Edited: 26 July 2023
As Izuku entered his room, he was met with a scene of utter devastation. His heart sank as he surveyed the wreckage - . His room, once a sanctuary of cherished possessions and memorabilia, now lay in ruins. Shattered figurines of All Might, the symbol of peace, lay scattered on the ground like broken promises. Notes and papers on heroism, painstakingly written by him, were torn and shredded, as if his aspirations were torn to shreds as well. The class photo, a reminder of the friends he once held dear, now reduced to ashes, except for one image that showed only him.Whoever did this was quite clear of not wanting him here
Silently, he began to pick up the pieces of his life, each broken item a painful reminder of the harsh treatment he had endured. The feeling of betrayal weighed heavily on his shoulders. The people he had once considered friends now saw him as a villain, and their animosity seemed unrelenting. But amidst the anguish, he couldn't help but hold on to the flicker of gratitude for the fleeting moments of camaraderie they once shared.
As the night wore on, Izuku realized that he couldn't continue to endure such mistreatment. If they wanted him gone, then so be it, but he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. He wanted them to know that he cherished the bond they once had, even if they had turned their backs on him now.
With a heavy heart, he gathered what remained of his possessions - the clothing that was still in good condition, he put it on his luggage. The All Might memorabilia that had escaped destruction - and carefully packed them into a garbage bag.
Midnight came, and his room was now empty, devoid of the belongings that once filled it with life and joy. As he stood there, memories of happier times flooded his mind. He remembered the laughter and the shared dreams that now seemed like distant echoes.
"I would have never hated them," he whispered to the emptiness, "if only they hadn't abandoned me like a piece of trash." It was a bitter realization that trust couldn't be easily restored. But in that moment, he made a silent promise to himself - he would find his own path, his own way to become the hero he aspired to be, even if it meant walking alone.
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The following morning, Izuku stood outside the Class 1A U.A. dorm, his gaze drifting aimlessly. Clutching a note in his hand, he began making his way toward the Principal's office. Dismissing the hurtful and derogatory remarks thrown at him, he maintained a determined composure.
When Izuku arrived, Principal Nezu cordially invited him to take a seat and offered him a cup of tea. The fact that Izuku chose to leave U.A. on his own terms, rather than being expelled, pleased Nezu considerably. He knew that the reputation of the school would suffer if it became public knowledge that one of their brightest students was abruptly removed without any valid explanation.
"Why do you wish to leave, my young friend?" Nezu sipped his tea casually. "I believed you, of all people, aspired to become the number one hero."
Izuku couldn't help but think, "The nerve of this rodent, asking me that question. He knows I can't pursue the hero path without a quirk."
"It's true. I once had dreams of being the number one hero," Izuku replied, carefully choosing his words. "But without a quirk, I can't continue down that path."
Nezu nodded in understanding. "A wise decision indeed. Returning All Might's quirk was the responsible choice. Without it, the risk of injury during rescues and dangerous situations would be too great, especially for someone quirkless like you."
"More like he took it back," Izuku thought bitterly, but he kept that to himself.
"I understand your reasoning," Nezu said calmly. "It's essential to prioritize the safety of our students. You're right, being a hero without a quirk would be dangerous for both you and those you try to save."
"I don't want to be a hindrance to any of you," Izuku admitted. "That's why I've decided to quit. But even without being a hero, I still want to find a way to save people."
Curiosity flickered in Nezu's eyes as he inquired, "So, where will you go now? What are your plans?"
Izuku noticed the underlying intention in Nezu's question, but he feigned ignorance. He didn't want anyone to know his next move just yet.
"I'll be staying with my mother for now," Izuku replied, carefully measuring his words. "I might apply to become a police officer or join the army. It's true that I won't be a hero anymore, but I can still protect people."
"I see," Nezu said simply, though he couldn't help but note that Izuku still had a desire to save others. "He hasn't given up on his heroism entirely," he mused to himself. "I feel for him, but perhaps this is for the best."
"I'm going to visit my friends before I go," Izuku mentioned, emphasizing the word 'friends.' Nezu didn't seem to pick up on any hidden meaning. Since Nezu was originally a lab rat, Izuku doubt an understanding of human emotion
"Enjoy your last day at school," Nezu said kindly, bidding him farewell.
