Chapter 16: Reasons To Fight
Fairy Heroes Academia 16
Reasons To Fight
During the break, Todoroki sought out Izuku, Lucy, and Levy. The group found a private area to talk away from their classmates, who went to go grab a bite to eat while they could. "So what did you want to talk about?" Lucy asked in curiosity.
Todoroki stared at the three with intense silence while he thought things over in his head.
"We should probably eat soon." Izuku suggested, "The cafeteria's gonna be busy."
Todoroki continued to stare at the trio as they all curiously stared back at him wondering what he could've wanted to speak with them about.
Todoroki leaned against the wall as he spoke, "You guys ended up overwhelming my team and achieving victory, it made me strongly consider breaking a promise I made to myself a long time ago…"
"You mean, using your left side?" Lucy tilted her head slightly confused, wondering why someone wouldn't use their power to its fullest extent.
"Exactly. As I faced against you all, I could feel the power radiating off of you." He tilted his head to the freckled teen, "You especially have a power that reminded me of something… Experiencing All Might's Quirk."
Izuku gulped, "Oh yeah? Okay… Is that all?" He nervously tried to play it off.
Lucy and Levy listened with keen interest, now that the girls thought about it… Izuku's Quirk was pretty similar to All Might's, it's no wonder that he had taken an interest in the boy.
"I'm saying…" Todoroki clarified, "The power coming from you felt the same as All Might's."
Izuku grew fearful the more Todoroki spoke, trying to keep his cool in front of everyone.
"Midoriya, tell me." Todoroki again spoke, "Are you really All Might's secret love child or something?"
The three of his classmates all stared wide-eyed at him.
"Am I… what?" Izuku blinked.
Lucy and Levy looked thoughtful as well. While they didn't think that Izuku was All Might's secret love child, it made sense that he inherited something from the hero. They couldn't help but remember the private conversation they had listened in on during the first week of school.
"You'll see. I'll work until I have more control of this borrowed Quirk. And I'll finally beat you with my own power!" Midoriya vowed, leaving Bakugo looking absolutely flabbergasted.
"No, no way– that's not it at all." Izuku frantically argued, "But I guess, even if I was I'd totally say I wasn't, so you probably won't believe me no matter what, I bet. Anyway, I promise, you've got the wrong idea." Izuku rambled.
"And… Why would you even think that about me?" He asked, genuinely confused.
"That's not it at all, is interesting wording." Todoroki pressed, "It suggested there is something between you two that you're not supposed to talk about."
"U-Uh…" Izuku was stunned as he avoided eye contact.
"All Might probably took interest in him because their Quirks are so similar." Levy provided, "He saw how much trouble Izuku had with his Quirk and decided to take him under his wing."
"Yeah that sounds reasonable, maybe he sees a bit of himself in Izuku… who knows?" Lucy shrugged.
Todoroki closed his eyes, "My father is the hero Endeavor. You must've heard of him, even with your amnesia it's hard to avoid his face in Japan. He is, after all, the number-two hero."
Todoroki opened his eyes, his focus on Izuku, "So if you'reconnected to the number-one hero, All Might, in some way… That would mean… that I have even more reason to beat you."
Lucy's eyes softened as she listened to him speak about his father, she had just experienced her father's death and he had tried his best to turn it around in the end, but by the time he was ready to change fully, it was too late… She had been frozen for 7 years and her father got sick and died.
But before that, their relationship was so strained that she ran away from home and him. They were happy when her mother was alive, but after she got sick it was never the same… And even after she ran away she had to hide her identity cause everyone knew about the wealthy Jude Heartfilia.
Todoroki looked over at the two girls, his gaze was indecipherable, "And you two have made yourselves known to be the best our class has to offer and have been dominating the games. I wanted you to know that I don't plan on losing."
. . .
"Yo! Long time no see!" Buff All Might called to the almost empty stairway, "Let's catch up. Endeavor."
The flame hero didn't even turn around as he addressed the man, "All Might." He craned his head to look at the number-one hero, the only one above him.
"I haven't talked to you since that press conference ten years ago. Been a while." All Might casually said, "I saw you and figured I'd say hi."
"Did you now?" Endeavor turned away, "Well then, if that's all you wanted to do, we're done." He began to walk down the steps.
"Huh?" All Might was slightly taken aback.
"Chatting like we're old friends. What a joke." Endeavor scoffed, not really talking to All Might but also not caring if the man heard him.
All Might bellowed out a laugh as he flipped through the air, over the stairs and Endeavor, landing and turning to the man, "Come on, why the cold shoulder?"
Endeavor growled slightly.
"You should be thrilled. After all, your son's doing very well out there, just using half his power." All Might leaned in, "You must be a great teacher."
"Are you implying something?" The older Todoroki narrowed his eyes.
"No. I want to know your secrets." All Might seriously said, "How do we train the next generation of heroes?"
"Do you really think I'd tell you anything I've taught the boy. So you can go and teach those girls." Endeavor took a few steps around the man, "You're all flash no brains as usual. Outta my way." He made it a point to bump his shoulder against All Might.
"Okay." All Might amicably said, but still wondered, "Do you have something against the girls?"
Endeavor had begun his descent down the stairs, but paused briefly. "I find it strange that two girls both happen to have amnesia and joined UA the same exact year that villains managed to break in."
"I don't think I like what you're implying, Endeavor." All Might slightly sweat knowing how suspicious it would seem to other heroes, but kept his cool nonetheless.
"Let me assure you of one thing, All Might. Whatever it takes… That kid of mine will beat you, someday." Endeavor gave a rough smile, not even bothering to turn back. "I'll make sure of it. That's why I made him."
"You did what?" All Might asked in disbelief.
Endeavor intently glared at All Might, "He's in a rebellious phase right now. But he will take your place I'll make sure of it. No one will stand in his way, not those girls, not you." He finished as he continued taking his leave.
. . .
"My old man's ambitious. He aims for the top." Todoroki informed his three classmates, "He used his power to make a name for himself as a hero. But he was never able to best All Might, so the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure."
"If he's the number-two hero he can't be all bad, right?" Levy hopefully asked.
Todoroki shrugged slightly, "He's still at it, trying to take down All Might. One way or another."
"I'm not really sure what you're getting at." Izuku responded, "What are you trying to tell us, Todoroki?"
"Have you ever heard of… Quirk Marriages?" Todoroki asked seriously.
Lucy and Levy had read up on this when they tried to figure out everything they could about this world. Quirk marriages had interested them, but only in theory, they thought that the arranged aspects that could be taken on were a bit out there, and preferred if people got together because of love, but with what Todoroki was implying meant…
"They became a problem in the first few generations after superpowers became widespread." Todoroki explained, "There were those who sought out potential mates solely with the intention of creating powerful children. Many people were forced into relationships. They were simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages. But clearly, it was unethical."
Lucy gasped slightly behind her hand as she listened, 'If he's telling us this now, could this mean that he's…'
"My father has not only a rich history of accomplishments but plenty of money to throw at his problems." Todoroki informed.
Levy's eyes darted to Lucy wondering what the other girl could be thinking as she listened to Todoroki's words. Lucy had confided to her plenty of times about her family life growing up, she knew plenty about Layla and… Jude Heartfilia, one of Magnolia's more profitable businessmen for a long time.
"He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her Quirk. And now he's raising me to usurp All Might." Todoroki revealed his father's goal, causing the three others to gasp at his words.
"It's so annoying." Todoroki glared at the floor avoiding their eyes as he pictured his father, "I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag."
"Todoroki…" Lucy softly whispered.
"In every memory of my mother… I only see her crying." He wanted to reach out and comfort her every time, Todoroki placed his hand gently on the scar covering his left eye, "I remember she called my left side unbearable before she poured boiling water on my face."
Levy and Izuku gasped in shock as Lucy wiped a tear away.
