*Midoriya's P.O.V*
"Good Morning class." Mr. Aizawa greeted as he entered the room.
"Good Morning Mr. Aizawa." Everyone else greeted.
"We have something to explain today, but first... a word of warning." He's going to talk about yesterday, "I could care less if you like one another, it ultimately doesn't matter to me. But think before you act, what most of you did yesterday was stupid, wrong... and illegal. You're lucky Midoriya, Toga, and Eri didn't care about it. But that doesn't mean we'll over look it. Starting today, those of you involved... excluding Yaoyorozu, will be tasked with cleaning duty for a week, the entire dorm top to bottom there are 13 of you so if I see a single speck of dust I'll extend the punishment to a day."
"Oh come on how is that fair-"
"Is spying on a fellow student while he is visiting family at a mental hospital fair?" Mr. Aizawa asked which silenced Ashido, "I didn't think so. You all will also be forced to write an apology from each of you. You are all lucky we don't punish you further." I don't care about the letters, but it's their punishment so I won't speak up.
Everyone tensed up, before sighing. Hopefully now they'll leave us alone.
"Now, onto the real topic. The U.A Sports Festival is about to begin."
The tense atmosphere was destoryed for excitement... then the tense atmosphere returned.
"Is it a good idea to have the Sports Festival after we've been attacked?" Jirou asked, at least she has slightly more common sense than the others... which is saying a lot.
"Apparently the administration thinks this is a good way to show that the threat has been handled and our school is safer than ever." Mr. Aizawa explained, "Plus they're beefing up security compared to past years. This event is a huge opportunit for all students at U.A. It's not something we can cancel because of a few villains."
"Uh, I'm sorry, but why not? It's just the Sports Festival." Mineta asked sounding extremely scared.
"Our Sports Festival is one of the most watched events in the entire world. In the past, everyone obsessed over the Olympic Games. But then Quirks started appearing. Now, the Olympics have been drastically reduced in terms of scale and viewership." Mr. Aizawa explained, "For anyone who cares about competition, there's only one tournament that matters. The U.A Sports Festival."
"That's right! And top heroes everywhere will be watching." Yaoyorozu said with determination in her voice, "This is where you get scouted."
"Sure unless you're dead." Mineta muttered... how did he get into the Hero Course? And how is he still here? Well it doesn't matter.
"She's right. After graduating a lot of people join pro agencies as a sidekick." Kaminari added.
"Yeah, but that's as far as people go. They miss their chance to go indie and stay eternal sidekicks. Actually, that's probably where you're headed, you're kinda dumb." Jirou commented which made Kaminari wince.
"It's true that joining a famous hero agency can garner you greater experience and popularity. That's why the festival matters. If you want to go pro one day, then this event could open the path for you. One chance a year. Three chances in a lifetime. No aspiring hero can afford to miss this festival." Mr. Aizawa explained, "That means you better not slack off on your training."
"Yes sir." Everyone said.
"Class is dismissed."
...
Everyone is chatting amongst themselves, but Himiko, Eri, and I headed out for lunch alo-
"Midoriya, hold on a second." So much for that...
We turned to see Yaoyorozu walking up to us, before bowing. "I apologize on behalf of my classmates. I should have done more to stop the-"
"I'm going to stop you there." I said, which made her stand back up, "You had nothing to do with that, so you don't need to apologize."
...
...
"Right." She definitely has self confidence issues, I can tell. "Well... I don't want to take up most of your time, goodbye." And she left.
"Let's go get lunch." Himiko stated.
I watched her walk off, "Yeah..."
That's, going to be a problem in the future.
...
The next 2 weeks were meant for training for the Sports Festival... until Principal Nezu announced that midterms are next week. I don't need to study for them... Himiko on the other hand needed some pointers, but nothing in comparison to some of the others. Most of whom didn't even study aside from their homework assignments.
Needless to say, Himiko, myself, and Eri... by Principal Nezu's instruction completed the test within an hour. Garnering shocked looks from everyone... even Mr. Aizawa, but that was because of Eri.
But the best moment was when Mr. Aizawa passed back our graded tests.
"You got 4th?!" Jirou asked as she saw Yaoyorozu's test. "W-Who could ha- Wait a minute."
