On her temporary day off, Free spends a good amount of time web searching for anything on this League of Villains, nothing much popping up other then the recent news of their attack at USJ. She also does a gym session and stops to pick up a get-well gift for Mr.Aizawa. Other than that, she has dinner with Ma and the Midoriyas', pork cutlet bowls that are to die for by Inko. Afterwards hanging with her friend in his room, texting a few classmates and browsing his collected Hero Data, while he watched videos on the computer, until parting ways at 9pm.
--
School resumed the next morning as usual, Izuku and Free showing up together like always, though the latter carries a small basket that she placed on the desk. Inside is a box of quality tea, a few pouches of his favorite energy juice packs and some drops for tired and red eyes. "Is that for Mr.Aizawa?" Ochaco skipping over to greet the pair with a round cheek smile, the redhead nodding while shuffling to her own seat and depositing her bag.
"Figured he could use a pick me up, yakknow? I considered something tasty, but doubt he'll be able to chew anything in his condition."
Tsuyu tapped her chin in question, "you think he'll be here today? Ribbit."
Free shrugs in response, "Eraserhead doesn't seem like the type to let near death hold him back," glancing at the clock and sliding into her desk since class starts in five minutes. "Anyway, I'm glad I got to avoid the media by taking him to the hospital. Though the rest of ya looked great on TV!"
"Man, all the channels made a big deal out of it," Kaminari points out.
"I was surprised," Kirishima admits.
Jiro waves her hands around nonchalant, "can you blame them? The hero course that keeps pumping out pro heroes was attacked."
It doesn't make them any less annoying, the Texan pulling free her black notebook and opening it to the bookmarked page to continue an earlier thought in writing. Only to flinch and rip it when Bakugo raises his voice.
"SHUT UP! Be quiet, scum!"
How did that wimpy twerp ever make it into the Hero Course, citrine peering behind at the pervert. "Ya look exactly how ya act, ya know that, Grapevine?"
"W-w-what does that mean Free-chan?" Mineta unsure if she's complimenting him or the opposite.
"Means you're a wuss Ballhead," the explosive blonde easily understanding.
So far… maybe there's promise yet for the stick-haired shorty, Free facing the front when the door slides open.
"Everyone! Morning homeroom is about to start!" Iida marching into class and to the podium to address his fellow classmates. "Stop talking and take your seats!"
"We're already in our seats!"
"You're the only one who isn't!"
Just as the rep takes his seat, the door opened again, their homeroom teacher bidding them good morning as he limps bandaged covered to his desk. "Mr.Aizawa, you're back too soon! You're too much of a pro," Denki flabbergasted, while Tenya raised his hand to ask if the Erasure Hero is alright.
"My well being doesn't matter. More importantly, the fight is not over yet."
Fight, maroon head tilting in question.
"The U.A Sports Festival is drawing near," everyone instantly cheering about participating in a normal school event and Jiro lifting her hand.
"Is it okay to have a sports festival so soon after the villains snuck inside?"
"What if they attack us again or something…?" Ojiro adding to her worries.
"Apparently, they think of it as U.A showing that our crisis management system is solid as a rock by holding the event," Aizawa informed them. "Security will also be strengthened go five times that of previous years… above all, our sports festival is a huge chance. It's not an event to be canceled because of a few villains."
If they did that, it'd show U.A as weak and afraid. That's the last thing the school board wants, Free mused, half listening to her teacher talk about the importance of the festival. A few students comment on it being to showcase your Quirk for scouting purposes and the likes.
"One chance a year. A total of just three chances. No aspiring heroes can afford to miss this event. If you understand that, don't slack off in your preparations," he concluded seriously and receiving an immediate 'yes sir' from his students. "Homeroom is dismissed."
Excited chatter passing along the rows of 20 teenagers, whom await their first class of the day, the festival all that can be talked about, even when lunchtime rolled around.
Usually, the redhead sticks with her freckled friend, but today she can't help following the carmine eyed hothead out of class right at the bell. "Heya Firecracker, wait up!" Free coming to walk next to him and grinning when he glared at her.
