Chapter Text
Izuku Midoriya was a quirked animal. Like Nezu, he could talk, understand humans and think at their levels. He also had super cat strength, allowing him to lift anything a human could. It was a weird quirk but Izuku’s life had been nothing if not weird so he didn't mind much. Izuku was a bright young kitten who loved conversations and reading, he absolutely loved heroes too. His favourite being Mr. Principal, Nezu the chimera of U.A.
He didn't harbour a hatred for humans. For him they were just big animals of a different specie, a bit selfish in their habits but overall kind and helpful. Humans had that weird habit of trying to pet him, which was bothersome. He wasn't some house pet, he was a person like everyone. The way humans treated their weaks also bothered him. Instead of taking care of the ones that needed it, they let them fend off for themselves, making the weak even more weak and the strong weak too. Strength came from the community, his mom cat told him. While yes cats were individualistic animals, they also had a strong sense of community and help. Pets lost that instinct, but street cats like him kept it.
Most days Izuku was hungry, he couldn't find a job, being legally animal. He couldn't beg, people didn’t understood and tried to take him home. So to kill his hunger and boredom, Izuku spent his days at the library. The librarian was a very nice young woman who understood his plight very well, being quirkless herself. She’d tried to feed him when she could, but on a meagre wage of slum of the city library she barely had enough to feed herself much less him. She allowed him to peruse the books and read from opening to close for free though, which was awesome in Izuku’s opinion.
He had already went through the children sections by the time he turned 5 and now was making his way through the human history books in chronological order, a small challenge he put on himself. Learn everything from a period and move on. Pre-Quirk eras were harder to research, the crumbling of society during the first quirk wars lost a lot of information but Izuku found his fun in piecing together information and little passages. The library also had a single computer where he could do his own research. If he had spent less time at the library, Izuku might have been less hungry but his intelligence required him to consume any knowledge that fell under his paws.
Izuku also enjoyed analyzing heroes. Sadly this hobby was stopped by his inability to write. The absence of opposite thumb made it almost impossible to hold something small like a pen. He could hold sticks and tools with minimal problems, though he sometimes needed to create a notch in the handle for his “thumb” paw to be comfortable. Izuku wanted to be a hero so bad, something most people told him was impossible. Nezu was the exception that confirmed the rules or so they claimed. Living in periphery of Tokyo made it impossible to test that theory too, Musutafu was too far by paws and he couldn't hitch a ride.
Overall Izuku’s life was harsh but fair, where he could grow and become better. But soon his life would change for the better. It happened on the eve of his 8th year of life. Sadly Rome had little informations about it so the kitten had to switch subject relatively quick and the next subject would be the middle ages and Izuku was intrigued. Western Medieval Ages was spoken about little in Japan, the 2 cultures haven had zero contacts.
Izuku found the first book on knights and his mind filled with thoughts of knighthood. Knights were heroes without super powers and fought for the betterment of humanity. The young cat found that day his new idols and new vocation. It took Izuku a year to go through the documentation on the middle ages and 6 others months to read it a second time. Izuku read the chivalry codes, weapon manuals, armour treaties, blacksmiths books, old medieval poetry. He read everything coming from the middle age. Izuku discovered the crusades, the growth of Christianity and Islam, the French, English, German kings and star knights. Izuku started on the basic for French English and German for those reasons. Seems a lot of medieval information came from those countries and he wanted to experience the original sources. The kitten would devour everything related to medieval wars and cultures he could get his paws on and ask for a second serving.
Its during those times that Izuku decided to make his hero persona the one of a knight. He would be the knight in shining armour that fights for the innocent and weak. For that he’d need to train. Arms treaties talked about a good knight being adept with at least the four basic weapons, the one handed sword, the dagger, the lance and the axe. In combination with a solid base of shield utilization would make him a good beginner squire. The books also said that it would be better to specialized once he found his weapon of choice. A knight must be adept with all weapons but great with his weapon of choice.
One black-smithing knight he found online talked about creating their own weapons and armour, to make sure they were of his liking and quality expectations. It was an interesting concept, one Izuku would need to devellop. Being unable to find a job made for an impossibility of finding raw resources needed. He’d need to scrap up for weapons, armour could come once he’s in hero school. Lucky for the cat, Izuku knew a relatively clean and popular dump where he might find material to start beginner level weapons. He had begged the librarian to take one of the begginer manual home, promising to take care of it. The librarian had found a way to strap the book to his back so he wouldn't loose his front paws. Even though the kitten much preferred walking on his hind legs. It marked a difference with the common house pets and made him stand out. Even to this day he still suffered a kidnapping attempt at least once a day. The last time was yesterday when a scruffy looking man who looked like he hadn't slept once in three days had tried to take him home. He had escaped at the last second, the man was surprisingly quick and strong for such a hobo look. Of course the man had apologized when Izuku had taken the time to explain his quirk to the man. But the man in an offer of kindness, had offered to leave some food on his doorstep for him if he needed it. Izuku had refused of course, but he doubted the man would listen and keep his offer open. The young cat wouldn't spit on some food and would be grateful for the man.
