Chapter Text
The car ride between the two Midoriyas was silent, which wasn't an abnormality between the mother and son. Neither had spoken so much as a word to the other during the thirty minutes they've driven through Musutafu. Izuku did not because he simply wanted to hide in his room like he has been for the last few weeks. And Inko simply didn't know where to even begin, seeing as how closed off her son was.
The last few months had been exceedingly difficult for both Izuku and Inko, all of it tracing back to Izuku's quirkless diagnosis. Inko had tried, at least she thought she did, in keeping her son's spirits up. Yet, the green haired woman's efforts were all in vain when that fateful day she stepped into Izuku's room. He'd been watching his favorite All Might video, but this time tears were trailing down his face. He turned to her, asked her if he could be like that too and what did she do?
Tell him she's sorry, a mistake that Inko knows she'll carry for the rest of her life as her greatest regret. She couldn't even muster up the courage to tell her precious Izuku the truth, no she just had to try and let him down softly. From the dulled eyed look, he now carried, the woman knew she severely wounded her son's dream right then and there. It certainly didn't help that not that not even a few days later he uttered those fateful words.
"I don't wanna be a hero anymore."
Inko tried desperately to convince herself that she didn't play a part in the destruction of Izuku's dream. That she still supported her baby boy even if he was quirkless and that she always would. But the green haired woman was no fool, no matter what she tried to tell herself it was all useless. It was her fault that her son lost the light that use to shine so brightly in his emerald eyes, all because of her.
'I hope this helps make up for what I've done…even if it's just a little.' The mother thought to herself as she turned onto the dirt path.
In an effort to get her son out of the house, Inko had searched for something that could help Izuku. She scoured and researched many clubs and activities, most of which were very explicit about quirk use. Inko was not an angry woman, but even she had her patience tested that day with how many places weren't quirkless friendly. And the questions she posed on social media did little but garner sympathy for having a quirkless child.
Fortunately for her an answer soon came in the form of a private message sent by a man named Mondatta. Apparently he was a monk who ran a temple a ways away in the outskirts of Musutafu. He told the mother that the temple was open for everyone to enter, but all the residents there were quirkless. Mondatta himself even admitted that he himself did not possess a quirk, which helped in swaying Inko's decision. After doing more research on the monastery and its lead monk Inko was certain that this was just what Izuku needed.
The ride through the woods was a lot less bumpy than Inko would have expected, considering they were traveling somewhat deep into the forest. Yet within minutes the mother and son were greeted by the sight of the temple in all its glory. Though it lacked anything that separated it from other sanctuaries, the temple did have an allure about it. Inko couldn't place her finger on it, but something about the monastery radiated tranquility, peace, and acceptance.
It felt strangely nice.
"Izuku honey we're here." The woman pulled into the 'parking lot' before shutting off the car. She gave the boy next to her a slight shake when he gave no response.
"Huh? Oh…what…what is this place?" Izuku blinked as he was broken from his daze. His green irises stared at the temple before him curiously.
"I think it's a place you'll like a lot. Come on." Inko gave a small, reassuring smile before stepping out of the car. Izuku followed suit soon after, almost immediately taking his mother's side.
Together the two traveled up the dirt path and cobblestone stairs, passing by a few unlit lanterns placed on the side. Upon reaching the top both mother and son were treated to a rather large courtyard. Several groups of monks could be seen idly lingering around, a healthy mix of all ages between. Some that took notice of their arrival gave curious stares before returning back to their original conversation. Others simply continued about their day as though nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Ok so where is…" Inko muttered to herself, her eyes scanning the courtyard for a certain person.
"Ah, you must be Mrs. Midoriya." A soothing voice said from the pair's left. Immediately drawing the attention of both Izuku and Inko.
Wearing a dark white robe unlike that of the other monks was an aged bald man. His face, which was full of wrinkles, clearly showed his older age. A pattern of nine blue dots shaped into a diamond was painted on his forehead. The man wore a calming smile while keeping his arms folded behind his back politely.
"Hello, I am Mondatta. We spoke over the phone." Mondatta greeted, giving a small bow. "Welcome to the Shambali Monastery."
"Ah y-yes hello." Inko stuttered, clearly caught off guard. She quickly gave a clumsy bow back in return.
"And who might you be, young man?" The old monk calmly asked. His light blue eyes trailing down to meet Izuku's green ones.
