Wanderer in Time

June 30, 2317. 07:30. Japan, Musutafu The morning came unexpectedly. Midoira hadn’t been able to close her eyes for the rest of the night—she was afraid she might be thrown back into the past at any moment. Overall, she had been deeply contemplating her conversation with her father. What would happen now? Why should she be in safety? Who were her father's old friends? What does her time-travelers' family tree look like? Are there limitations to this strange, ambiguous power? It seemed there were even more questions, but all of them paled under one major concern—how to start a conversation with her mother? Inko didn’t rush her, calmly sipping her tea, but the tension hung heavily in the air. She saw the dark circles under her daughter's eyes and was deeply worried about her state, but she wasn’t going to insist. Her little girl needed to explain everything herself. Taking a deep breath and waiting for her mother to stop drinking, Izuku decided to break the silence. — Mom… Something happened yesterday… The thing is, I… I talked to Dad. — the girl said quietly, lowering her gaze and examining the patterns on the table. — What? — Inko asked hoarsely, feeling her heart chill at the thought of what the continuation of this conversation might entail. This wasn’t what she thought, was it? — It all happened so suddenly! I was so scared! I felt unwell all day, and then outside, it was like I was pulled and suddenly fell! Then I got up, started looking around, but everything was different! And the strange man who was there said that it was 2258! Then I found myself back in our neighborhood! And last night, I got up again because I was feeling sick and everything was blurry! I fell again, saw the light on in the living room, and there was Dad! He told me that I am tempus vagus and asked me to tell you everything as soon as I got back to the present! He also said that you need to take me to his good friends as soon as possible, who can help! — Izuku babbled, then looked up at her bewildered mother with a panic-stricken expression and very quietly admitted. — Mom… I’m really scared. I dreamed of having a quirk, but… But not this… Dad said that if I keep moving uncontrollably through time, I could end up anywhere! War, a great flood, fire, earthquake… — Izuku! — Inko jumped up and hugged her daughter tightly, crying. — I’m so sorry! I was hoping until the last moment that you didn’t have this power! It should have manifested in your daughter or granddaughter at the very least! I was so scared, and my fears came true! Hisashi also traveled through time, and I still remember how every time he jumped uncontrollably, he could come back with all sorts of deadly injuries, if not worse! And when he told me that the gene might be passed on to you, I… I… — There’s nothing we can do now, Mom. — Izuku tried to calm herself, hugging her mother in return. — It’s better to do as Dad said. And tell me everything you know. — Yes, you’re right. — Inko took a deep breath, calming down. — I’ll tell you everything, but first we need to fulfill Hisashi’s request. Get ready, you won’t be going to the academy today. We’ll go to where you can get help. And make sure to tell me as soon as you feel the first signs of time travel. Did your father tell you about them? — Yes. — the girl nodded. — Then go get dressed. We can’t waste a minute.

* * *

The preparations were completed in record time. Izuku noticed that her mother looked very serious and scared. She kept glancing around as they left the house and then closely monitored the entire taxi ride to their destination. To Izuku’s great surprise, their destination turned out to be the famous UA Academy, which she had wanted to enter the previous year. The car stopped near the main gates, and after paying the taxi driver even more than necessary, Inko resolutely led her to the building, holding her hand tightly. At the gates, the woman pulled out a plastic card and scanned it. Izuku was surprised when the scanner allowed her and her mother to enter UA without any issues or complications. Apparently, her father’s friends had made sure to include their names in the access system. Since classes had already started, Izuku didn’t see any students. And overall, she didn’t have time to look around. They dashed into the main building and then went straight to the reception desk. — Good morning! How can I help you? — a young woman, the receptionist, greeted them with a smile. — We’re here to see Principal Nezu. Tell him that Midoriya Inko is here with an urgent matter that can’t wait. — the older woman said firmly. — I’m afraid Principal Nezu is in an important meeting and can’t see you right now. — the receptionist looked apologetically down. — And Aizawa Shota? Is he here? — He is here, but he’s in class… — I don’t care; your students can wait! We can’t wait, every minute