"Okay Midoriya, step...like this."
"Li-"
"NO. Like this..."
"Hmm...okay-"
"Wrong."
"How?"
"Toru, you're not a great teacher."
"SHUT UP MINA HE CAME TO ME!"
"Maybe I should do this with someone else."
"No, and you will adress me as Sensei."
"Of course...Hagakure-sensei."
"Toru, lose the shoes."
"Ooooh good idea! Alright, keep your eyes on the socks and step...like this."
"Ah...let me try, is this good, Hagakure-sensei?"
"Ugh, FINALLY! Yea you're getting it Midoriya, good job."
Izuku smiled.
"Still way too loud though...", muttered the invisible student under her breath.
Izuku's smile faded.
"I thought I was getting it..."
"You are, it's just...after a certain weight, it doesn't matter how good you're steppin', you're putting too much force on the floor anyways. You can either be slow as a turtle, or get close enough to jump them, but you're never gonna be able to ninja sneak like me. Not without your shoes, anyways...keep practicing!"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
"Deku."
"Yes, Kacchan?"
"How do you deal with...losing?"
"Ah! Well you beat me all the time you know? One on one...you're usually the winner and...woah, Kacchan are you okay?"
"Just tell me."
"...you stop caring about winning, and start caring about getting better. Winning is only a first when we're heroes and...we're not heroes yet."
"Getting better."
"Yeah..."
"...thanks."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
"Hey Izuku?"
"Yes, Mina?"
"You seem upset."
"No no, I'm just stressed, really."
"You are the worst liar."
Is that so?
"I'm not..."
"I'm your friend, Izu. Your best friend, incase you forgot. C'mon, you can tell me anything. Who your mystery crush is, boy stuff, favorite foods...that purple haired guy..."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Have you ever talked about it?"
"No."
"I...I'm not gonna push you. I really want to, but...if you ever do want to talk about it, maybe get some things off your chest, I'm here for you."
"...thank you."
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Since the joint meetup with 1-B, the sister classes haven't since been in the same room at once. Presumably, to limit the gathering of beforehand intel as well as keeping that festival interesting. To tell the the truth, it saddened Izuku, he liked Itsuka Kendo and Juzo Honenuki, and wished to see them again in class or combat. In the meantime, Aizawa doubled down on the weaknesses of Class 1-A, holding most, if not all of their homeroom classes in the gym, which meant more stretching, one sided dodgeball, and being a punching bag for Kirishima, Sato, and Ojiro. Aizawa was very creative in his methods of "self improvement". This continued for weeks, with the students being heavily encouraged to practice during their off time. Then, the fateful day arrived.
Izuku recounted the items in his bag, making sure to account for everything he may possibly need. He was dressed in his uniform, hair brushed, or rather, less messy than usual, and was now filling his time before he truly had to leave. He felt a minor stinging in his right arm, which was now fully healed, down to the fingers.
The phantom pain has gotten better since my arm fully healed, but it's still not fully gone. I'd give it a few months before I stop feeling it.
"Izuku, is everything okay?", asked his mother.
"O-Oh yeah I'm fine! I was just thinking about the festival..."
"Try not to get too hurt okay?"
"I'll be alright mom, if I can handle Kacchan, there's not much else that can really hurt me."
"Izuku...you're almost taller than I am!"
Izuku looked at her, seeing how true her statement was. She was a little taller than the average mother, a little healthier as well, with green eyes that radiated kindness and empathy. Her smile was filled with pride.
"I'm so proud of you. You're already my hero, Izuku."
Izuku felt his body swell with emotion. Incapable of tears, Izuku hugged his mother as hard as safely possible, to which she returned with all her motherly might.
"T-Thanks, mom."
"Do your best, Izuku. I love you."
"I love you too."
With that last phrase, Izuku left for the Sports Festival. Some time and space later, Izuku found himself in a large preparation room, tables and chairs with little else as decor, where all of class 1-A would be held until the events started, which was quite soon apparently. Mineta and a few others displayed their nervousness without restraint, further dampening the mood of their fellow students.
I guess no matter what happens, we are all about to go out there and perform infront of a LOT of people and pro heroes. It's natural to be worried. Breathe.