"I-mm I–I'm I-Izuku, s-s-sir." Izuku stuttered, partially hiding behind his mom's leg.
"Ah please, call me Mondatta. Sir makes me feel old." He chuckled slightly at his own joke. "Or if you wish to be more formal, sensei works as well."
"O-ok Mondatta-sensei." The boy replied back.
"Izuku honey, Mr. Mondatta here is going to show you around the temple." The green haired woman told her son. Gently prying his hands from her skirt before crouching down to his level. "I think you'll like it here. Please give it a chance"
"Mm…ok…" Izuku reluctantly accepted. He really didn't want to be here, but alas his love for his mom outweighed his apprehension.
"Good, I'll be waiting here for when you come back." The mother gave a quick hug before stepping away. "Have fun."
Now alone with the monk, Izuku could feel his nerves quickly flaring up. What was he supposed to do? What was expected of him? Would Mondatta look at him the same way everyone else did once he found out he was quirkless?
"Izuku, slow down and breathe." The monk calmly spoke upon seeing the rising panic in Izuku's eyes. The boy listened, taking a few deep breaths, his heart rate returning to normal. "Come, walk with me."
The two traveled through the halls of the temple, passing many monks along the way who all gave a greeting to Mondatta. And much to the greenette's dismay, but also hidden relief, the old man always took the time to introduce Izuku. To the boy's surprise every single greeting was one of smiles and excitement. Some asked if he was a new pupil, others asked if it was his first time at the temple. It felt strange, like the other monks were happy that Izuku was there among them.
The tour of the temple didn't last even an hour before Mondatta announced that they were approaching the most important place he wanted to show Izuku. The greenette was somewhat shocked as besides meeting a few other monks, all he really got to see was the architecture of the temple. Granted it was beautiful and Mondatta's stories about each statue and engraving was interesting, but Izuku couldn't see the point. What could the monk possibly show him that was so special?
"Woah…" Izuku let out a small, awed gasp.
He and Mondatta entered a much smaller courtyard compared to the one at the entrance of the temple. However, that wasn't what captured the four year old's attention. That would be the many monks who were currently meditating underneath the glow of the sun. Not a sound was made save for the rhythmic breathing of each disciple. Each of them had their own metallic orb, some floating while others remained on the ground. Izuku figured it was because of their quirks, but that didn't mean the sight was any less awe inspiring.
"A beautiful scene isn't it?" Mondatta softly muttered. His eyes passed over each monk with a fondness for them. "Despite the chaos of life, they manage to find their peace, as can you Izuku."
"Huh?" The boy turned to look at the old man in confusion.
"Truthfully I know nothing about your life or the struggles you face, for I am a simple old man." The monk began. "But what I do know is that there is an immense sadness in your eyes, a sadness born out of loneliness. I believe that the monastery could help alleviate the despair you feel, shoulder the burden if you will."
"But why? I'm…I'm quirkless…" Izuku muttered, looking down at his red shoes in shame.
"So?" The elder answered swiftly and with zero hesitation.
"So?! It means I'm nothing, just a stupid useless deku!" The child harshly whispered. Rubbing his eyes frustratingly as tears began to form.
"Usefulness is deemed by actions not characteristics nor genetics." Mondatta gently countered. "Being quirkless does not detract from your value. Heh, otherwise, my entire life running this temple would have been for naught."
"Wait you mean you're–" Izuku's eyes widened, quickly catching on to the man's insulation.
"Quirkless? Yes I am. And so is she and him–and him–oh and also her." Mondatta chuckled heartily, gesturing to the other monks currently meditating. "You know come to think of it, I recall that everyone here is quirkless in fact. Ah, my age is finally catching up to me." He joked, watching Izuku's expression with amusement.
"All quirkless?" The greenette breathed out in awe. His eyes scanning over the meditating monks once more with a new sense of wonder.
Izuku was completely at a loss for words as he processed this new information. Every person he's passed, every introduction he had, all of it began to make sense now. No wonder why at most the four year old was regarded with either curious gazes or indifference. Mondatta introducing him and every person who greeted him with a smile. All the interest he received when he spoke to another. All of it was quickly shifted to a new perspective upon the old monk's revelation.
They were quirkless, they were just like Izuku.
