I sat up in the stands waiting for the first match to start. I hoped Izuku was okay, if he was too nervous he would blow it. Katsuki nudged me.
"You're thinking too much."
"I was just hoping Izuku would be okay."
Katsuki didn't answer. I knew he wouldn't, I looked back down at the arena. Cementoss was creating the ring we were going to fight in.
"Hey sports fans, are you ready?" Present Mic's voice shook me out of my thoughts. "After all the action you've already witnessed it's time for the real battles to begin. Can you feel the excitement? Our competitors are on their own now, sometimes heroes have only themselves to rely on. Heart, skill, strength, wisdom, courage, they'll have to use all of these things to rise to the top."
Cementoss finished making the arena, flames shot up from the corners. I sat up, this was it. It was time.
"Alright audience, let's cut to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer. Welcome our first fighters." Present Mic called. Pictures of Izuku and Shinso popped up on the screens. "Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he? It's Izuku Midoriya from the hero course verses…Hitoshi Shinso from general studies who really hasn't done anything to stand out yet. The rules are simple, immobilize your opponent or force them out of the ring! You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle. Bring on the injuries cause we've got our very own Recovery Girl waiting on standby. Put your morals aside and don't be afraid to play dirty. But of course no life-threatening crap folks, it's not allowed. Real heroes use their power to throw villains in jail not kill them."
"I'll stop anyone who tries gets too rough," Cementoss added.
I stifled a laugh, Present Mic really shouldn't have said to bring on the injuries. Izuku was reckless enough without prompting. And don't be afraid to play dirty, Katsuki was most certainly not afraid.
"Ready? Begin!"
Izuku and Shinso stood there. I realized Shinso must be trying to talk to Izuku but I couldn't hear them over all the other noise. Izuku ran forwards, shouting.
"Don't you talk about Ojiro that way! You hear me!"
I groaned. "Izuku, you idiot."
He stopped mid-step. Ojiro stood up and groaned.
"I warned him not to say anything!"
"Huh? Hey, hey what's the dealio? This is the first match, it should start off with a bang. 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? Hitoshi Shinso seems to have Izuku Midoriya completely stunned."
I wanted to yell at Izuku. He was too sensitive sometimes, Shinso says something about Ojiro and he flips out.
"He didn't stand out in the first rounds at all but it's possible Shinso's crazy powerful. Who could have imagined this turn of events? That's the festival for ya!"
"This is a perfect example of why the entrance exam isn't rational." Aizawa cut in.
"Huh? Why's that?" Present Mic asked.
"Since we're on to the individual matches, I had some information complied about our final competitors. 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. It gave a huge advantage to those with physical powers they can show off. Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing." Aizawa explained.
"So here we are. You're lucky to have been so blessed, Izuku Midoriya."
I nibbled my lip. I knew about Izuku's past. He was blessed but he also knew the hardships of not having a quirk.
"Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero."
I watched as Izuku turned and started to walk out of the arena
"Eh? What? Midoriya's obeying him!"
"Oh no Deku, what are you doing?" Uraraka murmured.
"He can't walk out of the ring, he'll lose the match if he does." Iida waved his arms around.
"This is his power in full view," I whispered. "He's strong."
"Hitoshi Shinso, his quirk: Brainwashing. When an opponent answers his question it flips a switch in their minds forcing them to do whatever he says. Not every question does that though, he only brainwashes when he wants to. Not very flashy but looks like it just might get the job done."
I leaned forward as Izuku continued towards the edge of the ring. "Come on Izuku, come on."
He was one step away from the line when a huge gust of wind blew through the arena. The dust cleared and I could see Izuku, he was still in the ring.
"What's this? Midoriya stopped just in time!"
The crowd cheered all around us. Iida threw his hands in the air and Ojiro sat down quickly. I sighed in relief. Unfortunately, Shinso didn't have a chance now. Shinso started shouting.
"You're not supposed to be able to fight back! What did you do?"
Izuku covered his mouth. He knew now, he wouldn't speak again.
"Come on, say something," Shinso called. "I didn't know you had so much power in your fingers. I'm kinda jealous of you."
Izuku started running towards him.
"Thanks to the way my quirk works I've always been at a big disadvantage. But someone as blessed as you wouldn't understand that!"
Even I knew what that felt like. For years I had wished I had gotten a different quirk even my mom's would have been better. But I had learned. This was my quirk and I could control it. I could use it however I wanted.