Izuku left without saying anything further. Nezu let out a heavy sigh. While it saddened him to see Izuku go, he couldn't ignore the uncertainty surrounding the young man. After all, who knew what All For One might have done to him? Nezu couldn't take any chances, not when the fate of heroes and society hung in the balance. He could only hope that someday, under different circumstances, Izuku would find his way back to the path of heroism.
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The expressions of disbelief that flickered across their faces amused Izuku as he observed them. Clearly, they hadn't anticipated his decision to leave U.A. Academy so abruptly. They probably thought he would endure their mistreatment for much longer. But Izuku was not one to be pushed around; he refused to subject himself to their humiliation any longer.
"D-Deku-kun, why would you leave?" Uraraka asked, her voice tinged with fake concern.
Izuku knew better than to fall for her apparent worry. He had seen her true colors, and the sight of her feigned empathy made him feel sick to his stomach.
"I thought you wanted to be a hero," Iida inquired, pushing his glasses back
Izuku managed a sheepish smile. "Well, I can't be a hero without a quirk."
"Bastard, what do you mean? We still have a score to settle!" Bakugou erupted, his anger visible for all to see.
#In my AU, Bakugou or other doesn't know that Izuku received his quirk from All Might. And in the court Bakugou wasn't there when All Might revealed the relationship between them.
"I lost my quirk," Izuku lied, feigning a sense of defeat. "I'll only be a burden to you all if I continue on this path."
Todoroki nodded in agreement. "He's right," he chimed in. "It would be troublesome to have to rescue him every time he gets into trouble."
"That's why I'm quitting," Izuku declared firmly, not willing to back down.
"So, where are you going now?" Tsuyu asked, her voice soft yet inquisitive.
"I'll be living with my mom and considering other schools or maybe college," Izuku replied, pretending to ponder his future options.
"I see," Tsuyu replied simply, not pressing him further.
Just as the class settled down, Aizawa arrived, and the lessons began. However, Izuku found himself growing increasingly restless, eagerly awaiting the moment he could put his plan into motion.
During recess, news of Izuku leaving U.A. spread like wildfire throughout the school. Somehow, the word reached Eri's ears, and she came running to him in the cafeteria, pleading with him not to go.
Caught off guard by Eri's emotional outburst, Izuku didn't know how to react. It was the first time he had seen her throw a tantrum, and her desperation to keep him from leaving touched his heart. But he couldn't change his decision, even for her. As he made his way back to class, Eri clung onto him tightly, refusing to let go until Aizawa intervened, gently prying her away.
With a heavy heart, Izuku continued on, knowing that his path was now set, and his journey toward a new future was about to begin.
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Izuku took a sip of the warm green tea his mother had thoughtfully prepared for him. As the soothing liquid flowed down his throat, he found himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, trying to comprehend how his life had taken such an unexpected turn. He gazed at the two women sitting across from him - his caring mother, Inko, and the sweet and innocent Eri, who had quickly become a special presence in his life. As they chatted merrily, Izuku struggled to fully grasp the reality of the situation.
"Izuku, don't just sit there," Inko chided gently, her eyes warm with affection. "Eri wants to play with you."
"Deku-nii, let's play dolls in your room," Eri chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Setting down his cup with a soft clink, Izuku let out a sigh, his mind still trying to process the recent events. He glanced towards the corner of the room, where a haphazard stack of toys and a bag of clothes were placed. Everything happened so suddenly, and now Eri, the young girl he had grown to care for deeply, was going to stay with them.
"She's really staying with us?" Izuku finally voiced his question, seeking reassurance.
Inko smiled warmly, her motherly affection evident. "Yes, Izuku. Aizawa-san and the others believed it would be best for Eri to be with someone she trusts. And she trusts you, Izuku."
Izuku nodded, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He understood that this was the right decision, and he was more than willing to welcome Eri into their home. He had seen firsthand the pain she had endured and the light she had found in their care.
"I'm glad she's here," he said sincerely, a sense of determination in his voice. "We'll make sure she feels loved and safe, Mom."
Inko beamed with pride at her son's maturity. "I know you will, Izuku. You have such a kind heart."
With a newfound sense of purpose, Izuku spent the day playing with Eri, their laughter echoing through the house. As they built memories together, Izuku couldn't help but feel that this unexpected twist of fate was leading him towards a future filled with love, support, and a family that extended beyond blood ties.
TBC
Word: 1783