsuki asked after a few minutes.
"Spicy!" Himiko admitted with a giggle. Katsuki rolled his eyes at that, but was glad that she was satisfied. "Thank you again, Bakugou."
"Tch, just call me Katsuki." Both sat in silence for a moment until he spoke up again. "Wanna raid Deku's room?"
"Absolutely! As soon as I get done with Lunch!" Himiko agreed.
(Musutafu, Streets)
While Katsuki and Himiko were at home, Izuku was leaving another video store with a determined look. One thing that would never change about Izuku Midoriya was that he was a Hero Fan Boy through and through. So when he heard about a Video Game Brawler involving Pro Heroes within Japan, he had to get his hands on it.
Of course everyone had wanted one too, which had left many stores treated like a Black Friday sale...and what's worse was that he had a bad habit of helping people around.
"Here kitty. Pss, pss, pss" Izuku was currently in a tree trying to get a young boy's cat down. The cat glared at him spitefully and bit his hand. However instead of flinching, he simply rubbed under it's neck, causing it to stop it's assault and purr. Izuku could only sweatdrop as it then skillfully jumped from the tree and landed into the boy's arm. 'Well that's don-'
Then the branch broke.
"Thank you for the help young man." An aged woman said, holding onto Izuku's arm as he helped her across the street.
"Anytime ma'am." Izuku prepared to go only for her to suddenly grip his arm again. "Eh?"
"I think I left my purse, would you mind getting it for me?" The woman asked, pointing across the aggressively fast moving and busy street."
"...Yes, I can."
Izuku walked through the street, determined to head into a store for the game. However he stopped upon seeing someone trying to move around with several bags of groceries. He sighed, as several All Might fans pushed past him eagerly while he walked to the person to help them.
But Izuku "Rukido" Midoriaya was determined and that was all he needed.
He spotted another store that was on his list, one he hadn't been to in a few months now. Without waiting, he entered inside and instantly started scanning the shelves. It was surprisingly empty, but that worked in his favor as he quickly went into the back. His eyes instantly zeroed in on the sight of All Might's silhouette on a cover and snatched it right up.
'Ultimate Hero Vortex!' Yes! Mission accomplished! He knew Katsuki was gonna be jealous when he showed this off, but it would be worth it. 'Just need to avoid a flash mob this time. People are vicious when it comes to this stuff!' However before he could walk away, someone spoke up.
"Is that the last one?" Turning around he greeted a rather familiar looking guy. He was wearing a simple grey hoodie with black cargo pants and shoes. He was tan-skinned, average height for their age range, narrow red eyes, short white hair and...a pair of white rabbit ears. "Please tell me you're a stock guy here and that you just happen to be putting that up?"
"Sadly no." Izuku admitted, earning a groan from the guy.
"Damn it. I already went through seven blocks too…" The Guy muttered this, meaning for it to go unintentional no doubt, but Izuku heard it all the same. He winced ever so slightly, it was tough trying to get some things like this.
"...In that case how about you take it?" Izuku said, holding out the game, surprising him. "I know what it's like missing out on something you like."
"Hang on, I just can't do that. You found that first, fair and square." The guy said, clearly not on board with the idea. "Least of all when I can't pay you back."
"Then how about you tell me more about your Quirk?" Izuku offered, suddenly holding up a notebook and pen. "I like studying Quirks whenever I can. If you can tell me about yours, then I'd consider it a good payment." He noticed the boy seemed slightly annoyed by it, but was determining if it was worth it or not.
"...Fine. You have yourself a deal." He finally relented, much to Izuku's amusement.
"Good to hear, I'm Izuku Midoriya by the way."
"Raiko Usagiyama."
Fucking knew it.
(Later)
Raiko Usagiyama.
Quirk: Flash Rabbit
Flash Rabbit was a Unique Emitter/Mutant Type of Quirk. The Mutant Type came obviously from his Rabbit Features, granting the user rabbit-like anatomy and abilities The Quirk gives the user enhanced senses of hearing and smelling. The User also possesses a rabbit's survival instincts, which alerts them of any nearby danger. It also provides immense leg strength to the point where they can bounce around as advance movement and to where their kicks would be able to break even the sturdiest things into dust.