Himiko, Eri, and I held out our tests. All 100%. Now I would never admit this vocally, but seeing the shocked looks on the other's faces... and the looks of happiness from Himiko and Eri made me feel, proud.
"How did you 3 get 100%?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"Because it was easy." Eri said.
Fight the smile...
Fight the smile...
"Are you smiling Midoriya?"
I failed to fight the smile.
"Oh so you think you're top dog now that you aced this stupid midterm." It wasn't really a swear so I let him go.
"Yes... that's exactly what that means." I replied.
"Well wait until the Sports Festival you piece of shi-" I glared at him, "Garbage."
Good.
...
*Todoroki's P.O.V*
"Where is Midoriya?" Kirishima asked.
"That prick is probably running late." Since that girl isn't here Bakugou is free to swear whatever he wants.
*Creak*
And here he is now.
"Midoriya! You are late!"
"Had a meeting with the Principal." He said.
"Midoriya." He turned towards me as I walked to him, "I think we can all agree that you are the most powerful student here. But mark my words... I will defeat you."
"... No you won't." I looked down to see that girl. "You won't be able to beat Dad."
"And why won't I?" I asked.
"Because he doesn't hold back." She said without a hint of remorse.
"Why you little bra-"
"Finish that I dare you." Midoriya threatened as he stood in front of her, he opened his mouth to say something, but Mr. Aizawa called 1-A out to center stage to start. "You made the wrong enemy Todoroki... because I'll make sure you don't even make it to the finals." He said before walking off with Toga and his girl.
...
...
"Dude, was pissing him off necessary?" Kirishima asked.
"... It was intentional."
...
*Midoriya's P.O.V*
Bakugou's speech was arrogant, which didn't surprise me in the slightest. However, the first match... is an obstacle course. With the top 42 students being able to advance to the next round. But that's not the goal here.
The goal is to take the top spots for all 3 events and win. With my speed taking the top spot in this event will be a simple task.
"Ready to go Izuku? Eri is watching upstairs with the staff." Himiko said.
"Yes." I said as I kneeled down onto the floor, allowing her to sit on my shoulders. "Let's win this."
"What's this?! Seems Midoriya and Toga have joined forces!" Present Mic yelled.
"It was expected. Alliances are allowed in this competition after all. But let's see how far they can go." Mr. Aizawa said.
The lights above the gate were slowly turning off. Before they all turned off, and the gate opened.
*FWOOSH*
"Woah! That was way faster than I am used too!" Himiko yelled.
"That's because of all the training All Might put me through. 35% now jumped up to 40%." I explained as we sped past the robots.
"Damn! Speaking of... can I use One for All too?" Himiko asked as we made it to the second obstacle... a bunch of plateaus formed around a giant chasm, I just jumped over them.
"You most likely could, but let's not try it until we get All Might's permission." I said as we made it to the final obstacle, a mine field. I ran across it, the mines blew up a second after I stepped on them, it was barely enough of a delay for us to make it without getting hurt. "Himiko lean back."
"Right." She said as she pulled back all the while holding onto me.
"And the winner is Izuku Midoriya! With Himiko Toga in second place!" Present Mic yelled in excitement... and disbelief.
"I kind of feel bad that we just zoomed past all of that. Someone worked hard to make that chasm."
"Cementoss."
...
...
"Yeah you're right."
...
According to Midnight, we had 15 minutes to rest before the others come along. So Himiko and I decided to go check on Eri, only to see something I... kind of expected but not so soon.
...
...
"Eri, did you heal All Might?" I asked as she looked down guiltily.
"Sorry Dad..." She muttered.
"What does she have to be sorry for?!" All Might exclaimed as he ran around the room. "I feel great! My lungs... my stomach! I can eat food again!"
"I'm not disappointed, I'm proud even. But next time let either myself or Himiko know when you are going to heal someone so we can watch okay?"
"Okay." She said with a small smile.
Himiko on the other hand is selling the confused roll. "Okay... what is happening?"
"Oh right... I forgot she didn't know." I said, "Well it doesn't matter anymore now does it?"
"No Young Midoriya it does not! HAHAHA!" All Might laughed with excitement. "You see Young Himiko, I suffered an injury from a villain that was undocumented to keep the public at ease. Due to that injury I couldn't do hero work for more than 3 hours... and that time limit was waining with every passing battle. But now, I can do it for as long as I want!"
