Chapter Text
He was comfortable.
Kaito’s jacket was so warm, it was perfect to fight against the cold surface of the hydraulic press. Hearing the press start up and seeing the slow descent of the metal coming closer to his small body.
There was a heavy feeling in his chest. Was it fear? He’s felt this before, but it's different now. With Mui he had a plan for him to live, if only for a little longer. Here he knows the plan, he’s dead no matter what.
He felt the urge to cry but that’s not how he wanted to die. He didn’t want to die to start with! He looked over to Kaito who was giving him a bright smile but the light didn’t quite reach his eyes. His eyes seemed to be shouting ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry it had to end like this.’ over and over and over and over. He didn’t want a sorry, he knew he didn’t deserve nor he needed it. He turned his head to see the metal so close.
Or was it always that close? Did it move, was his mind turning against him? He didn’t want to see the thing that would crush him, he didn’t need to see his time slowly end. He closed his eyes but that seemed to make things worse. Memories of Gonta, Shuichi and Mui. The guilt he had for killing Gonta and Mui, the harsh but true words of Shuichi. It hurt in a way he couldn’t wrap up. He wanted to smile and laugh them off but those words felt like knives to his heart. They would bleed but in a way that you know it’s bleeding but no matter how much you try to wrap them up the bleeding would never really stop.
His eyes shot open. He didn’t want to die but the poison had finally taken over and he was unable to move. He saw the press an inch away then white hot pain came through. It hurt, it hurt really bad.
He felt like his own brain was starting to turn on him. Even as the king this downfall was his own people. What would DICE think… He failed them, even if they weren’t real, even if this was all some dumb tv show! He’ll die having memories of people he could laugh with… Even if he’s the reason they were caught up in this mess.
Then everything was burning, not littery, but it felt like the whole board, all the pieces, all his planning was falling in front of his eyes. He wants it to stop, and it did. It was gone as soon as it came. The cold, the warm gone, the hot pain gone, the flying pieces gone.
He didn’t want this. Who would? He wanted out but not like this. He likes to think that he wore the mask he found comfort in till the very end but he knows it broke at some point and the true fear showed on his face. He mentally takes the king chest piece off the board, then he likes to think all the other pieces made it out, that they beat the other king.
Maybe someone heard his wish, his pleas and cries. A god? No more likely some kinda cruel anti-hero that thought getting another change would maybe change him or make life a bit more fun to watch?
Well then all they did was give him a new stage, and after all if Kokichi may not be a hero but he was an amazing actor.
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“I AM HERE!”
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“I AM HERE”
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“I AM-”
Kokichi moved his hand to turn off the noise. Was that an alarm clock? It was annoying and loud, 10/10, super effective!!! When his eyes opened he could tell right away something was wrong. His hands were small and the bed he was sleeping in was not one he had seen before.
He also caught on that that clock was not his. The time reading 8:00am, The sheets of the bed he woke up on were yellow, blue, white and red. It was an odd color combo and not one he liked all that much. He liked white and black much more, dark blue was a good color as well, though red was another good one, ooo~ but yellow and gold!
He got out of bed and saw the room filled with merch. Posters of a man with bright yellow hair wearing a suit with the same colors posted on the walls. Posters reading ‘you can do it.’ ‘plus ultra!’ ‘don’t give up.’ motivating stuff and so on. He looked at the ground and noticed his body was shorter than normal. His head was a bit closer to the ground, then for only a moment he saw the brown loose wood board coming up to hit him hard in the face. His hand moved to cover his eyes for only a moment, though they never met his eyes as his tiny hands clasped together. Kokichi fought the urge to bite on his nails.
As he moved the tiny hands back to the ground a piece of hair fell down into his eyes. The tiny hand reached to the lock of green hair. Now Kokichi may not like math but he’s positive purple and green were not the same colors. He also knows hair doesn't just change like this for no reason. How did his hair turn green? A crazy theory popped into his head, it’s so stupid, so out of left field, that it JUST might be true. He looked around the room one more time, but then there was this odd feeling in his head. Before he felt alone, no that's not the right wording. Maybe more incomplete, hollow? It’s hard to give a label or word to the feeling but to dumb it down, it felt something was missing. Then he felt there was that warmth. It was the same kind of warmth as Kaito’s jacket.
