All men are not created equal. That's the hard truth I learned at age four.

I didn't let that stop me though, I pushed on through hardship and social pressure. My goal was to be a hero... One that saved day with a fearless smile. Just like All Might...

Midoriya Izuku laid in bed staring idly up at the ceiling. Summer break lacked the mystique it used to have, he'd only grown more distant from his school 'friends' as the years have passed. Now on the cusp of going into Junior high it didn't look like that trend was changing anytime soon. As amazing as they were, especially his oldest 'friend' Bakugo Katsuki he just couldn't summon the effort to deal with their words. "Kacchan..." he closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. He was lifted from his funk by the light knocking on his door.

"Izuku honey,"

"Yeah mom?" The door cracked open revealing the gentle smile of his mother.

"A Package came in today." her smile grew slightly. "It's from your Father." her voice trilled with a note of happiness. The boy immediately sat up, his melancholy demeanor was immediately washed away with excitement.

"Really!" He hopped out of bed in one swift motion falling into step behind his mother as they headed to the living room. "Where is he sending from this time?" A large box sat on in the middle of the floor covered in postage.

"I believe the latest site he was investigating was somewhere in China, we'll just have to see for ourselves." she replied brightly. The two immediately dug in, opening the box and seeing what goodies it continued.

Midorya Hisashi, despite his rather offensive ability to breath fire, had a passion for History. An Anthropologist fascinated with world that has existed before the rise of Quirks, only lost in the shift in power... It gave the unfortunate side effect that he was often lost in his studies for months at a time. He did his best to try and keep up with things back at home at the very least...

"I found it!" Izuku held up the small disc, the holo-mail. He excitedly handed it to his mother who immediately set it to play. The Projector sprung to life and an image of a well built man in a white T-shirt. Short curly black hair was corralled by a bandanna, a confident smile on his face.

"Greetings from the Sichuan Province." The camera turned to a shot out the window of his hotel out toward some mountainous terrain covered in greenery, looking closely one could see the remnants of larger buildings. "A short drive from the ruins of Chengdu." he continued before bringing the camera back to his face. "The dig is progressing well, the findings look promising. If the timetable remains stable I should be back by Christmas," his smile became a bit more subdued. "I wish I could be by sooner but with the size of the chosen site there a lot to sort through. I definitely will make it up this time for winter break. That's a promise." he offered the Camera a thumbs up. Inko couldn't quite repress the sigh choosing to focus on some of the souvenirs her husband had sent. Izuku nearly spoke up but the hologram continued.

"After all next year you'll be moving on to 5th grade, won't you Kiddo? You'll be in Junior high before you know it! I trust you've been Keeping up with your studies." he smirked. "Your a smart Kid Izuku, so I'm sure you'll show them all." The sheer confidence was infectious, even through such an impersonal means. The dark haze of Izuku's earlier musing were washed away by the praise. "But that's neither here nor there. As you've probably notice I sent some souvenirs for you both!" It was a lot for the usual snacks and interesting baubles he tended to send. The family had amassed quite the collection of nick-knacks from around the world over the years... Though this box had one addition that was impossible to ignore. It was a small statue of a cat, worn and chipped with age, it right paw placed upon a star. It was surprisingly detailed considering it's condition and age.

"Bundled in with the souvenirs you likely noticed that Statue." The Holo-recording continued in perfect timing. "That little beauty is a genuine artifact from the site." Both Izuku and is mother looked up from the statue in shock. "Geddoe dismissed it as an inconsequential novelty art piece, and said it would be fine to send back... He's too short sighted sometimes." he added with a small chuckle. "I couldn't help but do a little digging into myself in my spare time, having seen nothing else quite like it. I put a copy of my observations in their with it. So keep it safe for me and we can look into together eh?" he offered with a smirk. Izuku may not have the same drive as his father when is came to history but they both shared a insatiable curiosity and analytical eye. Though uncommon these bonding experience were always welcome... all the more reason to look forward to winter.

"Now this last part of the message is for your mother." his voice gained a softer tone expression more gentle. " Inko Darling, I hope your doing well... I do love my work but miss our time together. I..." he sighed. "I promise this time I'll be there. Just a little longer until we can see other again... I'll be sure to make it up to you." he added a cheeky wink. "In more ways then one. Like perhaps a night on the town and maybe a stop i-" Inko blushed quickly shutting off the holo before it could go anything further.

