Ancora- The hero of hope

Give up now

"We know what we are, but not know what we may be."

All men are not born equal.

That was a painful truth Izuku Midoriya had learned at the tender age of 4. And now, it was being slapped in his face again by his idol, The Symbol of Peace, All Might.

"You cannot become a hero without power. If you want to help people so much, then you could try becoming a police officer or a doctor. They are often made fun of but those are some fine occupations. It's good to dream, kid, but you should also keep your dreams realistic."

With these words, All Might turned away from the quirkless teen standing before him.

With tears in his shining emerald eyes, Izuku Midoriya fell to his knees as his idol destroyed his last hope.

"You'll never be a hero"

"Quirkless loser"

"You're just a deku"

"I'm sorry, Izuku... I'm sorry"

"Keep your dreams realistic"

"A useless freak like you would never amount to anything!"

"If you really want a quirk that much, then take a swan dive off the roof and pray for a quirk in your next life."

'Why? I only wanted to be a hero... to save people, so why is everyone so cruel to me? Just because I'm quirkless doesn't make me useless! It doesn't... right?

But even All Might said so... and All Might is the symbol of peace... if he's the one who said I can't be a hero, then he's right... isn't he?

So why?!

Why can't I still let go?

Why do I still want to be a hero?

It's useless!

I won't be able to do it! I'm just a quirkless loser who can't amount to anything!

And yet... and yet, I can't let go of this stupid dream of mine! I still want to save people!

No! Stop! I can't be a hero! I don't have any power... I won't be able to save anyone!

But I-

You knew, didn't you? The reality... so stop thinking about it!

You knew... that's why you were trying so desperately... It's time to wake up now. You have to let go.

Yes... let it go."

Izuku's inner monologue finally subsided, leaving him alone with the weight of his shattered dream. He snatched up his bag and bolted out of the building All Might had stranded him on. His ruined notebook clutched tightly to his chest, he finally gave up on his lifelong dream.

Coming a certain distance, he froze when he heard the sound of explosions in front of him. 'Did I come this way out of habit without even noticing?'

Another explosion... Izuku's feet ached to run towards its source, see what the commotion was about and perhaps, be of help. But then he paused midstep, 'No... it doesn't matter anymore...' and retracted his foot. He gave the shopping district one last look and turned back. 'I'll never be a hero...'

When he got back home he noticed his mom was still at work. Snatching the note left on the dining table, he ran up the stairs to his room.

'I'll be working tonight as well Izuku. Dinner is in the fridge, heat it before you dig in. See you tomorrow, baby. I love you.'