//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: My Little Izuku // by DannyPhantom79 //------------------------------// "So what are we doing today?" Izuku asked as he and Twilight sat down for dinner. “Nothing much really. How are you controlling your powers?” Twilight asked. "The usual. Nothing new there. If anything, after my time at the hospital I seem to be able to control a higher output than before." “What’s your maximum output?” Twilight asked intrigued. "Right now I can safely use ten percent. Almost double my old output." “Oh, before I forget, how strong are you in a certain percentage?” Twilight asked as Spike popped up at the table. "Uh, well… hmm… well… what's something a normal earth pony can lift with ease?" “I don’t know. I know Earth ponies possess a diverse range of talents and capabilities. One recurring trait, however, is their physical prowess. Physically very powerful, some Earth ponies are capable of performing incredible feats of strength with little or no visible strain and enjoying long-lasting stamina as well.” Twilight stated. "Hmm… well, if you can put something together I'd be more than happy to run the course and tests and see." "That would be cool." Spike said. “Actually I have just the thing.” Twilight said. https://youtu.be/j-rvsbEn05Q "Thanks for offering to help with my farm work Twilight." Applejack stated as we arrived at her family farm. Izuku has never seen so many apple trees before. Actually, he didn't think he’d ever seen an apple tree before now that he thinks of it. “No problem Applejack, plus it’ll be easier to test Izuku’s powers.” Twilight said. "So, what do you need?" Izuku asked. "It's simple Sugar cube. Just buck the tree trunks with yer hind legs ta shake em and make the apples fall." Applejack explained. "Alright, seems simple enough." Izuku called upon One for All, 10%. Red veins appeared over his body as green lightning bounced over him. Izuku got into position and kicked the tree; however, the shockwave from his kick affected other trees as apples from left to right all fell together. Applejack and Twilight stared slack jawed.  "How… many trees, was that?" Applejack asked. Twilight looked at all the trees, quickly counting the ones without apples. "Twenty seven…" Twilight said. Sheepishly, Izuku powered down One for All, an imprint of his hooves in the tree bark. "Heh… whoops…" “Well Applejack, looks like you have competition.” Spike said, trying not to laugh. "Hush you." Applejack frowned as she trotted over to the tree, looking it over and the hoof prints Izuku left. "Hmm. Trunk's still good, just a bit strained and it looks like ya uprooted it a little, but she'll live." "Sorry. I've never used ten percent before. I wasn't sure what was going to happen." Izuku stated. “It's fine sugarcube, but what’ll happen if you go over 10%?” Applejack asked as Izuku winced, vaguely remembering what he did to the Zero Pointer. "Uh, well… I can't think of a comparison of damage but… well, aside from breaking my arm, I'd probably… well, I'm not too sure. Without a comparison to what I did back home when it happened here I can't explain it properly." “It’s fine, as long as you don’t hurt yourself.” Twilight reassured him.  “Wait…did he say ‘break his arm’? Applejack asked in concern. "Yeah, back when he didn't have the best control over his quirk he hurt himself a lot." Twilight explained. "Heh… yeah. Recovery Girl got so mad with how often I was in there…" Izuku chuckled weakly. Applejack just stares at him until she shakes her head. “Well now, I can see why you three came to me.” Applejack said, smiling with a hint of pride. “What do you mean?” Izuku and Spike were confused. "Izuku, a'h come from a long line of earth Ponies, and a'h know how wanting ta' develop yer strength and body leads to some accidents and a few broken bones. It's a common thing ta' happen to a young earth pony. Our magic is related to strength and the earth so when we're young it's easy to get hurt using it. Course you got that crazy power so, I guess it's more or less a suped up version of basic earth pony magic." Applejack would’ve continued talking if Izuku didn’t appear in front of her with stars in his eyes. Literally, he’s been watching too much Steven Universe. “Teach me.” Izuku said with pure determination that surprised everyone. “Heh, uh… Sure thing Sugar Cube…” Applejack said, gulping. She’d seen many of her younger sister’s Puppy Dog Eyes, but without trying, and him being a bit older, Izuku managed to surpass her baby