Wh-what…?
How he was correct he may never know, how he came up with the theory in the first place is a question he will never answer. He is sharing a body with someone who was already alive. By the voice that was in his head, the size of his hands and all the toys. (do action figures count as toys or collectables?) Kokichi would guess he’s maybe six maybe seven. It’s neat that he can hear the boy and most likely the boy can see what Kokichi sees.
He adds it to a mental note, soon he starts to mentally set out a new chess board. A king and a pawn. The room, his hand in front of his face, the odd posters. He wonders if there is a way they can switch back and forth. But that’s too much what it’s right now.
“Well good morning sleepy head~!” Kokichi said, his voice playful, and a carefree smile covered the face Kokichi had been called childish now he just fits the role with him now being a child. Though he notes that that vote that came out of his mouth was not his own. Maybe because he was now sharing bodies with a child? His mind replied helpful, He looked over to the clock that now read 8:13am. “Wow! You really slept in huh? It’s all thanks to me you woke up!” Kokichi laughed out, exaggerating movements and his tone of voice so it seemed a bit of a mix of playful and scolding. He wonders how this boy will react, he prays to atua it’s not boring.
I-I- Did huh? T-thank y-you. The voice boy stuttered out. Was he shy, or maybe it was the shock of someone else having control of your body? His brain replied oh so helpful once again. W-who are y-y-you? A-Are Y-you a villain?! He cried, Kokichi could feel that if he was in control there would be tears in his eyes. He mentally adds that this boy was showing a few red flags of bullying but then again maybe he’s just over thinking things.
“Well my name is Kokichi Oma! Nice to meetcha!” He didn’t know if he was in the same world at this point or maybe a different part of the world so revealing his ultimate might only cause more questions for the already panicking boy. On top the kid was seemingly crying, and Kokichi could hear the slight change in the kid's breathing patterns. Not a great sign. “Say what’s your name and age?”
Izuku M-Midoryia, I'm eight. Oh he was eight, he made a good guess and was almost right on the age at least. Kokichi’s king piece moved in front of the young pawn on this chess board.
“Midoriya Huh? If you're wondering how this happened I don’t know. Also not a villain.” Not right now. He could be called a villain and couldn’t blame people who did but he got a second chance at life. (But did he really get a second chance or was he just given the tools to ruin some else's life?) But in the end Kokichi knows it’s not really his life, It is still Midoriya’s body and life, all Kokichi is doing is sharing it. And who would Kokichi be if not an all so great and caring leader!
W-well wh-what d-do we do? Midoryia asked, and that was a good question. He mentally made a note they wrote, ‘not exactly like Kaito.’
“Well let's get to know each other. If we have time, like do you have school?”
Y-yes b-but I have t-today off.
“Good to know. Let’s see…. Hmmm…” Kokichi let out a fake hum, he put a hand to his chin and looked to the ceiling. Kokichi was not quite in the right mood or mind set for a game right now, so he answered, “I hate pigs feet. I like games… ummm I also like carbonated drinks?” He was about to continue but a much more fun thought popped into his head. Though he doesn’t want to play a game, pranks are always good ways to let off even a bit of steam. “Hey…” He whined. “Why am I the only one answering huh? Unless…” He lets out a fake gasp as he places a hand over where the heart should be. “You're trying to get blackmail on me!” He could hear the sputtering of Midoriya on his head.
N-NO! Th-that's n-not what’s h-h-happening! Kokichi began to laugh, as he walked over to the bed to sit down and try to cool off and stop laughing. Who knew a kid could be not so boring! W-what’s so fu-funny?
“S-sorry.” Kokichi wiped at his eyes like he was wiping away tears. “Who knew that you were so fun to tease,” Kokichi laughed out. “If we’re going to live like this I’m going to need you to try and get used to me teasing you.”