"You're lucky enough to have a heroic quirk. It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal."
Izuku grabbed Shinso and began to push him back. Shinso punched Izuku in the face. Izuku stumbled but stayed standing. He pushed Shinso even faster. Shinso hit him again but this time hit his hand. Izuku flinched and Shinso pulled away. He lunged at Izuku and started pushing him towards the edge. Izuku grabbed Shinso and flipped him, throwing Shinso to the ground. The crowd gasped.
"Shinso is out of bounds! Midoriya advances to the next match." Midnight called.
The crowd cheered loudly. I grinned, Izuku did it. He succeeded.
"And with that expertly performed throw, we have our first victor of the finals. Class 1-A's Izuku Midoriya!"
"That was so nerve-racking." Uraraka moaned.
"Turning the tables at the last moment, a classic Midoriya maneuver," Iida said.
"He's pulled that shoulder throw on you before huh?" Kaminari leaned over me.
"Shut your damn face sparky," Katsuki growled.
"Aw yeah!" Present Mic popped up on the screen. "That was actually kind of a boring first match kids but both of you fought bravely. Let's show them some love everyone!"
Shinso and Izuku met in the middle and bowed. Shinso started to walk away but stopped at the entrance. A group of students were talking to him. I stood up, I needed to go congratulate both of them.
"Where are you going?" Katsuki asked.
"I'm going to talk to them!" I grinned. "They both did well."
"Whatever idiot." Katsuki scoffed.
I left the balcony and went to find Shinso. I found him talking to a few other students.
"Hey, Shinso!" I called.
He looked up, surprised. "Chino?"
"Great job out there. It was so cool to see your quirk in action." I grinned. "You know if you bulked up a little more then you may be able to take on Izuku."
"Thanks, I'll think about that." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Maybe we could train together sometime," I suggested.
"Yeah, that might be fun." He nodded.
"Anyway, I should go find Izuku to congratulate him too but I just wanted to say great job." I turned and waved. "See you later!"
"Yeah,"
I walked back to the balcony, Izuku was either still at the nurse's office or was back on the balcony. I ran into him on my way back.
"Izuku!" I ran over to his side. "Hey, great job! How did you beat Shinso's quirk?"
"Hey Koneko," he smiled. "Well, I managed to move my fingers. I was able to expel a little bit of power."
"Nice, so it's something like that that can break his power. Good to know." I nodded.
"I had a weird vision."
"Oh?" I looked over at him.
"Yeah, I think I saw the other users of One for All."
"Cool! Do you think that helped you break his quirk?" I tapped my chin.
"All Might said it didn't but it definitely helped clear my mind."
We walked outside and toward our seats.
"There you are Deku," Uraraka called. "You did good!"
"Come on down here, we saved a seat for you," Iida said.
"Thanks, guys." Izuku smiled.
We took our seats and Todoroki and Sero walked out onto the ring.
"Enough standing around! Now walking to the ring our next players."
Pictures of Sero and Todoroki popped up on the screen.
"He's got skill but at the expense of some really creepy-looking elbows. From the hero course, it's Hanta Sero! Verses 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. And now for the second match of the finals. Ready? Begin!"
Sero immediately shot tape at Todoroki, wrapping him up and swinging him toward the edge.
"But man, I don't feel losing either!" Sero yelled.
"That attack could throw his opponent out of bounds. A brilliant surprise opening from the underdog. Way to start off strong Sero!"
In the blink of an eye half the arena was covered in ice. It blocked our view of the arena, getting super close to our seats too.
"Tell the truth Sero, can you move at all?" Midnight waited a moment then announced. "Sero has been immobilized. Todoroki advances to the second round!"
The crowd was quiet, then someone yelled.
"Nice try!"
The crowd picked up the chant. Todoroki stepped up and began to melt the ice surrounding Sero. Once he was free Sero was quickly taken off the field, probably to go get warmed up. It took a while but they finally got the ice cleared. Iida left so he could prepare for his match. My stomach flipped only two matches till my own.
"Welcome back to the finals everyone, sorry for that long wait. The insane amount of ice from the second match has finally been clear though so it's time to welcome new competitors."
The two students walked into the ring.
