Echoes of the Multiverse

The forest was Izuku's place to play in, especially when the other kids were being mean. He didn't have to hear them call him names, tell him he was weird, useless, weak, and so on. It all hurt, of course, but he was getting better about trying to ignore their hurtful words and laughter. But, at least he had enough imagination to play by himself-- not feel as lonely. Its easy, especially when you've never had a friend before-- and besides, you can make your own friends!!

Sure, some were forest animals, but a great many were imaginary. Some were tall and pretty, others short and wise, and some in between! Though, he has seen odd things before, but no one would believe him. Believe him when he said he talked to an old man with a pair of ravens following him wherever he went, who told him that he must be patient-- that he won't be lonely forever, so long as he stayed himself. That he'd meet a wolf and dragon, and they would end his loneliness forever!

He's met a few others like the weird man he made up that told him important things, but some he found difficult to understand. But, more often than not, his imaginary friends weren't as detailed-- mostly filling roles in his make-believe games he made for himself. Today, one such game was him being the village apothecary-- making 'potions' in his stump 'cauldron' ith a soft smile on his face.

The stump had been waterlogged for a couple days now, and he's taken to putting various leaves and herbs into the water-- either whole or torn or crushed beforehand-- and stirred it with jis favorite oak stick, humming the tune the village apothecary sang as she worked. He stirred the strange 'brew' lockwise as he wished for a friend, wished for his wolf friend to visit him first, as wolves weren't as big and scary as dragons were. The village has had bad experiences with dragons in the past, and he didnt want his dragon friend getting hurt before he got to meet them!! A wolf was just a bigger, hungrier version of a dog, wasnt it?

Thats what Izuku thought at least, as he soon heard the distant sounds of a cart pulled by horses on the road, ushering the arrival of some newcomers. It wasn't often that people came to his village, but he's long learned not to run to see who was coming, having been scolded harshly by the village elders in the past. He never knew why everyone but his mother thought him.... Too strange to be welcome in the village. They treated him as if he were an unpleasant inconvenience, a stain on a supposedly clean slate.

And so, he kept to himself, despite his gnawing curiosity, the burning desire to try to make his first friend in this big, scary world. "'Wonder if any new children will come.... Maybe they won't be so mean like everyone else...." He sighed softly, still stirring his stump with a sad look on his face. ".... Why is everyone so mean to me?"

-----

He could feel the tension among the members of his clan, though he couldn't fully grasp why it was there. His clan lived up in a heavily wooded area in the mountains. For generations upon generations, they would come down from their beautiful home and winter with a village at the base of the mountain. That was up till last year. Someone new had taken over the village and though they had loyally offered protection and goods from their forest home, they were betrayed. Their new leader was suspicious of them and in the end, had turned on them. They hadn't hesitated in defending themselves, the battle short, but bloody. Few were lost on their side, but the village suffered for wronging them.

Having nowhere else to go on such short notice, they seized control of the village while it was weak and remained there for the cold months. Those that remained begged for forgiveness, but the damage had been done. When the sun melted away the snow, they left and would never return again. This left them in the difficult position of needing a new place to go during the winter. The oldest of them could remember the dark times when they toughed out the winter in their homeland and all had heard the stories passed down from parent to child. No one wanted to go back to those dark days again. This meant they would have to find a new settlement to ally with.

Fine allies they did, but the tension was still there. Katsuki didn't understand... They had found a new place to stay, what was the problem? What's more, they were strong and news traveled! Surely they had heard what happened to the other village that had wronged them, they wouldn't dare try anything and even if they did, they would crush them just like they had the others. What was there to worry about? It seemed the others didn't feel the same, but there was little for it other than waiting to see anyway so he didn't concern himself about it. He was more focused on learning his way from their home to this new village. They had to take a completely different route as this village was on the other side of the mountain rather than just climbing down. It was a longer journey, but with any luck, it would be worth it.

Despite the anxious and distrustful tension in the air, they traveled at a steady pace, growing ever closer to their new home away from home. The young blonde boy stood up behind his mother, easily keeping his balance on the back of the wolf they road. He could see buildings in the distance. "Over there. Is that it?" He asked simple, ruby eyes fixated on the tiny structures in the distance.