R-right. W-well i l-like heroes… All Might is my favorite. I have my mom, Inko. My b-best f-friend kacchan, I don’t l-like o-others getting h-hurt… Kokichi made a mental note about things he stuttered about and things he seemed to feel uncomfortable with. Hero’s, his mom, those things seemed to be topics he likes, or is the most comfortable to talk about. Although Kokichi can spot more than a handful of red flags, then again everyone reacts to things differently than others.
“Hey, can you explain a bit more about these heroes?” Kokichi asked, for two good reasons, One Midoriya seemed to like the topic. Two he had no clue what heroes were to this world. At this point he was near positive he was in another world. The pictures and the talk of heroes and not Ultimates it just kinda added up. The chess board was now made of light wood and not oak wood.
Sure! All Might is amazing! He saves everyone with a smile and no matter what he is able to bring hope. He’s the symbol of peace for Japan! He’s also the Number one hero, he lived in America for a bit and worked with the Shield family. Hey maybe if Mom lets me I can show you my favorite video of him! Kokichi just nodded along.
“Well this All Might sounds like a good guy… What other things do you like? I like playing pranks and playing games as I said before.”
I-i like to w-write notes a-about he-heroes. I-i also like t-t-to play heroes, um… I-i like to help m-my mom out. L-like helping her c-cook.
“You really like your mom huh?”
O-of course! She’s the best, she’s kind and loving, caring and gentle. She also makes some of the best katsudon you’ll ever taste! Kokichi felt the odd feeling of hearing a mother like that. He doesn’t remember his family if he had one, but the thought of a caring and kind mother felt foreign to him. But now that he thinks about it DICE was always around, DICE was his family, even if they weren’t real he’ll remember as if they were.
“Katsudon.. Is that your favorite food?” He asked after he let the thought of him having a mom pass.
Y-yeah.
“Alright then, I wonder if my taste is different because I’m living in your body.” He moved the small hand so it was not on the chin. “Speaking of which, do you think that maybe we’re able to switch back and forth on who is able to control your body?” Kokichi pointed out. He had learned a bit about Midoriya but now they really need to learn about this body swap? Share? Split? Whatever they just need to get the basics of this thing.
“Let's lay down what we know. I woke up in your body, I can control your body and from what we know you can’t, right now at least. We know that you can see what I see but can’t see what is out of my view.”
So kinda like a second set of eyes! Midoryia said excitedly.
“Yeah kinda.” Kokichi doesn’t quite understand this child, maybe they just don’t have the same kind of thinking? “We know I can hear you and you can hear me, but we also know you're only in my head so like another person living in my brain. Umm you got anything more to add green bean?”
G-green bean? Kokichi didn’t quite like the way Midoriya said that. Like he was surprised to have a nickname or maybe… Maybe he was surprised that the nickname didn’t seem to be mean. The king pawn moved a bit away from the small green pawn.
“Yeah, you have green hair and it’s kinda fluffy unless you want me to call you broccoli boy.”
N-no… Umm I don’t know what else I can add.
“Well, do you have a theory on how we can? Maybe I don’t know… Switch back?” Kokichi said with a bit of sass in his voice. He was already done with this game.
I-I don’t know wh-what we could do… We can t-try thing o-out. Oh how very helpful~!
“Right so we can cross out some kinda magic word. I’m also guessing physical harm isn’t going to get us to switch.” He could feel Midoriya nodding along. It wasn’t a very welcome feeling but Kokichi can deal with it. “We could try sneezing?” he suggested.
Y-yeah let’s try t-that. Kokichi tickled his nose and soon he sneezed but nothing changed other than him needing a handkerchief. Th-that didn’t w-work. Kokichi was about to say some kinda sarcastic remark but then again this was an eight year old boy who just found another boy controlling his body so decided against it.
“Well it was a good guess.. Say… what about food?” There was a pause. A LONG pause.
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The silence was louder than Kokichi wanted to admit.
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Food?
“Hear me out!” He shouted as he put his hands up then behind his head. “What if I eat your favorite food, and see how that goes. Or we could try with our favorite drinks?”