sister. Twilight clutched her chest in fear of a heart attack. Izuku looked so determined, he’s dead set on becoming a hero. “Easy there Izuku, there will be time for all that later, right now, let’s just… perform some more basic tests.” Twilight stated as she tried to quell the colt’s determination. “Aw, but okay. So what now?” Izuku was a little disappointed that Applejack wasn't going to teach him right away. “Well, you said your Quirk enhances your Physical abilities. We’ve seen strength, so maybe next we should check Speed.” Twilight said, a flash of her horn and she was now holding a stopwatch in her magic. “Now, just run to the barn and back, without your quirk first, so we can establish your baseline speed. Then, run with it so we can determine just how much it improves you.” Izuku then ran from the and on back, thanks to his new body he’s a lot faster than he was before, but he’s still slower than an average pony. “Hm. Seven minutes, thirteen seconds.” Twilight said. “Shoot, Applebloom can beat that.” Applejack chuckled. “Hey! That’s my speed…” Twilight said, sighing. “Alright then, Izuku, activate your Quirk, then go.” Twilight said, giving Applejack a small glare. Izuku summoned OFA across his body, he realized he feels lighter than before. When he heard Twilight say go, Izuku took off much faster than he had gone before. Though, Izuku had to make sure to not run into trees, but thanks to fast reflexes he was able to dodge them with no effort. When he was back next to Twilight and Applejack, the two mares had slack jaws yet again. “How fast was that?” Applejack asked. “... twenty six seconds…” Twilight said. Spike whistled. “Wow. And that’s with ten percent right, you could probably run around the planet with that speed at one hundred percent.” Izuku came up to them with a sliding stop as dust flew everywhere forcing everybody to shield their eyes and mouth as they heard Izuku panting. “Wow. For some reason running I felt more strain than my usual moveset.” He breathed.  “Dude you're faster than fast, you’re quicker than quick. Man you are lightning.” Spike said, impressed. “Spike, stop quoting cartoons.” Twilight sighed. “I’m still amazed. Going from seven minutes to twenty six seconds, that’s… incredible.” Twilight said, at a loss for words. “You were running at speeds only pro athlete Pegasi has ever reached.” “Imagine Dash’s reaction-pfft!” Spike says while laughing as he falls to the ground clutching his ribs. “Heh, I bet he could give Dash a run fer her money.” Applejack agreed, chuckling. “So, how do you feel, Izuku? Does using your Quirk use extra calories or is the energy it produces independent from your body's natural energy for functionality?” Twilight asked. “It produces its own, but if I keep up 15% it’ll cause some strain and be very hard to move.” Izuku explained as Twilight ferociously wrote in her notebook. “How does it produce energy on it’s own?” Applejack asked. “And, what does it use to fuel itself?” Izuku scratched the back of his head. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. True, this was a different world, but the secret of One for All was something All Might trusted him with, and only he and All Might. Still, even with no reason to hide it, he felt bad about explaining that the fuel for One for All was the Cores of the prior vestiges passed along with the Quirk.  “I can’t explain it well, I had this power in a couple days so far, sorry.” Izuku apologized whilst scratching the back of his head out of habit. “Hm, weird. Well, if ya’ll need me, I’ll be getting all these apples back to the farm. Looks like I won my bet with Big Mac after all.” Applejack chuckled. “And I think I’ll have a sna-“ Spike said only to be interrupted by his flames nearly hitting Izuku as a scroll fell on the ground. “Is.. that normal?” Izuku asked. “Yes, Spike has a magical spell on them, allowing Celestia to send letters or even items through his fire.” Twilight informed as Spike picked up the note. “What does it say, Spike?” “Hang on. -Ahem- Here ye. Here ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent castle of capital city of Canterlot on the twenty-first of-yadda, yadda, yadda, no one cares about this stuff, aha! Extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest." Spike announced. “Plus one guest?” Twilight asked, levitating the two tickets up. “Why’d she only send me one extra ticket?” She only received shrugs from the boys as Applejack went up to her face with wide eyes. “Um, are you alright Applejack?” Twilight asked