counts! So call him! This matter can’t wait! Tell him that Midoriya Inko is here on serious business! — the woman said sharply. — Excuse me? — the receptionist, now completely flustered. — Just call him! — Inko snapped. — O-of course! I’m calling him now! — the receptionist hurriedly dialed a number on the phone. After a few rings, she panicked and said, — Aizawa-san, come down to the reception immediately! A certain Midoriya Inko is here and urgently needs to see you! — she hung up the phone and timidly said, — He will be here in a few minutes. — Good. For the first time, Izuku saw her mother being so rude and insistent. And she noticed how deeply she was concerned. The woman never let go of her hand, as if afraid her daughter might vanish into thin air. Two minutes dragged painfully slow. Inko was on edge when a man in dark clothing with long black hair falling over his shoulders and obscuring his face entered quickly. He had dark bags under his eyes and looked quite pale and worn. As a distinguishing mark, he had a bunch of white ribbons around his neck. Izuku immediately recognized him. It was one of her favorite underground heroes—Eraser Head! Was her father acquainted with him? And her mother knows him? From where? — Midoriya. — Aizawa said evenly, looking at them, especially at Izuku. — Is this what I think it is? — Do you really think I’d joke about such things? It happened, Shota! I wouldn’t be here if everything was normal! — Inko replied nervously. — I see. — the hero nodded seriously. — Let’s go upstairs. — No! — the woman exclaimed in fear. — Not upstairs! If she suddenly travels further… — I understand. — the teacher sharply interrupted her. — Right. I didn’t think of that. Let’s go to my office then. It’s on this floor. They silently followed the pro hero. In just a minute, they were seated on a comfortable couch in the office. Aizawa offered them tea or coffee, but both declined. Due to the tension, neither of them could swallow anything. — Can you tell me what’s going on? I don’t fully understand. — Izuku broke the oppressive silence, looking from the hero to her mother. — How much does she know? — Aizawa asked Inko. — Just the basics. Hisashi didn’t have time to tell her everything. And I think, last year he didn’t know much about himself either. — the older Midoriya shook her head. — Did you see your father? — Shota asked Izuku. — Yes. — the girl nodded, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. — Last night, I was transported to 2299. He was at our house and was preparing to go somewhere. He told me that I am tempus vagus. He asked me to tell Mom everything as soon as I returned to the present, and she, in turn, should take me to his friends. He said he left a message for me with them. I take it you knew him? — Yes, I knew him. — the hero nodded. — We studied and worked together. Asakura was very talented and responsible but problematic. Villains were always after him, which led to some pretty bad consequences. And if I trust my memory, you will be problematic too. Just your strange requests alone were something. — So you already know me, right? Seen me in the past? — the teacher nodded affirmatively. — Wait, Asakura? — Izuku asked in surprise, then turned to her mother. — Wait, Mom. Did Dad have a different last name? — Yes. — Inko sighed resignedly. — Your father’s real name is Hisashi Asakura. Midoriya is my maiden name. When you were born, to protect you, we gave you my surname. And for the same reason, we didn’t register the marriage, and there is a blank in the father’s section on your birth certificate. — That’s not all, is it? — the surprised Izuku asked quietly, noticing her mother’s hesitations and her exchanged glances with Aizawa. — No. You should have known the truth earlier, dear, but I still hoped you wouldn’t find out. — Inko paused as if gathering her thoughts. — You see, I gave birth to you at home. The well-known Healing Girl delivered you. And… To keep you as safe as possible, your father and I persuaded her to change your birth date. In reality, you were born on June 28, not July 15. — But who were you trying to hide me from by taking such measures? — Izuku asked hoarsely, trying to process the information. She was born two weeks early? What the hell?! — From the main villain who has been hunting time travelers for years. — Aizawa explained melancholically. — Somehow, he obtained the exact dates when tempus vagus would be born in the next couple of centuries. Your father was on that list. Since childhood, they had been watching him, trying to take his power for something terrible. He wanted you to have a quieter childhood without constant chases and relocations. Hisashi kept his connections very secure, so not many knew about your mother, but we decided to be extra cautious. The pregnancy was also kept under enormous secrecy. Your father knew you