Chapter Text
"You should just give up..."
Those words rang in the ears of little Izuku Midoriya after getting an examination for a Quirk. He was just 4 years old. But, that old bald doctor callously told him to give up on being a Hero.
He remembered his mother's tearful apologies. They weren't what he wanted to hear. He wanted to know if he could be a Hero without a Quirk. In his youth, Midoriya Izuku had no idea how to be a Hero without a Quirk. His old friend, Kacchan, became his worst nightmare as he bullied the green haired boy for his lack of a Quirk.
To Kacchan, having no Quirk meant you were worthless. Useless. A Deku.
Now here he was, bruised and beaten up, as he defended another kid from his former friend and his posse.
"Give it up, Deku! You ain't gonna be a Hero!" The ash blonde child said, smirking his evil smirk. Behind him were two others, a fat boy with Wings and taller, skinnier boy with long fingers.
"Nuh uh! I-I-I won't quit! I'm n-not letting y-you hurt him!" The beaten boy stammered, barely standing from the previous pummeling he endured.
"Okay, Deku. We'll play a game. Heroes VS Villains. Your favorite!" Bakugo jeered, his smirk widening, "We'll be the Villains! And you be the Hero! Ready?"
Izuku's eyes shot open.
"H-Hey! It's one on three! I can't--!" Izuku whimpered, before explosions interrupted him.
"If you're the Hero, you can win, right? But, let's see if you can beat us without a QUIRK!" Bakugo yelled, rushing forward with his two friends flanking him.
Izuku braced for the inevitable, but, suddenly, footsteps from the right of him rushed over. Getting between him and the three attackers, was a taller, blonde girl. With a frown, she shoved Bakugo straight to the ground with enough force to throw off the two other kids' balance.
"Hey! What the heck's da deal, bitch! We was playing!" The ash blonde snarled as he picked himself up from the dirt.
"You're bullying these kids! I'm not going to let you hurt them." The girl decreed, crossing her arms as her small sundress flowed in the wind. Her stern face showed she was more mature. Izuku noted she had to be at least two years older than all of the boys.
"Not our fault the loser's a Quirkless shit!" Bakugo growled, he dusted himself off and stood aggressively. But he was shorter than the girl. The girl's blue eyes flared with surprising anger.
"So you're beating him up because he's Quirkless?! Well news flash! I'm Quirkless too!" She yelled, "And I knocked you on your butt! Get lost, bully!"
"And why should I do that?" Bakugo snarled. The girl gave a haughty smile.
"Because I bet I'm older than you! And boys always are supposed to be nice to girls!" She replied, "If people heard you attacked a girl with no Quirk, with your Quirk...well, you wouldn't be a Hero now, huh?"
Bakugo growled and kicked some dirt at Midoriya, before spitting at the ground and walking off with the two boys. Izuku was floored. No one's ever stood up to or argued with Kacchan before. He was the best at everything, but, this girl; this 'Quirkless' girl made him leave.
"Hey, are you two okay?" The girl said, turning to Midoriya and the other boy. The unknown boy just hightailed it away without a thank you or good-bye. Leaving Izuku staring in awe of the blonde girl.
"U-U-U-uuuuuh...." was all Midoriya could muster as he gawked.
"Oh! My name's Melissa Shield. What's yours?" The girl, Melissa, introduced herself, smiling.
"Uh...I'm Midoriya Izuku." The greenette mumbled, sadly. A pretty girl was talking to him and he was just a pathetic runt of a kid. Why bother with him?
"Nice ta meetcha. Um...Why did he call you 'Deku'? I never heard that word before." Melissa asked. Izuku hung his head in shame.
"Deku is another way of spelling my name. It...also means 'Useless'." He muttered, trying his best not to cry in front the cute girl; failing massively. Melissa gasped and grabbed the green haired boy and hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know! It's okay, Izuku! Don't cry! You're not a Deku! You're nice! You're a good boy!" Melissa said, frantically patting the boy on the back.
Suddenly, more noise came from behind the pair. Looking behind her, Izuku saw a tall, brown haired man with a small goatee. He had glasses and a lab coat and was jogging up to the duo.
"Melissa? Melissa! There you are! Sweetheart, I told you not to wander off! C'mon, we have to meet Uncle Mi-Huh? Who's this sweetie?" The man asked. He crouched down, allowing Melissa to look up with a worried expression and jumped into his arms.