But instead of being devoid of life and passion, they carried themselves with confidence and serenity. Now that Izuku thought about it, everyone he met within the temple held an aura of contentment. Some more than others, but it was contentment all the same and that made the boy confused.
How could they be so happy despite being quirkless? How can they carry themselves with such tranquility despite being dealt the worst hand by life? Shouldn't they be like him?
"Shocking isn't it, to see so many of our kind in one place no?" Mondatta rhetorically asked.
"Yeah…I didn't know there were so many." The boy answered breathlessly.
"An unfortunately common thought that is shared when most arrive at the temple for the first time." The old man hummed. "But in time they learned that they are not alone. And neither are you, Izuku."
A choked gasp escaped Izuku's lungs as the words left the old monk's lips. He may have only been diagnosed as quirkless a few months ago, but those months were the absolute worst of Izuku's life. Kaachan and the other kids at school now treated him differently, either distancing themselves or outright antagonizing him. Even the adults looked at him with different looks, pity, sadness, disgust.
It really put into perspective just how truly isolated he has been all this time. When was the last time he had a conversation with someone that wasn't his mom? When was the last time he even had someone he could call a friend? Apparently long enough that Izuku forgot how nice it was to simply sit down with others who shared his interest.
"We will never force you to join nor are you obligated to join. You are more than welcome to come and go as you wish." Mondatta offered with a kind smile. "Whatever you choose, our doors will always remain open for you."
With that final proclamation Mondatta led through Izuku back to the temple's entrance, neither speaking a word. Though the silence was not uncomfortable, in fact it was welcomed by Izuku for his array of thoughts flooding through his head. The conversation with Mondatta may have been brief, but it was more than enough to get Izuku thinking about the man's words.
Did he really want to come back to the monastery? Truthfully, Izuku was never a big fan of monks nor their culture. That didn't mean he didn't have respect for the fact that they promoted peace and lived humble lives. Yet, when the choice was between Pro Heroes and monks, the greenette would always choose the former.
At least that would have been the case before his quirkless diagnosis.
His dream of becoming a hero shattering before his eyes was not something Izuku was entirely over just yet. Though he told his mom he didn't want to be a hero anymore, a defiant part of him desperately continued to push the idea. The confusing war that raged with the four year old's mind was one that plagued him for months now. No side truly winning over the other, an endless battle between accepting reality or pursuing his hero dream.
However, the Shambali temple was an unexpected third factor that seemed to throw even more into Izuku's already confused mind. A place where the quirkless could interact with others like them sounded like the ideal solution. Yet, Izuku remained hesitant, unsure if the temple would truly be able to help. The young boy wasn't even sure if being a part of the temple was something he truly craved. Would being a part of the monastery really help him calm the raging storm within his mind?
A question that Izuku spent the entire rest of the day pondering, all throughout the car ride home and far into the night. The boy mulled over the question even into the next day, going through the entire school day deep in thought. Yet, no matter how much thought Izuku put into it he couldn't come up with a clear concrete answer to his question. A fact that frustrated him greatly for he wanted nothing more than an answer.
During his walk home from school, Izuku made the decision to ask his mom if they could visit the temple again. He figured that the only way he would find out if the monastery would be helpful would be to return. However, the boy made it very clear to Inko that he was still hesitant about fully joining. He merely wished to experiment, getting a brief glimpse into the routine and activities promoted by the temple.
At least that was Izuku's plan up until he realized by the end of next week, he visited the monastery every day. That week alone may not have calmed his mind, but it did help temper the storm more than anything else. Mediating with Mondatta, doing exercises with the other monks, or simply conversing with other quirkless all brightened Izuku's mood. Every time he left the young boy always felt far more relaxed and content.
The next day Izuku stepped into the temple and told Mondatta that he wanted to join the monastery as a member.
"We welcome you, Midoriya Izuku." Mondatta smiled warmly. He motioned for the smaller boy to follow him.
Together the two traveled the corridors of the temple into a large, ceremonial room. The four year old's eyes widened when he saw that all the other monks had gathered. They all sat patiently on their knees, giving various forms of encouragement and praise to the greenette as he passed. Izuku's face turned bright red from the attention, slightly ducking his head in embarrassment. However, he soon had to face the whole room as Mondatta led him to a small platform where another older monk stood, holding a wooden box.
"Brothers and sisters, it is my pleasure to introduce our newest member to the temple, Midoriya Izuku." The elder placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder as the mass of disciples cheered and applauded. "You'll be needing these Midoriya now that you are one of us."
