Chapter Text
Monday, November 13th
Uraraka wakes up with a gasp.
“What in the worrrrrrroh my gosh this is soft.” Mid-sentence, Uraraka switched thoughts and ran her arms over the bed she was laying in. Silk pillows, blankets fluffier than clouds, all with the hint of a sweet scent. She didn’t want to get up- never in her life had she had something this comfy and big! She could starfish her limbs and still not feel the edge.
Where was she?
Lifting herself up with a stretch, she was confused to find herself in a Heights Alliance dorm room. It certainly wasn’t hers- it reminded her of Yaoyorozu’s room, with the giant bed and the fancy desk and the plush carpet at its base. She checked the bedside table, grabbing the clock and staring at it with wide eyes once she doubletook what it said.
It was morning. Why was it morning?! And even worse- it was Monday?!
“Um…” Uraraka (reluctantly and quite literally, given how large it was) crawled out of bed. “Okay… So this is real.” She took a deep breath in and out, putting on a smile once she was done. “We’ll figure this out! Deku would… Well, he’d try to guess what the quirk is.” Squishing her mouth together in thought, she recalled the events that happened before she got blinked away. A photo was taken of them and…
She was the only one that got zapped through what she could hazily recall as a blue speeding tunnel.
“No.” She reprimanded herself mentally. “I was the first. That doesn’t mean I’m alone!”
Exhaling, with her breath sputtering out of puckered lips as she thought, she decided to get ready as she would a normal school day. It was Monday morning after all, apparently, and she’d never figure anything out if she stayed here.
Here was her best attempt at being Deku: She got teleported into his phone, and would have to relive her life up to the events of the saved photos. It was almost like leveling up in a video game? Maybe? The only thing that she was remotely sure about was she had to get back to Friday again.
Which meant… Retaking that God awful test that got them into this conundrum.
Uraraka paused mid-putting on her skirt. “Did I just think the word ‘conundrum’? I don’t think I’ve ever even said that word aloud.”
There was a soft knock on her door. “Ochako! We’re about to start. Are you ready?”
“Uh-” Uraraka hopped around the room, trying to get a shoe on while getting closer to a vanity to grab a fancy-looking hairbrush. It wasn’t an immediately recognizable voice. “Start what?”
“Girl-” The voice on the other side scoffed in playful disbelief. “You’re usually one of the first people at our morning encouragement circle. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
“No! No, I’m quite alright. Thank you! I’ll be done soon.”
“Alright. I’ll wait for you then, we can head over together.” The voice sweetly suggested. “These really have become such a great way to start school each day- aren’t you glad Ibara started them?”
Uraraka opened the door. Ibara? Who’s that?
Standing in front of her was Kendo- 1B’s class president and part of the team that went up against Yaomomo, Tokoyami, Hagakure, and Aoyama in the joint-training. What was she doing here?
Oh… There’s no way. She’s-
No. No, there had to be a more logical reason behind this.
Kendo smiled when the door opened. “Good morning! Do you have everything? Backpack, homework, phone…”
“Oh, goodness!” Uraraka turned back around in the room (now facing away, she freely cringed at hearing herself use the phrase ‘oh goodness’) and went to the desk in the corner. “I forgot to grab my phone. Thank you-”
Something in her (the word ‘manners’ came to mind) told her to finish the gratitude with her name, as it was clear they were on a first name basis here… for some reason- but it just didn’t feel right. So she ended there.
One confusion led to another, and she was left speechless when she saw the latest smartphone resting on a high-tech charging port. The phone case was light pink with little diamonds encrusted in a constellation pattern. She picked it up, refusing to believe it was hers, but the screen turned on to reveal a photo of her with her parents. “What the hell…”
“Did you say something?” Kendo peeked inside, and Uraraka swiftly turned on her heels. Usually, she’d squeak and jump at being caught, but this motion felt called for.
“No! I’m coming.” Closing her door, Uraraka came in step next to the taller redhead. She stayed quiet, and by the time they got down the hall and to the elevator, Kendo spoke up.
“You okay? You’re usually more talkative.”
“Yes! Just thinking about…” Uraraka scrambled for an excuse. “...homework.”
Kendo chuckled. “You would, huh. That’s so Uraraka of you. Well, part of the reason you got to UA on recommendation was your smarts, so I’m not surprised.”
The few seconds that Kendo walked ahead into the elevator and had her back turned to Uraraka, the brunette girl froze . Her jaw fell open with a twisted grimace, eyebrows knitting together in extreme disbelief, eyes stuck in a terrible squint.