The librarian was happy when he told her that, stating her worry for him. Especially since he had started training in preparation for his weapon training that should start in a few months. His training had made him loose a lot of weight without him realizing, well shit maybe he needed the man more than he thought; his ribs had started showing. He shelved the issue for now and went about his day of reading and training. When the library closed, he took the long way home. Taking in the scenery which he rarely did. The city at dusk was beautiful but then Izuku heard something that froze his blood. A woman’s scream. Bounding quickly to where his ears were telling him the source was. His paws slapping against the ground with break neck speed. He would be her knight today, this was the first test of his resolve and he’d ace it.
Climbing up a fire emergency, Izuku emerge on the roof, taking off towards the alley where someone is in danger. The kitten notices a shadow on the corner of his eye, but he dosn’t put much thoughts on it, someone needs saving. Another scream and Izuku flatten himself for aerodynamics, he jumps over rooftops, caring little for his own self preservation. A good knight is the first one in the front line and the last one to leave the battle grounds. A third scream, closer this time. Veering left to follow the sound, the cat is a flash of soft green fur. Using his cat reflexes, the kitten jumps down a fire exit and stalked down the alley way. A man is back to him and a woman clearly in distressed is being held at gun point. Okay Izuku think, what would Arthur do? Thinking for a second, the cat makes a decision. Flattening himself and using the shadows, Izuku approaches the man swiftly, locking eyes with the woman, promising safety without any words. The woman is more and more confused, seeing this small kitten stalking her attacker but she trust in the safety it promises. Once close enough, Izuku pounce to the gun, twisting his body mid air to deliver a kick to the fire-arm. The criminal drops the weapon in surprise and shock, the woman sucking on her breath in fire of a misfire. The gun drops to the ground harmlessly, skidding on the asphalt of the alley and hitting the nearby wall. Izuku drops back down ,between the woman and criminal, all claws at the ready and hissing at the attacker. Not wasting a second, Izuku dart between the legs of the man and using his basic biology knowlege, bites down on the man’s Achilles tendon, blood filling his mouth. The pain is vivid for the man and he lets out a loud cry, the bite forcing him to take a knee. Izuku spits the blood on the ground before a swoosh and the man is kick to the ground by a shadow. The kitten jumps from shock and scamper towards the closest garbage hiding behind it. Peaking from behind, Izuku watches the scruffy man from yesterday take down the criminal and handcuff him before calling the authority. The woman tries to tell him about Izuku but the man only grunts in response, keeping his focus on the man who is trying to stay conscious.
Subtly, the man drops some cat food on the ground and Izuku narrows his eyes at him, not that he can see the kitten. How dare this human try to bribe him but his stomach is gurgling and he’s really hungry especially after this much physical activities. Low on the ground, the green cat slowly makes his way where the food is, keeping a suspicious eye on the man. The man has obviously seen him, either before or after his take down but keeps his attention firmly on the criminal. The first bites of food at the best in Izuku’s young life. He takes another and another, the food is filling, the man choose well. He might let him live another day, Izuku chuckles to himself, knowing how humans perceives cats as superior and ego driven animals(Which they are, Izuku is just special and dosn’t understand it). His stomach cries in pleasure at being full for the first time ever and Izuku sluggishly makes his way out of the alley, sleepy and confidant the man, probably a hero, got it.
The kitten makes a few meters down an adjacent alley before he finds the back of a restaurant and the warmness escaping from it. His full stomach and the safety of the warmth lulls him to sleep and he falls asleep behind a bin.
Izuku is jostle awake by a loud voice. Jumping on all four, the cat scan his surrounding. He’s in a cage, shit. He’s gotten kidnapped, stupid Izuku not being careful, now he’s never going to find his way back to his hidden spot and his books. The voice that awoke him belongs to a blond man and low and behold, the scruffy man is there. Traitor. He helps take down a criminal and that’s his reward? How dare they. He makes his displeasure knowing in the form of very crude comments about the men’s mothers, keeping to cat tongue so the men cannot understand him. The blond man coos at him “Awww look at him Shou, he’s all awake and angry.” The man slips a finger in the case and Izuku swats at it in warning, next time he’ll use claws. It only elicit a chuckle from the blond man. “Angry little guy uh?” and with a shit eating grin, Izuku answers “Yeah well you would be too if you’d been kidnapped peasant”. The man screams in high notes and hide behind the scruffy man, now known to be named Shou. “Oh my god babe, the cat talked! And he called me a peasant!”. Shou is containing his smirk with difficulty, knowing about Izuku’s status. “Yes I did, and I’ll do worst if you dont let me go this instant! Kidnapping of a knight is the highest offence! Give me a weapon and I shall tan your hide you cur”. The scruffy man is now full on laughing, entertained by Izuku’s words. Granted anyone would be, seeing a kitten talk with a refine accent with terms coming out of a history book. Izuku turns towards the man with furry in his eyes. “And you! Traitor you are! I help you and the first thing you do is bribe me before imprisoning me, I have rights as a knight and person! Unhand me, or at least open this cursed cage so we may converse in a mature way.” The blond man is clearly gone, muttering about talking cats and kitten knights. Izuku scoff at his obvious stupidity. The man named Shou shakes his head with an unreadable expression, muttering “Nezu will love him” and unlocking the door.