The older man opened the box, allowing for Mondatta to pull out a neatly folded set of robes and a metallic ball on top. The former was the dark orange and brown garb that Izuku saw all other monks wear, though this one was meant for his smaller size. The sphere that sat on top of the clothing was what caught Izuku's attention the most. He'd seen the other monks meditating with the sphere, but never got to ask Mondatta about it.
"Robes of the temple, showing that you are a disciple of the Shambali Monastery." Mondatta held out the bundle. The small greenette taking the items carefully with trembling hands. "And your Stasis Orb, a tool that will help you find your inner balance."
"Th-thank you Mondatta-sensei!" Izuku bowed with a stutter.
"No, Midoriya. Thank you for giving us a chance." Mondatta bowed back deeply. The other monks in the room standing up and doing the same as their master.
Underneath the fiery blush the engulfed his face, Izuku let out a pure smile. The feeling of loneliness and confusion fading into the abyss. The greenette still didn't know if the monastery would be what he was looking for, but he did know that this moment was the best he's ever felt in his life.
*1 year later*
A five year old Izuku let out a few calming breaths as he settled into his meditation position. His hands clasped together as he kept his head bowed. Today was a rest day or as Mondatta preferred a day of reflection. Such time usually was preluded by a day dedicated to training one's body. Those days were always Izuku's favorite, despite how sore he often was after.
The feeling of his muscles being pushed to their limit as he traded blows with another was sublime. A good spar between his fellow monks always put the young boy in a good mood at the end of the day. Of course, even with his preference for more physical activities, Izuku still understood the importance of meditation.
It was the first thing Mondatta had taught him when he formally joined the monastery. For weeks on end the elder had sat down with Izuku in a secluded area just for the two of them to practice. The greenette wasn't ashamed to admit that it took a while for him to pick it up even if it was just semi-passable. Izuku didn't consider himself to be hyperactive, but he also wasn't a fan of sitting in silence for long hours on end. Of course, over the last year the boy liked to think that he was a lot better at now.
*Thunk*
"Aw, I was doing so well too." Izuku groaned as his orb clattered to the ground. The greenette couldn't resist peeking to see if the metal ball was floating. His curiosity inadvertently breaking his concentration.
Despite having the Stasis Orb for a year, Izuku still held the same fascination he had with it since the first day he saw it. He'd spend countless hours in his room trying to dissect how the mysterious object worked. Numerous tests were run, trying to replicate how the ball levitated and sometimes followed the green eyed boy around. The curiosity Izuku had eventually led him to asking Mondatta himself about the orb. Of course, as per expectation the old monk did not explicitly answer Izuku's question.
"Sometimes science we don't understand is the universe's way of telling us to cherish our gifts rather than question." Mondatta had answered when Izuku approached him. "But an inquisitive mind is also necessary to reach true enlightenment."
"So…do I keep questioning or should I not?" Izuku paused, confused by his mentor's word choice.
"The question you should be asking is, is the effort worth the reward? Only you can decide such a dilemma, Midoriya." Mondatta replied back easily.
"You know I remember when you spent hours trying to get the ball to even move a centimeter." The voice of the elder monk broke Izuku from his recollection. "I don't think I've ever seen someone with such a look of concentration on their face."
"Your advice about letting it flow naturally rather than force it certainly helped me, Mondatta-sensei." The greenette grabbed the orb before standing and giving a short bow.
"Ah, it was merely a suggestion, but I am glad it has proved useful to you, Midoriya." Mondatta replied back with a kind smile.
"Of course, what brings you here Mondatta-sensei?" Izuku suddenly asked.
"Merely checking up on one of my students. I know how you prefer to meditate alone rather than with the others." The head monk answered casually.
"Sorry for the inconvenience, master." Izuku apologized, punctuated with a deep bow. "I just don't think I'm ready to join just yet."
"It is of no concern, do what works best for you. That is the point of the monastery after all." Mondatta waved off the apology.
"Thank you, master." The boy expressed his gratitude with a thankful smile.
"Though if you are not occupied at the moment, I'd like to borrow you for something." The old man offered.
"Yes, of course Mondatta-sensei, what do you need?" Izuku accepted without any hesitation.