"Daddy! This boy was being bullied cuz he was Quirkless; like me!" Melissa cried, nuzzling into her father's chest. Izuku sniffled and watched. He never knew his father, but wished his was as nice as this one.
"Oh dear...Come now; both of you. Young man, where are your parents?" The parent asked.
"M-Mom's at home. It's over there." Izuku whimpered, point to the apartment complex nearby.
"I see. Alright, young man. Allow us to escort you home. Your mother needs to be informed of this." The brown haired scientist-man said, offering a hand.
"Does she need to? I don't wanna get Kacchan in trouble..." Izuku mumbled. Melissa got in Izuku's face with a frown.
"Why not? Bullies are mean! He beat you up! Guys like that are the worst!" Melissa scolded, "If yer saying he's yer friend then, something's wrong."
"Honey, let's just bring the boy home. We'll figure things out afterwards." The man explained, "By the way, my name's David Shield. I'm a Scientist."
Izuku was brought home by the kindly scientist and young girl. As they walked, Melissa swung her hand connected to Izuku's back and forth like they were siblings. Truth be told, Melissa liked making sure the green haired boy was okay.
Once they reached the Midoriya apartment, Inko was flabbergasted by new people her baby boy brought back with him. More to her shock and horror, was that her son was being bullied. All this time, she assumed her son was friends with the other boys. She was making tea in the kitchen, mulling over the news. She quivered with silent fury and self-loathing. How could she be so blind? She'd have to tell Mitsuki that her son is to stay away from her little green angel.
"Madam?" A voice came from behind. Turning she saw the soft smiling face of the American who brought her baby boy home. He reminded her immensely of her Hisashi.
"Oh! Mr. Shield...I-I'm sorry." Inko apologized sadly.
"Please, call me David. I can understand the stresses from raising a child on your own." David said, gently, "If you don't mind my asking...where is Mr. Midoriya? He should be informed--?"
"My husband passed away a long time ago." Inko interjected, "Izuku doesn't know. I don't think I have the heart to tell him. He only knows his father's overseas. Which...Is partially true."
"Your husband died overseas?" David asked, incredulously. Inko gave a sad smile as she made tea.
"Yes. He was a businessman who got caught up in a hostage situation." Inko bitterly recounted, "He managed to defuse the situation but, he died saving the others. Izuku's a lot like his father too. Very much wanted to be a Hero, but, without a Quirk, what can he do?".
Placing a sympathetic hand on Inko's shoulder, David gave a calming smile.
"I once had the same fear when my daughter was examined as Quirkless. But, she didn't mind." David said softly, "My daughter wants to help people and be a Hero. But, being told she was Quirkless didn't deter her at all. She decided she would help people even if she couldn't be a Hero. Now she wants to be a Scientist like her dear, old Dad."
Inko was surprised by this. The young girl who was playing with her son was also Quirkless? And it didn't even stop her from smiling? She should really take lessons on how to be a better mother to her son.
"Like you said, Madam. You have a wonderful son." David noted, smiling, "You just need to nurture his spirit. That smile is what we old folks strive to keep alive, right?"
"Oh my, you're not that old, David." Inko chortled. David smirked.
"Well, if I may be so bold, you're quite the looker yourself, Madam." The brown haired scientist flirted. Inko giggled.
"Please...Please, call me Inko." The green haired woman replied, smiling. The goatee'd scientist blushed. Memories of his lost wife fluttered back. He realized he had some common ground with this beautiful woman. Suddenly, David realized the distance between the two was shorter than before. They were practically embracing each other, with how close they got. Blushing intensely, both adults Stepped back nervously. Calming herself, she watched as the scientist sighed in relief.
'What was that feeling I just had?' both Inko and David pondered. The two stared at each other before a series of loud knocks came to the door.
"Huh?! What was that? Izuku could you get the door?" Inko called. From Izuku's room, multiple footsteps pitter-pattered to the living room.
"Okay, Mom!" The little boy called out, happily. Inko smiled as Izuku's previous sadness and pain seemed a distant memory; even if it was like an hour or so ago.
"Hey, Dad! Do ya think it's Uncle? You gave him our GPS, so ya think it's him?" Melissa beamed at her father, causing him to chuckle.
"Possibly, sweetheart. You know Uncle Mi--! Oh! Oh no, no, no, no!" David began to chuckle before panic soon set in. He never told Inko or Izuku about the person they were meeting.
"David? Is something the matter? Who's this Uncle that Melissa's talking about?" Inko asked, her tone taking a measure of concern. Before the glasses wearing man could respond, Melissa skipped to Inko.