"Yes, that's it. Do try to behave, brat and don't cause us any trou---Katsuki! Get back here!!" Cried the woman, unable to finish her warning as the boy jumped to the ground without another word and took off.

Transforming into a wolf, something he'd mastered already even though it normally took many more years to do so, he'd taken off to explore, more than tired of just riding along with the clan. They were in a place he'd never been to before! He wanted to see what there was to see! "I'll find you when I'm done!" He called back, not caring in the slightest that she continued to call after him till she gave up.

There were so many new smells! Many were familiar of course, but this place wasn't the same as where they'd stayed before. The entire area was different and that meant a new combination of scents, even if many were just new individuals of the same things. He frolicked as he pleased, chasing insects and the like when he found them. Despite his show of rebellion, the pup remained within eyeshot of the caravan, they might not always be able to see him but he was always sure that he never lost sight of them. He was curious, not stupid.

Sometime later and he picked up on a scent that stood out among the others. A person? Just like many of the other scents, he tracked this one, skillful enough to follow the faint scent on the air alone. He slowed and started to stock forward when it grew strong enough that he knew he was close, slowly creeping so as not to be noticed. He caught sight of his mark in slivers through the undergrowth and stopped completely when he could finally see properly, laying down to further hide himself as he watched. It was a boy. Was he performing magic? No... He couldn't smell any in the air. A game then? Pretend? He could smell no one else here, only very faint scents clinging to the boy's clothes.

Then the boy was talking and he tensed. Who was he talking to? Was there someone else there? No... There didn't seem to be... He slowly relaxed and then decided it was time to show himself. Hmm... Best not to be a wolf, he'd heard stories of people being frightened when someone foolishly approached a stranger as a wolf. There's been reported deaths this way. Shifting forms, he stood himself up, checked himself over to make sure everything was in its place, and looked impressive, then he confidently came out into the open.

"Maybe there's something wrong with you." That was not how to make a good first impression. "I don't think I've ever met someone that plays by themselves like I do... You look pretty weak... Aren't you afraid of something coming along and eating you?" He asked looking down at the other boy, making no attempt to properly introduce himself. The boy had soft, fluffy hair the color of pale beach sand, dressed in little more than a pair of pants held up by a belt and tied off just below his knees and a pair of leather boots. Around his neck, there was a necklace, if you could call it that, the thing only consisting of a single cord with two fangs hanging from it, spaced by a couple of turquoise beads. His pale skin was decorated with brilliant red streaks of body paint, though it didn't take much imagination to confuse it with fresh blood. The color brought out his brilliant scarlet eyes, if nothing else.

-----

Izuku let out a startled squeak when he heard the bushes rustling, brandishing his stirring stick shakily, only to be greeted, rather rudely, by another boy. When he registered what the blonde had said, he looked downright crestfallen-- they hardly knew each other and he's already getting picked on!! "I-I'm not weak!! I-I might not be an alpha, o-or have magic, b-but I can still whack whatever wants t-to try to hurt me!!" Oh, how adorable the little greenette was, trying to be brave, even if he was a bit teary-eyed while shaking in his boots.

Though, after a few moments, he slumped a bit, sniffling softly. "Though.... No one seems to like me except mom.... Some of the village kids bully me, say I hope I get eaten by a bear or a wolf whenever I'm sent out to find herbs for the apothecary...." He used his deeply-hemmed, dull spruce-green tunic sleeve to wipe at his tears. His pants were much the same in a muted earth brown, and boots that were a bit too big for his feet-- he and his mother didn't have the luxury to have new clothes whenever he grew. "I can't help that I can't use magic.... M-maybe I'm just a late bloomer...." He mumbled, before poking at the ground sadly.

".... Did you come to pick on me too? I'd rather play alone if you are...." He pouted, before looking back at his stump, then further on towards the nearing sounds of carriages and.... Some form of large beasts. "Are you with whoever's coming through our village?" He soon asked, finally registering that the sand-haired boy was dressed far differently than he was-- and the paint on his face was, admittedly, a bit scary. All Izuku had was his almost perfect, freckled skin.