"Another quirkless has found their way to our temple. I wish for you to join me in meeting him for the first time." The elder explained as the two traversed the corridors of the monastery.
"Not that I'm not grateful but why me, master?" The small boy inquired with a curious tone. "There are probably other people around here that would be a better pick for this."
"I am looking to build a connection with this newcomer. From what other masters have told me he is around your age." Mondatta explained. "I think that having you there would allow for a better chance of communication."
"If that's what you think is best." Izuku replied back, accepting his master's reasoning.
The two traveled the rest of the way in silence, until approaching the wooden doors that led to the infirmary. Delicately the eldest of the duo opened the doors, revealing three figures within the room. Two older monks, Izuku remembered their names being Terracotta and Kohatta, and a much smaller person sitting on one of the many beds.
"Thank you for watching over him, Terracotta, Kohatta, you both may go now." Mondatta thanked the other monks with a bow.
"Master." Both replied simultaneously, giving a bow of their own before exiting the room.
With the soft click of the door shutting, Izuku and Mondatta made their way to stand by the newcomer's bedside. Up close, the greenette was able to make out that the boy in front him looked a bit younger than himself. Short, wild, unkempt strands of white hair split in all directions as though the boy lived in the woods his entire life. The dark green eyes and a pale complexion of the quirkless boy were instantly noticed by Izuku. The greenette finally understood why Mondatta wanted him here rather than someone else.
"Hello, I am Mondatta and this is Midoriya Izuku." The elder monk introduced with a gesture of his hand.
"...I…I can't remember…" The boy's voice came out as barely more than a whisper. Confusion and a sort of dream tone lacing his words.
"What do you remember?" Mondatta gently asked.
"It's all…blurry…like a fading dream…" The white haired boy rubbed his forehead. "I can see someone else…we're running together. There's shouting and then…then it all goes black."
"Hmm, a most peculiar situation indeed." Mondatta hummed thoughtfully, stroking his chin as he did so. "Tell me, what is it you wish to do now?"
"I…don't know." The boy answered with an unsure look. "If I don't even know who I am then is there even a place where I belong?"
"Of course, there is." Izuku suddenly spoke up before he could even think of stopping himself. "The monastery will welcome you with open arms, regardless of your situation. If you are anything like the rest of us you have questions you want answers to." The green eyed boy let out a breath before continuing. "I don't know if you'll find what you're looking for here…but I think it's a good place to start."
For a moment the room remained silent, not a word spoken between the three quirkless. The silence lasted long enough that Izuku could feel his cheeks redden in embarrassment. He thought he no doubt stepped out of line, speaking in a situation that didn't require his input. Yet rather than face any sort of consequences he was greeted by the completely opposite.
Mondatta was smiling proudly, giving a subtle nod of approval to Izuku's statement. Even the other boy looked amazed, staring at the greenette with reverence. It was strange being acknowledged in such a way. The kids and teachers at school never gave him this much respect no matter what he did. Izuku had always been passive in the monastery, so for his first time speaking up to be met with such positivity was shocking to say the least. Shocking, but not unwelcome.
"I believe Midoriya said it better than I possibly could have." Mondatta beamed, giving the greenette a proud pat on his shoulder.
"Yeah…I may not know you but that was very convincing." The boy nodded in agreement. "Are you a teacher?"
"What? No, I'm–" Izuku tried to answer before he cut off.
"Ah, what a wonderful idea. You shall learn under Midoriya as his personal pupil." The elder monk interjected.
"Bu–but Mondatta-sensei I've only been here a year!" The green haired boy stuttered. Completely taken aback by the change in events. "I don't even know the first thing about teaching!"
"It will be a learning experience for both of you. Our new member is right, you have the qualities of a leader. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if we help encourage such a mentality." Mondatta explained, nodding at his own idea.
"I–ah bu…hah alright. I'll do it." Izuku relented, knowing the futility in trying to resist. "But I can't promise I'll be any good at it."
"I only ask for your best, Midoriya." Mondatta replied back before turning to the other boy. "Now, we need a name for you until you recover your own. Any suggestions?"
"I–I am unsure. Please choose for me." The boy muttered before bowing his head.
"Hmm, it is Shambalit tradition that certain members forgo their own names and take up one derived of Sanskrit origin." The elder monk said with a contemplative look. After a moment a look of resolution appeared within his blue irises.
"From now until you reclaim your old name you shall be called Zenyatta."