"Man, I wanted to wear my costume out there instead of the gym uniform!", complained Mina.
"To keep everything fair, no one can", informed Ojiro, the tailed teen.
"Yeah, I don't think anyone wants a piss jar thrown at their face while also being punched...", sourly stated Bakugou.
"THAT'S NOT WHAT IT WAS!"
"Kacchan, you brought a device that causes massive explosions into an indoor battle", reminded Izuku.
"I wanted to fuckin' use it alright? You would've been fine anyways."
"Pardon me, everyone, but it is almost time for us to enter. Please be prepared", warned Yaororozu, fully embracing her well earned position of class representative.
Uniform...check. Internal Systems?
Energy Capacity: 99%
Body Durability: 100%
Data Functions: 100%
Flexibility Progression?
Increase of "Flexibility" from training: 6%
ONLY 6 PERCENT? So that's what it's like being fully human. Or perhaps I'm progressing slower? Mina you are amazing for reaching that point...
"Midoriya."
It was Todoroki, his stoic glare less of a glare, and more an expression of indifferent determination, if such a thing could even exist. He clearly had something on his mind.
"In combat, you are stronger than I am. You are more versatile, as well as durable. Your quirk works so well, because the human body is already the greatest thing evolution could possibly create, and your Augmentation brings those advantages to levels unheard of, besides All Might. However, I will beat you."
The challenge was clear, and for the smallest of moments, Izuku felt joy at such audacity displayed. It felt good to be acknowledged as powerful, but even better to be challenged and fight for such power. It reminded him of Kacchan.
"I accept your challenge, Todoroki. Do your best."
Then, Todoroki reminded him of someone else.
"I know I can beat you, because unlike you, I've worked to get to where I am. My quirk doesn't help me academically, or that well physically. I never had to rely on it to the extent you do."
Izuku felt anger bubble up within him.
"What do you mean by that, Todoroki?"
Noticing the banter was no longer such, Kirishima got between the two, an assertive expression on his face. He did not want to see friends fight.
"Hey hey hey, easy there! Save that fighting for the festival, not before. We're all in the same class here."
Todoroki ignored him.
"Midoriya, you don't deserve to be here. Your quirk has made it so you've never had to work in your life. You have never done anything challenging until USJ. You've never had problems that you've legitmately worked to overcome, because your quirk makes you adept at everything. One day, you're going to face a problem your quirk cannot solve, and then you will fail. I do not say this out of malice, I simply offer truth. Your quirk is the only reason you are here."
With great fury and without hesitation, Izuku's allies sprung to his defense, while the rest of the class stood by, emotions of anger, disgust, and conflict sprouting from Todoroki's words.
"YOU DON'T KNOW SHIT ICEBRAIN!"
"HE RISKED HIS LIFE TO SAVE US, TO SAVE ME. HOW CAN YOU SAY HE DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE HERE?"
"TODOROKI-SAN, MIDORIYA IS ONE OF THE MOST VALIANT INDIVIDU-"
"YOU THINK I DON'T DESERVE TO BE HERE, TODOROKI?!?"
Izuku glared furiously at his enemy, momentarily surprising everyone in the room with previously unseen aggression.
"I KNOW I DON'T HAVE TO TRY AS HARD AS THE REST OF YOU, BUT I TRY MY BEST ANYWAYS! YOU ONLY USE HALF YOUR QUIRK JUST BECAUSE YOU HATE SOMEONE! YOU'RE GOING TO LET SOMEONE DIE ONE DAY BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO TRY YOUR BEST!"
Izuku's sheer volume caused those closest to jump, while his uncharacteristically vehement tone reminded his fellow classmates just how dangerous a person he was capable of being. Everyone in the classroom shifted uneasily as Izuku continued his outburst. Todoroki looked shocked, even slightly threatened at seeing him lose his composure so violently. For a brief moment, Izuku forgot who he was talking to.