-----

The blond boy couldn't seem to help but laugh at the poor greenette's expense. "You're gonna whack things that try to hurt you? You don't know how to fight! I can tell just by how you're standing!" He shot back, openly continuing to laugh. To further confirm that he wasn't in the least bit intimidated, he confidently strode closer, ready to defend himself should the greenette be true to his words. Habitually, even when the boy slumped in defeat, he couldn't help staying on his guard. They had only just met, after all, so he didn't know if the other boy actually would try to defend himself. He was sure he would win, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be on his guard till he was sure the kid was harmless.

He cocked his head slightly to the side when informed of the errand he was often sent on. "They're right. If you can't defend yourself, then something could come along and eat you. You're oblivious too, it was super easy to sneak up on you. If the apothecary sends you out for herbs though, I guess you're not entirely useless, but it doesn't sound like ya got much else goin' for ya." He looked down at the stump full of random leaves and such, figuring out the game he was playing then scoffed, rubys seeking out emeralds again.

"Yeah, that's my clan. We're really strong and come from the mountains! We'll be staying here till the snow melts in the spring." He looked the other boy up and down then, nodding as he seemed to come to a decision. "I've decided! You're mine now. You'll help me with whatever I need and I'll protect you in exchange as you're shit at it," proclaimed the blond brat, little fists coming up to rest on his hips. "My name is Katsuki Bakugou! You better not forget it because I'm gonna grow up to be the strongest!"

-----

Izuku hated how the new boy mocked him, laughed at him so openly-- normally the village kids only laughed after dragging him through the dirt, figuratively or literally, but this? This was just cruel!! It wasn't a surprise when his eyes welled with tears as the other made scathing remarks over his posture and lack of proper self defense-- even when he asked, no one would teach him. If he wanted to be safe, he'd have to find an alpha that would claim his miserable self. When the blonde came closer, so confidently at that, Izuku didn't even bother twitching. He's never teied hitting someone before, and he didn't have the heart to, now, even if this was a stranger to him, hurting him like this.

The new kid even scoffed at his make believe potion, for crying out loud!! "W-wolves don't normally come here unless game is scarce.... And even so, they normally ignore me. But...." He trailed off, before biting his tongue. 'If I tell him an old man told me id be friends with a wolf and a dragon, he'd only laugh at me more....' ".... Never mind. You'll prolly just make fun of me if I told you, call me a liar like the others do...." He sighed, poking at the dirt a little more. "Some of the men-- mostly the Alpha's-- call me useless too.... I know im not big, but I wanna learn, but they won't teach me anything...."

So, this mean boy was going to be here all winter? That's just great.... Wait. What did the blonde say?? "Huh?? Wha-- wait, what do you mean 'I'm yours'??" He asked, looking so terribly confused. "Y-you've only been making fun of me since you met me-- why do you want me??" He asked, wondering if this was some weird cultural thing for the other boy-- picking on people and then claiming them. "I-I don't know what you'd want me to do.... I-if I habe to break rules, I can't!! Mom'll be sad and the elders might hit me again!!" Granted, his mother didn't know of that quite yet, but alas, he was naive, unaware that that in particular wasn't okay for his own customs. Such is the life of the unfortunate. "Katsuki.... Bakugo? I-I'm Izuku Midoriya...." He gave his name in turn, unsure of how to feel about this.

-----

Sure enough, the boy made no move to attack him or even defend himself when much of the space between them was suddenly closed. "Yeah...? You'd be easy pickings for a wolf... Probably are just smart enough to know they'll be hunted if they start takin' kids, even little shrimpy ones." He mused, looking him over again as he spoke. He was about to try and get the information he was being denied out of him, but in the end, he let it rest for the moment.

"Yeah. You're mine now. I don't know my way around and you're helpless. It works." He looked around then before very clearly sniffing at the air. "Like I care what rules your people have. There's a pond around here. Take me to it. I'll show you how to be less useless." He offered, crossing his arms over his chest and watching him expectantly. "If you take me I'll teach you something good." He promised, hoping that promise would be enough to convince the boy to do as he was told. He could smell water nearby that wasn't in the little stump, but didn't know it's exact location. He was sure he could find it on his own, if he really wanted to, but this would be easier.