"We kept it a secret for a reason, I apologize." I said with a bow.
"Well... there is no point in being mad now." She said before smiling, "But that's amazing how you're back in your full form again."
"I know right!" All Might exclaimed... before he was nervous, "This effect doesn't wear off does it?"
"No, it's permanent." I said as I waved my left arm around. "Remember how I broke this during the QAT? It didn't rebreak after the fact, so the rewind effect is permanent. It's like a do-over essentially. But I'm surprised she rewinded you back the necessary time."
"I told her about my injury, she was mortified, but helped me regain my form again." He said with a smile and a thumbs up, "She will be a fantastic hero once she gains full control of her power!"
Eri blushed before smiling, "T-Thank you!" She made my mission more difficult.
... But I'm proud of her.
...
Aoyama didn't make the cut. I kind of feel bad for him, his Quirk is not suited for his body. Fate dealt him a bad hand. But there is no time for pity.
The next event was a 'Cavalry Battle'. A team based game with point values dependant on where one places by incriments of 5. 42nd gets 5, 41st gets 10, and first gets 10,000,000. Everyone looked at me with glares. It's almost comedic that they honestly believe they have a chance of taking it from me.
Now the contenstants have creative freedom to pick whomever they want for their team. And their team's worth will be determined by the total of their point ranking. But that doesn't matter to me. My points will guarantee Himiko and I's spots into the final tourney. But fate has proven me wrong numerous times... so I need a plan that would guaratee us an advancement.
...
...
"I have an idea." I said aloud.
"What's your... hey! Wait up!"
"You." I said to the girl with the blackbob haircut.
"Yes?" She asked.
"Join my team."
"Now hold on there. Why would she want to join your team?" The orange haired girl I've seen down the halls occasionally, 'Itsuka Kendou', asked.
"Because it's a guraranteed win. But if that's not enough I will let anyone you choose into the finals."
"You're sounding very confident there, greenie." Oh great... it's her. "But I'm afraid she doesn't want to fraternize with the ene-"
"Let Kendou into your team and it's a deal."
"Y-Yui?!"
"Deal." I said before nudging at the opposite direction, "We shall discuss strategy, but first... I need to confirm something."
My two team members agreed as we walked towards Midnight, "Yes?"
"I would like to confirm something with you." I said.
"Which is?"
"We are a team. Is it possible to split our team apart?" I asked.
"... So you're asking if it's possible to split yourselves down, but still keep the combined total so you'll advance is that correct?" Midnight asked.
"That is correct."
"But what is the purpose of lowering your defenses... wait. I get it now." She said... before smirking. "Oh that will be fun. Approved."
"Thank you Midnight." I said as I looked at my group.
"... Okay I was super lost during that." Kendou said.
"I will explain... once we have some privacy."
...
We huddled by the outer wall, away from any prying eyes. "So what's this master plan of yours? Or better yet, let's start with your Quirk, is it super speed?"
"Close, the speed is a part of my Quirk." I stated, "But this stays between us, alright?"
"Okay?"
"My Quirk... is called 'Pain'. Basically the more pain I'm in, the faster and stronger I am. Emotional or Physical Pain works for the boost."
...
...
"Wait... Emotional Pain-"
"I don't want to talk about it." Luckily she didn't press.
"But what about the rest of the plan?" Kodai asked.
"Himiko's Quirk is the rest of the plan, her Quirk 'Transformation'. Allows her to transform into a full on copy of the person, Quirk included, all she needs is blood to activate it."
"... I get it." Kodai said, "That's why you asked Midnight if we can split the teams. You want Toga to transform into you. But how will that fool them?"
"She can also transform into the clothes they are wearing... including the headband. We also learned that the clothes can be worn by anyone. They only disappear when she transforms back."
"So you want to have the others go on a wild goose chase ending out the timer?" Kendou asked.
"Exactly. But that isn't a guarantee. The others won't just stand by and let us set this up." I said as I pulled out a cloth and a handful of pebbles, "That's where Kodai comes in. Her Quirk 'Size' allows her to manipulate the size of anything she touches with all 5 of her fingers. The cloth will act as a cover for the set up, and the pebbles are an act of defense."
"But what about me?" Kendou asked.
"Your Quirk 'Big Fist' will act as offense and defense. Bat away an explosive niusance, or block frontal assault. It was random chance we would get you from my point of view, but it was a stroke of pure luck we did." I explained.
