Powerless - A My Hero Academia/ DC Crossover

Chapter 9: Class 1-A

"You have everything you need, Master Midoriya?"

"Yes, Alfred," Replied Izuku. It was the first day of his new life at UA. The acceptance rate into the hero program was just as small as it ever was: only one in three hundred. Four got in on recommendations, and even though Izuku was sponsored by Bruce Wayne, he didn't count since he took the Entrance Exam.

His mother had fussed over him before he left, as mothers do. He had planned on taking the train, but was surprised to see Alfred was already waiting for him with the car. And he had fussed over Izuku almost as much as his mother did.

"Quite an exciting day," Said Alfred cheerfully. "I remember driving Master Bruce to his first day of school at Roxbury Fielding Academy back in Gotham. It was hardly a school for heroes, but in a way it was there that Master Bruce's hero journey began."

Izuku had never thought to ask where Bruce had went to school. His knowledge was extensive, and wasn't limited to criminology. And according to rumor, Batman was considered to be one of the most intelligent heroes on the planet, he had to have gained the knowledge from somewhere. Come to think of it, he had never asked Bruce about how or when he had become the Batman in the first place. He knew the reasons behind him being a hero was the death of his parents, but it was a mystery as to the circumstances that led him to become his alter-ego.

"Alfred?"

"Yes, Master Midoriya?"

"How did Bruce learn to. . . I mean, when did he first become. . ." Izuku was having trouble formulating the question.

"I believe you want to know about when Master Bruce first donned the cape and cowl, correct?" Alfred said.

"Yeah," Replied Izuku.

"As you know, Master Bruce had a troubled childhood," Said Alfred. "The trauma of losing his parents. . . it was earth shattering. As he had no immediate family other than his parents, I took over the responsibility of raising the young Master."

Izuku knew this much from his conversations with Bruce and Alfred. They had a very father-son like relationship, and Alfred was more loyal to Bruce than anyone, his conscience and voice of reason. "Bruce tried to live a normal life, and I tried to provide it for him," Continued Alfred. "But as the years passed, it became clearer and clearer that any hope of a normal life died with his parents. He had another destiny to fulfill.

"Master Bruce left Gotham for a while," Continued Alfred. "I had hoped that getting away would help him find healing and peace. It was during these travels where he developed the skills he employs now, and after eight years he finally returned to Gotham, and I hardly recognized the man who stood before me. It was as if the Bruce I knew as a child had completely transformed. It was both amazing. . . and frightening. Here we are, sir." Alfred added, pulling up alongside the curb, just outside the UA gate.

"Thank you, Alfred." Izuku was glad there wasn't anyone around. He always felt uncomfortable driving around in the limo. Alfred opened the door for him, and he began to proceed towards the gate when Alfred placed his hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

"Before you go, sir," Said Alfred. "If this old man can part some wisdom: Master Bruce became what he needed to become, both for the city he defended, as well as for himself. These are different times, yes, but you must remain true to yourself. As you take these first steps into your hero's journey, focus on becoming the hero that you need to become, not what you think others need you to be." Alfred bowed his head and entered back into the car, leaving Izuku to ponder his words.

Turning, Izuku paused a moment to take in the impressive building before him that would be his home for the next three years, and give him the starting point he needed to fulfil his dream of becoming a hero.