"The reason I picked a fight with you was to show my old man what I was capable of doing. Without having to rely on his damned fire Quirk." Todoroki removed his hand from his face and focused on the three, "You see, I'm going to show him I reject his power, and I can take first place withoutusing it."
"Todoroki, that sounds…" Levy was at a loss for words.
"Terrifying…" Izuku muttered under his breath.
Todoroki gave them one last meaningful look before walking off, he had declared his intentions and explained himself well enough that he felt like he could take his leave.
"You're obviously connected to All Might. Even if you won't tell me about it." Todoroki spoke without turning around, "But no matter how fiercely you come at me in the future, I will defeat you using only my right side. All of you, I can assure you of that."
"So this is why Todoroki's so focused…" Izuku said as they watched the boy leave.
"He's going through a lot right now, he must have so many emotions and thoughts swirling in his head." Lucy said feeling sympathetic, "Having high expectations can take a lot out of you…"
"He has some serious strength. A hero with a tragic backstory. Fighting to rise above it." Izuku didn't know what came over him, he ran forward and called out to the other teen, "Hey, wait!"
Todoroki paused.
"I'm only here because others have supported me. I've been really lucky." Izuku looked at Levy and Lucy, "In fact, I've had even more help since I've come to UA."
He touched the palm of his hand remembering All Might's words, "Have no fear. You're safe. I am here."
Uraraka's plea, "Can't you just give him some of my points?"
Levy's encouragement, "Oh, come on, I'm sure you'll be able to get it in no time. We'll try to help you work on it, Midoriya."
His mother's tearful smile as she handed him a homemade costume, "I'll support you with everything I've got!"
Mr. Aizawa's important lesson, "You can't be a pro if you only have one trick."
Bakugo's fierce voice, "Get the hell outta my way, Deku!"
All Might's voice when they had first met and he offered him a chance to be everything he's ever dreamed of, "Young man. You, too, can become a hero."
Izuku clenched his hand. "All Might is constantly saving people with a fearless smile. And I wanna be just like him. In order to do that, I have to be strong enough to become number one. I know my motivation might seem stupidcompared to yours. But still–"
Midoriya looked up with certainty, "I can't lose this, either. I owe it to everyone who's supported me to try my best. You declared war on me earlier. Well, right back at you."
His eyes narrowed on Todoroki with confidence, "I am going to beat you."
Levy and Lucy looked on impressed with the boy, this newfound attitude being a far cry from the timid boy they previously met during the first few days of school. The girls felt a sense of pride watching their classmate assert himself and stand his ground.
"I knew someone like you who didn't care to get close to others…" Levy sighed, "He was an enemy initially but we all worked past it and he became a better man for it." Her eyes shined as she spoke, "Remembering him gives me strength, I hear his encouragement whenever I concentrate on on winning."
"You ain't gonna let a bunch of chumps show ya up, are ya shrimp? Gihihi!" A mischievous sharp smile and crimson eyes that she missed dearly…
"I'm gonna prove that I have what it takes." Levy announced with conviction.
"Give it your all, Todoroki." Lucy said to the stoic teen, "Whether we win or lose, we'll be cheering you on as well."
Todoroki considered their words, silently walking away from the trio.
Unbeknownst to the group, Bakugo hid behind a nearby wall eavesdropping on the conversation. His more curious side got the better of him as he listened to the group talk, he had felt insulted that he wasn't considered for the meeting and had intended to listen, but wasn't expecting to hear that. He walked away, reflecting on the conversation, keen not to let anyone know he had been present.
. . .
"Get those foam fingers in their air!" Present Mic's voice once again sounded throughout the stadium, "It's almost time for the last round! But before that…"
"Good news for everyone who didn't make the finals." Present Mic pointed from the booth as Aizawa watched him silently, "Since this is a Sports Festival, we've prepared some super-fun side games everyone can participate in!"
"We even brought in cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!" Down in the main area of the stadium, many sparkly cheerleaders could be seen happily doing their routine, flawlessly.
"Ah–" Aizawa let out in surprise as he noticed his students.
"Hold up." Present Mic saw them too.
"What are they doing?" Aizawa groaned as he examined their outfits.
The girls of Class 1A all stood there mortified as they held up pom poms. Each one was wearing an orange UA cheer uniform, with the letters being teal with yellow accents and complete with white over-the-calf socks. "Looks like Class 1A is goin' full on fanservice!"
Kaminari and Mineta gave each other a thumbs up as they drooled over their classmates in cheer outfits making Momo angry. "What?! You tricked us?"
"You're gonna regret this!" She angrily declared.
. . .
Earlier during Lunchtime…
"Yaomomo. Jiro." Kaminari called to the two dark haired beauties, with Mineta by his side.
"Uh huh, do you need something?" Momo turned to the two.
"Well, I'm sure you already know since you're like, a class rep and all…" Mineta turned and pointed to the sparkly cheerleaders skipping their way through the area, "But they said all the girls have to wear those uniforms for the big cheer battle this afternoon.
Jiro blushed profusely as Momo, being more sheltered, just shrugged. "That's odd. This is the first I'm hearing about it. Are you sure?" The pony-tailed girl asked.
"You don't have to believe me if you wanna get in trouble…" Mineta turned away, evilly smirking to himself, "But this is coming straight from Mr. Aizawa. I thought maybe you'd forgotten, so I figured I'd remind you, just in case."
Kaminari nodded his head along the whole time, making noises of agreement as if to solidify his story, "Uh huh... Yep... Oh yeah…"
. . .
"You got the tip from Mineta?!" Lucy shrieked. "Why would you believe him?"
Momo collapsed to her knees with a sigh, "Why is it that I always end up falling for that little pervert's stupid schemes?"
Levy sympathetically rubbed her back, "It's okay, he can be a bit tricky sometimes…" She wouldn't forget the first round when he used the same trick on both of them…
"I even used my Quirk to make these outfits." Momo sadly said.
"Ugh!" Jiro threw her pom poms on the floor in anger, "I hate those guys!"
"Oh well, girls…" Lucy sighed before putting on a smile, "We at least look cute in these outfits so we might as well give a little show!" She waved her pom poms around in the air excitedly before doing the splits.
"Are you crazy!" Jiro blushed, not wanting to even attempt that routine.
"Wow, Lucy. You've got skills." Tsu complimented.
"Aren't you a little uncomfortable wearing and performing in an outfit like this with all these people?" Jiro groaned, ready to get back in her other uniform.
"These outfits aren't as bad as the ones we had to model for in another stadium." Levy shrugged waving her pom poms in the air.
"Oh, from the 'Grand Quirk Games' you mentioned before?" Uraraka chimed in, "I thought you said you didn't participate Levy."
"All the girls sorta ended up being roped into it until… reality checked in." Levy replied. She and Lucy couldn't help but grimace as they remembered Lamia Scale's master joining Mirajane and Jenny's match.
"You really remembered something like that, ribbit?" Tsu asked.
The girls nodded, "Yeah it was embarrassing then too…" Lucy sighed. Nonetheless, she and Levy winked at the crowd as they waved their pom poms. "But it doesn't hurt to catch people's eye."
The stadium went wild as they watched the two frontrunnerss of the competition charming them in cheerleading outfits. Many were snapping pictures and taking videos to post online to make people jealous they weren't there in person, or as close as they were.
"Heh…" Mineta drooled as he watched the girls.
"Don't think we've forgotten about you." Lucy glared a glare that could give Erza a run for her money. Mineta didn't know how he could feel so scared, yet so aroused at the same time…
"Have fun competing in these little side games, everyone!" Present Mic's voice became apparent once more. "After they're over, the 16 students from the top four teams will be duking it out one-on-one in a tournament-style fighting competition!"
The holographic screen shifted to show each winning team from the previous match, with each student's face varying from happy, determined, stern, confused, upset, and a whole plethora of emotions.
"I promise you're not gonna wanna miss these epic matchups!"