The second part of the Quirk came in the form of a teleportation. The User is able to leave a mark on anything and with it, they can teleport to it whenever they feel like. The teleportation itself came in silver, almost blinding light that was instant. The mark itself is a black mark, able to be ruined or destroyed if someone messes with it. Despite this, the current distance is across distracts with little need for break. The user can also teleport others with him, though with a bit of strain.
If he was being honest, it seemed almost identical to the Flying Raijin Technique from Naruto, used by Minato Namizaze. Though, no point in writing in the small detail.
"Got all you need?" Raiko asked suddenly, bringing Izuku out his notebook.
"Yeah, it's really helpful." Izuku said, closing the book. "How's the game?"
"Better than I expected, honestly. Granted, it could use a story." Raiko said, looking down at his Gamer Rad, which was now playing the new Hero game. "So, what's the deal with the whole hero notebook thing? You got a lot of them, apparently."
"14 of them, you're actually my last entry for this one." Izuku answered, putting the book into his bag. He still had to make plenty of notes to make on it. "And it's just a hobby of mine outside of school. Plus, it'll help me in the future."
"What? Planning to be a Quirk Analysis?" Raiko asked, not looking up from his screen.
"Hero actually." Izuku answered without missing a beat. He didn't miss the slight frown on his before making it go away.
"Good for you, though I don't see how learning about other Quirks helps you." Raiko said, making Izuku chuckle.
"It helps if a Villain has a Quirk like the one I noted down, meaning I can prepare for it. That or I can help someone else out with another Quirk." Izuku explained with Raiko humming.
"Sounds like you're taking it seriously."
"Well a friend of mine would say that you shouldn' half ass it when it comes to being a Hero."
"Pfff!" Raiko couldn't help, but to snort. "S-sorry, you just don't seem to be the type to curse."
"I try to keep to "Crap." if I can." Try being the key work when dealing with...idotic nonsense.
"Heh, so what is your Quirk anyway?" Raiko asked, his focus being solely on his game. 'Probably something with super intelligence. Those notes were terrifying to look at.'
"Oh, I don't have one." Izuku said casually. Raiko slipped with his Gamer Rad, causing it to fall out of his hands. However Izuku caught it before it could be broken.
"…You don't have a Quirk…and you want to be a Hero?" Izuku nodded, handing him back his game with the most carefree expression he had ever seen. Raiko could only let out a dry laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, I don't mean to laugh. I just...well, that's the first I've ever heard of...that."
"Well, guess I'm the first." Izuku shrugged. In all honesty, it was a little balding that there wasn't an official Quirkless Hero.
"I guess you would be." Raiko muttered, looking down at his game.
"What about you?" Izuku asked, earning his attention again. "What are you gonna do in the future? Plan on being a Hero?"
"Fuck, I hate that question...don't take this the wrong way, but I can't say it's appealing to me." Raiko said before quickly adding on. "I don't think it's bad to be one or anything like that, but I've never been…into Heroes like that. I doubt I can see myself as one."
"Alright then." Raiko blinked, confusion clear on his face.
"...I think you're the first person I've ever met that's shrugged that off." Izuku couldn't help, but laugh at his expression. He wasn't the one to convince people to go into the Hero business, it wasn't his job.
"Your life is whatever you wish it to be, my friend." Izuku said, getting a snort in return.
"You get that from a fortune cookie?" Raiko asked.
"No, just something I heard on the TV before." Both had laughed at this, going unnoticed or cared for by the populous.
For Raiko it was honestly the best day he had in a while. His perspective on Heroes wasn't something that others appreciated, thus making it hard to actually have friends. For Izuku, it was hard being a Quirkless and trying to make friends. He got lucky with Katsuki, but none other showed any real interest. So many people mocked him, but Raiko so far proved himself different in that regard.
It was a nice feeling.
"You're a Riot, you know Midoriya?"
"Right back at you, Usagiyama." Raiko allowed a smirk to come on his face before he put the game away. He took out a random card and pencil before writing on it and passing it to
"...I ain't the best when it comes to this, but here's my contact info." Raiko said, passing him the card. "Sorry if this seems weird or anything, but I shouldn't be too long."