"The fuck you want now, Brickhead?"
"Thought we could eat lunch together," unfazed by his hostile tone.
Katsuki balked, "why?"
She raised a brow at him, "cause I like ya, what else is there?"
"You don't even know me Pumpkin Face," a scoff accompanying his statement, faint blushing too. "Go bother someone else. I don't got time for this shit."
"What shit? Getting ta know someone?"
"Anything that doesn't benefit me in becoming the number 1 Hero," he said, hand coming out to slam into the wall to halt her from going any further. "I didn't come to U.A to make friends, I came to be the best. You're nothing to me except another obstacle to beat."
"That's only cause ya not willing to open up and try," the freckled girl remarked knowingly. "Come on," she pleaded, hand lifting her phone in view to show him her lock screen picture, "where's this cutie hiding nowadays?" Referring to the photo of a happy six-year-old Katsuki at Izuku's birthday party, sporting an All Might party hat and surrounded by other kids.
Instantaneously, two things happen at once; the first, Bakugo grabbing at the phone in preparation to blow it up, secondly, Free predicting this and smoothly dropping it down her shirt. "I'll kill you!"
"F-Free? Kaachan?" Midoriya's voice garnering their attention, the female using the distraction to duck away from the bomber and over to Uraraka and Iida, the brunette giggling.
"Are you teasing Bakugo again?"
"I was asking him to lunch, but he pretty much shut me down… cool if I join y'all instead?"
"Of course, Hastings. Bakugo, you're welcomed to eat lunch with us too," Iida offered to the angry teen, whom refused to remove his burning stare from the American.
"I rather choke to death, Glasses," Katsuki expressed rudely, "this isn't over," his promise laced with threat for the redhead, before shoving his hands into uniform pockets and stomping off.
Free can't help what leaves her mouth next, "we're just getting started Prettyboy!"
"I think he's starting to warm up to you," Ochaco linking arms with the taller girl.
"W-Warm up? I-I'm not sure Kacchan is capable of that," Izuku stuttered.
"Kacchan's never met someone like me, Freckles," peach winking at him around the brunette. "I have a talent for igniting fires and getting under skin, both the perfect combination to melt any cold heart… as long as there is one. Obviously this natural charisma doesn't work on villains."
"Have you tried?" Ochaco asked. "Becoming a hero and melting criminal hearts sounds like your style Free-chan! Imagine if it did work!"
It doesn't, trust me, maroonette bitterly in glancing out the window and longing to be out there a few hundred feet above, free for a few moments.
"Speaking of becoming a hero… Uraraka-san. I was wondering why you choose to come to U.A?"
"Huh? Um… because... of money," her answer surprising the others.
"You want to become a hero for money?"
I know it sounds terrible, "but to boil it down simply, yes," hand rubbing the back of her head, "sorrynit's such an unwholesome reason. You all have such admirable motivations, it's embarrassing."
Tenya waved his arms around, Free ducking to avoid the left one with ease. "Why? How is having a goal to support your livelihood not admirable?"
Midoriya agreeing with Iida, "right... but it's unexpected."
With her hands covering round-red cheeks, the gravity girl settled on sharing some of her background, "my family owns a construction company… but we haven't gotten any work at all, so we're flat broke. This isn't really something to tell other people, though…"
So, she wants to help her family, Texan understanding now.
"With her Quirk, if she gets licensed, then it'd bring costs way down, right?" Greenet pointed out, Iida adding to the shorter teens train of thought.
"She could make any raw material float. They wouldn't need any heavy equipment." Uraraka shooting finger guns in excitement.
"Right? That's what I told Dad when I was little!" Brunette suddenly turning solemn again, "but… he turned me down and encouraged me to focus on my own dreams instead."
"He sounds like a good father," Free remarked.
I wonder what that's like.
"He is! That's why I'll definitely become a hero and make money and let my parents take it easy," her genuine reasoning drawing a round of applause and bravo from the engine-calfed bluenet.
Then, familiar and boisterous laughter rings out of nowhere, "young Midoriya is here!" All Might speeding up the hall to halt beside his students.