"Aw yeah!" Kirishima said, "Finally gettin' the chance to show what we're made of." He inhaled sharply in excitement, "I watch these finals every year, and now I'm actually in them!"
"Is it always a tournament?" Mina asked.
"The final's always a one-on-one competition, but they switch it up every time." Sero answered, "Last year it was a foam sword-fighting match."
"Is it weird that I hope that match was intense?" Levy giggled, hoping she could find it online later.
"Come closer and draw lots to see who you're up against." Midnight held up a box filled with names. "Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start. The 16 finalists have the option of participating in those activities or sitting out to prepare for battle."
She winked at the students, "I'm sure all you want to conserve your stamina. Line up and take a name!"
"Um. Excuse me." Ojiro raised his hand. "Sorry. But I'm withdrawing."
Everyone around him gasped in shock, not many students would pass up this chance of a lifetime.
"What? But why Ojiro?" Levy asked.
"This is a rare chance to get scouted!" Tenya tried reasoning.
"It just wouldn't be right." Ojiro said. "I barely remember anything from the Cavalry Battle until the very end of it. Don't you feel the same?" He asked Tenya who averted his eyes.
"Yes, but…"
"I'm not saying you have to withdraw, Iida. But I… think it was that guy's Quirk." Ojiro spoke thoughtfully, remembering having spoken to him, and then… everything was fuzzy after that.
Tenya knew that he should probably withdraw as well, but he wanted so badly to prove that he belonged there. His family was watching, and he could never forgive himself if he didn't try to win the Sports Festival. He wished he had spoken to Todoroki before Shinso, maybe then he wouldn't have felt so… guilty.
Shinso turned his head away from 1A, not regretting his decision whatsoever.
"I know this is a great opportunity." Ojiro clenched his fists, "I wish I could take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me."
"Just think about it, no one would blame you if you did." Lucy tried.
"I have, okay?" Ojiro snapped, "Everyone gave their all in round two, but I was just someone's puppet. No way." The tailed boy explained calmly, "I don't wanna advance if I don't even know how I got here."
"It wouldn't be fair." He summarised.
"You can just prove why you belong in the finals!" Mina added, "I didn't do much in the battle, either."
"That's not it." Ojiro slapped a palm to his face, "I'm talking about my pride here. I refuse to give that up."
"Also, why are all the girls dressed like cheerleaders?" He added in confusion. All the girls groaned in response not wanting to be reminded how they were tricked by Mineta of all people.
A Class 1B member, more specifically the one also part of team Shinso stepped forward as well, "Nirengeki Shoda from Class 1B. I think I should withdraw for the same reason."
Shoda clenched his fist, "Regardless of how strong I am, this isn't how I wanted to get here. It would go against the values of the festival to advance without earning my spot."
"Listen to these guys!" Kirishima cried, moved by their words, "They're so manly!"
Levy looked over to Tenya who was concentrated on the floor his focused gaze glaring daggers as he debated with himself, she walked up to him and whispered, "You deserve to be here as much as anyone else."
"Well now." Present Mic said, "Here's another weird turn of events."
"We'll have to see what Midnight has to say about all this–" Aizawa spoke, "She's the one in charge."
The class stood holding their breaths as Midnight deliberated the decision with herself, "This sort of talk is incredibly naive, my boys." She cracked her whip, "That turns me on! Shoda! Ojiro! You're withdrawn!"
"Did she say it turns her on?" The first-years couldn't believe what they just heard, but everyone rolled with it anyway.
"Now let's see… We'll have to decide which two students will move up so we'll have the correct amount of participants." Midnight explained.
"How about you choose from the group that kept fighting the whole time." Class 1B representative Itsuka Kendo chimed in, "Team Tetustetsu."
Those included in Team Tetsutetsu gasped at the suggestion, "Kendo!" Tetsutestu exclaimed.
"I'm not suggesting this for a favor. It's just fair." She shrugged with a friendly smile.
"She's right, you guys were top 5 until the very end." Lucy commented in agreement.
"Seriously, you guys!" Tetsutetsu clenched his fist as he screamed in appreciation, "THANK YOOOOU!"
After a quick huddle to discuss who would go on, they decided it would be Tetsutetsu for being the leader of their team, and Shiozaki for managing to nab the most points for them.
"And so, Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki have advanced to the final!" Midnight cracked her whip toward the holographic screen. "Take a look at the bracket, my dears. These are your opponents!"
Izuku Midoriya vs Hitoshi Shinso
Shoto Todoroki vs Denki Kaminari
Lucy Heartfilia vs Fumikage Tokoyami
"I'll give it my all." Tokoyami nodded to his opponent.
"Same here!" Lucy winked.
Iruka Shiozaki vs Ochaco Uraraka
Katsuki Bakugo vs Eijiro Kirishima
Tenya Iida vs Mina Ashido
"Hope you're ready to go down, Iida!" Mina winked at the boy.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Tenya chopped through the air but lacked his usual gusto.
Levy McGarden vs Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu
"I get to fight the girl who's been in first place all Festival?" Tetsutetsu commented punching a hand to his fist, "Bring it on!"
"I won't go down so easily!" Levy smiled with determination.
Momo Yaoyorozu vs Hanta Sero
The crowd roared as the names and fights were revealed.
Izuku walked closer as he examined the screen, "I'm in the first match of the first bracket. Which means I might fight Todoroki next… Great."
"You should focus on your first opponent before worrying about your next one, although he will be tough to beat." Lucy advised glancing at the half-and-half teen.
"That is you, right?" A voice drawled out, "Izuku Midoriya?"
Izuku whimpered in surprise as Shinso was now right behind him, he staggered away and turned to face the purple-haired teen.
"If any of us do well in the Sports Festival, the teachers can decide to transfer us to the hero course."
That's what Shinso said before when he challenged them. It wasn't as if it was from out of nowhere, Mr. Aizawa had already informed them as much, but to have a student so brazenly interested in it was unsettling to him.
"A pleasure." Shinso said, "So you excited?"
"Uh–" Izuku was thrown off, "Ye–" A familiar tail covered his mouth before he could speak further.
"Not so fast." Ojiro cut in, to the girls and Izuku's confusion.
"Heh." Shinso chuckled before walking away.
"Ojiro? What's going on?" Levy asked.
"He can't say a word to him." Ojiro informed cryptically.
Todoroki stared at the screen, 'He could be my second match. You must advance, Midoriya. So I can beat you with one hand.' His gaze flickered over to Lucy and Levy's names, 'I may get to fight all of them if they advance far enough…"
"Hey, Bakugo! Looks like we're going head to head!" Kirishima grinned, "Guess you ain't regretting teamin' up with me!"
Bakugo rolled his eyes before flashing a confident grin, "Bring it, Shitty Hair."
The screen flashed once more, RECREATION.
"Okay!" Present Mic took over, "Let's press pause for a momentary interlude! Before the battles begin, it's time for some pulse-pounding side games!"
The girls of Class 1A jumped and waved their pom poms around, decidedly letting their enthusiasm take over, except for Jiro who pouted as she sat down in her outfit.
"First, how about a scavenger hunt?"
Some students rushed forward grabbing cards. Sero flipped his over first acting immediately, "Hey, anyone up there got a bag they can give me?" He showed the card to the audience hoping someone nice enough would help him.
"A cat?" Fukidashi read his card twice to make sure he was seeing right.
Mineta trembled as he read his card revealing he had to search for back fat. "What the heck?"
"What a joke." Monoma fanned himself with his card as he leaned against the stadium's wall, "They're actually taking these dumb games seriously? As usual, those Class 1A idiots really need to get their priorities in check."
"Monoma!" Kendo called running up to the boy, "If you're not playing, come with me." She pleaded.
"Okay?" He said in confusion, wondering what it could be about.
She held up her card, 'Perverse Person' and used her Quirk to make her hands bigger, grabbing Monoma.