were destined to be a tempus vagus, so he couldn’t afford even the slightest risk. — So that’s why you didn’t want me to become a hero, right, Mom? I would be in the spotlight and that would make me a target. — Izuku said quietly, looking at her mother. The woman lowered her eyes. — And that’s why Dad wasn’t with us. He’s hiding now? And that’s why he hasn’t been in touch with us all this time? — Wait, Inko, haven’t you told her yet? — The hero’s gaze was fixed on the trembling woman. — I couldn’t. — She lowered her head. — What else don’t I know? — Izuku tensed, looking at both Aizawa and her mother. — Your father, even if he wanted to, wouldn’t have been able to contact you. — The hero’s look was full of regret. — He’s not in the present time. A few months before your birth, the villain gathered so much power that no one knew how to stop him. His supporters were growing, Hisashi was literally being pursued. And then he disappeared. For a month, we didn’t receive any news from him until you brought us a letter from him. Actually, in your future, your father will ask you to deliver it to us. In this letter, he explained that he was trapped and had no choice but to jump with a working chronograph into the past. And to stay there forever. Without the possibility of returning. — Why? — Izuku asked in shock, and then tensed. — Why did he take that risk?! Why can’t he come back?! — Because — the door to the office opened and a creature in a suit resembling a white mouse appeared in the doorway — when a tempus vagus moves themselves using a chronograph into the past and takes it with them, they bind themselves to the time they jumped to! The future they lived in is erased forever, and the past becomes their present! It’s also impossible to move them back to the time they should live in using another tempus vagus, as time travelers cannot travel to the future! — Director Nezu. Quickly. — Aizawa said flatly. — I left the meeting as soon as I got your message, Aizawa-san! — The creature jumped onto a chair. — Our old friend’s request is more important to me than listening to endless requests for budget increases for support courses! And I couldn’t keep our dear guests waiting! Inko-san, you haven’t changed at all since our last meeting! And I’m glad to finally meet you, Midoriya-chan! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you as a tempus vagus! You’ll visit us in your future and our past! — I’m glad you came so quickly, Nezu-san. Thank you for not leaving us with this problem. — Inko took the floor, nervously clutching the strap of her bag, and then bowed deeply. — As you can see, what we feared with Hisashi has happened. My daughter is a tempus vagus, and she has already been to the past twice! Please help us! You know how dangerous this is! Protect Izuku from uncontrolled jumps! — Of course, Inko-san! We promised Hisashi we would take care of her! We have everything we need! — Nezu nodded and then turned his attention to the teenage girl. — You’ve been to the past twice? Amazing! Usually, when the gene is just awakening, you might be thrown to the past only once within a week. And then the jumps become more frequent. Apparently, you have very strong abilities, Izuku-chan! — I don’t know if that’s good or bad… — the younger Midoriya muttered, looking down. Admitting to strangers that she was very scared would be embarrassing. The mere thought of sitting in her academy class on the tenth floor and then disappearing only to end up long before the building was constructed, risking all her bones breaking, terrified her. Not to mention other risks. — No way, Midoriya-chan! — Nezu responded cheerfully, listening to her mumbling. Izuku suddenly realized that she had been thinking out loud and blushed. The headmaster continued: — We know safe dates and times! We will send you there, ensuring your safety in the past! Moreover, we will do everything to keep you safe in the present as well! And now we’ll discuss all the details! — Sorry, it seems you’ll have to discuss it without me. I think I’m about to move through time… — Izuku hastily informed them as she felt the familiar dizziness and nausea. The world before her eyes was blurring, and the familiar green sparks swirled around. It seemed they were saying something to her, but she didn’t remember. There was a jolt — and in the next moment, she vanished…

* * *