It’s worth a shot. Izuku gave a hint of hope that Kokichi latched onto.
“That's the spirit!” Kokichi cheered but before he left he needed to know how Midoryia acted. “Hey greenie! How do you act around your mom?” The king started to change to try to look like the green pawn.
Act? Oh! Well You can run up to her and jump up and down and ask for Katsudon? Or you could ask if you could go out for it? I-I like going out to the park.
“Got it!” With that he left his bedroom. He ran up to Inko or should he call her mom? Why would he call her Mom? She is not his mom Kur- Nope! Not going to start that card game up again! He jumped close to her legs. “Mom! Mom! Can we have katsudon?” Inko smiled and ruffled his hair. He had to suppress the urge to flinch at the touch. The smile never once falling.
“Well aren’t you in a happy mood. Did you sleep well Izu?” He nodded with a bright smile.
“Yeah! I had a n-nice dream t-too! So can w-we please get katsudon?” Inko laughed and gave him a nod. Kokichi was very proud of the fake stutter he gave himself. Yet why didn’t it feel so fake? Why did it feel so normal? He could even feel Midoryia’s awe at the seeming accurate impression of him. Inko began to grab some ingredients from the cabinets and fridge.
“Izuku dear can you grab the bowl?” Inko asked as she grabbed some cups.
Bottom l-left shelf. Midoryia replied, and it was very nice to know where something was. Kokichi grabbed the bowls and handed them to Inko. M-my favorite drink i-is lemonade.
“Do w-we have l-lemonade?” Inko nodded and pointed to the fridge. He ran to the fridge and grabbed one of the cups that Inko had grabbed. He took a cup and took a sip. The taste was nice, sweet but it was much more refreshing than he remembered. He still prefers his soda and carbonated drinks but lemonade had a nicer taste then he remembered. Maybe Midoriya's tease had kinda merged with his or maybe altered his?
Soon the world’s colors seemed to shift and then he felt he was no longer in control. He tried to speak but the young boy'smouth didn’t open.
Did it work? Kokichi asked and he could hear a bit of his own echo. He felt Midoriya nod, So he could feel what Midoryia felt, see’s, could he feel his pain? Could they feel each other's physical pain? Like he feels them holding the cup but say he tripped would he feel the fall? Whatever trial and error stuff but for now he knows they mostly share all five senses. It's kinda neat. Seems we found out how to change from me to you. I’m going to bet you just need to drink a carbonated drink to swap from you to me!
“Izuku!” Inko called and he jumped and seemed to glow at the sight of his favorite food. “Can you help me set up the table?” And he did, helping get cups of water and setting a few plates just for the two. The two ate in peace as Inko asked when he got up and what he wanted to do this weekend.
Midoriya adds what he would like and asks if he could maybe get soda. Inko raised an eyebrow at that one. “J-just want to t-try it! I-I promise I won’t d-drink a lot!”
“Just don’t drink too much sugar.” Midoriya nods with a childish joy in his eyes.
“Would you like to go to the playground?“ Inko asked as she began to finish her food. Midoriya nodded sharply, it seems he likes the playground huh? “Oh would you like me to invite the Bakugou’s?” Kokichi felt the boy's body stiffen at the name. Huh.
Is the ‘Best Friend’ you told me about? Kokichi asked. Midoryia nodded but it was so small that Inko didn’t see the nod, and she was cleaning up the dishes. A black pawn was added to the chess board.
“N-no thanks m-mom.” Izuku stuttered out as he started to help clean up his own plate.
“Alright, why don’t you go get changed and grab your shoes and we can go.” Midoriya ran to his room and grabbed some clothes. Soon everything for Kokichi went dark. He couldn’t see anything but he could hear the shuffling and ruffling of clothing. When he was able to see again Midoriya was in a new outfit. His outfit was a short sleeved blue t-shirt with big white words of ‘Plus Ultra!’ He had short yellow shorts and bright red sneakers on.