"Uh… I think you may have the wrong impression of me, Kendo." Monoma muttered embarrassed.
"Trust me. This fits." She deadpanned as she carried him to the goal…
And so the recreational games had begun, many of the first years competing against each other to win. Some of the games required the students to team up, which they didn't mind. More and more showed off their Quirks lavishing being in the spotlight. There were some who chose to sit out, mainly those in the upcoming fights had taken to strategizing how they would compete against their opponents.
The Class 1A girls wiped sweat from their brows as they finished their routine having finally talked Jiro into joining them. They decided to head back to get changed back into their uniforms, once they walked into the waiting room there was someone waiting for them.
"Hello, Princess." Loke smirked as the girls stood there frozen at the stranger, well most of them at least… "You did amazing out there, you're not hurt are you?"
"OH MY!" Mina squealed, "And who are you if I may ask?" Loke chuckled as the girl excitedly bounced in front of him, "And more importantly, who is Princess?"
"Loke! What are you doing here?" Lucy asked surprised to see her spirit.
"You're Princess?" Mina gasped, before nodding, "Yeah that checks out."
"Wait, Lucy are you a real princess?" Uraraka's eyes shined as she spoke excitedly. All the other girls whipped their heads to her, then to Loke, then to Loke's formal wear, then back to Lucy.
"She's a real Princess alright." Loke winked to the displeasure of his master.
"As for why I'm here, Shuzenji got us a pass to attend today." Loke said, nodding his head to the figure sitting down.
Capricorn rose to a full stance, easily towering over all of the girls who nervously looked at him, "Lady Lucy, you've been fairing well, although if you pushed yourself more I'm sure you'd win this whole thing."
'She's such a Princess…' The Class 1A girls gaped at Lucy, suddenly bowing slightly except for Levy who was inwardly cackling.
"Wait, guys– I'm not a Princess, seriously!" Lucy cried waving her arms, "I think I'd remember something like that!"
"Would you, though?" Jiro asked, "You have amnesia, what if you forgot?"
'Of course, that's coming back to bite me!' Lucy thought to herself, 'I wish Cancer came…' She knew that her crab Spirit wouldn't have said anything that would make them think she was a Princess…
"Miss Levy, Crux is impressed with how you've made use of the book he gave you." Capricorn informed the girl.
"Tell him I said thanks again for it!" She nodded happily, "It's really come in handy!"
"A book?" Momo's ears perked up, "Levy would you mind if I took a peek at it?"
Levy shook her head, "Not at all." Walking over to her locker she pulled her bag out and retrieved the book, handing it to Momo.
Yaoyorozu flipped through the pages her brows furrowing as she examined its contents. 'I know several languages, but this isn't like anything I've seen before…'
She handed the book back, "I'd like to ask you more about it when this is all over." Momo smiled at the blue-haired girl before they all began collecting their clothes to change.
"We're also holding onto these." Loke held up Lucy's pouch holding her keys.
She looked at her Spirits appreciatively, "Thanks you guys, I'll do my best to make you all proud."
"I believe that's our signal to leave, Leo." Capricorn pulled the man by his collar out of the room to return to their seats.
As soon as they were finished changing they noticed Ojiro and Izuku walk in. Many of the girls took their leave besides Lucy and Levy. They had joined the two in their conversation, as Ojiro explained what he knew.
"...so when that Shinso guy spoke to me he took essentially over my body." Ojiro finished.
"So his Quirk is that he can control other people?" Izuku muttered, "Can I beat something like that?"
"Yes. By not giving him a chance to use it." Ojiro replied, "He didn't get into my head until I answered a question he asked me before the second round. I think that's the secret behind his power."
"So Izuku just has to focus on not responding and he'll be a shoo-in to win, otherwise he may lose." Lucy surmised.
"Even if he gets him, there's still a chance." Ojiro revealed, "For round two, I don't remember anything at all except the very end of the battle."
He thought back to the final moments of them carrying around Shinso and watching him grab a headband justbefore the time ran out. "I think we were running away after Shinso took Tetsutetsu's headband." He remembered making contact with Shiozaki, "I bumped into another person, and it was like I woke up. I was me again. And suddenly I was able to think clearly."
"So direct contact woke you up and broke his hold." Levy concluded.
"I think so… It's only a guess." Ojiro responded, "I don't know how much of a shock it would take to break his spell. And in a one-on-one match, you can't count on an outside force intervening to help you."
Ojiro stood up as he finished all he had to say, "Anyway, man, I hope that's helpful, 'cause it's all I know."
"Thank you so much!" Izuku stood as well his appreciation evident on his face, "You're a good guy, Ojiro!"
"I know it sounds selfish, but I'll say it anyway." Ojiro said extending his fist to Izuku, "Beat this guy, for you and me, all right?"
"I'll do my best!" Izuku smiled at the other teen and fistbumped him.
"Well, I'm just about done here, you coming with?" He asked the girls. He was going to head to Class 1A's designated seating for the event.
They shook their heads, "Go ahead and go, Ojiro." Levy waved him off.
"We'll catch up in a bit!" Lucy promised.
Ojiro left the waiting area and the three were alone. They all took a seat once more as the girls wondered how they were supposed to approach this. Izuku nervously looked between the two wondering what their gazes could mean as they sat in silence.
"Uhh– So any tips on how to beat Shinso?" Izuku tried to ask as the girls snapped out of it.
"Oh, just don't talk to him." Lucy waved it off, "He might try to rile you up, you'll have to stay focused. But we have something else to tell you…"
Izuku looked curiously as the girls worked up the courage to admit what they wanted to.
"Well… Here it goes…" Levy exhaled, "We overheard your conversation with Bakugo on the first day of school…"
Izuku's eyebrows furrowed, "My conversation with Kacc–" His eyes widened as he remembered what he very loudly said to Bakugo. "I can explain–"
Lucy cut him off, "And after USJ we saw All Might's skinny form." She added, "He mentioned he was getting weaker and that his limits were changing."
Izuku started sweating profusely as he swallowed the lump in his throat, "Oh, really?"
"We didn't put it together until Todoroki mentioned something, but he was right…" Lucy said, "All Might took a special interest in you, and… he gave you his power somehow."
Izuku paled as the two girls were staring him down, he thought that he had been so careful… His dream, All Might– What would happen if this got out? If more people found out? Izuku sharply breathed in as Lucy and Levy laid their hands on his shoulders.
"Izuku, calm down, it's okay." Levy assured him.
"Yeah, we're not gonna tell anyone." Lucy added.
Izuku felt himself relax with their words settling in. "You girls really are smart…" He smiled weakly.
"You already know that I was Quirkless." Izuku said, "That was before I met All Might. At first, he disregarded me…"
Lucy and Levy both gasped not expecting that.
"He… made some compelling points…" He sighed, "But then, he saw something in me. He trained me for months to take on his Quirk so my body wouldn't fall apart and I still ended up hurting myself often!" He shook his head.
"But you're handing it a lot better now!" Lucy mentioned, "I remember in the entrance exam when your bones broke." She shuddered slightly, remembering his mangled limbs.
"That's only because of all the help I get from people like Levy and you." Izuku smiled, "I'm not sure I would've made it this far without having the support of genuine people like you, you know?"
Lucy and Levy felt the guilt flood in as they looked at the freckled boy. They both grew uneasy and averted their gazes, Izuku noticed, "Did I say something wrong?"
"It's not you, it's us…" Lucy said, "We haven't been entirely honest with you…"
"Do you know more?!" Izuku exclaimed in shock.
"Is there more to know?" Levy asked.
Izuku waved his arms, "No– I mean I don't think so, at least!"
The girls bowed their heads as they considered what they would reveal. "I guess it's only fair to let you in on our secret… we don't have amnesia." Levy revealed.
"Oh! That's good, isn't it?" Izuku asked.