“Did she say RECOMMENDATION? Me? With what?!”
“Mr. Vlad King said he’d have a surprise for us today. You think it’ll be a good one, or something like a test?” Kendo turned around, holding her arm in front of the door. “C’mon!”
Uraraka smiled and stepped inside, folding her hands in front of her politely. As they went down floor by floor, she could feel her stomach sink in a similar manner.
Deny it all she wanted to, she knew what was going on. Ochako Uraraka was a Class 1B student, one who made recommendation and came from a rich background. It was like she was Yaoyorozu in a different font.
The door opened and Uraraka followed behind Kendo to a different dorm room, the name plate reading “Ibara Shiozaki”. Without even needing to knock, Kendo entered. Uraraka followed quickly behind her, most likely expected to do the same.
Seeing her full name made her remember that Ibara is the girl with the vines for hair. The student in question was sitting on the floor with three other girls: Komori, Yanagi, and Kodai.
“Good morning, Shrooms!” The brown-haired mushroom user greeted them cheerfully, patting the spot next to her. “C’mon, Ochako.”
Keeping up the same smile from before, she obliged and came down on her knees, playing with the end of her skit. “Where’s…” It took her a moment, but the name came to mind faster than she thought it would. “Pony?”
“Her alarm didn’t go off.” Yanagi answered. Her hands were in front of her, bent at the wrists like Asui would do. “Kind of spooky, huh? Usually it rings like normal… Maybe someone messed with her phone.”
“Oh, none of that.” Kendo waved her hand dismissively and sat down next to Shiozaki. “She runs on American time, so she’ll be here quick enough.”
Uraraka didn’t know what an ‘encouragement circle’ entailed, but it seemed it wasn’t going to commence until the final member got there. Chatter filled the space, which made Uraraka feel even more awkward. She’s interacted with 1B only a handful of times, so being in a tight-knit situation made her uneasy. All things considered, it was kind of easy to read her, so she didn’t want to try and engage, only for them to think she was being fake or something. Maybe it’d be better to blame it on having a quieter morning.
The door burst open, with a pair of horns embedded into the surface. Pony Tsunotori stuck her head in, blonde hair and big eyes and an even bigger smile, bringing some sort of American chocolate with her. “Good morning!”
A female chorus answered her, one that Uraraka blended in with easily enough to not be rude. Tsunotori filled the circle, and everyone grabbed hands. Uraraka sharply inhaled, barely sticking out her pinkies in time to prevent Komori and Kodai from floating away.
“We give thanks to the Lord for another wonderful morning. May the Lord bless thee and keep thee, and His face shine upon thee.” Shiozaki spoke with her eyes closed in a sweet voice. After a moment, her eyes opened. “My friends, today will be a good day.”
“I hope we all have enough energy to get through classes without dozing. And that Mr. Vlad’s surprise is a good one.” Kendo began, squeezing the hand of Yanagi to pass it along.
“I believe we’ll all have great hair days today.” Yanagi passed the squeeze.
“We’re strong, beautiful queens! We’re going to be confident because we’re perfect just the way we are.” Tsunotori declared before passing the squeeze. Kodai, who hadn’t said a single word so far, spoke briefly and quietly.
“Good training.”
“Love that, we can always use the extra hope for heroics.” Kendo nodded before looking at Uraraka. She felt Kodai squeeze her hand gently. “Ochako?”
“Um… No matter how crazy the day is, or how much homework we receive, may we not be overly stressed or feel like giving up.”
There were a couple ‘aww’s around the circle that made Uraraka blush and duck her head. “How gracious of you, Ochako.” Shiozaki smiled. “Though we are fortunate to be in a season of normalcy, the prayer shall stay steadfast.”
“C’monnnnn, pass it!” Komori demanded. Uraraka obliged, and the mood changed. “We’re all so good at kicking butt! I hope Monoma does something stupid so we can show him who’s boss! Or at least Itsuka will!”
It got a smile out of Kodai. Komori shrugged innocently as Kendo rolled her eyes playfully at her. “How encouraging.”
“Oh, look at the time. Ladies, we’ll have to end now to get to class on time.” Shiozaki cleared her throat. “A good work has been started within us, and we shall carry it onto completion.” The circle dropped hands, and the meeting was dismissed.
“Make sure to take some chocolate!” Tsunotori pushed a wrapped bar into each of their hands as they walked out of the room, all going their separate ways. Komori and Tsunotori ran ahead to find Kuroiro and Honenuki respectively. Kodai went back to her room to grab her backpack. Kendo jogged ahead, calling behind her that she was going to talk to Vlad King before class and that Yanagi was tagging along.