"A-all Might? What's the matter?" Izuku asked, the pro hero pointing at him.
"Lunch," he said puking a bunny cloth wrapped kit out, "wanna eat together?"
The freckled teen looks to his friends in support, Tenya nodding and the other two giving him a thumbs up.
"Oi, Uncle Might! Ma said if ya avoid seeing her in person any longer, she'll come down here herself," American relaying her mother's message with a sweet smile.
Toshinori Yagi can't stop the shiver that travels along his spine, "ahaha… even the new security measures likely wouldn't stop Elle Hastings from following through," he muttered to the inheritor of All For One in their march away.
I wonder if there's something I'm missing, orange following the pair until they round the corner.
"Guess it's down to three," Ochaco hummed.
"Two actually," Free's sight drawn outside again. "I'll catch up in class, the sun's calling my name, so imma opt out of food for sunshine." Her hand throwing up a peace sign in goodbye as she skipped to the stairwell with a burst of energy and journeying outside.
A soft patch of grass next to the courtyard is the perfect place for a 20-minute recharge and would have been longer if her bird-headed and dupli-armed classmates didn't remind the snoozing girl of next period. "Is this a common occurrence," Tokoyami wondered in their trek upstairs, crimson sliding to the yawning redhead, who shakes her head no.
"Naps, 100%, but not very often at school. I'm just drawn to the sun more in spring, since the weather is warming up again."
"A trait due to your Quirk?" Shoji guessed, earning a nod from her in response.
"Sun is kind of vital for insects, which Lepidoptera are… also the reason cold and I don't mix too well."
"The cold did not seem to effect you during combat training," the bird-like male pointed out, recalling noticing nothing of the sort on the monitor.
"I spent a lot of time training all types of cocoon defense... a sickening amount of time. Guess it paid off." Not that I had a choice in the matter. "I'm sure ya both have a few weaknesses that have ta be trained up on too, huh?"
"Aa."
"Though Dark Shadow and I have many hardships and lessons ahead, we will not cower in the challenge of it all."
"Well said Fumi," Free sliding 1.A homeroom door open half a minute later, the trio walking to their designated seats, chatter from the others inside focused on the upcoming Sports Festival still.
--
Excitement is present for the remainder of the day, any breaks between work filled with more talk, until dismissed at 3:20, everyone preparing to leave by packing up and the likes. Up until Ochaco slides the door open for Free and herself, a crowd of other U.A students blocking the exit.
"Wh-what's going on?"
First the media, now this, the American considering morphing to escape out of the window, sunrise drifting to her possible getaway.
"What business do you have with Class A?" Their class rep inquired, arms swaying robotically.
Mineta complains too, tiny fist in the air, "we can't get out! What'd you come here for, anyway?"
"Scouting out the enemy, small fry," Katsuki brushing past his classmates to stand at the front of the masses. "We're the ones who made it out of the villains' attack. They probably wanna check us out before the sports festival."
"Eat ya heart out," Free drawled and shuffling to stand behind the bomber, figuring if anyone's going to shove their way through the unwanted visitors, it's the hothead.
"There's no point in doing stuff like that. Out of my way, extras!"
He really thinks he's the protagonist in a action/adventure Shonen series, the redhead hiding behind her maroon curls, snickering silently at the train of thought.
"Stop calling people extras just because you don't know them!" Tenya lecturing the ash-blonde, who has no issue tuning him out.
"I came to see what the famous Class A was like, but you seem pretty arrogant," a new voice chimed in, instantly peaking the interests of many, Free Hastings included.
It's him, citrine lifting to find the indigo-haired male she locked gazes with in the hall prior to the attack, now center front of the crowd.
"Are all the students in the hero course like this?" His inquiry irking Bakugo, while others denied the claim passionately. "Seeing something like this makes me disillusioned," violet scanning those present within the classroom leisurely and hovering on vivid-orange longest. "There are quite a few people who enrolled in general studies or other courses because they didn't make it into the Hero Course. Did you know that?"
40 out of how many, who doesn't know that? Recommendations and tranfers besides, leaving less technically.