"There's more." Levy interposed.
"We're actually from another world way different from this one, a contract bound us and now we're stuck here." Lucy explained.
Izuku stood blankly, blinking once, twice, and a third time. "WHAT?!" He exclaimed, "Is that possible? ImeaninaworldfullofQuirksitshouldn'tbeimpossible…" Izuku was trying to process this newfound information as he muttered to himself.
Shaking his head he focused on them, "If you aren't from here… How do you have Quirks?" Izuku decided to take this one step at a time.
"We're actually using magic." Lucy explained, "We use caster and holder magic respectively, but with all the ethernano in the air our magic was increased and our power expanded."
"That sounds insane, but…" Izuku was awestruck, "Amazing… You two really are special."
The girls flushed slightly at the sudden attention, "We didn't want to lie, but we've received help too… Recovery Girl, Shuzenji… Granny…" Lucy gave out a weak laugh.
"She's risking so much just by helping us and keeping our secret." Levy said, "If it weren't for her, we would've been toast on day one."
"Is she the reason you enrolled in UA?" Izuku asked.
"Actually, yes." Lucy nodded, "Part of the reason, is the contract we accepted wants us to inspire light within this world. We didn't fully realize what we were getting into…"
"Inspire light?" Izuku asked, "That's interesting… I can understand why she would suggest enrolling into one of the world's most prestigious schools."
"If we're stuck here and want to use our magic, then we need everyone to believe that we have Quirks." Levy mentioned.
"And we have to earn our spot in hero society." Lucy added, "We just want to help people."
Izuku stared at the two determined fairy girls, his brain still trying to process this information, 'You'd never be able to tell them apart from anyone else here…' He ran a hand through his hair as he continued thinking, 'They've proven time and time again that all they want to do is help.'
The girls had been nothing but friendly with everyone, never bragging about their power or top spots in the class. Always finding little ways to help, whether it be advice or actions most would shrug off. Heck, if it weren't for them Izuku would probably still be breaking his bones! Now he had a better handle on his Quirk and was understanding it better with each passing day.
It was Izuku's turn to pat their backs, "Even if you were aliens that wouldn't matter, 'cause you two are good people and I'm glad that I can call you my friends."
The girls looked at him appreciatively, "We wish we could explain more to you right now, but you have a match to prepare for." Lucy grinned.
Izuku slapped his forehead, "Oh yeah! The match!" He crossed his arms as he thought about his strategy, "In all the excitement it slightly slipped my mind…"
"All you have to do is get Shinso out of the ring as fast as you can." Levy suggested, "You're Quirk enhances your speed and strength, while Shinso's is more limited, honestly it's almost too easy."
Izuku knew she was right, "Yeah, it's a little unfair…" He admitted.
"Take advantage of all your strengths, Izuku." Lucy put a hand on his shoulder, "We'll be rooting for you. We can talk more about our situations after the games."
Izuku looked between the girls and nodded, "Yeah, I'd like that." He nodded at them in determination, "We all really do have something we want to accomplish."
Lucy and Levy both agreed with him as they wished him the best of luck and went to join the rest of their class in the stands. Izuku was left sitting by himself as we waited for the designated time to go begin his match. He fidgeted with his hands as his thoughts consumed him.
Everyone had their own reasons for wanting to win the Sports Festival, and he could have never imagined some of their circumstances. Lucy, Levy, and even Todoroki… Their reasons for wanting to win were so valid. He could even understand why Shinso wanted to win.
Izuku pulled out a fresh new notebook and began adding small notes, and a reminder to buy a lock for it. He wanted to begin looking into powers, he never even would've imagined someone could have powers even while Quirkless, and he would be a liar if he said he wasn't interested…
"How did my life end up like this?" Izuku wondered aloud staring at his hand, he clenched his fist, "No matter what I'll face whatever comes my way."
He thought about his mentor, how strong he was and how inspiring the man could be. Always facing things with that same smile on his face… Izuku exhaled and mustered up his best smile, knowing that the man wanted him to show the world that he was there.
And he was ready to show the world that he deserved to be a hero.
Chapter 17: Sports Festival: The First Battles
Fairy Heroes Academia 17
Sports Festival: The First Battles
Cementoss used his Quirk in the middle of the stadium to create a platform for the students to fight. "That's it. I'm pretty much done here." He said as he put the finishing touches on the arena.
"Thank you Cementoss!" Present Mic called, "Hey, sports fans! Are ya ready?"
The crowd screamed with glee while watching the recreational games was a blast. It was so satisfying to get back to the main event. "After all the action you've already witnessed, it's time for the real battles to begin!"
"Can you feel the excitement?" Present Mic asked knowing the answer, "Our competitors are on their own now! Sometimes, heroes have only themselves to rely on!" He added.
"Heart. Skill. Strength. Wisdom. Courage." The loud hero listed, "They'll have to use all of these things to rise to the top!"
Izuku listened to the man as he tried to settle his nerves, knowing he had to go on any second now. He had gained some confidence, but his mind was swirling with thoughts about himself, All Might, Lucy, Levy, and even Shinso…
"Hey." A familiar voice called behind him, causing the freckled teen to gasp softly. "Sorry, I haven't said hi." All Might apologized, "You've been great. You're harnessing One For All like a real pro…"
"Haha, thanks." Izuku rubbed the back of his head, "I've only been using 3% of my power, to be honest. I imagine the egg in the microwave or how it felt to hit that villain, but I feel like I could be doing more."
"But it feels so unpredictable like I might be ripped apart if I'm not completely focused. I'm still not ready to fully wield it, I can tell. Even after so much training, my body is weak." Izuku looked downcast, knowing he had come fat, but was still far from his goal. "I just can't handle your power at 100%."
"Yeah…" All Might pondered over it, "If we're talkin' about how much of One For All you should be able to use at this point I'd say my closest guess would be around 5% or so."
"Wait– 5%?!" Izuku was dumbstruck, "I've only just begun using 3%… I guess I really have only been getting by because of luck and my friends helping me out…"
All Might chopped his student's head, "All I wanna hear is that you'll do your best, dammit!" luckily he was in his skinny form so it didn't hurt as badly as it could have, "There's no such thing as luck. You're never gonna become the hero you want if you believe in somethin' like that."
"Listen, you might be putting on a mental block cause you're afraid of being hurt again…" All Might advised his charge who looked at him earnestly, "Whenever you're scared or nervous in a fight." All Might's voice was filled with bravado as he used his power to become buff, "Just try and deal with it by smiling!"
He gave him a thumbs up, "You've made it this far, kid. Even if you're worried, stand tall!" He posed heroically, "Don't forget that I'm counting on you, and cheering you on!"
Izuku nodded, turning back to the opening that gave him a clear view of his soon-to-be arena.
"All right, audience!" The four corners of the arena had braziers, each set ablaze brilliantly as Present Mic spoke,"Let's cut to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer."
"Welcome our first fighters!" Present Mic introduced, and the holographic screen displayed images of the two students.
Hitoshi Shinso vs Izuku Midoriya
"Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he?" Izuku's picture depicted him as slightly timid, with a determined glint in his eyes. While Shinso had cooly posed for his picture a hand lazily draped behind his neck when the photo was taken.
Izuku walked out from his side of the stadium, "It's Izuku Midoriya from the hero course versus…" Shinso heard his cue and stepped out from the opposite side of the stadium, "Hitoshi Shinso from general studies, who hasn't really done anything to stand out yet."
"The rules are simple." You could practically hear Present Mic's smile, "Immobilize your opponent or force them outta the ring!"
"You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle!"
Present Mic threw his arms up as he continued, "Bring on the injuries 'cause we've got our very own Recovery Girl waiting on standby!"
"So put your morals aside and don't be afraid to fight dirty! But of course, no life-threatening crap, folks. It's not allowed." The man added. "Real heroes use their power to throw villains in jail, not kill them."