“If you see any of the boys, tell them I said that it’s their responsibility to get to class on time!”
“Of course!” Shiozaki reaffirmed with a small bow before looking at Uraraka with a kind smile. “I shall see you in class, Ochako. Unless you’d like to walk together?”
“Um… You go ahead. I have a few things to attend to.” Uraraka took a step back as Shiozaki sent a vine out to close her door. “I’ll be there soon, though.”
Shiozaki nodded and left her standing in the common room. As soon as she was gone, Uraraka clenched her fists against her sides with a trembling frown. She felt lost. The situation itself- being in Class 1B now- wasn’t that big of a deal to her. It was the lives that changed because of her being here.
She took the coveted recommendation spot from Setsuna Tokage. And if she’s here, who’s the recommendation female for 1A: Yaoyorozu or Tokage? Whoever it is, she’s stripped the other of this prestigious honor. Above all, what does this say about her? Uraraka isn’t looking forward to hero training; she’ll have to be someone way above her current caliber. What could she do that was worth recommendation? Would it be instinct- muscle memory and a new strength that was ingrained in her (did Uraraka switch places or bodies and minds?!), or would she be the same and everyone would see her as weaker?
Uraraka, in whatever world she’s in, has the wealth level of Yaoyorozu. Does that mean their lives switched? Is- is her dear friend as poor as she was now? That’s something she wouldn’t hope to pass onto anyone.
Her phone screen lit up, once again showing her a photo of herself with her parents, and it reminded her of what bothered her most of all: the memory she doesn’t have.
She has no recollection of the past fifteen years of her life, something that’s been changed drastically if the device in her hand told her anything. Did something skyrocket the family construction business? What was her home like, or hell, what were her parents like now? And the comradery that existed between her and 1B, how would she know what that was like? How has this shaped her personality? Her relationships, her-
Why did she decide to be a hero?
And the wonderful memories she did have… They didn’t exist here. All of the attacks and laughs she shared with 1A were wiped clean of her presence. Would they even recognize her if they saw her here?
Uraraka was getting too deep inside her head.
“Hey, Uraraka!”
A male student ran past her, scrambling to latch his book bag closed. The brown-haired student turned over his shoulder as he ran out. Sen Kaibara- the one with the drill quirk. “C’mon! We’re going to be late. Don’t tell me you’re staring off into space !”
There was just enough emphasis on the word to be seen as a quip. Uraraka giggled at the little joke before following him out, albeit at a slower pace. The B dorms were in a different area than 1A’s Heights Alliance, but her feet seemed to know the way to get to the main building. That was comforting, at least, that she was subconsciously being brought up to speed to this new life she’d have to live for the next few days.
It was quieter than she was used to, walking to class by herself. One of the 1B kids (Kojiro Bondo) ran past her with a quick ‘hello’, another (Hiryu Rin) had caught up to her but kept a respectable distance behind. This was interesting- she’s always wondered how 1B went about their day, and it seemed like everyone was a tad more independent. Unlike 1A, who waited as a group each morning and walked to class together in their regular clump of madness. She knew they were already in the room by now, even if the bell hadn’t rung yet, because Iida got them there with time to spare.
Now she was wishing she took Ibara up on her offer. Someone to talk to would be nice right about now.
Entering the main building and making her way down the hall, she almost got past the 1A classroom. Just as she walked by, Asui stepped outside and nearly ran right into her, causing her to stifle a gasp. All Asui did was blink a few times.
“Sorry about that, ribbit.”
Without another word, Asui continued past her to do whatever it was she was leaving for. But the lack of anything else made Uraraka’s heart feel heavy, as if confirming her fears to be true. Urging her feet to continue, she went through the large 1B door. Instinct carried her to her desk, a spot in the first row on the left. Most of the students were there already, sitting in their seats and chatting at an appropriate level to the people around them. No strange sitting positions, no getting up and talking to someone across the room, no loud barks of laughter or gasps. There was order.
Uraraka tilted her head. She didn’t think that was possible.
Next to her was a large, fur-covered boy, who smiled with gleaming fangs at her approach. “Good morning to you, Uraraka. Lovely day we’re having, yes?”
“Jurota Shishida.” Her brain told her. Strange, she didn’t expect such an eloquent greeting from someone who’s quirk turned him into a beast. Uraraka bowed her head as she sat down, politely tucking her skirt underneath her. “Yes. Although I admit, it’s been a slower morning.”
