English is not my native language, so I kindly ask for your patience and understanding if I make any mistakes. I am continuously trying to improve my communication skills, and I truly appreciate your willingness to read and respond despite any errors. Thank you for your consideration and support
- )
"Well, son, I won't keep you any longer," Mom said as she pulled away from the hug and wiped her tears. "But you could take it easy... maybe go on one of those hero forums you like to hang out on. I haven't seen you there in ages."
With those words, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. Out of habit, I glanced back at the monitor where the police academy page was still open.
I could take Mom's suggestion and go on the forums, but... that would only rub salt in my wounds. On the other hand, it might distract me a bit, take my mind off the idea of not being able to go to UA... although it would also remind me of the heroes and how far I am from reaching them.
Even so, reliving the good times didn't seem like a bad thing. After an internal debate, I decided to open the first forum that appeared in my search history: one about Quirks and hero battle moves.
Upon entering, some memories resurfaced. Memories of how I discussed discoveries, debated and theorized with other users, and took notes on everything they shared in my journals.
Reading the comments, watching the videos they posted—even if they were poorly recorded—and analyzing public interviews with different heroes made me pick up my analysis notebook again.
I started adding new data and correcting some old data… although, to be honest, there wasn't much to correct.
But just as I was getting back into my "zone," a comment caught my attention: Could someone help me improve my Quirk? I've been trying on my own for a while now, but I'm not seeing any improvement. I've noticed that many people here talk about heroes' Quirks, which I think is amazing, and I thought you might be able to give me some advice.
The question seemed a bit out of place in the forum, but it still received a fair number of responses. Some even continued the conversation:
— Have you considered going to a quirks consultant? They might be able to help you more than a bunch of strangers on the internet ever could.
— I thought about it at first, but they are too expensive for my budget and my family's, so I decided to ask online.— I'd like to help, but if your peculiarity isn't a variant of plant control like mine, it's difficult for me to help with something outside of what I already know.
— No, it isn't. I transform things for a limited time. So far I can only do it with small objects, but I want to try it with slightly larger things or for longer periods.
— How long have you been trying to improve? I ask because if it's not long, maybe you just need more time.
— As I said, it's been a while. I wouldn't say too long, but long enough to expect some progress.
— If that's the case, that might be your limit. If you don't see any improvement, that might be it.
— You already said it. This is a forum for heroes. The things discussed here about their quirks are already known. Try somewhere else.
As I read, I gathered that no one there would give him a satisfactory answer anytime soon.
Maybe they would, but most likely in a private chat. Even so, it was obvious he wouldn't give up, even without an immediate solution.
Perhaps… I could help him. His peculiarity sounded interesting, and it also gave me the opportunity to do a different kind of analysis than I usually did.
I decided to contact him through a private chat.
— I saw your comment and I'd like to support you.
— Wow, really!? You're the first person to say yes to me without so much hesitation.
— Well, I'm a fan of quirks and all that, so I think this is a good opportunity.
— To help you, I'd need to ask you a few questions and maybe see your Quirk in action, perhaps on video. If you're uncomfortable showing your face, just show your hands. From what you revealed in the public chat, your Quirk involves touch, right?
— Oh, sorry, you haven't accepted yet and I'm already making plans.
— Ha, ha, ha, you're funny. And from what I'm reading, it seems you are the right person to help me.
— I thought I'd made a mistake posting that, but it seems it worked. XD
— That means you do accept my help.
— Of course. You showed you know about these things. I was surprised when you deduced that my Quirk worked by touch.
— So… what would you like to know about my peculiarity?
The days following the classes I spent advising the user I_l0ve_Onig1ris about his peculiarity: what he could do, what his limitations were, how it worked, his classification, and much more. It was something I began to enjoy, and which, in a way, kept me away from negative thoughts about myself.
It even rekindled my second passion: analyzing peculiarities, something I had previously set aside due to my obsession with heroes. The experience inspired me to create a new field journal:"Analysis of Peculiarities No. 1"Now I could see Quirks from a different perspective; they were even more fascinating than I had imagined, with endless possibilities for use.