Cementoss created a cement chair to sit on so he could observe the fight closely, "I'll stop anyone who tries to get too rough."
Izuku exhaled, collecting himself before the match officially started.
"So you can just give up, huh?" Shinso asked, "In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is."
Shinso stared evenly at the boy, his gaze fierce, "If you know what you want your future to hold for you, you can't worry about what other people think."
"Ready?" Present Mic asked the crowd and contestants.
"That monkey was going on about his pride earlier." Shinso was referring to Ojiro, "And the other one was too much of a coward to speak up." This time he meant Tenya.
"Begin!" Present Mic's voice boomed.
"But I just think they're both idiots to consider throwing away their chances like that."
Izuku growled, activating his Quirk to 5%, and taking an angry step forward, "Don't you dare talk about them that way!"
Izuku leaped forward but stopped short halfway to Shinso. "That's it. I win." Shinso's gaze was intense as he stared at his opponent.
Ojrio groaned in frustration from the stands, "I warned him not to say anything!"
"Oh man, he could be done for…" Levy shook her head.
"Come, on Deku!" Uraraka cheered for her friend who had suddenly stopped.
All Might jolted in shock as he watched his student suddenly freeze in place.
"Huh?! Hey, hey, what's the dealio?" Present Mic asked, "This is the first match! It should start out with a bang!"
Izuku stood there, his mouth slightly ajar and his iris and pupils blank as he stared forward. He was like a statue to anyone watching, but other than that he seemed fine outwardly.
"The fight has just begun and Izuku Midoriya is… completely frozen? He's not moving a muscle! And what's with that look on his face? Could this be a Quirk at work?" Even the audience seemed to go silent as they tried to solve what was happening.
"Hitoshi Shinso seems to have Izuku Midoriya completely stunned!" Present Mic commentated, "He didn't stand out in the first round at all, but it's possible Shinso's crazy powerful!"
"Who could've imagined this turn of events?" Present Mic inquired with a dramatic flair, "That's the Festival for ya!" Present Mic laughed wholeheartedly.
"This is a perfect example of why the entrance exam isn't rational." Aizawa chimed in.
"Huh?" Present Mic shifted to look at his cohost, "Why's that?"
"Since we're onto the individual matches, I had some information compiled about our final competitors."Although he still had his hands wrapped in casts he held the files about Izuku and Shinso respectively.
Izuku Midoriya
Hero Course
Class 1A
Aldera Middle School
Hitoshi Shinso
General Studies
Class 1C
Nabooh Middle School
Just underneath that general information were even more specific details on the students, "Shinso failed the practical exam to get into the hero course. Since he also applied for general studies, he probably figured that would happen."
"His Quirk is incredibly strong, but that entrance test consisted of fighting faux villains. Robots." Aizawa informed, "It gave a huge advantage to those who had physical superpowers they could show off."
"Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing." Aizawa revealed over the intercom to many people's confusion. They could understand why Shinso may have been overlooked, having been overlooking him themselves, but they figured UA would have their test worked out enough to plan for that inconsistency, which may be what the Sports Festival was for, but it still would create an unfair advantage for those in the Hero Course learning to harness their powers.
"So here we are." Shinso said to his motionless opponent, "You're lucky to have been so blessed, Izuku Midoriya."
Shinso was over this, "Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero." He commanded.
The crowd watched, stunned, as Izuku turned his back on Shinso and began to take slow steps away from the other teen.
"Uh– What?!" Present Mic rubbed his eyes, "Ah! Midoriya's obeying him!"
"Oh, no, Deku what are you doing?" Uraraka asked rhetorically as she watched the match in the stands with the rest of her classmates.
"Oh man, he must've really riled him up with those comments." Lucy sighed, looking at Iida's slightly hurt expression from the purple-haired teen's previous acknowledgments.
Bakugo watched silently as he studied the match, if Deku threw it this easily he'd never make it to the top, but tired-eyes had the upper hand with whatever his Quirk was, apparently…
All Might watched from the entrance that Izuku came from, gripping the sides as he watched, 'What is this power?'
"Hitoshi Shinso! His Quirk: Brainwashing!" Present Mic finally introduced the boy completely to all the spectators, "When an opponent answers his question, it flips a switch in their minds, forcing them to do whatever he says."
"Not every question does it, though. He only brainwashes when he wants to." Present Mic added. "Not very flashy…"
Aizawa drowned out his partner's words as he observed the match, 'In the fitness test on the first day of school. Midoriya scored pretty low for a student who'd been accepted into the hero course.'
'Still, even in tests where he didn't use his Quirk, he outperformed Shinso. If they fought without powers, Midoriya would most certainly win.' Aizawa set down his documents, 'He's gained a considerable amount of control over his Quirk, so the only thing he has to worry about is falling for or overcoming Shinso's Brainwashing to do that.'
'Either way, this match will be over quickly.'
The audience watched with bated breaths as Izuku nearly made it to the edge of the arena. All Might was one of the ones more particularly worried, "What are you doing kid?" He yelped, "Get back in there and show him what you're made of!" He called, hoping the words would reach the boy.
Izuku's senses felt static, everything seemed fuzzy to him. He could feel his body moving forward, but it was hard for his brain to piece everything together. All of his thoughts, his feelings, his motivations, and intentions were all blurring together, and at the same time splitting apart from him…
'What's happening? My body is moving on its own…' Izuku tried to focus, 'I feel like my brain is full of fog. I can't concentrate.' He could barely make out the edge of the arena, 'No! Not like this…'
'Gotta stop! Dammit! I fell for it, even after Ojiro warned me about his power. I'm an idiot. This is all my fault.'
Ojiro… Even Lucy and Levy had given him advice, and he had just squandered it…
"I know it sounds selfish, but I'll say it anyway." Ojiro said, extending his fist to Izuku, "Beat this guy, for you and me, all right?"
"Take advantage of all your strengths, Izuku." Lucy put a hand on his shoulder, "We'll be rooting for you."
'I'm going to lose. It's all over.' He thought about Ojiro's encouraging smile, Levy and Lucy's understanding gaze, Uraraka's cheerful grin…
'Even though…' Tenya's disappointed gaze he tried to hide after being brainwashed, All Might's firm hand on his shoulder, '...so many people are counting on me…'
'Everyone is watching…' Izuku was nearly out of the arena's boundary, 'Everyone!'
Izuku thought he could see 8 separate orbs of light shining in the darkness, each turning into humanoid silhouettes, the only part being visible was their glowing eyes. A large hand reached out and touched his shoulder. "Use… it…"
Izuku thought he could hear a gruff voice, 'What… is… that?' He thought to himself, his hand felt tingly for a moment, 'Wait-'
"Even with a Quirk like this, I have my own dreams of becoming a great hero." Shinso spoke, watching the other teen's red shoe about to cross, "So, lose for me."
And just like that, a black tendril shot from the freckled teen's hand, the momentum shooting him away from the edge.
"What this?!" Present Mic asked, never one to end a performance, "Could this be a new manifestation of his Quirk? Forming just in time to spare him from elimination!"
The crowd roared at the spectacle, never once imagining that this could happen. There were those that looked on with less excitement though.
Levy and Lucy exchanged worried glances, knowing the power was borrowed, and that this could be dangerous… Bakugo narrowed his eyes at the green-haired boy in suspicion. Todoroki's eyes widened at the display, not expecting to be shocked like this. Even Tenya and Uraraka couldn't help but gasp at their friend's power.
Izuku gasped and panted in pain as another tendril shot toward Shinso, "What– What's going… on?"
Aizawa's eyes narrowed at him in the booth, debating whether or not he should erase the boy's Quirk. He was obviously struggling with it, but if he did that the match wouldn't conclude properly and it may create tension with the audience. 'He broke Shinso's hold, but this could prove dangerous…'
Shinso dodged the tendril, rolling away at the last moment before it could strike him. "Have you been hiding this power all along?!"