"Even beautiful flowers have thorns, it's the assassin from Class 1-B, Ibara Shiozaki from the hero course. Verses, the boy with the electric personality, another hero in the making, Denki Kaminari. Keep those eyes peeled, I want to see a super flashy battle this time—"
"Excuse me?" Shiozaki cut in. "Please pardon the interruption, I'm not sure why you called me an assassin. I've come to the festival in search of victory not to take my opponent's life. That wouldn't be in line with the values of a hero at all sir."
"Right I'm sorry." Present Mic replied.
"Gentlemen, I didn't enter UA for selfish reasons but to deliver salvation to others." She continued. "It is my humble quest to spread true good across this world."
"Listen I said I was sorry. That was my bad okay."
"I thank you for your kind understand." She bowed.
"So anyway, begin!"
"What do you say me and you go out after this? I'd be happy to treat you to a bite and comfort you after your loss. Cause this is all going to be over in two seconds, honey." Kaminari charged up. "Indiscriminate shock, 1.3 million volts."
I could feel the electricity from here. It made my hair stand on end. Shiozaki simply turned around and blocked it using her hair. Vines shot up from the ground and grabbed Kaminari.
"He's immobilized! That's all folks, it was over in an instant."
"The winner is Shiozaki!" Midnight called. "She advances on."
"Man, she's good," Jirou said.
"Guess he was right, that match really was over in just two seconds." Neito popped his head up. "I wonder if his real quirk is his ability to tell the future. Hey wasn't Class 1-A supposed to be so much better than us?"
Neito started laughing, I groaned.
"Neito, will you ever just shut up?" I shook my head. "It's embarrassing to be related to you."
His laugher cut off and he disappeared. The orange-haired girl from earlier appeared.
"Sorry about him."
"I can't believe you're related to him," Katsuki murmured.
"I hate it." I sighed. "We used to get along but when we both started aiming for the hero course we grew apart. Then I got into 1-A and now he hates me. He's always been annoying but usually not this much."
Izuku started muttering, cutting our conversation off. "I've seen Kaminari in action, he's super strong. Shiozaki placed fifth in the entrance exam and those vines, I wonder if she studied Kamui Woods moves. Lightning attacks can be really powerful, I hardly ever see anyone block them when they're used. It'd be impossible to get close to her while avoiding all those thorns and vines. You'll have to find some way to tear them off or just hack your way through using brute force. Oh but in order to keep you from doing that she'll probably go after your hands first so then what do you do—"
"Maybe you should take a sec to relax before planning too many matches ahead." Uraraka cut him off.
Izuku quickly covered his mouth. "Oh sorry, sometimes I don't realize I'm talking out loud when I'm taking notes. It's not every day I get to see incredible quirks from people outside our class. Actually I've been taking notes on everyone in our class too. Here's what I've got on your Zero Gravity."
Uraraka laughed. "You and Koneko are so similar. You know Deku I've always known that you're amazing. You've got so much drive and focus in you, and the sports festival's reminding me of that."
Before Izuku could respond Present Mic shouted.
"Let's keep pumping out these hits and move on. Time for the fourth match! Get ready to watch two new players duke it out! He's the kid with engines in his legs, Tenya Iida from the hero course. Verses… a fully equipped gadget dynamo, the support course's Mei Hatsume!"
I stood up. "Well, that's my cue. I'm gonna head to the waiting room. Wish me luck." I winked at Katsuki.
"Whatever." Katsuki stood up too.
"Where are you going?" I raised an eyebrow.
"With you. You need my quirk, right?" Katsuki just stared at me.
I tapped my chin. "I was thinking about getting Todoroki's but…" I snorted at the look on Katsuki's face. "Kidding, kidding."
I turned and walked toward the hallway. I could hear Katsuki's footsteps behind me. Todoroki brushed past me on his way to the balcony. I opened the door to the waiting room. Katsuki walked past me and leaned against a table.
"Well?"
"Well, what?" I stifled a smile.
"Aren't you gonna…" he seemed flustered.
"What? Kiss you?" I stepped closer. "Depends, maybe I need something stronger this time."
"Stronger?" He echoed.
"Yes, stronger. I need more than 30%." I leaned even closer, hand slipping beneath his shirt.