Nice outfit! Kokichi complimented, but he still had a question to ask. What does plus ultra mean? I mean it’s on your shirt and a few posters in your room?
“Oh! See it’s the catchphrase of my favorite hero All Might.” He ran over to a figurine of a buff man with a dark blue, red and bright yellow suit. “I want to be like him one day. A hero that saves people with a smile.” Yellow buff hero man is an inspirational figure for the kid and he wants to be a hero. Kokichi got a bit more information then what he asked for but he’s not complaining here!
Huh? Well then maybe after your fun day at the playground you can show me who this All Might is. If you make it back alive that is. Kokichi once teases again. And man he doesn’t think this is going to get boring anytime soon!
“H-Huh?!” Midoriya squeaks out, and Kokichi begins to laugh. “R-right need to g-get used to y-your teasing.” Midoriya breathed out, and he placed the figurine down.
Hey! You're a fast learner! Kokichi cheered, Midoriya was certainly not boring.
“Izuku, are you ready?” Inko called from the doorway. He nodded and followed Inko to the car as they drove to the park. The park was nice, two bright yellow slides, a swing set with two swings, a seesaw, and a sandbox. “Izuku I’m going to buy some food and the soda you asked for.” Inko pointed to a store that was right across the street. “I’m going to be quick, love you Zuzu.” She ruffled his hair and kissed his head. It was soft like a soft mist. Midoriya leaned into the touch, seeming to want to get as much of it as he could. Inko walked away with a wave as she crossed the street.
Izuku walked to the sand box, and Kokichi saw the kids that were at the playground either gave him a face, started to whisper about him or just walked away. Kokichi’s notepad of Midoriya was much more full then he would have thought but then again more red flags seemed to pop up as the day went on.
“What is Deku doing here?” A girl with light blue hair asked.
“I don’t know!” A girl with dark ponytails shouted. Deku? Kokichi knew it meant useless, but he didn't know why people would call him that. Midoriya played alone in the sand for a bit, that was until a kid threw some sand at him.
“Ha ha! Good shot Mako!” A girl said to a bow with a sand bucket in his hands.
What the hell?! Kokichi shouted and he saw Midoriya flinch. Sorry but what the hell? Why would they do that, all you did was play alone, AND why in the world are they calling you Deku? Kokichi wanted answers and the playfulness was gone, he let rage take his voice. He felt Midoriya try to get all the sand out of his hair.Though Kokichi had other plans in mind as he thought about how slow the kids were at throwing the sand.
Now not known to many but Kokichi had quite fast reflexes! I mean dodging a punch from Kaito and almost being choked to death by an assassin? He kinda had to learn. See fast things like bullets or arrow… or maki were things he couldn’t quire doge but that sand he thinks he could have. Maybe he can… ugh and he can’t believe he’s saying this, take Midoriya in as his sidekick. Nope! Nah, nope on a rope, his subornet!
Though he also wondered if Midoriya was used to this kinda treatment. The kids laughed but didn’t throw any more sand, thankfully. He saw Inko run over with some bags in hand, a tense smile on her face. He also saw the kids scamper away.
“Izuku are you okay?” Kokichi now only felt the tears in his eyes, but he wasn’t the one crying, it was Midoriya.
“I-I’m fi-fine mom. J-just got s-sand in m-my h-hair.” Inko’s smile fell and she helped him get the sand out of his hair. Kokichi saw her freeze at one point.
“Zuzu…”Inko said slowly. “Did you get something in your hair other than sand?” She asked and Midoryia shook his head. Inko grabbed her phone and took a picture of the top of his head. She showed the picture and there was not only green but a bit of dark purple in his hair.
“W-why is t-that th-there?” Midoriya asked. Inko just shrugged but ruffed his hair again.
“Don’t know Izu but I like it.” She smiled and grabbed his hand. “Let's go home okay?” Izuku nodded shyly, they walked to the car and put the bags in. They drove home and Inko turned on the TV. “I need to go to work soon Zu, are you okay with that?” Midoriya nodded, she smiled and went into a room. Kokichi guesses it hers.