"YES I'M GIFTED, I'M ONE OF THE MOST GIFTED PEOPLE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! I CAN'T CHANGE THAT AND WHY SHOULD I? WHAT'S SO WRONG WITH HAVING AN EASIER TIME HELPING PEOPLE? I'M STILL GOING TO TRY MY HARDEST ANYWAYS! I KNOW OTHERS HAVE IT WORSE OFF THAN I DO, BUT WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PROVE MYSELF JUST TO HAVE FRIENDS?!? THATS ALL I EVER WANTED TO DO YOU SELFISH, MISERABLE PIECE OF SHIT, I JUST WANTED TO BE YOUR FRIEND!"
Half stunned and half furious from Midoriya's outburst, Todoroki passively let himself be pushed aside by Izuku as he left the room, opting to wait in the hallway instead, away from the others. The glares he received from his classmates were less than pleasant, but it didn't matter. Nobody was here to make friends. He noticed especially vicious looks from Bakugou and Ashido, the latter following Izuku into the hall, and the former giving him a death stare as he sat down, alone.
The pinkette followed Izuku, keeping track of his heavy footsteps as he paced the floor, looking down at the ground with a mixed expression of rage and pain. His metallic fingers unconsciously pulled and twirled his messy, green hair.
"Hey."
Izuku stopped pacing and looked back at her. To most, his expression would inspire the primal sense of self preservation, but Mina knew people, knew him, well enough to recognize suffering. She stepped foward, close enough for him to hurt if he wanted, but she knew he would never.
"I know that...there are things that happened between you and the purple guy that you don't want to talk about. I know you're hurting bad and Todoroki said horrible things. I know you need your space too it's just..."
"If I don't talk about it, it won't go away, right?"
Izuku looked considerably calmer, but the pain was all still there. He continued, forcing his tone down and breathing in and out, the activity unnaturally rapid to him.
"My friendship with Shinso, the purple haired guy...it fell because he was jealous of me, hated me. His quirk is called Brainwash, if you respond to him, he can take over your mind and order you around. Others were afraid of him for it, calling it a villain's quirk but...I just wanted to be his friend. For a few months it worked out, but he grew resentful over time, and at the end of it...he started saying the things Todoroki just said, that I don't deserve to be able to do the things I can do, that I'm nothing without my quirk...what if they're right Mina?"
"They're not, I swear they're not."
"If I didn't have Augmentation, would I still be able to get into Yuuei? Would I even survive as long as I have? Would I have bad grades? Mina, would I have ever been able to save you from the 0-Pointer? If I was just an average guy, would we even be friends? I don't think so. I don't think I'd be friends with any of class 1-A if my quirk wasn't heroic. I've met so many people who only like me for my quirk..."
"I love you for you, Izuku!", Mina angrily spat out. Izuku paused, before standing by in stunned silence as Mina ranted on.
"I never cared about your quirk beyond thinking it makes you look cool! Your quirk doesn't define you, Izuku. It lets you do things, but YOU'RE THE ONE WHO DOES THOSE THINGS! You're my best friend because you're nice to everyone, you make me feel good, and because you always put yourself on the line for other people! You got lucky with a quirk, but everyone here got lucky with their quirk. You lost an arm for us, and got hurt so many times. You have to let him go! He's delusional, you're the best person I have ever met, the most human person I have ever met. Don't let his issues hurt you, please."
Izuku examined her tear stained face, her tense muscle and body language indicating how emotionally distraught she was. In a minute, she seemed an entirely different person...yet she believed every word she said. He could tell.
Love me...for me.
The words swirled around in his mind, repeating millions of times over the course of a single second. What does a phrase like that even mean? Well, she just explained it, but that wasn't the question. How did she mean it, that was the question. Platonic? Romantically? They weren't dating, but it felt too strong to be platonic. If he wanted, he could spend years going over that exact phrase at that exact time, over and over again, until his mind withered. After what felt like years, he decided it didn't matter how she meant it, because Mina Ashido told him he did not need Augmentation to be worthy, and that's all he needed.
For now, anyways.
Back in reality, Mina cautiously giggled at him, breaking him from his stupor.
"Does the mumbling mean you're okay, Iz-HOLY SH-"
Not giving her a chance to finish, Izuku rushed foward and effortlessly picked her up, securely holding her in his arms as he spun around multiple times. Mina hollared and laughed from the surprised contact, legitmately surprised her friend, her shy Izu, would express himself in such a way. He stopped the spinning, gracefully setting her down on her feet, having no issues with dizziness. It's a shame the said couldn't be said for herself, as she stumbled and giggled like a drunk for a few moments before Izuku positioned her to lay against a wall.