Izuku walks out and stretches himself, yawning and showing his sharp teeth, sending a warning glare at the couple. “Now, can we talk like mature persons and not resort to un-knightly methods?” The blond man shakes himself out of his stupor and walk closer, sitting down on the couch in front of the table where the cage is resting. Allowing them to get their ideas in order, Izuku takes the time to do the same. Masking his thinking, he lays down on the table and starts cleaning his paws. A few blood made its way between his toes. Shou joins the blond man with a mug of something steaming and smelling bad. Izuku purse his nose in disgusting and the scruffy man sends him a glare while the blond man laughs. Once silence is back in the room, Izuku finishes his cleaning and props himself up, sitting down as regally as he can.
“Alright, first off introduction. I am Izuku Midoryia, self-squire and future knight of the U.A order. My quirk allows me a human intelligence, the ability to talk and human strength, I call it simply human.” The eyes of the scruffy man widdens when he mention U.A, but he keeps silent which Izuku appreciate. The blond man is the first one to answer. “My name is Hizashi Yamada, I am a teacher and my quirk allows me to increase the pitch of my voice!” “Shouta Aizawa, teacher, I can earse quirks” Both presentation fits the type of personalities the men have. Izuku’s eyes widden in pleasure at meeting teachers. “Well I am sure you have many questions, but allow me to talk for a bit, I shall answer some questions with my story....” Izuku proceeded to tell them his life story, from kittenhood to his discovery of knighthood and his subset dream of joining U.A and become a hero like the knights of old.
All throughout his story, a spark of respect flames in Shouta’s eyes, especially his dedications to his code. In Izuku’s own words, being a knight and hero is what separates him from the simple house cats. His story finished, Izuku looks at both men and nods. “Now I gather you might still have questions. I reserve the right to not answer any though, be advised.” Aizawa nods but Hizashi looks disappointed by that. “Why U.A ?” The question is from Aizawa but Yamada nods along. The kitten blushes, embarrassed. “Well it’s because Nezu is principal and he’s my favorite hero!”. Yamada chuckles but Shouta raises an eyebrow in question, obviously still thinking he’s a quirked human. To resolve any issues Izuku decides to supply the man with the answer “I’m a quirked animal..” Realization illuminate the scruffy man’s eyes and he nods in answer like it makes perfect sense.
The conversation continues well into the day.(Izuku haven woken back up around dawn) Izuku answering any questions the men had and the men answering any questions in turn. Izuku finds himself liking the men very much. Their different personalities makes for interesting conversations and is a fresh of breath air from the simpleton Izuku usually deals with. They are also very intelligent, much more than Izuku and he likes it like that. They challenge him mentally. Its time for lunch when finally their conversation comes to an end. All questions have been answered, all stories given and the trio is ready to stop. “So what now?” The cat asks after a beat of awkward silence. “I can be on my way, I will just ask you to open the door, paws are not suited for that kind of task I’m afraid”. Both men are obviously sadden by this, Shouta way more than Yamada, which surprises Izuku. Noticing this Izuku quickly adds “It’s nothing against you really but I am a wild cat and have no plans to become some lazy common pet, being handed food like a peasant”. The cat’s voice turns regal at the end, standing back tall and proud. Aizawa mules over his words for a second, “How about we strike a deal. We already feed a few feral cats, we could reserve some food for you if you need it. It will be there for you and you can come feed when you feel like it.” Yamada nods beside him, agreeing with him completely. Izuku hmms for a second and nod, extanding his paw in a handshake “You have a deal Ser Aizawa”. Shouta wraps his much bigger hand arounds his paw and shakes it. Izuku drops down from the table and stretches the kinks developed from so long talking. Patting towards what he thinks is the door, he meow to catch the attention of the humans. They chuckles and point to the door “That’s our room door” Izuku hmphr with embarrassment and move towards the door Shouta opened and which leads to outdoor.
Finally outside, Izuku takes off running, trying to find his bearing. He’s not in Tokyo that’s for sure. He recognize none of the buildings and streets. Heart hammering, he’s starting to panic and loosing his bearing quickly. Running around trying to find something he knows rarely solves anything but Izuku is scared, a kitten and far away from home so critical thinking is not his forte right now. There is a heavy presence of heroes for some reasons, much more than in his part of Tokyo. Taking his courage in both hands, he gets tired of running around and finally decide to ask someone for help.
Approaching a black haired woman that seems to be a hero, though her costume is so small, he has doubt she’s actually a hero and not a woman cosplaying as one. Approaching the woman, he gets up on his hind legs and tug at her bodysuit. “I’m so sorry to bother you my Lady but could you be so helpful as to tell me what city are we in right now?” The woman turns towards his voice but thinking he’s humans, she is surprised at finding a small kitten looking up at her with a serious expression. “Ehhh sorry?”. Izuku sighs “What city are we in?”, the woman seems to ponder the question and his apperance before shrugging. “We are in Musutafu little kitten~” Izuku scowl at being called little but his heart rate picks up and his breath catch in his throat. Musutafu! He’s in the city of Nezu, his hero!