"I-I'll just finish this message up later." she shook her head. "Honestly that man doesn't think before he starts talking." she tried to sound annoyed but happiness was too obvious. Izuku smiled slightly... their family wasn't perfect but he wouldn't have it any other way. He glanced to the worn statue and frowned a little...

Well it would have been nice if his father was there instead of an old statue...

It was a few nights later, Moon high in the night sky. Izuku sat by his window just looking up to the stars, a notebook marked 'Hero Analysis for the Future. Vol 12'. well over half full, the latest additions added from his usual scan for any interesting villain fights that broke out that day. It wasn't the same thing as doing it in person but it's not like one could just summon those from the ether whenever he happened to be out and about. He brushed his hand over the cover lingering longingly on the first word.

"Hero..." It's all he'd ever wanted, a goal the seemed ever more far away the more he seemed to chase it.

'You Should Probably give up...'

'I'm sorry Izuku... I'm so sorry...'

'Deku means someone who can't do anything'

He looked away, anywhere but his notebook. His eye caught his father's statue, the worn cat holding it's paw over the star. Beckoning. He stood up and walked across the room picking it up. It was solid, but somehow not heavy. Despite it's condition some of the little details were remarkable, so much effort put into such an innocuous little piece. Just held it in both hands, eventually meeting it's stony gaze.

"Could I be a hero?" he asked softly, "Is it really so terrible to want that?" he wasn't sure who he was asking but once he started he couldn't stop. "I just want to help people... save them with a fearless smile. Can't I have that!" he wasn't sure when he had started shouting. "I would do anything to be a hero... Give anything... I just..." he could feel the tell-tell trail down his cheek as tears welled up. He took a shaky breath and lowered his eyes. "Arguing with a statue..." he forced a pained chuckle as he placed it by the window so her could clear the tears from his eyes. "I really must be losing it."

He looked up to the posters on his wall. All Might. The Symbol of Peace. My hero. He knew what he needed right now, he headed over to his computer. Navigating away from the news page to a favorite, the search bar immediately knowing what he was trying to find... He didn't even notice the slight sound of stone cracking.

"He's already saved over a hundred people! It's only been 10 minutes!"

It was something about this Video... All Might's Debut that always stuck with him. In times like this he always came back. Almost as a reminder, but he'd seen it so many times he knew it by heart. The Reactions, the dramatic entrance. Everything.

'He's laughing!'

When her first watched it as a kid he could feel the Charisma... the power of what would become the Symbol of Peace. It made him feel like he could do anything.

'It's going to be okay. Why?'

He needed to feel that feeling again, to wash away his doubt... to refocus himself. To bury this painful feeling for a little longer.

'Because I am here!'

A flash of light was accompanied by the crumbling of rock. Izuku looked away from his computer to the source of the disturbance. The statue was breaking... no, was it even a statue. The cat moved, an outer layer of rock falling away. It fur was black as the night sky with streaks of pink. Under it's paw was the source of the blinding light. The star took on a sleek crystalline sheen radiating with power. The Young boy tried to speak, say anything but no words would form. What was he witnessing?

"Your heartfelt wish," A voice, light and gentle reached his ears. "Pure, Selfless Desire to protect others... It has awakened me." The Cat looked him directly in the eyes. An piercing golden gaze. It was talking to him. "Step forward human, " He(?) moved his paw and the star-like gem began to float slowly toward him. "Grasp the stone and accept it's power." Izuku found himself moving forward hand reaching out... was this a dream? His hand shook as it grew closer, slowly taking the star into his palm, sending a tingling sensation up his arm and through his body. Though powerful enough to move his hair and clothes from sheer pressure... it was the gentle warmth he remembered, much like the voice.

"Close you eyes and speak the words in your heart." The gentle voice commanded. He closed his eyes hot tears escaping in the process, he gripped the crystal tighter, its power seeming surging with his own emotion. Responding in kind. This had to be a dream... but if it wasn't? A small whimper escaped his lips as hope bubbled forth... This was insane.

But if it's true.