"The school has left those of us a chance. Depending on the results of the sports festival, they'll consider our transfer into the hero course. And it seems they may also transfer people out," his words throwing off a good number of students, but not all, the two closest to him unfazed. "Scouting out the enemy? I, at least, came to say that even if you're in the hero course, if you get top carried away, I'll sweep your feet out from under you. I came with a declaration of war."
"Consider me swept off mine," Texan meeting the boldness with her own, a cheeky smile accompanying the flirty words, both Carmine and Amethyst widening as expected.
They'd never survive high school social encounters back home. I'm tamed compared to most American teens.
"Hey, hey, hey, hey! I'm from class next door," another student called out from within the hall somewhere. "I heard you fought against villains, so I came to hear bout'it. Don't get so full of yourself!"
Wow, we have some lively ones today, huh, the redhead ready to ditch all the drama and get some after school training in. Luckily, her earlier decision to stick by the explosive teen finally pays off, as his cool and collected presence cleared a path out to the right.
"Wait a minute, Bakugo! What're you gonna do about all this?" Kirishima called out. "It's your fault that everyone's hating on us!"
The bomber paused, his blood-red meeting orange-crush, before addressing the others, "it doesn't matter."
"Huh?!"
"It doesn't matter as long as you rise to the top," his final statement exactly what 1.A needed to hear, every student feeling it to their core and knowing what they need to do over the next two weeks. Katsuki leaving on that, the American girl trailing him, after throwing a quick wink to the tall indie boy. When there's enough distance between them and the crowd, she catches up to Bakugo and grins when he rolls his eyes in annoyance. "You're fucking relentless."
"Good trait for a hero though, right?"
"Hah. You'll be lucky if you make side kick."
Now it's her turn to roll her eyes, "we both know that was a load of shit. 10000 yen says I make top three in the festival." Katsuki scoffing at her nerve.
"I'll take that bet... but when I win it all, you have to do whatever I say for a full 24 hours, Pumpkin Face."
"Deal… wanna kiss on it," she teased, eyebrows wiggling at him.
"Tch, go kiss your new boyfriend."
My new boyfri-OH.
"I doubt I'd find him now. S'not like I know his name."
"Hah?! Says a lot about a girl who jumps from one guy to the next," his rude utterance making current company laugh.
"Ya shaming me for flirtin' cause ya jealous, or cause it bothers ya that I'm not afraid of sentiment and connection?"
Instead of rising to the bait, the spiky blonde blankly stared at her. "I didn't understand a damn thing you just said, Brickhead," smirking when she gives him the middle finger amid switching their shoes in the foyer and walking out together.
At least until the gates, where Free stopped to wait for Izuku, Ochaco and Iida. "See ya tomorrow, Prettyboy."
"Unfortunately," he quipped, not bothering to glance back and continuing on his way.
"Byeeeee boo," an overly girly tone to her voice as he rounded the corner, explosions sounding in the distance.
Knew I'd get him.
As expected, the three other teens exit a couple minutes later, the four conversing about their training plans in preparation for the festival.
--
Over the next fourteen days before the Sports Festival, Izuku and Free start off every morning with a beach run together at 6, meeting-up for school again at 745, then spending more time afterwards on their Quirk and hand-to-hand training. Neither seeing any problem working with one another, both preferring it actually. All comments, concerns, criticism, advice and support shared between them easily, making improving in specific areas better for both.
And just like that, the morning of the sports festival arrives, sun rising and birds chirping outside of Free Hastings apartment window as a wake up call. Of course, today she and Izuku decided not to meet up first thing, the girl opting to head to the roof for a yoga instead, while simultaneously using the time to absorb solar energy for today's events.
Once finished that, a shower and breakfast follow, the female student scrolling through morning news on her phone, when Elle Hastings joins the world of the living. "Morning Ma. Another late night, huh?"
The single mother of one barely managed a yawn in response, nothing distinguishable until coffee touches her lips. "Morning Firefly. Don't remember the last time I went to sleep before 3am… ya ready for today?" Elle raising a manicured brow at her daughter while attempting to tame her curls with a bun.