"W-Woah! You could've just said yes, man! Is this what you're like when you're comfortable?"
He smiled. "I-I guess so, that seemed fun...thank you for what you said. That's a touchy subject for me and...you said what I needed to hear. You're one of the nicest people I have ever met..."
"...I'm glad you feel that way Izu, cause I'm not gonna take ballet practice layin' down! Let's see how ticklish you are, Mr. Hero!" Mina finished her statement with low-concentration acid dripping from her fingers.
Threat Level: Unrivaled
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwait MiNA NOT THE FACE!"
"Ahem."
Stopped by the bell, Mina huffed and turned towards the door that held class 1-A, spotting Yaororozu with a neutral expression. Immediately she knew her vengeance would have to wait, and rolled her eyes.
"Time?"
"Afraid so, Ashido-san."
"Ugh...I guess that's today."
She dramatically turned her head toward Izuku, narrowing her eyes and shaping her hands into claw-like shapes. She lowered her voice and straighted her back, trying to appear as threatening as possible.
"You may escape today, hero, but one day I shall defeat you and lay eggs in your chest, for I am...Alien Queen!"
Izuku smacked his forehead, trying and failing to hide his wide smile, barely holding back laughter. Mina had no qualms about laughing at her own jokes, her pleasant voice echoing through the hall. Yaororozu looked highly disturbed.
"Alright Mina, let's get the attention of some heroes!"
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
They heard the crowd long before they saw them. Walking out of a large, dark tunnel, Class 1-A exposed themselves to the largest crowd of people they'd ever seen. Izuku focused on dampening his enhanced hearing, with very little success. Despire the ear shattering noise, the unpleasant light adjustment from the dark tunnel into the scorching heat, and the general sense of uneasiness apon realization that all those eyes were apon them, Class 1-A stood tall and strong, one thought coursing through their minds, spoken only by Izuku.
"Let's show the world what I can do."
High above, the pro hero Present Mic's voice rang over the crowd, playing to their emotions and thoughts, hyping them up for what would come next.
"THE YUUEI SPORTS FESTIVAL! The huge battle where fledgling heroes sharpen their swords once a year! Here are the contenders: The miraculous new stars who survived the horror of villainy firsthand, Hero Course, Class 1-A!"
Walking further into the field, Izuku noticed the stoic impressions of his fellow classmates turn less heroic and more uncomfortable. Izuku practiced his breathing, imagining a spring of water, flowing calm through his veins.
I guess the crowd is really getting to them.
"Will we be able to give our best performance watched by so many people? I suppose being observed by civilians is a part of hero duty", remarked Iida.
"I kinda like it to be honest! They're so excited for us, and we get to show them who the next big heroes are, right Izu?", optimistically inspired Mina.
"O-Of course..."
Damnit! I AM nervous.
"...we all have to make good first impressions."
"You're right Midoriya-bro, if we can look real good in the tournament, our futures can take off...though I'll admit, the crowd does make me nervous. You nervous too, Bakugou?"
The gasoline soaked fuse that was Katsuki Bakugou responded with a simple Nope before resuming his neutral expression. Izuku looked closer, and noticed he was deep in thought.
He is...calm. Normally a crowd like this cheering for him would rile him up. Whats going on, Kacchan?
Present Mic spoke again, and Izuku noticed a familiar, certain group of students approaching.
"They haven't been getting as much time in the spotlight, but these guys are full of talent! Hero Course, Class 1-B!
Honenuki, Kendo, Yanagi! So many more too now that I see them all at once!
Present Mic continued, announcing the other first year classes that approached the field, including General Studies. Izuku looked and saw him, Hitoshi Shinso, looking right back. Anger started to flow, but then Izuku noticed the students around him, all very average looking, plain even. They all likely wanted to be in the hero course, just as Shinso does. How many of them would be denied their dreams today? His anger remained, but he found himself able to look away. All of the classes found their way to the center of the stadium, a massive field, similar to the one in Gymnasium A. The pro hero Midnight stood on a small stage, her...less than innocent costume fully embraced, with a suspiciously R-Rated whip in her hand.