"I... I want to be a hero!" he shouted, voice cracking with emotion as the power seemed to only increase. Another phrase implanted itself in his mind. Escaping his lips before he could really understand what he was saying. "Pretty Guardian... Transform!" The world went white, an unimaginable rush of power blinded him to everything around him... in the distance he heard the gentle voice one last time.

"Your wish is granted."

He could feel the power moving through him with purpose. It began with his arms before moving to his legs all converging to his torso before surging up through his head in dizzying display. The light faded as did much of the power but Izuku could still feel it. The gentle warmth settled on his chest, radiating through the rest of his body. Under that all was a strange feeling he couldn't quite place. before he could put much thought to it all The former statue spoke, currently seated proudly on his bed.

"Mm, A successful awakening." It sounded pleased, tail flicking behind it left and right. "How do you feel?"

"Um, it feels nice if a bit strange." he admits, clearing his throat a little. That's weird his voice sounded... off. He looked to his hands to see a pristine white glove. "Gloves?" his gaze ventured lower as the Cat began to speak again.

"Indeed, the Divine Vestments of the Guardians. They may look frail but they are empowered with powerful protection en-"

"Why am I in a skirt?!" Izuku screamed, voice shrill and panicked. He grabbed at the leotard top frantically trying to get it off. Though as her grabbed the fabric he felt something else under it.

"Eh?" Izuku touched his chest once again, hands shaking... It was small, but there was a subtle difference. Unfamiliar fear rose as Izuku checked lower. "Why am I a girl?!" SHE squeaked, body trembling as her brain tried and failed to make sense of what was happening.

"You mean you weren't female?" The cat said with a even mix of reluctance and confusion.

"Of course not!"

"S-Sorry," the cat placed one of it's forepaws behind it's head in a disturbingly human gesture. "You humans looks so similar it's hard to tell."

"Izuku, are you okay in there?" Inko's worried voice trailed through the door. Fortunately she was too polite to barge right in. Izuku turned to the cat trying to keep the bare minimum of calm.

"Turn me back!" she whispered fiercely. The cat flinched at the intensity and started to lose it's own composure.

"Um i-if you touch the gem again and think about changing back it should work." the level of uncertainty in the cat's voice was not comforting but she followed the instruction immediately. Placing her hand on the gem ignoring the other feeling on her chest and desperately thinking about changing back. The radiant power left the along with the outfit, the crystal star remaining behind.

Back to normal.

"Thank goodness... Eh?" Izuku's voice didn't change back... Reluctantly reaching back down.

The outfit was gone but, "I'm still a girl!" The doorknob click as her mother opened the door, the cat was giving a frantic jumbled apology but it was all too much. Panic having topped out at it's maximum level her mind shut down instead toppling over to the floor in a dead faint as His mother opened the door.

-Break-

Two fainting spells later (one for each) with a much needed hour of calm assurances the Midoriyas found themselves opposite the former statue. Side by side their resemblance had grown even more obvious, Izuku's features had grown softer, her former mess of curly green hair edging more into the 'wavy' territory but her clothes did well you hide any of the more obvious changes. Inko gripped her 'daughter's hands returning every tentative squeeze, despite her calm neither were quite over the shock of it all... It made for a tough audience to say the least. The Cat cleared it's throat trying figure out where best to begin.

"All things considered, I suppose I owe you both an explanation..." Izuku tensed but didn't speak up. "I am Aylward, Chosen keeper of The Hope of Davaria. I hail from Kingdom a far beyond the veils of this reality." The statement was was absurd, even from a talking cat. But his tone held no room for doubt, stated as purely a fact. "I was sent to this world by my master to prepare an intercept force to stop an invasion from the Dark ones who all but ruined my home in their conquest..." he looked down places a paw on the star shaped gem on the table. "My master forged this gem from purest magicite, designed to awaken latent magical power of those who open themselves to it. All in the slim chance we could prepare your world to brunt the vanguards of darkness and give you a fighting chance against their forces..."

"That... is certainly a lot to take in Aylward." Inko said carefully but frowned slightly. "But that does not excuse rashly recruiting my son without even informing him of what that power might do." her voice firmed up in defense of her child. The Keeper bowed its head in shame.