"No, not at all. Here." Izuku had done the same as Raiko and had written down his info before giving it to the rabbit boy. "It's not everyday I make a friend. Being Quirkless and all that makes people turn their eyes away from me most of the time."
"Heh, well I appreciate it. I also left my gamer card there, just in case you ever felt like playing anything." Raiko added on with Izuku nodding. "I definitely owe you one."
"Don't mention it, really. I wouldn't mind hanging out again." Izuku said, sitting up. Raiko did the same as Izuku held out his hand. "I'll be sure to introduce another friend of mine whenever I get the chance."
"He's not a mutterer like you, right?" Raiko asked while shaking his hand.
"No, he can be a bit explosive at times, but he means well." Izuku admitted as they let go.
"Ah, in that case I'll bring something to tune him out." Raiko joked with Izuku snorting. "It was good meeting you."
"Same to you, later." With that, they had gone their separate ways for the time being.
'Huh...I should take into consideration more changes like that...' He never heard of the original Rumi Usagiyama having a brother of any kind. If that was possible, then who's to say that there weren't others that exist as well…or didn't exist. 'Well, that turned dark quick…wait, was the encounter rigged…? Bleh, focus on anything else.' It certainly didn't take long upon hearing some commotion. Seeing a gathered crowd and the sound of fighting, his interest peaked. 'Study Time. Might make me a little late, but nothing new.'
Stepping around the crowd, he saw the fight was actually between Endeavor and a bunch of Villains with other Fire Quirks. It wasn't anything too special, given they were getting their asses handed to them by the Number 2 Hero of Japan, though he did seem noticeably more irritable than normal. It made him worry for Shoto.
His thought process was ruined upon one of the Villains suddenly breathing out a ball of fire. It was blew up an upper floor building above the crowd and caused flaming debris to fall towards them. Naturally everyone panicked and quickly tried to avoid it as best they can. Izuku was about to do the same before he spotted someone on the ground. Without much thought, he dived at them and forced them both to roll out of the way of a flaming fridge.
"Fuck me." Izuku hissed while forcing himself to his feet. He didn't wait and grabbed the person out of the way before the fire could get any worse. As they made distance, he finally stopped and let out a breath of relief. "Hey, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine." Izuku blinked upon recognizing the voice. Actually getting a good look, he realized that he wasn't just with anyone, but rather Kyoka Jiro. A future Student of U.A. and Pro Heroine to be. "I just need a moment to get my bearings straight."
Upon the sound of cheering, it was clear that Endeavor had dealt with the Villains in question and was now dealing with the damage caused by them. However he focused his attention onto Kyoka instead, helping her sit down as she breathed calmly, her jacks safely tucked away into her hoodie while she was trying hard to not touch her ears.
"How are you feeling?" Izuku asked softly. The last thing he wanted to be was loud, not after the fire fight.
"Not good, but better than I would have been." Kyoka admitted with a weak smile. The sound from the explosion had completely caught her off guard and thanks to how close she was to it, it put her into a state of shock from the pain. If no one had noticed her, she would have been badly injured or worse. "Thanks dude, I owe you one."
"You're welcome." Izuku said, unable to help smiling. However a thought came to him as he frowned. "The Fire Department and the Paramedics are gonna be here soon. Do you wanna get looked at by them or do you think you're fine."
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. It's not the first time it happened, just not that serious." Kyoka admitted before shivering. "But I could do without the sirens right now."
"I figured." Izuku said, standing up with her.
"Still, I really can't thank you enough dude." Kyoka said.
"That's all I need, really. You're safe, along with everyone else. That's what matters most." Izuku said, unable to help the smile on his face. He wasn't gonna downplay what he had down, too many people did that enough as is. Still, he could be humble about it. "Oh right, Izuku Midoriya by the way."
"Kyoka Jiro. Nice to meet you, Greenie." Izuku snorted upon the nickname.
"Right back at ya, Jacks." Kyoka couldn't help laughing a bit at that.
"Yeah, you and I are gonna be good friends."