He contemplated switching to wolf form as he could move faster that way and had a much sharper sense of smell, but doing so would also mean that the boy wouldn't be able to keep up with him. The only other option would be to allow him to climb onto his back and he wasn't sure if he was alright with that. "You said the wolves leave you alone before... If a wolf were to walk up to you without bearing his teeth, what would you do? Would you want to kill it all the same? Would you be afraid it would snap once it got close?"

-----

Izuku's soft cheeks puffed up in faint annoyance, but he didn't argue. The other boy DID have a point.... "Well, if the rules aren't followed, we could get into a lot of trouble-- you might get kicked out!" He argued softly, though there was a genuine worry in his large emeralds. Though, at the promise of being taught something, the little greenette perked up, before grinning brightly, before boldly taking the other's hand, and taking him to a pond he really liked. The water was clear, and almost deep enough to reach his shoulders if he stood inside, but it was more than big enough for him to swim in when the weather was warm. "Here it is!! What an I gonna learn now, Kaachan?" He asked, looking to the blonde with an unrestrained eagerness.

Though, when Katsuki asked him what he meant when the wolves let him be, his joy faded to wariness, as well as sadness. "I've never had problems with the wolves-- I even was able to pet one, once!! He was a younger one, but bigger than a pup, but.... I know not all wolves are like that. It's dumb not to be wary of things that may hurt you.... You won't make fun of me if I tell you why I don't think any of them would hurt me though, right?" He asked, worrying at the hem of his tunic again. "All the kids and even some adults say its dumb, didn't happen, but.... An old, tall man with one eye and a long walking stick once told me I wouldn't be lonely anymore after I meet a wolf and a dragon...." He braced himself for further insults, having learned that no matter how much he swore, no one would ever believe the fantastical things he's seen, the people he's been able to talk to while alone in the woods.

He was just a lonely kid with too wild of an imagination. A useless kid trying to get attention that no one wanted to give him, because he was beneath them all. All because not only was he a male omega, but also without magic.

-----

He got more of a reaction than he expected, but that was alright, it still got him what he wanted. He approached the pond, looking around for only a moment before leaving the boy's side. Making his way around, he beckoned him with a hand before squatting down at the water's edge and pointing.

"That's a lotus flower. If you dry the roots and make a tea out of it, it helps stop bleeding. The roots taste really good fried too. A tea made from the seeds restores your energy and appetite. It's also good for upset tummies and calms you down when your upset. The roasted seeds are a yummy snack, too. The leaves can be made into a calming tea and can cool you down on hot days. You can also use them to wrap food and steam it." He lowered his hand and looked back to the boy.

"The flower can also be used to make tea for tummy aches and bleeding. Grinding the flower into paste is good for scars so they don't get bad. For everything the red lotus plant is best, next is white, then all the other colors." He finally stood up again, turning to face the greenette. "You're already gathering stuff for the apothecary. Stop being useless and learn how to make remedies and potions from plants. You can start learning to work with the lotus plant since it's good for a bunch of things."

When he got the answer to his earlier question, it gave him pause. Honestly, the way he frowned and got particularly focused was probably a little intimidating. "You've spoken with a god...? Why would the All Father speak with someone like you? What does he want from you?" He asked, looking some combination of frustrated and curious. All the same, it put the worry he'd had earlier to rest. "And what do I have to do with it?" He asked as he took a step towards the other boy. This was more jarring that it sounded because with this step, he dropped forward onto all fours and then the greenette found himself nose to nose with a wolf pup who's fur was the same soft, sandy color the boy had a moment ago. If that weren't startling enough, the young wolf had to be the size of a small pony at least, about 9 hands at the shoulder.

It was rather presumptuous to assume that he was the wolf the boy was told of, but the arrogant boy was confident in his assumption. He'd always known he was destined for great things so naturally the gods would have an interest in him. Still... He'd always expected to hear from Loki, but then Odin was his blood-brother so it perhaps wasn't so far-fetched. Hmmm... He did have two wolves at his side as well. Yes, perhaps it made sense in the end.