Soo…. The purple in your hair might be my fault. Kokichi heard Midoriya laugh. It was the first time he could hear a laugh that seemed to care free in so long.
“T-though so.” he laughed out, after a few more moments his laughing died down. “W-what did you l-look like?” He asked as he kicked his feet.
Well, well, Mr. I was quite tall with long purple hair, and- Before he could continue he saw Midoriya’s eye roll and another laugh.
“Y-you can’t lie t-to me.” Kokichi was quite impressed. He learned that Midoriya was a fast learner but this fast? Then again he exaggerated his voice when telling his fake appearance.
Alright then greenie. I was on the shorter side. BUT that's not my fault everyone else was just freakishly tall! Kokichi pouted.
“A-are you p-pouting?” Midoriya asked.
I am! Kokichi yelled like he was not a 17 almost 18 year old kid pouting over his height. I guess you can tell from my voice or maybe you just kinda feel it? Whatever. But anyway~! Not short just around taller people, I had dark purple hair, purple eyes, I also wore a lot of white. Kokichi saw that Midoriya ran to his room, when Kokichi didn’t know. He grabbed a notebook labeled ‘hero notebook for the future. 4’ The was blank other than his name written in pencil and a rough outline of a short body. Oooo~! Is that notebook you told me about?
“Y-yeah. Do- do you like it?” Midoriya asked.
It’s neat. HEY! Why don’t you try the soda and I can try to draw myself? Kokichi felt Midoriya nod, he saw Mirdoriya run to the kitchen and open the fridge. There was a carbonated soft drink called ramune, he grabbed the bottle. It looked to be a lemon lime flavor. He opened the bottle and took a sip.
“T-that was good. I-I like t-the taste.” kokichi let out a cheer for getting someone to like soda. Though he will always love Panta the most. Then Kokichi felt he could move his arms and that he was able to move his mouth.
“Well Mr. Green bean seems like we have found our magic.” He heard Midoriya giggle. “Well now it's time for me to try to draw.” Kokichi let out a sigh and gave a fake ‘yay. ’He got back to Midoriya's room and saw the open notebook and the pencil. He grabbed the pencil and sat down. He was very thankful that Midorirya gave a rough draft of the small body. He stared at his hair, then his clothing. His purple hair and the white outfit, the buttons, the weird little details. He had forgotten a bit of his outfit but he spent the most time on his checkered scarf.
Woah… Kokichi paused and looked down at the drawing. The outfit and hair look a bit odd but for the most part they look like him. He knows he’s forgetting something but right now he doesn;t care. He loves the outfit. He might just take Angie’s place as the Ultimate artist. He got up from the seat and put his hand on his hips.
“Well Mr What do ya thing?”
Your very talented at drawing. Midoriya complement. His voice was small as if the kind words would not be heard, or would get him nothing but hate.
“Why thank you.” He gave an exaggerated bow, and even exaggerated his voice.
W-well is there a-any thing y-you want to a-add?
“Nope!” Kokichi said and even popped the P. “If there is anything you want to know about me you need to figure it out, or~ you could play some games with me! Loser loses their life!” Kokichi cheered.
W-what!?.... Wait…. Y-your teasing me a-again.
“Maybe I am, maybe not.” Kokichi shrugged.
Alright… w-we can d-do that, I-I’m ready to l-learn about y-you! There was a new feeling in Kokichi's chest. Joy? He didn’t know but knowing someone wanted to know him, why he does what he does. He smiled.
“Well just know once you start you can’t go back. I want to warn you I’m no hero, people could say I’m a villain.” He warned the boy.
W-well what hero w-would I be I-if I didn’t t-try to g-get why a villain c-chose their p-path? I want to b-be a hero w-who saves everyone. Y-you’ll b-be the first person I s-save. Kokichi laughed.
“Alright. Do your worst, Mr hero. I’ll help you get to your dream but I can’t promise I’ll be a big help.” He felt Midoriya nod.
Kokichi got the feeling that he may like this shared life. Even if it’s hard and he may make a few wrong steps.
He can for certain that this is not going to be boring.