"We are?" Izuku hadn't missed the look she had given him. It was the "Are you Dumb" look.
"You saved me, remember? And you're acting humble about it compared to Endeavor at least." Kyoka claimed, her Jacks pointing to the scene behind her. Fans of Endeavor were begging for autographs, but the Number 2 Hero was dismissing them with a glare. "...It's weird that they're into that, right?"
"It's definitely a kink...on both ends I bet." Kyoka had to cover her mouth to stop herself from bursting out in laughter while Izuku chuckled to himself.
"Okay, give me your phone. You've officially earned my phone number." Kyoka said with Izuku shaking his head before doing as she said. Once she was done, she handed it back to him with a smile. "You better not ghost me or else."
"Trust me, I won't." With that they said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways. Kyoka thought of the green haired boy who saved her while Izuku was thinking about rigged encounters.
Seriously, what was his luck?
(Midoriya Household)(Late)
Izuku groaned as he entered the house, having been tired from today's events. "Mom, Himiko, I'm home."
"Izu!" Himko practically jumped on him from behind and dug her fangs into his neck. He simply responded by patting her head as he continued walking. She surprisingly finished fast and let go of him with a giggle. "Yup! So much better than Spicy Blood."
"Spicy?" Izuku questioned only to spot Katsuki coming out of his room. "Ah, I understand now."
"Where the hell have you been?" Katsuki said, plopping down on the couch. Izuku and Himiko had done the same. "I've been here all damn day waiting for your ass to get back because I thought we were gonna do something."
"Sorry about that. I was trying to find that new Hero game, but the stores ran out." Izuku admitted while picking up the remote. However he spotted several of his notebooks on the table. "You raided my room? Again?"
"What did you expect? We were bored and you weren't here." Katsuki said, snatching up the remote.
"In all seriousness, you are weirdly organized when it comes to your notebooks. Especially when it comes to Hero Stuff." Himiko said, remembering the huge bookshelf he had. "I mean you have Hero Notes, Support Gear, even Crime Scenarios." Katsuki growled in annoyance and remembered reading some of those scenarios. Some of them had thought of ways that people could get into situations that could be used against him. "Seriously, I think you're better than me when it comes to that."
"Maybe, but you're still top of the class." Izuku rubbed her head as he said this, making her purr. "Still, I'm sorry for being late. On the bright side I think I made some new friends."
"Did you? That's great!" Himiko cheered.
"They know you're Quirkless?" Katsuki asked bluntly. Himiko glared at him for that, but Izuku merely shrugged.
"Only one of them. It didn't come up with Kyoka." Izuku explained with Katsuki huffing in response. He had always made sure that people were real when they tried being friends with him. Not that he could blame him, there were more than a few that tried to mess with him. 'Best not tell them that I almost got crushed saving one of them.'
"Tch. I'll make sure they aren't trying to pull some shit behind your back." Katsuki declared.
"And if they are, I'll give them a nice, messy cut~" Toga admitted with a wide grin, pulling a kitchen knife from somewhere.
"...You guys are so protective it's genuinely adorable." Izuku said, getting a happy giggle from Himiko, but a blushing embarrassed growl from Katsuki.
"I AIN'T FUCKING ADORABLE!" Katsuki proclaimed quite loudly.
"I have seen your baby pictures so I respectfully disagree." Izuku said calmly.
"I'VE SEEN YOURS TOO!"
"Yeah and I know I'm adorable."
"He's right, he looks so cute in that All Might onesie!" Himiko gushed.
"I think I have one of Katsuki in one. From Aunty Mitsuki." Izuku added on with Katsuki gasping.
"DON'T YOU DARE, DEKU!"
"Oh no, I'm already gone." Izuku claimed, slamming a pillow into Katsuki's face before sprinting off. Himiko jumped after him while the stunned Katsuki leaped to his feet.
Screaming and laughter filled the household as Inko listened from outside, having a large smile on her face as tears welled up in her eyes.
She was so happy that Izuku was doing well. That he was happy, having friends, doing great in school, everything. She always worried that she failed as a mother, especially after he was declared Quirkless. However, hearing him laughing had diminished any worries she had. She entered inside, more than happy to be a part of it.