"Oh... thanks." She said with a smile.
"I'm brutally honest." I said.
"But wait... isn't it a good idea to let you two get hit. To power you two up?" Kendou asked.
"While pain fuels our Quirks, we're still human. So best leave nothing to chance." I explained, "Now, it ultimately does not matter which pair we go with, it would ultimately do the same. So I'll leave the choice between you two."
...
...
"I'll take Midoriya." Kendou said.
"Then I'll partner up with Toga." Kodai replied.
"Then let's set up."
...
"Okay, all you first years! I hope you're happy with your chosen teams!" Present Mic yelled, "Let's get this party started! One final countdown before the game starts! 3!"
"Remember the plan."
"2!"
"Got it!" Kendou yelled.
"1!"
"We got this." Himiko said.
"BEGIN!"
"Ready when you are." Kodai stated as the other teams began rushing towards us.
"They can't run without lowering their defenses! So it's a race for 10 million points!" Tetsutetsu yelled.
"HAHAHAHA! I'll be taking that headband, Midoriya!" Hagakure yelled.
"I don't think so... Kodai!" I yelled as I tossed the cloth into the air, "NOW!"
She nodded and expanded it to cover us so Himiko can transform and we can get into formation.
"Get this fucking thing off and fight us!" There's Bakugou ready for battle.
"I'll handle this." That was Todoroki.
"We can't wait any longer. Himiko, grab my hands."
"Got it." She said as she gripped my hands... and we started to rapidly spin.
The cover flew off and revealed our plan.
"Now... can you tell which one is real and which one is fake?" Himiko and I said as the same time, before we ran to opposite sides of the stage.
"What's this?! Which one is the real one?!" Present Mic asked.
"Himiko Toga's Quirk allows her to perfectly transform into whomever's blood she drinks. She can even replicate clothes." Mr. Aizawa explained.
"Watch out for Honenuki, he can soften the ground and make you sink." Kendou warned.
"But they're chasing after the other me's group. But we have other things to worry about." I said as Hagakure- She stopped, why did she stop? And why did she transform back to her original form?
That purple haired boy, it has to be him. He's the only odd one out that was near Himiko. "No point in lying now." I said as I rushed back to Himiko's group. Her face is blank... mind control.
"So you're the real one." The boy said. Kendou looked like she was about to answer, but I picked up Himiko and Kodai and ran far away from him.
"W-What happened?!" Himiko asked.
"That purple haired boy's Quirk. I can guarantee that his Quirk is some sort of mind control, what did you two do?" I asked as other groups began chasing after us.
"We... talked to him." Himiko answered.
"... What we need is breathing room." Kendou said.
"Kodai, drop the payload."
"Right." She said as she threw pebbles all over the ground and expanded them to cover us.
"Himiko transform quick." I said as I saw the rock deforming. Honenuki.
"So much for a guarantee huh?" Kendou asked, "Well... this is more fun."
"Ready!" Himiko said, "Do we switch?" She asked as I saw a hand stick out of one of the boulders.
"It's a 50/50 shot, so this saves time. Himiko, once Kodai shrinks the rocks jump to your right, I'll jump to my right." I explained as Honenuki was pulling himself out of the softened rock.
"Ready?" Kodai asked as I saw Bakugou fly high in the air to come after us.
"Yes." She shrunk the rocks and we split off again. I glanced at the clock, less than 6 minutes left.
We landed and looked around, groups were taking their chance-
*FWOOSH*
Of course...
"Midoriya, that is you right?"
"No, it's Himiko." I lied.
"Way to go Todoroki, you got the wrong o-"
"That little brat of yours should learn to keep her mouth shut."
"Midoriya and I talked about this before the battle. We know that one of you would talk bad about Eri to piss us off. It's not going to work." I responded.
...
...
"Fine, guess we were wro-"
"It's the fake again!"
"Son of a bitch." Kendou muttered.
"... You had us going there." Todoroki said as he looked at me. His team of Iida, Yaoyorozu, and Kaminari staring us down. "But I'll be takin that now-"
*SMASH*
Himiko destroyed the ice wall, and joined out team. That move of ours shaved off a minute of the remaining time.
"Just because they found us out again doesn't mean we lost." Himiko said as Kodai threw out the headband before Himiko reverted back. Melting the headband and her clothes into gray sludge.