"It is time for the player pledge!", she announced.
"Is it really okay that she's wearing that?"
"This is only slightly uncomfortable. The other part is actually pretty ho-OW! Jiro!"
"Shouldn't the principal be doing this?"
"He only does this for the 3rd year classes."
"QUIET EVERYONE!", Midnight silenced the crowd with a firm, dominant voice and a crack of her whip, leaving some students and audience members particularly confused at their own bodily reactions.
"Representing the students is Izuku Midoriya from Class 1-A!"
Woah woah woah I have to go up there?!?
"Holy shit good luck dude", wished Kaminari.
"It's fuckin easy Deku, just say you're gonna win."
"Absolutely do NOT say that, just represent the students of Yuuei with dignity and all will be well!", helpfully suggested Iida.
Mina gave his hand a firm squeeze.
Okay...crowds...speeches...All Might does this often, its why he's so popular! To be number one, I will have to be good with large groups of people watching and criticizing my every move and talking to them...All Might how do you do this everyday?!?
"You better not keep me waiting, Midoriya", seductively threatened the pro hero. A small chuckle reverberated through the audience at the risque joke.
Taking a final breath, Izuku walked to the podium, collecting, filtering, and projecting his thoughts into what he would say next.
Streams of water...liquid calm in my veins.
Izuku found himself on the stage, infront of the microphone. Midnight felt a little too close for his liking, but he ignored her sultry gaze and spoke.
"I pledge, on behalf of my school, my teachers, and my fellow students, to uphold the dignity of Yuuei..."
Okay, that's decent, let's them know I take this seriously...now let's really rile them up, get their emotions flowing...
"...an-"
"ALRIGHTY LETS GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD!"
"W-What?"
Midnight leaned over his shoulder, her lips nearly touching his ear, and spoke softly. "Sorry kiddo, I know you probably had a speech prepped, but USJ really threw us off, so we need to get this started. Quick question though, to what extent would you say your quick affects your...?"
NOPE, NOT ANSWERING THAT.
Abruptly breaking her grip on him, Izuku stiffly speedwalked down to his classmates with as much dignity as he could muster. Kacchan was giving him a shit eating grin, while Mina offered a smile more sympathetic. He would make sure to have words with Aizawa about why he was not informed about a damn pledge infront of an audience of thousands.
"Let's see what the fateful first event is!"
Ontop one of the massive screens overlooking the audience, a colorful animation played in a style similar to a slot machine, until it stopped at..."Obstacle Course Race"
"All 11 classes will participate in this race, the course being the outer circumference of this stadium, about 4 kilometers!"
Midnight licked her lips sensually and cracked her whip.
"Yuuei is all about freedom, so with that in mind...anything goes so long as you stay on the course. TAKE YOUR PLACES EVERYONE!"
He managed to rush to the front of the crowd, where another wide tunnel was deemed the start of the obstacle course. He noticed Kacchan and Todoroki at the start, naturally, but where was...?
Mina waved and gave him a thumbs up when he looked back. "Remember what I told you Izu, see ya at the finish line!"
"I'll see you there!"
She's so far back...will she...?
He purged the pessimistic thought, of course she'll make it. For now, he had to worry about himself. This was his future at stake. He couldn't see them, but the green lights attached to the gate behind him signaled a countdown.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
"START!"
Immediately, Todoroki struck.
Before anyone could react, all 11 classes found themselves on slippery, frozen earth, with Izuku and Bakugou being frozen up to their legs. He then ran foward, giving himself a cinematic head start.
"HALF AND HALF BASTARD!"
"Damn!"
"WOAH DID YOU SEE THAT!?! Ladies and gentlemen, Class 1-A's own Shoto Todoroki takes the lead in a stunning display of ruthlessness, severely impeding his fellow students! What a show! What's your critique on this, Eraserhead?"
Aizawa couldn't be more monotone if his life depended on it.
"Good job."
Hearing the signature sound of popping and crackling, Izuku turned in time to see Bakugou using his explosions on his own legs to free himself, safety be damned. He flew off after he was done.