"I think so… kinda have a game plan in mind: take it easy first round, step it out second round, go all out in the finals," the daughter shared amid gathering her backpack and gym uniform.
"Ya pretty confident. Inko and I will be getting together to watch it later on. We're both excited to witness all the hard work you and Izuku have put in."
"I'm excited knowing ya hanging with a friend rather then pouring over on-going cases like a mad-women," Free dodging a swing of the 40 year-olds arm and sticking out her tongue in victory. "See ya ma," ducking in fast to kiss her on the cheek and heading for the door, bag on her shoulders.
"Kick some ass out there!"
"Well said and will do," throwing up a peace sign in farewell, prior to skipping for the elevator and exiting a floor down. A moment later, she's knocking on The Midoriya's door, Inko answering and smiling at Free's arrival.
"Good morning Free-chan. Come in," the soft women stepping aside to welcome the teenage girl inside. "How are you feeling? Are you nervous?"
"Not really… more so brimming with anticipation Mrs. Midoriya. How's Freckles holding up?" Apricot scanning the living space for the younger greenet, assuming he's still prepping in his room as the mother frets in her clean up of dishes.
"Izuku is fine… it's myself who's worried."
I totally see where he gets his compassion for those he cares for from.
"It's only natural... unless you're my mother, who told me to 'kick some ass out there'. Though I suppose that's her way of telling me she has faith in me, yakknow?" Dropping her bag to grab the dish towel and dry what's washed, waving off the sweet lady's refusal for help and finding the rightful place for it all.
Faith, Inko pondered. Does Izuku know I believe in him too? Was the costume enough?
"Ya should give it a try sometime," Frees words confusing the women for a moment. "It feels good ta swear and encourage simultaneously. Just wait till ya watch with Ma... Lord ya in for an adventure."
I've never met someone as competitive as she is… though Katsuki might give her a run for her money.
"Uwah! I-I didn't know you were waiting for me! I'm so sorry!" The freckled teen frantic at his friends' casual attitude in welcoming herself in anywhere.
"We got plenty of time still. Ya ready?"
"I-I think so," his hand scratching his cheek as he looks away, I'm not sure I'll keep up with you, but I'll do my best. "W-we should go," gathering his stuff, while the redhead puts the last dish in the cupboard and meeting at the door to put their shoes on.
Inko following and hovering by her son, "Izuku, be careful not to get hurt."
"Okay," he says in standing, Free already ready with her hand on the doorknob.
"I'll record it, okay? In high resolution."
He turns to her with a smile. "Okay."
The mother glances at the guest who gives an encouraging nod. Here goes,, "k-kick some ass out there!"
Instantaneously, her remark both surprised and cheered Izuku, who smiled widely. "Okay! Thank you, Mom. I'll do my best," hugging his parent and nodding as the pair leave for the day ahead.
Inko teared up, not quite remembering the last time her son initiated a hug. I wonder if faith is what brought Free-chan into Izuku's life?
Outside, the Hero students make for the train station, while taking guesses at what challenges lay ahead.
--
Time passes in a blink, the two already in the participant waiting room with the rest of 1.A, everyone already changed in their gym uniform. Currently they pass time chatting, stretching or in some cases, flirting and teasing.
"I know ya refused to seal the deal with a kiss yesterday, but if ya want a little extra luck I'm offering," Free directed at the ash blonde sitting not a meter away, her words only tempting him to raise a palm and silence the annoying girl once and for all.
"Kiss?" Mina picking up on the word from next to the lockers by Ojiro. I ship it, molten gold peering between the explosive and butterfly teens.
"I'll take one Free-Chan!" Denki not hesitating at the chance, earning a genuine laugh from the maroonette.
"Sorry Pikachu, I limit myself to one blonde at a time and Katsuki is more than enough." Her classmates chuckling and laughing at Kaminari pretending to be shot in the heart, while Free winked at Bakugo, who scoffed and turned away to ignore her. Though, he can't hide the reddening of his ears and neck, almost earning another comment if it weren't for Iida barging into the room.
