Chapter Text
That went well, Melissa thought. She was mostly left alone by the usual suspects, thanks to the newly named Izuku. The R-7000 had been a big part of boosting her from quirkless nobody, to respected genius. The sentient project had played his role perfectly. The never before seen technology, with an intimidating presence, immediately gained Melissa the respect she always deserved. People finally recognised that she could do great things, despite having no quirk. They saw what she could do, and it inspired many and yet scared a few. The small number of human friends she had took the time to congratulate her. They were proud of their friend for achieving such a creation.
AI was one thing. Assistant bots were another. Combat bots were yet another. But to make a fully sentient combat machine, with a multitude of abilities, and speech capability was something else entirely. Izuku was like a superhuman with a fully metal casing. His body was nigh indestructible, he had strength beyond humanity, and lacked any human weakness. And Melissa had built him from scratch. By herself. She had crafted an artificial life. If this wasn't proof she could make it in heroics, she didn't know what was.
The population of I-Island was packed with scientists, mechanics, engineers, creators. A small island somewhere off of the coast of the USA, it was bound to not yield many heroes. Maybe Izuku could be the first, with his creator and friend Melissa at his side.
There was, of course, one hero that frequented I-Island. One hero who became somewhat of an honourary guest of the island. A hero that Melissa was quite close to. All Might. The symbol of peace and close friend of David Shield, that Melissa called Uncle. He would be visiting soon, and she was very excited. She couldn't wait to show him Izuku.
She could finally become useful. She could finally do what she'd always wanted to do. She had long since given up on becoming a hero, but was determined to make it as a support developer. Izuku was the key . Having a partner in the hero aspect so soon was invaluable. If Izuku was to train to become a hero, Melissa could continue to upgrade and repair him, all the while making items for any other heroes she worked with. She had already done 2 years in I-Island Academy, a school specialising in teaching people to be scientists. If she could transfer to a hero school, and complete the final year of - and get her official certification from - a support department, then she could become what she'd always wanted to be. All she needed was enough backing to be granted the transfer. And who better than the worlds strongest hero, the number one in the world.
"I Am Here!"
All Might had arrived on I-Island. His arrival had gathered quite the audience. Among them, though, was a certain blonde scientist.
"Uncle Might! You're finally visiting again."
"HAHA, yes young Shield, I am back again. I could never stay away from here for too long. Now then! Shall we walk to see your father?"
"Of course, Uncle Might! There's something I want to show you as well. It's something I've been working on."
"I'd be delighted, Melissa! Let's go!"
The two headed back to the Shield's house. Melissa was practically buzzing with excitement and nerves. The number one hero was about to see Izuku.
"Uncle Might, do you think I can be a support hero, even without a quirk?"
"Melissa..."
"Even the support agency industry has become quirk dominated. Speeding up production, coming up with ideas, increasing precision. Quirks can do it all. Even if I do it, I might be at a huge disadvantage. Father says it's to dangerous as well. He says I'd get targeted by villains to hinder heroes. I-I just want the opinion of an actual pro-hero."
"Melissa, you know your father only wants to protect you. I'm not going to tell you not to, or that you can't. I've seen the industry, and I know you could make it. You might not be as efficient as the others, but you're smart enough to do very well. I would never tell someone not to follow their dreams. Plus, it's up to the heroes to protect the ones around them. Just as the support helps the frontline, the frontline must protect the support."
"Thank you, Uncle Might. You always know what to say. "
"Anytime, young Melissa. What did you want to show me?"
"Oh yeah! Follow me Uncle Might!"
She led All Might towards her workshop, a noticeable spring in her step. She had been told by the ultimate hero that her dream could be done. Hopefully once he sees the R-7000, he'll be willing to back her transfer to a hero school. As they stepped into her lab, Melissa looked at All Might with a smile.
"Ready? Athena, bring me Project Ravager."
A whirring noise rang out, and soon heavy footsteps sounded. Coming into view, a large humanoid clad in dark grey and purple metal entered All Might's sight lines. It's expressionless, plain faceplate stared directly at the hero. The bot approached the duo with surprising fluidity.
"Uncle Might, this is the R-7000 Ravager unit. I created him to be a bodyguard and friend. We also thought he'd be a good hero partner for me. I call him Izuku."