as she took a few steps back from the suddenly excited apple farmer. “Alright ah course Ah alright it’s just… YOU HAVE TICKETS TO THE GRAND GALLOPING GALA!” Applejack yelled out as she started bouncing around. “Um…what’s the grand galloping gala?” Izuku asked. “It’s a big party Canterlot throws every year in the Castle’s main ballroom where the nobility gather to talk business, make connections and show off their wealth, how much money they can waste on random pointless purchases, and get praised for it by other self entitled nobles.” Twilight said, her words managing to snap Applejack from her excitement. “She’s right, it’s filled with snobs who only care about themselves instead of helping the community.” Spike said, voice filled with venom. “Wait, so… it ain’t that nice?” Applejack asked. “Hardly. Since becoming Princess Celestia’s student, I get a ticket every year and only attend because the one year I didn’t, rumors spread about me becoming the next Sunset Shimmer…” Twilight groaned. “That’s Celestia’s old student who went awol and vanished after apparently demanding certain magic secrets from the Princess.” Spike threw in. “So what do you do when you go?” Izuku asked. “I stick by the buffet table and read books.” Twilight said. “I stopped going after the third time a bunch of racist dukes tried to ‘slay the beast’ for the ‘honor of Canterlot’.” Spike said, spitting at the ground. “They tried to kill you?!” Izuku asked with shock. “Tried, but even if my scales could get hurt by normal metals, there wasn't much they could do with a butter knife.” He chuckled. “As funny as it was, it got old fast…” Izuku then pales as he remembers the party’s back at home. The brutal beating, stolen lunch money, suicide bating. He also thinks he has a concussion one time. “Shoot… Wait, make business deals, you say?” Applejack said. “Shoot, I might not be able to sell my apples at the gala, but maybe I can make connections ta help business!” Applejack stated with a smile. “Hm, true. Plus at least having a friend would be more enjoyable than stuffing my face while reading.” Twilight thought to herself. “And Izuku and I can spend time in Canterlot waiting for the party to end and meet up with you two after it’s over.” Spike stated. “I can show him the comic shops, Donut Joes, and the Cheese War Museum.” “The what?” Izuku asked, shaking his head from his panic attack at hearing that. “You had a war over cheese?” “Sorta, but they give out free samples all the time!” Spike stated. “Ok…..ignoring that, so I guess you're taking AJ then?” Izuku asked, tilting his ear. “I guess so, would you like to come-“ Twilight was interrupted by a rainbow who landed on her and Applejack as the boys winced. “Ouch…” Rainbow groaned as she got up and helped the two mares up. “Sorry about that guys.” She said, looking up. Izuku did two, spotting several more Pegasi moving a large cloud. “Cloud Kicker! You better watch yourself next time!” “Sorry!” Came a reply from one of the Pegasi above.  “Rookies…” Rainbow growled. “So, what are you two doing?” “Helping Izuku learn more about his Quirk, and I was gonna invite Applejack to the Gala.” Twilight winced as she rubbed her side. Rainbow Dash did a long inhale scaring the four until she burst. “You're inviting AJ to the Grand Galloping Gala, and not me! You'd better invite someone plain like him!” Rainbow said, pointing at Izuku who’s ears dropped against his head as Spike patted his leg. “Plain…” Izuku muttered. “Hey now, at first I wanted ta go cause I thought I could make a small fortune selling farm goods, then Twilight mentioned how stuck up and snobby the guests usually are, but ah’ could at least talk business with them. Put those lesions my aunty and uncle Orange taught me to some good use.” Applejack stated. “Why are ya so worked up about it, secretly rich or got the hots for some noble?” Rainbow blushed for a second before glaring at Applejack. “Shut up AJ, and no, I want to go to the gala to impress the Wonderbolts, show them my awesome moves. You think they’re going to be impressed with someone as boring and plain as Izuku!” Rainbow said, bringing Izuku’s mood to the point of no return. “I’m not even going…” Izuku mumbled. To everyone’s surprise, Twilight was laughing on the ground.  “What’s gotten into her?” Applejack asked. “It’s Rainbow Dash’s plan.” Spike stated.  “What about it, it’s an awesome plan!” Rainbow said, getting into Spike’s face as he pushed her back. “Rainbow, you aren’t the first to come up with a plan like that, and you will not be the last.” Spike said. Twilight finally managed to get up, wiping the tears from her eyes from laughter as her horn lit up and several photos appeared before the blue pegasus. Each photo showed a pegasi getting slammed back into the ground, a tree, or even just crashing near a Wonderbolt. “Heh-heh. Sorry, but Fan Fillies of the Wonderbolts sneak in every year to try and impress them or get wing or hair clippings, and every year the guard deals with them accordingly. Speed or not Rainbow, you’d be lucky to get within ten feet of the Wonderbolts, especially if you are trying to show off given flying isn’t allowed during the Gala.” Twilight said with a chuckle. “Watching the poor saps try and fail is the only highlight of my boring trips to that party.” “Plus, stop calling Izuku plain, he’s done nothing to you, so why are you verbally attacking him?” Spike asked, crossing his arms. Rainbow sat herself down, looking rather sheepish before getting a fairly hard smack by Applejack. “I agree, you’ve been rude since ya heard about the tickets. At least apologize ta the colt. Besides, he’s got Super Powers for Pony’s sake, how is that plain in any way?” “One, his appearance doesn’t stand out. Two, he doesn’t have a cutie mark.” Rainbow Dash said, at this point Izuku just curled behind Twilight. “Neither does that filly Scootaloo yes ya treat her like a tiny you?” Applejack brought up. “Hey that’s different, I know her for a couple of years compared to a couple of days with Izuku.” “This is Middle School all over again.” Izuku said depressed. “Girls!” Twilight yelled. “Rainbow, if you can’t be a mature mare, then you definitely aren’t getting the spare ticket. Applejack, if by the end of the day nopony else has convinced me, the ticket is yours.” “Wait, what? What do you mean is nopony else convinces you?” Applejack asked. “Given your initial Reaction and now Rainbow Dash, I can already tell this is gonna be a whole thing with the rest of the girls.” Twilight groaned. “Come on Spike, Izuku, let’s go get some lunch.” “Coming!” The trio walked off leaving RD and AJ as the two started to arm wrestle much to Twilight’s annoyance. Later “So how long until you tell them that you can just ask for more tickets?” Spike asked Twilight. Currently, Rainbow was dusting the ceiling, Fluttershy was cleaning the main library, Rarity was organizing Twilight’s closet, and Pinkie Pie was cooking dinner. “Once Pinkie Pie finishes dinner.” Twilight said with a smile. “Where are Dash and Applejack?” Izuku asked. “It looks like after my comment on Rainbow needing to be more mature, I think Applejack is giving lessons in being polite.” “Sorry about Dash Izuku, she usually isn’t like this.” Twilight apologized. “It’s fine, it’s not the first time it happened.” Izuku muttered the second part but Twilight heard him. “Celestia mentioned you said something about being a late bloomer… were you… bullied, for not having a Quirk at the normal age?”  “(Sigh) No, at age 4 is where your quirk starts to develop, everyone in my class had already gotten theirs but I didn’t. I was the only quirkless child. You’re basically treated like an outcast.” Twilight looked down, rubbing her own leg. “I can… relate…” Twilight said. “You… got bullied?” Izuku asked. “Growing up my magic… wasn’t strong. Most foals my age could levitate and perform a small amount of spells, but for me… it all came much… harder. Still, I studied, trained, and almost gave up on it all.” “What happened then?” Izuku said while wiping his tears. “Well, I thought that even if I couldn’t cast magic, I could still study it. So my parents enrolled me into Celestia’s school, the best magic school in Canterlot. But… there was an entrance exam… a magic entrance exam… I failed it, but… um… then there was an explosion. I had a magic surge and, heh, well… It was crazy. Celestia managed to calm me down and reversed the damage. Despite that it was a surge and accidental, she took me on as her student, and I did end up hatching Spike… it all worked out because someone, my idol even… believed in me.” “So how did they treat you now?” "Well, to be honest I did have… some friends, though thinking back I wasn't a good friend to them. I focused on studies and basically ignored them. I know they treated me well but There we're a few who did still resent me because I was Celestia's student. It's a position only one foal gets basically in a generation so I got a lot of jealous bullies, though I rarely saw them since I stayed inside studying all the