"We will be entering soon!"
Well, that set everyone on edge, sunrise on her neighbor and the purple-hair shorty close by, who does a weird chant thing.
Perverted and odd?
"Midoriya," Shoto abruptly addressing the freckled teen and approaching, Izuku shifting to face the taller heterochromia-haired male.
"Todoroki. What is it?"
At her friends' shoulder, Free observes Elsa with a head tilt as he goes on. "Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than you."
"Huh?" Greenet nodding, "Y-Yeah…"
"But... All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?"
He noticed too, citrine swirling thoughtfully, he's a lot more aware than I originally assumed.
"I'm not trying to pry about that, but I'm going to beat you."
Red eyebrows raising high at his serious announcement, "looks like Elsa brought his A game today. Good thing ya came ta kick some ass, huh, Freckles?" Free nudging Izuku's elbow with her own, prior to trekking across the room for a bottle of water, slightly insulted when hearing the electric teen call Todoroki the best in class.
Then again, now that Mr.Freeze knows to take everyone seriously and to not write them off by glance, I'll admit he is incredibly strong. We're on more even ground considering his Quirk has a part 2, like my own... ice and heat... possibly fire entirely as he's Endeavor's kid?
"-of a sudden?" Eijiro trying to break up the intense declaration by the top student, who shrugged the spiky-redheads hand off his shoulder and turning to step away.
"We're not here to play at being friends. So what does it matter?"
Play at it, maroon furrowing at the bitter undertone. Why can't we friends and competitors?
"Todoroki," Izuku gaining the rooms attention, "I don't what you're thinking when you say you'll beat me, but of course you're better than me."
For now, Freckles.
"I think you're more capable than most people. Looking at it objectively…" Midoriya well-aware of how far behind he is compared to most, while Kirishima motions for him to stop.
"Midoriya, you probably shouldn't talk so negatively…"
Still, he goes on, "but everyone… even the students from the other courses are aiming for the top with everything they've got! I can't afford to fall behind, so I'll be going for it with everything I have, too." His neighbor watching as something sparked to life in her mossy-eyed friend, whatever it is, igniting a fire under every student present.
Is that what reminds me of Uncle Might... his way with words and the passion accompanying it?
--
Shortly, it's time to head out to the open arena, their class gathering together at the door and shuffling down the hallway to the end, where Present Mic can be heard long before entering. The mans' enthusiasm about the Sports Festival working up the crowd and audiences viewing elsewhere.
"The huge battle where fledgling heroes sharpen their swords once a year! Anyway, these are the guys, right? The miraculous new stars who overcame enemy attacks with their hearts of steel!" Referring to 1.A and its villain attack as the 20 students break through the threshold and into the sunlight. "Hero course, class 1.A, right?!"
All around, classes enter from their specified halls, fireworks and cheers ringing loudly, Free Hastings loving every second of it. The Texan grinning from the very back of her classmates and last to journey forward. Instead, turning around to wave and throw a peace sign at the crowd, the people eating it up and roaring thunderously.
Not my first rodeo, maroonette twisting to catch up and stand next to Mezo as Mic introduced the other Hero class.
When finished with introductions of the remaining courses and all the first years are present, Midnight takes her stage as referee, geared in her full R-rated costume. "Time for the player pledge!"
Pledge?
Free wondering who'll be making it, and choking on air when their Umpire called Katsuki Bakugo to the stage. "ACK!" One of Shoji's hands patting her back a few times and receiving a nod of thanks from girl. "This is going to be priceless," she said, cheeks already lifting in a smirk when the ash-blonde takes the stage and steps up to the mic.
"I pledge… that I'll be number one."
"Hahahahaha," Free needing to hold onto the large teen due to her legs going weak in laughter. "He never disappoints." Apparently, she's the only one to find the explosive male's pledge hilarious, a number of other students booing and calling him a 'sludge bastard.'
What does that mean?
Above, Midnight calls for everyone's attention again, "now, let's get this started right away. The first game is what you'd call a qualifier! Every year, many drinking their tears here!"
They'll cut at least 50% this first round, sunrise scanning the large amount of first years.