"V-very impressive, young Melissa. He's certainly... advanced. I can't imagine how much effort this took"
"My creator has poured her heart and soul into making me. I am truly grateful."
Ah, its speaks as well. Very typically British sounding, too. All Might had now seen everything.
"He's fully sentient, Uncle. He's different from every other like him."
"Incredible, Melissa. I can barely find the words. This only solidifies that you can make it in the business. With this kind of skill, you can be on top of the world. The best field technician and developer the industry has ever seen."
"Only with Izuku by my side. As you said, the frontline must protect the support."
"Indeed. What can he do?"
"He has strength surpassing even strength quirks, very high durability, he can make barriers, and even a small gravitational vortex! He's got a transformation of sorts as well, but he hasn't used it yet, outside of testing. He can do a number of other things too! I'm even developing a weapon for him!"
"That sounds like a lot, young Shield. Well done!"
"Uncle Might, there's one more thing I want to ask you. I need an official support agency qualification to do the things I'll need to do. I don't know if I-Island academy can do that. They can help me become a support item developer, but I'll need a little more than that to help Izuku. Only I know how to repair the R-7000 unit, and will need to be his official support partner, sometimes in the field. I want you to sponsor my transfer to a hero school support course."
"If that's what you want, I'll do what I can. Where are you thinking of?"
"UA."
"Are you sure, why not one in the USA? I-Island is closer to there, isn't it?"
"UA is known to be the best in the world. And I know you'll be there next year too. I can speak Japanese sufficiently, and Izuku has the technology for translation. I've always wanted to go to Japan as well, so I think it's the best option."
"Very well, I'll see what I can do. I can't guarantee anything, but there's a good chance. I shall make a phone call once I've spoken to your father."
"Thank you Uncle Might." Melissa beams. Her dreams are one step closer to being true. At long last she can help people, save lives, and become the person she's always wanted to be. Izuku had proved to be not just her most trusted friend, but also the key to her future. Not doubt, he was the best idea she'd ever had.
As All Might reunited with David Shield, Melissa and Izuku stood to the side watching them. Melissa was practically vibrating with excitement. All Might had promised to help her achieve her dream, how could she not be. Izuku's metal face showed no emotion, but if it could he would show immense pride and happiness. His creator and best friend was the happiest she'd ever been, of course he was happy alongside her. He silently swore to protect her with everything he had, and do everything in his power to make sure she remained unharmed and uninterrupted in her path to becoming a great inventor.
All Might and David finished their catch up and turned to Melissa and Izuku. The eagerness on Melissas face is clear. As promised, All Might picked up his phone to do what he could for Melissa.
"It's me, Nezu, the one who could be a dog or a mouse or a bear, but more importantly... I'm the principal of UA! What can I help you with All Might?"
"I have a request to make. About a potential new student."
"A recommendation for a first year? Other people have already done some, so I'd be honoured to have one from the number one."
"Not exactly. She'd be a third year, in the support course rather than the heroics path. She's the daughter of a good friend of mine, from my early career. Professor Shield to be specific."
"A Shield, huh. I'm always willing to accept new talent. Why does she want to come here so late?" The Principals curiosity was not unfounded. The recommendation period had started, granted, but usually only new first years got those. And of course people could transfer in and out, even into third year, but normally only from other high level hero schools. But this was All Might requesting it, so Nezu was eager to listen. This was bound to be good.
"She just finished a large project, and wants to earn the certification for being a support developer. Her project requires her to have a certain level of qualification that I-Island academy can't give her."
"I see. Before I make a decision, I need to know what this project is. If it needs her to come here, then it must be good."
"She calls it the R7000. It's a fully sentient robot. It can speak, fight, think for itself, and she's given it a lot of features. It's better to see it in person."
"That's... Impressive. I would love to see it myself. Bring her to UA as soon as possible. Bring the project with her. R7000, was it? We can discuss in person."
Melissa grew suddenly nervous. THE Principal Nezu was wanting to see Izuku. Her Izuku. She felt Izuku's metallic hand on her shoulder and smiled up at him. He was the greatest thing she'd ever made, the best idea she'd ever had. If he wasn't enough to get her into UA, nothing else would. With him there, she had confidence. He was proof that she could do anything.