He tensed but didn't pull away. I smiled and kissed him. He relaxed into my touch, I slid my tongue across his lips. He hesitated but parted them. I slipped my tongue between his lips. He tasted like caramel. I slid my hand higher beneath his shirt. He tensed and I smiled. I had almost forgotten, Katsuki was ticklish. I dug my fingers into his side and tickled him. He broke away from the kiss with a gasp. Before he could say anything I tickled him again, he started laughing. I relished the sounds spilling from his lips.
"No! Stop!" He pushed me away. "Don't touch me."
I grinned. "I knew you were ticklish."
"If you ever tell anyone about this, I will kill you," Katsuki growled.
"It'll be our secret." I smiled and leaned in to kiss him again.
He let me but grabbed my hands before I could touch him. I smiled into the kiss, he knew me too well. I pulled away and leaned my forehead against his.
"Thank you," I murmured.
"What?"
"For letting me do this." I stroked his cheek. "I know you don't want to."
Katsuki pulled away. "I never said that."
I chuckled. "Still, thank you."
He nodded and looked away. "I should go."
"Of course," I stepped back.
He walked towards the door then paused. "Good luck."
"Thank you, Katsu," I smiled.
He nodded and left. I leaned against the table and touched my lips. I loved that man, so much. I took a deep breath. Based on how the previous matches went this one would be over soon. I started stretching. I was fighting Mina, her quirk was acid, she could melt anything she touched. Todoroki's quirk would be good for protection but there was no way I could get close enough to him. I knew how to use Katsuki's quirk very well so his would be the best for this match. I would need to focus on my own strength to beat her. I needed to avoid her acid while landing hits of my own. After I finished my stretches the match still wasn't over. I frowned, this was taking longer than usual. I decided to walk to the arena. I made it to the opening and stifled a laugh. Iida was being practically humiliated. Hatsume was just using him to show off her babies, as she called him. Hatsume finally stepped out of the ring.
"Uh, Hatsume stepped out of bounds. So Iida advances to the next round." Midnight called.
"We're gonna charge right along to the fifth match."
That was my cue, I started walking toward the ring. I could see Mina on the opposite side.
"She may look cute and cuddly but watch out this cat has fangs, it's Koneko Chino from the hero course. Verses… is there some kind of purpose for those things sticking out of her head, from the same class, Mina Ashido."
"Hope you're ready cause I'm about to win!" Mina grinned.
"I hope you like the taste of those words cause you're going to be eating them." I rolled my shoulders.
"Now let's get started, fifth match begin!"
I made the first move, firing a large explosion that broke the ground. Mina dodged it and started sliding on the ground using her acid. I grit my teeth, she had more mobility like that. I dodged her attack and tried to land a punch. This was difficult, we both had short-range quirks. Well shorter. I could reach further with my explosions but I needed to be closer to land any hits. I yelped in pain as a large acid blob landed on my left shoulder. I had gotten distracted.
"Ashido has landed a hit. Looks like that acid burns!"
Mina hesitated and I took this opening to roundhouse kick her in the side. She cried out in pain but got back up.
"You're tougher than you look," I muttered.
"So are you," Mina grinned.
I swung around for another kick. She caught my leg and burned through my pants and ribbons to my leg. I hissed in pain.
"That stings!"
"Sorry," Mina jumped back. "You should have learned."
I swung a right hook. She caught it but I managed to hit her in the face with an explosion. She yelped and stumbled back. I rolled my shoulder, it was really starting to hurt. I glanced down, there was no blood but it was blistered badly. I could still win this. As long as I fought the pain I could stay awake. I held both my hands up and used a huge blast to knock her back. She was knocked back almost to the line. I started forwards but the sound from the explosion and the pain in my shoulder made me dizzy. I stumbled a bit which allowed her to get back up. She started creating another large acid blob. I panicked, suddenly wishing I had Todoroki's quirk. I shot my hand out and a wall of ice divided us. I could hear the acid sizzle as it hit the other side. I stared at my hand. I used two different quirks. I had never been able to use more than one.
"Is that—Instead of her normal explosions Chino has put up a wall of ice!"
Mina jumped around the wall of ice and came at me again. I used stun grenade, blinding both me and her. The loud explosion hurt my ears and made my tail curl. Mina stumbled backward toward the line. I took a step forward to finish her off but my vision got spotty and my shoulder flared up. I hissed in pain and fell to my knees. I couldn't see or hear anything, my shoulder was throbbing, along with the rest of my body. The ground started to spin and everything went black.
Next is my favorite chapter! ^-^