Shishida clicked his tongue. “Ah, an inevitable plague for highschool lives. I have a new selection of tea that could wake you up a bit that we can try!”
Before she could respond, a light brown-haired boy with ellipses eyes ran in, practically sliding down the row into his seat as the bell rang. A few moments later, the hulk-like form of Vlad King came through the doorway with a frown. Not as scary as Mr. Aizawa’s, but it didn’t spell good things this early in the morning.
“That was a close call, Tsuburaba. You almost ruined our perfect attendance streak!” The teacher’s voice was loud and fiery, startling Uraraka into an even straighter posture than she was already in.
(Also, an attendance streak ? A class that started on time? My goodness, did the differences ever end?)
“No matter. You may have heard news of a ‘surprise’ for you this morning. Well,” Vlad King’s eyes narrowed as he reached under his desk, and the room felt tense. At the last moment, a grin split across his face as he revealed a large box of doughnuts. “Here it is! I decided you all needed an early-week treat. You’ve all done great work and I’m so proud of you!”
1B reacted accordingly, with cheers and smiles and lining up row by row to get one of the pastries. It was by this process she realized Monoma had the seat behind her.
“Look, Uraraka. We’re twins.” She turned to see Monoma had grabbed the same type of doughnut as her- chocolate with pink frosting and a caramel glaze. He tapped it against hers before leaning closer in a hushed voice. “Aren’t little moments like this great? I bet 1A never gets surprises like this.”
Uraraka frowned. She didn’t know if she was the type to encourage this behavior, but today, she wouldn’t be. “Oh, that’s enough, Monoma. They’re really nice people when you get to know them.”
He raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “And when did you get to know them? The most we’ve interacted with ‘em was that joint training. And of course, being buried under everything else they’ve done.”
“While everyone is finishing,” Vlad King grabbed one for himself. “Our plans for heroics today are changing a bit. I know I promised robbery and hostage practice, but unfortunately, Eraserhead reserved the lot before I could. We can use it tomorrow.”
There were a few groans (and of course, Monoma behind her stood up and said his piece, earning him a stare from Kendo across the room). On her right, Yosetsu Awase sighed and slumped over. “Man… I was looking forward to that. What are we going to do today, Mr. Vlad King?”
“We’ll focus on surveillance, which can play a part in my original lesson. But hey, they may have the plot today, but Eraserhead told his kids today about a test worth 40% of their grade, so who really won?”
“Oh. Ouch.” Awase winced. “Y’know, sometimes I feel bad for them. Given the opportunity to trade Vlad King for Eraserhead, I’d never take it.”
“Now enough chatting.” Vlad King said, to a nearly quiet room. “If I catch any slacking in heroics or academics, maybe I’ll assign a big test! Let’s begin- homework to the front, please.”
-
“So? How was your day?”
Uraraka was with Ibara, this time in her room. The sun had long since set, and Ibara had asked her if she wanted to coincide with her. They were sitting on her round, pink faux fur carpet with facemasks on and candles lit. To their left, cups of tea provided by Shishida. To their right, their completed homework for the day. Uraraka started to bounce her knee, and her silky pajama pants rubbed against her skin.
“It was… Long.”
Long, because she felt like the odd one out at a party among 1B, like they forgot to clue her in on the inside joke as she watched them laugh on the outside. Long, because she felt guilty even sitting here in all of this splendor, with her stomach full and pleasures she’s never owned for herself. Long, because the way Class 1B functioned was so different than what she was used to, and it surprised her how badly it was affecting her. Long, because she struggled to decide if acting like this extraordinaire of a girl was a good or bad thing. Long, because with all of the thinking she did today, she had no idea how to get back home.
Ibara frowned. Taking a sip of her tea, she made eye contact with her. “The Lord says, ‘Come to me, all who are burdened. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’. Ochako, is there something else going on? I can try to be of some assistance to your quandary.”
The corners of Uraraka’s mouth lifted ever-so-slightly. “I’m still… Working on it, I suppose. But I really appreciate the offer. Ibara. Truly.”
The vine-haired student hummed. “Then I shall pray. And it just so happens I have something to well-wish at the encouragement circle tomorrow.”
Uraraka’s phone played a jaunty tune, signaling the timer for their facemasks. The girls took them off and Uraraka used her quirk to float them over to a trash can, mumbling the word ‘release’ as they got to their position. The image of her and her parents caught her eye until it fell dark again due to inactivity. She texted her parents today- both of them. Which, she didn’t think was possible, but they had separate numbers saved in her phone, meaning they had their own personal devices. They probably don’t even own the house phone she always called before.