"Ah, your words strike true Lady Midoriya. I was blinded the rush of my awakening and the pure desire of your son. But that does not clean away the stain on my honor..."

"Mom, it's okay..." Izuku spoke up for the first time, a slight cringe from hearing her new higher voice once more. "I...I was the one who took the gem when it was offered, I've always wanted to be a hero. This isn't exactly what I had in mind but if it can help protect people I'll do what I can."

"Izuku..." his mothers anger drained away, looking at his son turned daughter in awe.

"Aylward, H-How long do we have? Do you have any idea when the invaders are coming?" her voice trembled a bit but her expression was resolute. Both cat and mother could see the young girl's heroic spirit shining through.

"Yes in the vaguest sense." Alyward began solemnly. "I have to be put into stasis to cross the dimensional veil but my master was skilled in many disciplines." a clear hint of pride entered his voice. "Tapping into his visions he told me after the passing of the second millennia, on the shortest night when the moon sat full among the stars... The Dark ones would come. He said I would awaken to the wish of the one who would save this world... There could already be scouts hidden within your society, looking for-" he looked back up but his grim gaze was met by complete confusion. "...What?"

"Um, I'm not sure quite how to put this Aylward," Inko bit her lip."The second millennia passed over 200 years ago..."

"W-What? You must be mistaken." he looked between both green haired females. "Something must be off in the interpretations! How could your world not be enslaved to Dark Ones?"

"Well... if this invasion was that long ago it would have happened sometime during the second or third generation Quirks." Izuku muttered thoughtfully. "Much of that time was lost to history due to social uprising due to quirks. Civilized society all but collapsed. But if an outside force attacked and galvanized the populace, those early quirk users must have fought the invasion back..."

"But that would mean... after all of my master's sacrifice to get me to this world... I failed." The Keeper shook, a few droplets falling to the table top as his body shook. "I sat as a useless ornament while you defended your own world. My only action being ruining a young boy's life with my own arrogance..." Izuku and her mother exchanged a glance before the elder Midorya moved forward and placed a hand on the cat's back causing him to flinch. She shushed him softly and stroked his back.

"It's okay, it's not your fault." The shaking grew more prevalent before the dam fully broke, the chosen Keeper of Hope bawling like a child while Inko comforted him. He didn't resist as he was picked up burying himself in the hold as he let out all his pent up emotions. It took a few moments but slowly Aylward began to calm.

"...Thank you. Lady Midoriya..." he spoke softly, still choked with emotion. "I apologize for that unsightly display..."

"There's no reason to apologize." Inko assures the keeper as only a mother could. He motioned for her to place him down. She complied placing him back on the table. He looked to the Gem... The Hope of Davaria. He took a deep breath.

"My master created me for two purposes. To find and train worthy guardians in this world." Alyward bit his lower lip before continuing. "And to lead those guardians against the invasion that was to befall them." he hung his head down. "I may have failed in the latter goal. But-" He brought his gaze up to Izuku with fierce determination. "I can still fulfill the first." The Keeper of Hope seemed to exert the same overwhelming presence it did when it awakened. Inko's eyes widened, fully understanding now that this being was one of immense power despite it's appearance. "Izuku Midoriya." Izuku slowly stood up from the couch looking at the otherworldly being in awe.

"Y-Yes." She answered softly

"You wish to become a hero." It wasn't a question... it was a statement of fact. Despite that Izuku found herself replying.

"Yes." her new voice cracked awkwardly as tears came to her eyes.

"If you are willing to accept my training, I will do my very best to help you fulfill that desire." Aylward closed his eyes. "On that honor of my master's soul..." Inko nearly spoke up, concern bubbling up as the atmosphere grew tense. But she stopped...The look of joy and hope in her child's face held her tongue and brought tears to her eyes... long ago she gave up on Izuku. A moment that killed her inside for the years that followed and how ever strange this turn of events it had reignited that hope. She closed her eyes feeling her own tears coming as she waited for the response she knew was coming.

"...Yes..." Izuku managed to choke out.

I'm not sure what I would have done if I hadn't met Aylward when I did... But despite the changes it put me through, I won't let this power go to waste!

By the way, This is the story of how I became The Leader of The Greatest Team of Heroines the World has ever Seen.