— Oh no! — Izuku yelped as she hit the ground hard, landing on her back. Her vision cleared, and the space took on the shape of a typical summer street. The main UA building was nearby, though the block where Aizawa’s office had been moments ago was still under construction. — Are you okay?! — Izuku looked up to see a small boy with unusual red and white hair kneeling beside her. His azure eyes were filled with genuine concern. He extended his small hand, wanting to help her up. — I’m fine! Thank you! — Izuku smiled warmly as she grasped his hand and lifted herself from the ground. — Are you sure you’re not injured? — The boy asked skeptically, scanning her brightly-colored clothes with his bright blue eyes. — There’s a medical center nearby, I can show you the way! The old man often takes me to see the Healing Girl, so I know the route well! — Really, I’m fine! — Izuku continued to smile, brushing off her clothes. She had always been good with kids, easily finding common ground with them. — But could you please tell me, what year is it now? — You’re weird! — The boy laughed, his eyes twinkling mischievously. — You’re an adult and don’t know what year it is! It’s 2297 now! — I’m afraid it’s because of my power! When I teleport, I sometimes forget what year it is! — Izuku explained, keeping her cheerful demeanor. Remembering the need for caution, she chose not to mention time travel. Who knows what this boy might become in the future. — But still… — she added — please keep this a secret! A big secret! Can you keep secrets? — Ah! Your quirk is strange! And its effect is odd too! — The boy ignored her question. — Although mine isn’t any better. I often get burned during training, but the old man doesn’t care! He wants me to become a hero and surpass All Might! But lately, he’s been changing his mind, saying I’ll never be a hero because I’m not cut out for it! Too weak physically, he says! So why make me endure all this pain and force me to build strength that only makes things worse?! And then shatter my dreams! Besides, I want to be a hero! My quirk is good too! — He ranted, frowning and puffing up his cheeks in frustration. Izuku, listening closely to the boy, noticed his small hands were tightly bandaged, as was part of his neck. He had a fresh burn near his left eye. Her brow furrowed. Who is this monster who torments a child?! The feeling of indignation at the injustice grew. At that moment, Izuku didn’t know that her words would drastically change the lives of several people. — Your father undoubtedly wants you to be strong. But he’s wrong to torment you. You shouldn’t endure pain and abuse. No one should. That’s why heroes exist — to save others from pain and suffering, risking everything. — Izuku spoke gently, kneeling to look into his eyes. — Life is full of unpredictable events. You know, the path of a hero is harder than it seems. So if you still want to become one, find your own path, think about what kind of hero you want to be. Don’t become a hero for fame, money, ambitions, or because your father told you to. You are a person, and only you can decide what kind — Your father undoubtedly wants you to be strong. But he’s wrong for tormenting you. You shouldn’t endure pain and abuse. No one should. That’s why heroes exist—to save others from pain and suffering, risking everything to help. — Izuku said gently, kneeling to look into his eyes. — Life is full of unpredictable events. The path of a hero is harder than it seems. So, if you still want to become one, find your own way, think about what kind of hero you want to be. Don’t become a hero for fame, money, ambition, or because your father told you to. You are a person, and only you can decide what kind of person you want to be. — Izuku patted his hair gently, noticing the blush on his cheeks and the wide eyes full of newfound hope. Then, with a sincere smile, she said what she had most wanted to hear a year ago. — I’m sure you’ll find yourself! You’ll become a great hero no matter what! And who knows, maybe one day you’ll even save me! — Thank you… — The boy replied shyly, not taking his burning gaze off her. — You’re the first one to ever say something like that to me! And you’re so kind and beautiful! I’m definitely going to become a hero to save you! What’s your name? — I’m Izuku. And you? — The girl extended her hand for a shake. — I’m Toya! Nice to meet you, Izuku! — The boy responded cheerfully, shaking her hand and grinning widely. The idyll was interrupted by a rough voice in the distance calling Toya back to the car. Izuku looked up and saw a strong man with red hair and blue eyes full of disdain and coldness. She could have sworn she had seen him before. But where? Who does he remind her of? — Damn! Stupid old man is calling me! I’ve got to go! — The boy grumbled, then headed toward the car. But after a few steps, he turned around and cheerfully exclaimed: — Thanks for the chat! I’ll remember you, Izuku! I hope we meet again! And even if we don’t, I promise I’ll make sure we do! I liked you, and I’ll definitely find you! And yes, I can keep secrets! I’ll keep your secret, I swear! Izuku nodded, feeling the familiar nausea returning. The outlines of the space blurred in her vision, and the green sparks quickly swirled around her. The ground beneath her feet vanished. And then came the familiar sensation of a jolt…