"Now who wants to make a move? If Iida goes first then I can take it right back, it's safe for me to assume that I'm faster than Iida at full force. Anything Yaoyorozu can create I can smash through. And I can take Kaminari's volts." I've taken... far worse in the past. "So what's your plan?"
...
...
Todoroki looked down, but I saw steam eminating from the ice behind them. "It seems you figured it out." He looked at me, "That I have thought 3 steps ahead of every foreseeable option you can possible do. Including Bakugou's group coming in."
"What-"
*BOOOOM*
"DAMN NERD! GIVE ME THAT HEADBAND!"
"Kendou."
"I've been waiting for a chance to do this." She said as she expanded her hand and punched him square in the face, sending him flying into the air.
"Kaminari, Yaoyorozu while they're distracted!" Todoroki yelled. I've been waiting for this.
"Kendou, get ready to jump onto Himiko's group." She knew what I was planning.
"Iida, forward!" Todoroki yelled.
"Right." Iida said as he rushed towards me. Yaoyorozu drilled a spike into the ground and created a sheet of insulation.
"Hope you're ready!" Kaminari yelled, "Indiscriminate Shock. 1.3 Million Volts!"
"Now!" I said as Kendou jumped onto Himiko and Kodai's back as she jumped high into the air. Leaving me and the others to take the blast.
It was long and painful, but nothing in comparison to my 11th Birthday.
"M-Midoriya... are you insane?!" Iida asked.
"I'm sure... you've figured it out by now." I said as I stood up straight, "My Quirk... is called 'Pain'. The more damage I take-"
*FWOOSH*
"The faster and stronger I become. That's why Eri's words ring true Todoroki, unlike you who only utilize half your power... I would do anything to accomplish my goal, even take 1.3 million volts. Because unlike you..." I said as I walked towards him, "I don't abandon my family."
*FWOOSH*
"WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW?!"
*SMASH*
I punched his ice, sending a shockwave in the aftermath, sending the other teams back. "Everything..."
"Todoroki, we cannot risk using Kaminari again... not only would he get powerful... but it could kill him." Iida advised.
"I... don't care. Kaminari do it!" Todoroki yelled
"No way man... I know when to stop." Kaminari responded.
"Then let's go Himi-"
*BOOM* *FWIP*
"Don't think it's over!" That voice... Baku- My eye bandage!
"DIE!" He yelled as he pulled back with a massive explosion in my face.
I staggered and covered my eye... but I wasn't fast enough. Because on the big screen. 7-15.
"M-Midoriya... w-what was-"
"NOTHING!" I yelled as I gripped the sleeve of my jacket and wrapped it around my eye. It was a pointless action... they've already seen it. But the protection... comforted me.
"Midoriya... what was that?" Iida asked.
"I said it was nothing! Now s-stop talking about it!" I snapped as I looked at Bakugou, I ran after him and jumped up to him. I gripped the headband and the blindfold out of his hand. Once I landed Himiko and the others were there waiting.
"Izuku... are you okay?" Himiko asked as Kendou and Kodai looked at me worried.
"... Everyone knows about it now... but the eye bandage... makes me feel safer." I replied before looking at the others surrounding me. They wanted the headband... but didn't know how to advance."
"T-Times up!" Present Mic yelled. I looked at the timer, there was 2 minutes left... but it suddenly dropped to 0.
The ranks were shown in a somber silence. We took first place of course. But Todoroki's group came in 2nd, Bakugou's group came in 3rd, and Shinsou's group came in 4th. He must have took advantage of the rush to steal other's headbands. But I couldn't care less.
I ran from the eyes... the judgemental eyes.
I really need... my daughter right now.
...
Eri healed me of Kaminari's damage, then hugged me tightly, Himiko hugged me as well. "Young Midoriya..."
"... I'd rather not talk about it, if that is fine with you." I responded.
"I understand... but if you need someone to confide in, you know where to find me."
"Thank you All Might." I responded.
"I'll bring you some food if you would like it that way."
...
...
"I'll get it myself." I said as I stood back up.
"Are you sure?"
"Hiding from the inevitable is a sign of weakness." I said as Eri got off of me, but continued to hold my right hand, Himiko took my left hand.
Time... to face the inevitable.
*End of Chapter*