"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"
Using his great strength, Izuku shattered the ice encasing his legs and stomped down on the ground, creating a stable surface for him to jump foward as hard as he could, using a kick to break the next patch of ice and continue the process, leapfrogging his way to his rivals.
Not nearly as glamorous, but it works!
"It looks like Todoroki's attack was not enough! We have Bakugou discovering flight and Midoriya playing leapfrog, along with Asui! There are also other students quickly recovering, this will make for fierce competition!"
Looking back, Izuku saw most of class 1-A recover in their own ways, with...Mineta catching up? He threw his purple balls across the icy ground, using their bouncy properties to navigate the fields with ease.
That's honestly impressive...
"MIDORIYA!!!", the purple haired student screamed.
Turning around, Izuku barely dodged a heavy strike from something big, dropping to his knees and rolling before getting back up, and assessing the threat. His heart filled with fear, memories from long ago resurfacing.
"Targets found..."
No way...it's the faux villains and...the 0-Pointers!
"LOTS."
Infront of him stood not one, not three, but seven 0-Pointers, with multiple type 1s, 2s, and 3s. He could almost feel Kacchan grinning aside him, likely fantasizing of destroying every single one as a workout, under different circumstances. Todoroki stood, silent.
"Obstacles have shown up suddenly! Starting with...ROBO INFERNO. However will the students overcome this threat?"
"Where did they get the money for this?", muttered Izuku, voiced Yaororozu, and thought Uraraka.
Todoroki scowled, before muttering to himself, with only Izuku hearing.
"If they really went through all this trouble...I wish they would've prepared something better...especially since my stupid old man is watching."
The apathetic student conjured his icy power, dramatically, or perhaps it was practical, spinning around and launching a massive wave of cold at everything infront of him, stopping a 0-Pointer's attack before it landed. The affected robot was frozen solid, and Todoroki ran through, using the massive cloud of dust that resulted from the chill winds of his quirk as cover, bypassing the entire Inferno.
"HE ATTACKED AND DEFENDED IN ONE BLOW! SUCH ELEGANCE! He is the first one through! It's nearly unfair!"
"His actions were logical and strategically sound."
"As expected from a reccomended student! A true elite!"
Emerging from the cloud of dust, the various robots approached the gathering of students, red eyes glaring in apathetic malice. At home, Izuku's mother watched the festival from the couch, shocked at the sheer mass of metal and circuits before her boy. Was he truely meant to fight them all? She felt pity for the other mothers watching, for she knew not all those children were as blessed as her son was. Izuku readied himself, preparing to fight for his future.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
Author's Notes:
The usage of the word "Love" is a peculiar thing. It can be attribute it to objects, people, ideas, emotions, and many other mediums, yet when you, an individual delve into what "Love" in any context actually means, most people will hear only what they wish to hear. Sometimes people will play it safe, relying on logic and reasoning to escape from a scary, unfamiliar alternative, while others will dive head first into the word and concept, because the only thing scarier than being loved, is not being loved. In this context, Izuku Midoriya plays it safe, because there is very little place for love in the path of heroism, and perhaps, just maybe, a small part of him is insecure. As for Mina Ashido, she acted off her instincts to make Izuku feel better, and her subconscious deemed that the best desicion. Was it reckless, out there, maybe even stupid? Up to you. What I do know, is that Izuku will have a far easier time with romance than I ever did.
Hah. Just kidding.
That "student pledge" thing took me hours to figure out. I found no info on what it's supposed to be, so I was stuck for a bit on what to write. I guess I could've changed it so it didn't start with "I pledge...", but it didn't feel right, so I just had it skipped over. Makes me feel gross if I'm being honest.
Apologies for being late with the chapter again, I am working on...another project, you may see it next week.
Reviewwwwwwwssssssss
you know not, yeah I'll admit, the stretches were lame, I filled them with Kendo and Monoma plus Sato after, but the truth is I bit off more than I could chew, and the bones of the story suffered for it.
Ekurman, I will not go into lemons or otherwise detailed sexy content. I am afraid you must find your AcidPuss-CyberDong scenes elsewhere.
Thanks to everyone who left a supportive review, makes my heart happy to see I'm decent at something. See you guys next chapter!
-Delusional777