-----

Eager to learn, the little greenette had followed the other readily, and listened closely to the blonde, eyes wide, and full of wonder. "Wooooow!! That's so cool!! When you say bleeding, do you mean just from wounds, or for the 'cycles' the older omegas talk about when they don't have babies?" He asked, wanting to make sure he used the plant correctly. He didn't want to hurt anyone, after all. "I-I've asked the apothecary to teach me things, but all she tells me is what the plants she wants looks like-- never what they're for...." He frowned, hating how little people thought of him. "I've collected so many things, but never was told what they do, how to use them...."

Before he could fall back into another sad little spiral, Izuku grew quite stressed when Katsuki asked him why a GOD had visited him-- Izuku never really thought about that being a possibility-- but before he could ask the other if it was actually possible, the similarly unbelievable occured. The sandy blonde boy and become a wolf before his very eyes, and the shock had sent the poor boy onto his ass, his eyes wide with shock, but rather than fear, there was awed, nervous hope.

"Y-y-you can turn into a wolf??" Poor little Izuku's voice cracked into a higher pitch, the shock of it all making his head spin. "W-wow-- i-if you're my wolf friend--" he soon began to tear up, a dopey, happy smile soon coming onto hos face as he shakily stood up, looking up into the other's eyes with the sweetest look of joy and hope anyone would ever see. "Th-then I won't be lonely anymore!! I-I'll finally have friends, s-starting with you!!" He was beside himself with glee, and he soon was hugging the other about his neck and shoulders, burying his face into the other's fur as he hiccuped. Poor, poor thing.... This was just sad, really, but.... He was going to be happy, truly happy.

Even if Katsuki may he an ass about his friendship, and onward.

-----

"Bleeding in general so yeah, that too. My dad likes lotus flower tea for that." He shrugged, flushing a little at the mention of heat cycles. He was just old enough to start getting curious though proper urges hadn't hit him yet. Having a shameless alpha as a mother though, he was already well informed for making the mistake of asking a single curious question. He cleared his throat, focusing instead on the greenette before him. "Your apothecary is a moron. If she taught you what the stuff you're gathering does, then you would be able to gather stuff she didn't ask you to if you heard someone was suffering from something. It's a waste of time and could result in needless suffering." Scoffed the blond, clearly already being groomed for the leadership role everyone expected him to fight for when he came of age. If he could take it from his mother was a different story, but the expectation was there. "I don't keep useless things so you're not gonna be useless."

"Of course I can! Everyone from my clan can do it and when we come of age, we bond with a wolf. The strongest of us bond with dire wolves and I'm gonna be the strongest so I'll definitely get the best pup to raise as my own." He lifted his head proudly, basking in the positive attention what was apparently his god ordained friend. He didn't so much expect the hugging though...

With a little grunt, he found himself hugged around the neck and for a moment he didn't know what to do. It felt nice, but it was pretty embarrassing... He chose not to think about it too much. "Come on, let's not make my clan wait. My mom's the leader!" He explained before ducking his head. With no more warning than that, if you could call that a warning, he was nosing his way between the little omega's legs then stuffing his head through a second later. With a little growl, he lifted his head and hoisted the poor boy up and over to flop onto his back. He only waited for a moment for the greenette to right himself before he was taking off at a run towards the village. Hopefully, the boy would be quick enough to grab onto his fur or he might very well topple right off.

-----

Izuku was glad for the affirmation, though he did look a tad surprised to hear that his friend's father was an omega, like him! But, as rare as it was, he didn't comment, especially when he saw the other's face warm. Whether it was the talk of cycles or the role of his father was unknown to the greenette. "That's true.... But she never listens cuz she thinks I can't help, all because I can't even use lesser magic. She puts energy into her remedies for people...." He sighed softly, having long accepted that she wouldn't listen anytime soon. "But.... If I'm sent out again, and I show you what she had me look for, you'll tell me what it's for, right?" Izuku asked, hoping that he'd be of more use than what people have him now.