"Uncle Might! He's super nice and big! He's really funny and makes me smile!" Melissa replied, causing David to pale.
"'Uncle Might'? Is that what you call your Uncle or...is that?" Inko asked, as sudden realization, and dread washed up to her.
"N-Now just hold on, I-Inko. I c-can explain--!" David stuttered to try and salvage the visit.
But any attempt to calm the green haired beauty soon fell to the wayside as a familiar, loud voice roared into the kitchen.
"EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT! DO YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE I! AM! HERE!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"
*THUMP!*
David, Melissa and Inko both jumped as they rushed to the entrance of the apartment. The sight before them nearly caused INKO to shriek in shock.
In the entrance the Midoriya home, in a plain white t-shirt, regular khaki pants and hunched over in confusion, was All Might; the Number One Hero of Japan. At his feet, flat on his back, foaming at the mouth and eyes rolled back, was her little boy, Izuku. His foot twitching from shock.
"Ummmm...Is he okay?" All Might asked, quietly.
AN HOUR LATER...
"S-So...David...You and All Might have known each other since?" Inko asked, shaking with her tea in hand. Izuku was quaking and shuddering with outright fear and awe. The greatest hero in his life; his IDOL, All Might was in his house.
"We've worked together since his youth. I've been a sidekick of his until I retired and married my wife. Bless her soul." David said, solemnly.
Izuku's mind snapped to a realization, causing him to point immediately to the brown haired gentleman.
"WAHHHH!! Now I know where I heard your name before! You made All Might's first costume!" Izuku exclaimed, loudly.
"Izuku! No pointing at people like that! Please!" Inko nervously tried to stop her son from hyperventilating.
"I-It's okay, Inko-chan. Chan, right? That's the proper suffix?" David began, "Your boy's right. I designed All Might's first costume. Kinda had to. His clothes got shredded every time he flexed."
"Hey now! C'mon, Dave! It wasn't my fault entirely, HAHA." All Might chuckled. He bounced little Melissa on his knee like he was her actual blood uncle. Given the hair color and eye color, it wouldn't have been far off. Melissa soon gave a smile.
"Uncle Might! Let me and Izuku show you his room! He's got all sorts of cool stuff there." Melissa chimed in, hopping off the hero's knee. Chuckling, the behemoth hero allowed Melissa to pull him along, Izuku; shocked, following suit. Alone in the living room, Inko and David just became nervous.
"I am SO sorry, Inko. I should have told you about that detail." David apologized.
"I-It's okay, David. Just...kind of caught me by surprise." Inko replied, her smile returning, "I must say, you've lived quite the charmed life."
"Ha, ha, ha...Yes. Quite the life. I'd never change it for the world." David explained, wistfully. The two parents smiled as they continued to talk about their lives and youth.
MEANWHILE IN IZUKU'S ROOM...
"Wow! Young Midoriya, you're quite the...fan?" All Might said, nervously noting the boy's All Might merchandise. Which nearly covered the whole room.
"Um...I've been a fan since I learned about Heroes." Izuku said, looking down in nervous glee, "I know it's...it's weird so much stuff like this here."
"N-Not at all, Young Midoriya! Just didn't see such a passionate fan of Heroism..." All Might interjected, calming the boy, "So, Young Man. If you're looking to be What is your Quirk?"
The mood of the room went from jovial to tense as Izuku's entire body language went from shy and happy to...fearful. The massive Hero could sense it; he pressed something he shouldn't have. He saw Melissa look ashamed as the Green-Haired-and-Eyed boy just...stood, his eyes just looking at whatever was more interesting on the floor.
"I...I-I...I'm...Qu-Quirkless, Mr. All Might, sir..." Izuku whispered, frightened. All Might placed a calming hand on the tiny boy.
"Easy there, Young Midoriya. There's nothing to be ashamed of." The tall blonde man calmed, a relieving smile on his face, "Being Quirkless is not something to be ashamed of at all. Why, Young Melissa here is Quirkless and she's a beacon of wonder!"
"Um...But...I..." Izuku began, trembling to speak. His idol gives a motion for him to speak, gently nudging him, "I...I wanna be a Hero...Like you."
The Smiling Hero felt his heart clench like a vice. He looked at him with such hope...reminding him of a familiar memory from his own youthful days.
"Do you..."
All Might was taken from his reverie by the boy in front of him as he sat on the boy's soft bed.
"Do you think someone Quirkless...like me could be a Hero?" He asked with pleading eyes.