"NOW! Here is the fateful first game!" The pro-hero announced, waving her flag at the screen that blurred in random, "this year it's… this!"
An obstacle race?
"All 11 classes will participate in this race. The course will be the outer circumference of this stadium—about four kilometers! Our school's selling point is freedom," Midnight licking her lips. "As long as you stay on the course, it doesn't matter what you do!"
Not bad…
"Hey Mez, I'm going to do most of this without the use of my Quirk."
Shoji is surprised by the Americans' words, "you will be the only one here to do so."
"I like a challenge."
"Now, take your places everyone!" .
The mass number of teenagers making for the large steel door, where they'll all be starting off on equal terms. When ready, the three green lights countdown.
At the back again, 17-year-old Texas-native Free Hastings activates Metamorphosis, Apricot color orbs changing to reflective crystal and rays of sun seeping into her tanned skin continuously, brimming in growing energy beneath the surface.
"START!"
The doors opened, instant crowding in the hall locking everyone in a tight battle to clear it, just as predicted by the Texan. Her precise reasoning for choosing to be last obvious to the announcers and others now.
Well, might as well give em a show, unzipping her shirt and tossing it to the ground.
Snowberry Clearwing Moth: a pair of translucent wings, with dark scaling and reddish-brown borders popping from the cocooned back of Free Hastings. Solar energy dries them in a blink, ahead of lifting her from the ground, a hummingbird like appearance to the girls flight over the crowded tunnel of teens and out the other side. She skillfully avoids Todoroki's ice attempt to halt everyone and laughing, "woo!" Her wings disintegrating mid air and dropping onto the icy covered ground in a slide. Her cocooned protected feet kick in a skating fashion as an expression of pure enjoyment lights up the morphers face amid passing a number of stuck students. "Gotta put ya back into it," she joked over her shoulder, glad to have been skating a few times throughout the years.
Unsurprisingly, ice is the least of the student's problem as a high number of robots ranging in size bring the competitors to a standstill. All accept Free Hastings, who doesn't hesitate dodging past her fellow first-years and into the dust at the steel obstacles feet. A perfect cover, though it might be a different story if she hadn't layered herself in an armor as defense. Free's melodic laughter echoing as she expertly parkoured up, over, off and around metal limbs. Just as she launches off the last one with a burst of energy, Todoroki's ice sends chills down her back, a quick peak behind finds him breaking past the large contraptions 20 feet back.
Now's as good as any to take it easy and gather for later, slowing down to a steady jog, rather than speeding up, head tilting back to let the sun wash over her and armor fading to allow better light absorption.
Shoto Todoroki doesn't know what to make of the American who basically gives up on first place, his heterochromic-eyes glancing at her in passing, dirt thrown up fiercely at their backs and gusts of wind tussling maroon wildly due to the crashing robot. The texan unbothered as her and other students passed by in a rush, all determined to trek on and get ahead as fast as possible, only to come to another stop half a kilometer later, at 'The Fall'.
Lordy, creamsicle peaking over the canyon obstacle and into the abyss below.
So… either crawl along the ropes or Quirk it out, the American deciding on the latter, crawling a hell of a lot more exhausting than using light to jump from rock to rock. Even with the spiny hairs running along her main limbs from transformation, which is kind of a cheat for her in sticking to most things. So, with a quick jump and energy at her heels, the Texan lands on the next platform 10 feet out and continuing from there on.
Here I was telling Mezo I'd limit my usage, but at this rate, I rather fall down than crawl all those, looking backwards at those struggling in doing so.
Ahh, Freckles, there ya are, Izuku hanging on by dear life, a piece of green steel strapped to his back.
What's that big brain on yours planning?
Finally, after her 18th jump, the solar-sucker teen starts the next leg of the race, which is a mine field. Only a small number of people are ahead, Shoto and Katsuki two of them and further than everyone else.
I could morph and fly over this if I really wanted. Probably even win with enough motivation, but, Free still preferring to void all Quirk use other than her chrysalis shell and coming to a steady pace once more, elegantly avoiding bombs by hopping or twisting around them smoothly. Various dumb thoughts cross her mind as she actively dances around nukes.