“...Ibara?” Uraraka began suddenly, yet hesitantly. “Why did you decide to be my friend?”
It was a strange question to ask out of the blue. But Ibara already knew her to be in an offmood, so it could at least be explained; maybe she’d think Uraraka was having self esteem issues, or something. She’s had enough of the how's- right now, she needed to hear a why.
“Your first impression was astounding.” Ibara began to braid some of her vines together, fingers expertly moving around the thorns. “Courteous, sincere, poised… You were similar to myself. At the same time, I looked up to you. Your quirk was- is - so strong and fascinating, being able to lift objects to the Heavens. You had- what is it that Pony said? ‘Girl power’? ‘A queen moment’?”
Uraraka huffed.
“You were a woman of strength, is what I’m saying. One that wasn’t put-off by my beliefs or my straightforward-ness. Though we were distant in regards of interests and backgrounds, it was easy to draw close to you as friend groups naturally arose with the lull of the year. And then there was our final exam, when we were partnered against Thirteen.”
Oh, that seemed like an interesting irony.
“We worked together so easily, and I believe that solidified it. Of course, there’s the little things in between the milestones. But to sum up: you’re a beauty inside and out, Ochako.” Ibara put her hand on hers. “Does that answer your question?”
“Yes. That… Wow.” Uraraka felt herself go speechless at the sincerity she still thought she didn’t deserve, but was given anyway. “You’re very sweet.”
“Thou shalt not lie.” Ibara smiled. She took another sip of tea. “I’m so fond of our class. What a blessing, to have been put together in our quest to become heroes.”
That made Uraraka still. Did Ibara know?
“I did enjoy the joint training, however. Working against 1A and learning about their skill, for by that point we’ve seen little of what helped them overcome such horrid villain attacks. I don’t care what Monoma says-” Ibara’s eyebrows came together as she pouted, surprisingly adamant. “-they do not deserve the barrage of hate they get.” She brought her weight backwards, letting her legs come out from underneath herself and spread against the soft fabric of the rug. “If we were to do it again, I’d like to work with them; it would give us an opportunity to adapt and cooperate and become friendlier. Who do you think you’d work well with?”
Uraraka didn’t need to think, she already knew. “Well, Asui is such a strong fighter with a versatile quirk. And De- uh, Midoriya always seems to have a good strategy! I also think it’s easy to- well, would be easy to work with…”
Uraraka trailed off, feeling her mind go blank with dread. She knew his name- why couldn’t she remember?
“With whom?”
“Hold on.” She snapped her fingers, begging for her brain to connect words to the face. The longer it took, the worse she felt and the more desperate she got. “Blonde, the one with the flashy belly button? Went against Itsuka.”
Understanding dawned on Ibara. “Ah, I know who you’re talking about. Sometimes I forget their names, too. Aoyama, I believe. Interesting choice; I wouldn’t think you’d choose him. I admit, he didn’t impress-” Ibara fell quiet when she realized Uraraka wasn’t listening. “Ochako?”
“Um-” The zero gravity user blinked rapidly, trying to keep her composure. “I think my parents are calling me. Can we end it here tonight? Now? Thanks!”
Ibara blew out the candle next to her and grabbed her homework with a worried frown. “Would you like me to clean my cup f-”
“Nope! All good! Have a good night, see you in the morning!” Speaking as fast as she could, Uraraka took Ibara’s elbow and gently moved her past the threshold, allowing her to quickly close the door behind her as tears couldn’t be held back any longer. Putting both hands over her mouth to try and be as silent as possible, she accidentally activated her quirk.
Great. So she was both physically and emotionally spiraling. At least it didn’t make her feel nauseous.
Releasing herself over her bed and landing with a thump , she continued to cry, burying her face into her sheets. It may not have been nausea due to quirk usage, but an icky feeling entered her when she realized her crying here probably made her look spoiled. So, with a loud sniff, she willed herself to get it together.
Her friends probably got sent to worse worlds than this, ones where they were in danger or completely alone. She was taking what she had for granted, and this was a life she’s always dreamed of getting a taste of. What was wrong with her? She should be enjoying this- maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she's making it out to be.
“But I don’t want to forget.” She whimpered aloud, glancing at her reflection in a full body mirror and looking anything but ladylike. “I can’t forget about them.”
Something told Uraraka that Aoyama’s name wouldn’t be the last thing she wouldn’t be able to recall. In hindsight, she realized the entire day she’d been using her best friend’s surname and not the nickname she told all to call her.
She couldn’t wait until Friday. She needed to get out of here, now.