Since his arrival, All Might's smile never faltered. Until this question was dropped on his lap.
"Hmmm...Can one be a Hero without a Quirk?" All Might mused, "In the field of Pro Heroes, the profession boasts quite a number of dangers. Even for those with Quirks. In honesty, I would believe that you cannot be a Pro Hero...Not without a Quirk, my boy."
Izuku's hope began to crack and shatter. Even his idol; his personal Hero, All Might, admitted that he couldn't be a Hero without a Quirk. Melissa comforted him with a hug, and was about to go at her own surrogate Uncle until...
"HOWEVER..."
The two looked up in confusion as the Pro Hero's posture straightened, cross his arms and gave a confident smile.
"Times change and what was once popular opinion may no longer apply now. After all, before the Age of Quirks, heroics were done by Scientists, Police Officers, Firefighters, Rescue Works and Doctors. None of them have Quirks and, to this day, are among the most respected and decorated individuals I've ever met. What I mean to say, Young Midoriya...Young Melissa...Is that I offer you a challenge."
All Might hunched forward to both children. His face stern, his smile no longer there. His voice, a hushed whisper; still containing his gravitas.
"Prove. Me. Wrong.".
Izuku was stunned. His idol challenged him to prove he could be a Hero without a Quirk. His HERO acknowledged his dream and challenged him to make it so, on his own terms!
Without warning, his serious face morphed to a jovial, paternal, toothy smile before grabbing the awestruck children and pulling them both into a bear hug. The children laughed and squealed as they fought to escape the mighty hero's grasp. All Might gave a boisterous laugh as he played with the two little kids; all the while both Inko and David were outside the boy's room listening in.
Inko shed tears, tears she never thought she'd let loose. All Might really was the 'Symbol of Peace'. He brought 'peace of mind' to Inko and 'peace of hope' to her boy. She'd never forget his kindness.
In the coming months, the Midoriya and Shield families regularly interacted with each other. Izuku and Melissa played well together; as if they were natural born siblings to each other, while David and Inko were still figuring out how to court each other. Subtle flirts and jests were their norm as the children played video games, read books and pushed each other to become better.
Melissa still coveted her dream to become a scientist like her father, while Izuku tried to analyze ideas on being a Quirkless Hero. Soon, when playing a game of Zone of the Enders: 2nd Runner, as Melissa read Iron Man, the blonde girl (who began to need glasses) decided to add Engineering and robotics to her Scientist dream. Izuku offered to be her Test Pilot for her mech suits.
It was in late August when, after Izuku and Melissa played together in the park, that they discovered their parents in...an awkward position. Inko was streaming tears, smiling like a giddy school girl while hugging David's neck like they just got engaged...which is actually what was happening. David Shield, father of Melissa Shield, 'popped the question' to Inko Midoriya, mother of Izuku Midoriya.
Their wedding was a sight to behold. Izuku and Melissa met Heroes from across the country since All Might was, not only the guest of Honor, but chief of security. Apparently, he takes protecting his closest friends seriously. The wedding was an American-Catholic styled wedding ceremony.
David was sweating like crazy when Ms. Midoriya walked down the aisle, a white wedding dress with small green accents. Her blush accented her cheeks and had rose red lipstick. Melissa was enamored by Inko's looks while Izuku blushed in surprise that his Mom could get any prettier.
By the time the "I Do's" rolled around, All Might could barely contain his tears of joy; not even getting into how over the moon he was when David was told to kiss his bride.
Izuku and Melissa were babysat by another Pro Hero while Inko and David had their honeymoon. Neither could remember who it was, but, his dark clothes, gray scarf(?) and five o'clock shadow were unforgettable. Even if he did refer to both kids as 'Problem Children'...for their inquisitive natures.
The only family unable to attend the ceremony or after-party were the Bakugos. Mostly because Katsuki didn't want to be anywhere near 'Deku'. Inko was given profuse apologies from her friend, Mitsuki, but at least she was happy for herself and her newly increased family.
The family would ultimately move to the International Science Expo locale, I-Island, and both Izuku and Melissa would grow to become big influences for scientific advances.
We now move our clocks to 10 years. Izuku is a fifteen year old test pilot, still aspiring to become a Hero. Melissa has grown to a fine, young woman with degrees in Robotics and Hero Support Gear. David is still the premiere Hero Suit and Equipment expert, while his loving wife, Inko Midoriya-Shield, is models costumes for Female Pro Heroes in Japan.