"Y-you're almost as big as a normal wolf.... And you're so soft, warm!!" Izuku giggled as he nuzzled deeper into the other's fur, just tickled about his discovery. He had his first friend, as he was told he would!! Sure, this wolf-boy was a bit odd, a little mean, but he wasn't all bad, so Izuku couldn't complain too much!! Though, he did wonder if he'd meet a dragon soon, or later in life. Regardless, he had Katsuki, and that was just fine for now!!

He was roughly pulled from his thoughts when he was slung onto the other's back in an embarrassing fashion, earning a startled yelp from the little omega. However, he was bright enough to straddle the other properly, and hold onto the other's fur similarly to how one would ride a horse without saddle or bridle. Nonetheless, he wasn't entirely prepared for the other's speed, nor how Katsuki ran. Riding horseback didn't compare to riding wolfback-- on one hand, with the other's fur it was harder to hover, but with that same fur, it cushioned Izuku's seat well enough. On another, the other's movement was vastly different, making it a bit challenging to stay on without clinging desperately like a newborn squirrel. All the same, it didn't take them long to arrive at the village, the main square humming with activity thanks to the newcomers. Rightfully, his fellow villagers were a bit guarded, cautious, but they were as.... Hospitable as they could be, given the situation.

Alas, it wasn't long until his mother caught sight of him on his wolf-friend's back, and looking downright terrified, worried about her baby's safety. "Izuku!! Where have you been?!" Cried the slightly distraught woman as she came over to the pair, before looking at Katsuki nervously. "What-- please tell me that's a friend and not a wild wolf you rode home on...."

The blond was indeed a bit of a perfectionist, it seemed. His standards were high, if nothing else, and he was loath to settle for less. Wait. Ka-chan? Who said he had the right to use his first name, let alone a shortening of it?! Still, there was something strangely endearing about it, something that made him feel pleasantly warm inside. He tried not to think about it too much, but he 'didn't bother' correcting the greenette. "I'm not a damn runt." He grumbled, even though the greenette hadn't said that he was. It seemed to be a touch of a sore spot. If nothing else, he was plenty big enough to carry the boy with no apparent trouble and swiftly no less!

His day had been going so well... A pity it couldn't stay that way. His mother was quick to come down on him for getting defensive and he was sure having run off earlier wasn't helping matters. The anger and embarrassment ate at him, but he absolutely refused to cry in front of his mother, let alone strangers. Why was he being scolded so hard? The woman had treated him like he was some wild animal! They were a clan of wolf shifters and riders! Surely she must realize wolves would be involved! What's more, what wild wolf would let some human child ride them? Stupid woman... Stupid old hag...

When he was ushered off, he was left with his limp-spined father, as usual... The man tried to comfort him, but as always he took her side so he was quick to reject the man's attempt to calm him. Instead, he left his side and made good on his promise and only then did he return to his father's side, knowing his mother wouldn't take kindly to him wandering off again so soon. He would have to behave and help his clan settle in for now, though he wasn't sure what sort of assignments he would be given. From what he could tell, final agreements on where they would be setting up camp were being settled. They would probably start by setting up a temporary camp then start building within the next few days.

Maijima looked the two over as they took in his offer and the boy's mother agreed to have him tutor the boy. How strangely trusting... He supposed it was for the better in this situation, it saved him some trouble and he honestly held no ill intent. "I have another student I'm teaching anyway, it's no trouble, just... Unexpected. I'll probably be heading out tomorrow morning with a party to start gathering supplies, I'll come to collect him so he can come with us. I'll make sure he's got some warm food in his belly before we head on out as I'm not sure exactly when that will be."

Turning his attention to the boy then, he wondered how much use he would be. He was so little... Well, if he'd survived gathering herbs for this long... He chuckled softly, a lop-sided smile pulling at his lips. "Ka-chan? He let you get away with that? Interesting... Anyway, listen up, kid. We won't just be taking a stroll and picking flowers. You sure you're up for this? It'll be tough work. Pretty thankless too, but it's something to feel pride for. People like us are one of the foundations villages are built on and we pay for that on in sweat and blood. Hard, but rewarding work." He repeated, wanting to be sure the child didn't think what he was offering was easy. He intended to teach the boy fully how to fend for himself and excel at his work, not the painfully incomplete whatever it was he was currently doing.