time." “Did you ever feel lonely?” "My big brother is a guard and Celestia often assigned him to bodyguard me on outings so not really. Honestly aside from the Princess and Shining Armor and my parents I've never cared for anyone else's company." “So what was Spike to you?” "Well, for a long time I wasn't sure. I was only nine when I hatched him so… so for a long time I wasn't sure. When he was still very much a baby I studied him but, as he grew up and began talking and walking and learning he ended up becoming a little brother I never realized I had. When I began independent studies Spike volunteered to be my assistant. Celestia thought it would be a good idea so I wasn't alone all the time and having Spike around has been fun. His little sarcastic and sassy quips helped keep my ego in check many times. Though I think it’s my fault he’s been watching too much Danny Phantom.” Izuku looked down in thought. Should I ask her, but I don’t want to ruin her trust, but I want to know. “So what does that make me then?” Izuku asked the million dollar question. "Well, that makes you a friend, Izuku. I may not have known you for long, but I can tell you have a good, pure heart and a strong sense of justice and a moral compass that could probably put Applejack's to shame. And despite the fact your own power can hurt you so badly, rather than fear it or ignore it, you're working hard to master it. I feel honored to know you, and to count you as my friend, if not, my family." Izuku's eyes start to water as he hugs Twilight while saying thank you over and over. He’s never had positive attention to the point he didn’t even know what was a compliment. His mom was hardly there for him, and his dad or his family didn’t want him just because he was quirkless. Twilight happily returned the hug.  Smiling, Twilight happily presented each of her friends with a ticket to the Gala. "So, you could have just asked for more this whole time?" Applejack asked. "Yes, but I felt I needed to get a point across. As well as set some ground rules." Twilight explained. “What kind of ground rules if you don’t mind me asking?” Fluttershy said softly with the rest agreeing. "Firstly, Rainbow, no bothering the Wonderbolts. As hilarious as it might be to watch you get tackled and chased by the royal guard, you are a friend so try not to get into trouble." "Fine…" Rainbow grumbled, her head having a few bumps from Granny Smith's lessons in Manners. "Fluttershy, I know you want to see and meet the animals within the Canterlot Garden, but those animals are extremely wary of ponies. Majority of them are there because they lost their habitats and homes and ponies they don't know they especially avoid. So while your talent with animals is impressive, please don't get upset if they avoid you during the night." "Oh. Um, alright." Fluttershy answered. “Rarity, don’t try to bother Celestia’s nephew. He’s not going to be interested." Twilight stated simply. "Whatever not? How could he resist my beauty?" "He's gay." If a pin dropped you could hear it with the silence in the room as Twilight stated that. "He's…" Rarity started. "Not attracted to mares." Twilight nodded. "It's a little known fact and the main reason why he is so rude to mares since so many try and court him and he wants none of it." Rarity was stammering as Fluttershy patted her back in comfort. Applejack, RD, and Pinkie were trying not to laugh. "Pinkie Pie." Twilight stared, getting the Pink mare's attention. "This is a formal party, meaning no one will enjoy your usual games and party style." "But… not even my cakes?!" The pink mare asked. "Afraid not… but, they do keep a separate room for the nobles' foals to gather while the adults talk. I know for a fact they will enjoy your kind of party." Pinkie Pie quickly beamed. "Yippee!!! I can still do a Pinkie Pie Party at the gala! Just for the foals!" Twilight nodded. "And lastly, Izuku, Spike." The teen and dragon froze. "Have fun in the streets of Canterlot, and try to meet up with us at Donuts Joe's when the Gala ends at midnight." Izuku breathed out, happy he didn't have to attend such an event.  “Alright, it’ll be like a boys night out!” Spike yelled out much to Izuku’s confusion.  “What’s a boys night out?” Izuku said much to everyone’s shock. "Wow… you were sheltered as a foal? Weren't you?" Rainbow asked. "Well that will change in the coming days." Spike stated. Izuku smiled knowing he has friends that care for him. The shine in his eyes brightened as he gave a closed eye smile. “Thanks everyone!”