All Might's teeth clenched in shock at the display, 'This power…' He wanted to stop the match, he wanted to help his boy, he wanted to do something. But he knew Young Midoriya wanted to prove himself more than anything. His fists clenched as he watched his student struggle to control his power.
Izuku grabbed his left hand that was producing the whip, and tried to force it to stop, his heart beating in his ears as beads of sweat slowly fell from his temples. 'Shin– Shinso, I can't– I can't control it that well… watch out!' He willed silently.
His hand shot forward as the tendrils directly shot toward Shinso, the boy's eyes widening as he tried to dodge, Izuku's hand swiped, the tendrils following and slamming into Shinso, knocking the boy to the ground.
'I– I tried to use my One For All, but it didn't work the way I wanted…' Izuku struggled to think, he remembered the silhouettes he just saw as well, 'It was like people I didn't know came into my mind. And for a second, it was clear. Could it be…'
All Might had told him about this, 'One For All. A sacred torch that's been passed on from person to person.'
'Those people. This power… could it be one of the previous holder's powers? Did they allow me to use it to save me? Is that even possible?' Izuku thought to himself.
"How'd you do that?!" Shinso yelled as he got up.
Izuku was brought back to reality, 'Later. I don't have time to figure things out right now. I have to focus on controlling this power.'
'He won't answer.' Shinso glowered, 'Did he figure it out? No. He's known. That monkey or engine legs must have told him.' He grits his teeth, 'I have to get him to talk again.'
Izuku meanwhile was doing everything in his power to keep his Quirk under control. He was thankful for the distance between them and the audience as the dark tendrils aggressively tried to slap the purple teen.
"Come on, say something!" Shinso called as he dodged another attack, "I didn't know you had so much power in your fingers. I'm kind of jealous of you." An attack struck Shinso's leg causing him to grunt.
"Thanks to the way my Quirk works, I've always been at a big disadvantage." Shinso shot forward, avoiding the tendrils as best he could while continuing to speak, "But someone as blessed as you wouldn't understand that."
Izuku, through his struggle, heard Shinso loud and clear, and he could sympathize with the guy, he really could. 'He's right, I have been blessed…'
"You're lucky enough to have a heroic Quirk!" Shinso swung an arm at Midoriya, finally getting close enough to attempt striking, it hit causing the boy to slide back a few feet, only for a tendril to swing at Shinso, who jumped to dodge it.
"It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal!" Shinso's frustrated voice wavered out, feeling tired from countering the onslaught.
'I've been blessed by others.' The tendrils gathered around Izuku, 'That's why I'm here!' The tendrils shot forward, aiming directly for Shinso and grabbing him.
"Urgh!" Shinso growled, "Say something dammit!" He struggled against the tendrils to no avail.
The tendrils expanded further, creating a large distance between Shinso and Izuku.
'I can't lose this.' Izuku's eyes became focused with determination, and using all of his willpower he forced the tendrils to throw Shinso away from the ring.
"You've got to be kidding me, you lucky brat!" Shinso screamed as he soared through the air and harmlessly to the grass, rolling a bit until he came to a stop.
Midnight raised her hand, "Shinso is out of bounds! Midoriya advances to the next match!"
Izuku panted before, "Ugh!" The tendrils shot out of him once more.
"Whoa there!" Midnight's voice boomed, "I know you're excited, but that's a bit too much!"
'I-I thought I could control it…' Izuku's eyes clenched as he felt his panic rising, he tried to relax, but it was no use, the more he tried to relax the more it stressed him out.
"It looks like our first victor of the finals is showing off his Quirk!" Present Mic boomed, "Eraser Head, maybe you should erase his Quirk before everyone gets worried." He discreetly told his partner, hand covering the mic.
"Someone will have to intervene if this goes on for much longer." Aizawa said, "There weren't any records of something like this, although he did get his Quirk pretty late and has been struggling to control it, I wasn't expecting something like this."
From where All Might was watching, he clenched his fist, 'What— What is this?' He recognized that power from what his teacher had told him… Black Whip, but why was it showing up, here and now? He knew he should rush in and drag the boy out of there, but it would probably cause the audience to worry.
"Young Midoriya…" He became buff, deciding it was more important that the boy was cared for.
"Shinso!"
All Might paused as someone in the audience called out.
"Use your Quirk!" Levy called.
Shinso's head snapped up, looking at Midoriya who appeared to be struggling, although it would probably be harder to notice from the stands. He narrowed his eyes, as Izuku's eyes looked at him frantically.
'You can't help the thing your heart longs for…' Shinso wanted to be a hero, even if he didn't get the chance to be a real one, he could be one right here for Midoriya.
"Are you that much of a show off?!" Shinso called, "Stop messing around and accept your win Midoriya!"
"O—OK!" The tendrils stilled and Izuku's pupils became white under Shinso's control. The tendrils slowly receded into Izuku's body as many people looked on in wonder and amazement.
The general audience was none the wiser to what had happened, many of the heroes and students looked on in curiosity though, feeling like there was something off.
Bakugo's teeth clenched as he watched, 'What the hell was that? HE claimed to be Quirkless?' Bakugo felt so blind, how could he have not seen any of the signs? He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding. His eyes focused on Deku, with a renewed interest.
"Nice suggestion, Levy." Lucy whispered to her shorter friend, "I wonder what was up with all that."
Levy shrugged, "Maybe his feelings were so intense that his powers reacted accordingly?"
Lucy considered that. Magic had always evolved in accordance to the user's ability/feelings, even her own childhood doll had come to life for a time.
The class watched as Izuku and Shinso stood in the middle of the ring once more, "Oh yeah! What a crazy first match!" Present Mic declared. "You both fought bravely! Let's show them some love, everyone!"
The crowd cheered loudly for the boys, the fight being different than anything they could've expected. The audience had gotten a taste of what was to come and they wanted more.
Izuku thought about Shinso's frustrated tirade, he didn't think of anything he could say to help make him feel better, cause he had every right to be upset about what happened. "Thank you, Shinso." He said, "You really helped me out right there."
Shinso turned away, "Don't mention it."
He went down the steps and headed toward the exit but a voice caught his attention.
"You were awesome out there, Shinso!"
Shinso softly gasped, looking up at the smiling faces of his classmates.
"We're proud a' you!" A waving girl exclaimed.
"You didn't tell us you were that good!" A boy hollered.
"Yeah, you're the star of our program!" Another called.
"I can't believe you put up such a great fight against the dude who placed so highly in the other events!"
Shinso couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't expect his classmates' praise.
"With a Quirk like that, it would be very simple to capture dangerous villains. Wish I had it." A reptilian hero with a skull mask and red cape commented.
"I can't believe they stuck him in General Studies." A woman with a gas mask, except the filters were smiley faces, and an orange bandana wrapped around her seafoam green hair, crossed her arms, "Those idiots."
"Well, there are a ton of applicants each year." An aquatic hero spoke up, "Guess sometimes people slip through the cracks."
"If only he had more combat experience," A robotic hero downed out.
"Yeah, I bet he would've dominated." An almost identical robotic hero agreed. "What a waste."
"Shinso, you hear that?" His classmate called, "It's great! They think you're incredible!"
Shinso allowed himself a moment to contemplate their words. "Depending on the results, they might transfer people into the hero course." Shinso called to Izuku, "Remember that. Even if it didn't work out this time, I'm not giving up."
Izuku's head perked up as he listened.
"I'll get onto the hero track, get certified, and then, I'll become a better pro than any of you."
Izuku inhaled deeply and nodded with a grunt. His eyes became white as Shinso brainwashed him.
'He got me again! But why? The match is over!'
"You know," Shinso chuckled, "Usually people tense up whenever they talk to me." He shifted his head, smiling deviously at Izuku, "If you're not on guard someone's going to defeat you. So be careful."