I took notes not only on heroes, but also on villains and civilians who seemed interesting to me. Over time, I began to notice patterns, variations, evolutions, combinations, and possible subcategories, beyond the three main types most people knew: Emitter, Mutant, and Transform. All of this became even more interesting as I advisedOnigiri.
— You know, I have seen improvement, actually. It's true what they say about Quirks getting stronger with practice. Before, I could only transform things the size of a baseball, but now I can do it with objects the size of a basketball. Thanks, AllMight_Junior #93278.
— No problem, it's a pleasure.
— Hey… I've told you a lot about my peculiarity, but I've never asked you about yours. I think it must be analytical or intelligence-related, because your advice has been very good and accurate. Maybe I'm not as good as you at intuiting these things… But would you tell me about it?
Her question took me by surprise. It was a subject I'd tried to keep away from others, because of everything that came with talking about it. However, given the trust we'd built, perhaps I could tell her the truth.
— The truth is… I'm Quirkless.
There was immediate silence. For a moment I thought I'd made a mistake in telling you. The wait was becoming unbearable… until I finally saw that I was typing:
— I'm sorry, this took me by surprise. I know this isn't under your control, but I think we'll stop the tutoring here. It might sound harsh, and I trust you've helped me a lot with your Quirk, but I don't think I can teach someone who can't feel or know what it's like to have a Quirk.
— So let's end this and don't contact me again.
— And don't worry, I won't reveal your condition. It's the least I can do for the help you gave me. Goodbye.
And with that, I received the notification: I had been blocked.
Why did I have to tell him?
Why did he treat me differently after I told him?
Why was I born without a gift?
Why… why… why?
The questions came in waves, impossible to answer, impossible to solve. The only way to silence them was to immerse myself in what I did best: analyzing peculiarities.
I picked up my new journal and started writing, though as I did, I couldn't help but think that not all the peculiarities were perfect or absolute. Many had flaws, as many as I did. Some could be countered, rendered useless, exploited… that gave me a strange relief.
I took another journal and began recording every flaw, defect, weakness, defense, counterattack, and strategy I could use against each quirk in my new journal, and in the previous ones. It was cathartic; a release of all the pent-up anger, all the frustration of not having a Quirk like most people. I could even dare to call it revenge.
I was so engrossed in my notes that I barely noticed the knock on the door.
— Come in, Mom — I said as I hid the one containing my weaknesses under my other diaries.
— I'm sorry, son, if I'm bothering you… but it's getting late. You should get some sleep.
I glanced at the time on the computer: 10:34 pm
— You're right, I think I lost track of time.
"I can see it," she said, kindly, without scolding, just pure understanding, something he needed at that moment.Quickly, her face changed to a more cheerful and enthusiastic one:
—Oh, right! Since you seem a bit more cheerful, I thought we could have a mother-son day out. What do you think?
The question hung in the air. I didn't want to shatter her illusion about my state of mind, thinking about what had happened just a few hours earlier. But seeing her expectant expression and realizing I needed to clear my mind, I replied:
— That sounds like a good idea. What do you have planned?
— We could go to the Shopping District for a walk, maybe buy something, and in the afternoon go to eat at a cafe.
"But... what about the money? Dad hasn't increased child support, and your job as a secretary barely covers our expenses. Although with my savings and the money from selling my merchandise, it could be manageable, and if we work out a budget like we have before..." I started listing everything needed to carry out the idea, but she interrupted me.
"Oh, Izuku, don't worry about that. I just received a small bonus that I want to share with you. Yes, you can use your savings to buy yourself something you like. The idea is to spend time together."
- But…
"Izuku, the idea of going out together is to have fun, not to worry about money," she said with a kind smile. "Okay, alright?"
—Yes!—I exclaimed, euphoric.
— Okay, then, time for bed. Tomorrow will be a big day.
With that, he kissed my forehead before leaving, closing the door behind him. I put my notebooks away and found a hiding place for the one containing the Quirk weaknesses. I settled into bed, eager for what tomorrow would bring.
"It looks like it will be a good day tomorrow," I whispered to no one in particular, closing my eyes to sleep
Could you give me some power stones? :)