He dropped his control, "You better not lose and make me look bad." He joked.
'Shinso…'
"I won't!"
Izuku gasped as he felt Shinso use his Quirk on him yet again.
"…" Shinso gave the boy a look, before winking and canceling his Quirk again.
. . .
All Might and Izuku sat in the nurse's office. "All Might, I don't understand what happened."
"I only have a vague idea if I'm being honest with ya kid." He was in his skinny form as the two spoke, "Black Whip, another user of One For All had this Quirk. It allowed him to create tendrils from his body."
Izuku's eyes widened, "For real?" He muttered in amazement, "You did say One For All was a stockpile Quirk, perhaps it collected other Quirks when it was transferred user to user."
All Might gasped, "That's exactly it, but how could you have gained access to it?"
"We had an idea that his emotions might've triggered it." Lucy spoke up, "In our world, magic changes constantly."
"And Shinso was saying some pretty intense things." Levy added.
All might sighed softly at that, "I heard some of the things he said to you. It must've been painful knowing how much you could relate to him."
"Yeah. But I still couldn't go easy on him." Izuku responded, "I have to keep my eye on the prize. Aiming for the top. Just like you've said. Just like you've all been saying." He nodded to the girls.
"You poor little darling." Recovery Girl sighed, "Have you been putting too much pressure on him again?" She scolded All Might, punching his side.
"It was necessary, and that hurt!" All Might yelped.
"Oh yeah, All Might. I had… some kind of vision during the match." Izuku said, "There were… people. About eight or nine of them? I'm not sure."
"When I was under Shinso's control, it felt like my brain was full of fog or something. But when the vision appeared, it completely drove the fog away. A hand reached out telling me to "use it…" and the tendrils shot out…"
They all listened to Izuku speak, leaning in closely as they tried to solve this.
"One of the figures…" Izuku spoke again looking at All Might, "Had eyes just like yours, All Might."
"Do you think the past users were there, pushing me on?" Izuku looked up, "Like Spirits?"
Lucy's ears perked up.
"Spooky. I'm a ghost?" All Might shuddered in fear, his face slightly paling.
"Huh?! I thought you'd have answers!" Izuku cried.
"Actually, I saw something like that, too." All Might responded, "In my younger days. It's a clear sign that you're getting closer to making One For All your own power."
"What was it?" Levy asked curiously.
"I think it's like a trace of the user's spirit that's left behind in One For All when it's passed on." All Might informed, "I didn't think it would interfere like this but you handled it well, along with Young Shinso."
"Your passion must've been strong enough to activate that power, but I wouldn't suggest trying to use it again soon." All Might crossed his arms, "While it's impressive you can use it, testing the boundaries in front of so many people could prove disastrous."
Izuku nodded, "It was hard to control, my body just couldn't keep up with it at the moment, but it helped me take out Shinso, thankfully." He closed his eyes, "But you're right, it's risky to use without much practice."
Lucy pouted, "Man this explanation was so not satisfying."
"Forget about it!" Levy called, "We can worry about everything later, let's get back to our seats!"
"Young Levy is right." All Might nodded, "Stop worrying so much and focus on your next opponent." He told Izuku.
"You're right!" Izuku smiled, following the two girls out.
"Goodbye!" The three called to their mentors and made their way back to their class.
"Hey Izuku, those… Spirits..." Lucy trailed, "I think you should listen to them." She said seriously, "Not like follow their orders or anything, but like, hear them out." She explained.
Izuku looked at her, mulling it over in his head. "I guess you would be the one to know about this." He smiled nodding his head, "They're the previous users, if they have anything to say I'm willing to listen."
. . .
Todoroki walked out of the waiting area. 'Of course Midoriya won.' He rolled his eyes slightly as he turned the corner, pausing briefly as he noticed a lone figure.
"What do you want?" Todoroki spat as Endeavor glared.
"You're acting disgracefully, Shoto."
The younger Todoroki took a few steps, ready to walk past his father.
"If you simply used the power in your left side, you would've had an overwhelming victory in both the first rounds." Endeavor chastised, "It's time to stop this childish rebellion of yours."
Shoto was almost past him, he slightly grit his teeth as he listened to the man talk, "You have a duty to surpass that imbecile All Might."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?" Endeavor continued, "You're different from your siblings. You're my greatest masterpiece."
"Is that all you have to say to me, you bastard?" Shoto never stopped walking away from his father, "I'll win this match and advance using only mom's Quirk." He vowed.
"I won't give you the pleasure of seeing me use yours." He growled.
"Even if that works for you in this tournament, you'll soon find the limits of that power." Endeavor spoke, gazing away from his son.
Shoto glowered, rage deeply embedded in his face. His thoughts were swirling, but he knew one thing, he hated this man, he hated his dad for everything he's done to him.
. . .
Lucy, Levy, and Izuku all arrived back at the stands where their classmates were sitting.
"Ah! There you all are!" Uraraka called, "Deku! You did good!"
"We saved some seats for you!" Tenya gestured beside him.
Izuku noticed Ojiro grinning at him, the tailed-boy was glad that his friend won. He felt as if his honor had been fought for and he appreciated his classmate for sticking up for him, even if things did look bleak for a moment.
Izuku returned the grin, as the trio moved to take their seats.
In the fighting arena now stood the next combatants.
"Enough standing around. Now welcome to the ring, our next players!" Present Mic announced as the screen showed the two students.
Shoto Todoroki vs Denki Kaminari
"It's the boy with the electric personality, a hero in the making from class 1A, Denki Kaminari!" Present Mic introduced, "Versus an early front runner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good!"
"Someone who rightfully got into the hero course based on recommendations! It's Shoto Todoroki!"
The crowd cheered erratically, especially after hearing the Todoroki family name. Everyone was expecting a good match from the son of Endeavor after all.
"And now, for the second match of the finals!"
"Hope you're ready to lose Todoroki." Kaminari grinned, posing cooly, "Cause I'm gonna give it all I got!"
"Ready?"
Todoroki's hair cast a shadow over his eyes, his expression unreadable.
"Begin!"
Kaminari's body immediately sparked with electricity, knowing he had one good shot at this, and he could end it.
Todoroki stomped his foot a sheet of ice creeping toward the electric teen, unfortunately his feelings got the better of him, and he accidentally forced too much of his power out.
The audience, teachers, students, and even the pros all gaped at the colossal iceberg Todoroki had created. Even those outside of the stadium could see the spikes of ice jutting out into the sky.
Shoto let out a misty breath as his body was covered in patches of ice. Endeavor looked on unimpressed with his son's attitude, "Hmph."
"Crap! Wasn't that a bit much?" Kaminari sneezed from where his head poked out of the ice.
"Tell the truth, Kaminari." Midnight shivered, half her boy also encased in ice as she was in proximity of the attack, "Can you move at all?"
"Obviously not. He froze my body!" He sighed as he struggled to move, "I guess it's slightly better than frying my brain…"
"Kaminari has been immobilized! Todoroki advances to the second round!" Midnight said.
"Um, well… Nice try?" An audience member politely called.
"Nice try!" A woman called out next to him.
"NICE TRY!" More members of the audience began to chant for the frozen boy, after seeing Endeavor's son's power they knew it wouldn't be an easy fight.
"Sorry. It was a bit much." Todoroki took a few steps toward Kaminari, placing his hand on the other teen, "I was angry, is all." He began to emit heat to thaw him out, the process would take a moment because of the amount of ice he had created.
The crowd continued their chant in hopes of raising Kaminari's spirits, and as they did, Izuku couldn't help but examine Todoroki closer, for some odd reason… he looked sad.
He wasn't the only one to notice this as Lucy frowned, wishing she could talk to her classmate, she knew they weren't close but she believed that everyone should have someone who they could talk to… It was all she had wanted growing up, and she couldn't stand the thought of someone else not having it.
'Oh, Todoroki…'