How long did it take to bury all these?
Who did it?
Does some have a Quirk convenient enough to do so?
BOOOM!
Free Hastings will never know exactly what her next stupid question was, mind blank as she watched the metal piece her neighbor was carrying earlier soar high above the field, with him on it. Holy shit, gaze tracking his whereabouts the entire ride, that lands him at the very front of everyone.
"GO FRECKLES!!! WOO!" His drive pushing her to keep going and eventually bursting through the arena doors again behind a good number of others. Hopefully I didn't slack too much and not make cut off, orange flicking over faces and finding the blushing freckled one. Ochaco must of gave him praise, jogging over to them.
"Free! You made it!" The cheery brunette noticing her first.
"Ya bet I did," winking at the shorter girl, before stopping in front of Midoriya. "IZUKU! YOU ARE BRILLIANT AND CRAZY AND I'M SO PROUD!!" Swiftly hugging him and almost causing the poor boy to malfunction.
"T-Thank you F-Free!" hands bashfully covering his red face while fidgeting in place, the two girls persistent in complimenting and commending the sweet teen.
--
When results show up ten minutes latee, the Texan laughs at being 38th, only 5 places from failing out of the next round. A sigh relief escaping her at the realization, phew… ma would have been the one kicking my ass if I blew it being lazy.
Midnight moves along, "the real competition starts next. The press cavalry'll be all over it! Give it your all!"
No more half-assing it.
Free slipping her shirt on that Tsuyu brings over, taller girl forgetting about it entirely and smiling in thanks as the Umpire waves her whip around, "now then, here is the second game. I already know what it is, but what could it be? What could it be? I just said it, and now here it is… a cavalry battle."
Beside the Maroonette, Tsuyu questioned how it'll work in this situation, while beside her, Denki complains at being bad them. That rules him out, American decides, attention on the pro who begins explaining.
"The participants can form teams of two to four people as they wish," giant screen showing an example using All Might, Thirteen and Mic for visual. "It's basically the same as a regular cavalry battle, but the ones thing that's different is based in the results if the last game. Each person has been assigned a point value." Chatter spreads about the point system within the students, evoking Midnight's wrath as she whips her flag with a snap. "You guys don't hold back even though I'm talking, huh?"
No women alive likes being talked over, Texan hiding a snicker by turning her face away.
"Yes, that's right! And the points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom."
So I got 25... could be worst, could be a whole lot better.
"-And the point value assigned to first place is… ten million."
"ACK," Free's neck snapping sideways to find her now white-faced neighbor.
Yup… it could be a hell of a lot worst, seemingly every pair of contenders' eyes on the poor boy. Unless he asks me, I'm not going near that headband until the last minute ticks down.
"It's survival of the fittest, with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!"
You can say that again… so, a team of two to four… who can I ask, diamond irises scanning the crowd in curiosity as Midnight finishes up her explanation. When the American's gaze lands on the purple haired general course student, she instantly knows he's her first pick. Shoji her next, recalling a promise to work together when given the chance.
Besides, having him for close-to-close combat allows me to protect with distance attacks.
"Now, you have 15 minutes to build your teams. Start!"
Intending to quickly move through the crowd, the freckled redhead twists and smacks into a sturdy body unsuspectingly, her eyes lifting to find an unfamiliar student with silver hair and black eyes surrounded by white eyelashes. "SORRY!" is the first thing that comes out of his mouth, sharp teeth shining brightly as he hurriedly bowed. She's from 1.A, recognizing her immediately from the other day.
"It's fine." He looks tough. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry too. I'm crazy excited and nervous for this event, yaknow??" Free's fingers automatically lifting to play with her recently braided ponytail.
Wow! She's so pretty! Like really pretty, Tetsutetsu wide-eyed, "I know what you mean! An all-out-team battle for points is epic, but also nerve-wracking!"
"I'm Free Hastings by the way," her introduction including an easy-going smile and head tilt, waiting for his name.
"Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu."
That's a mouthful.
"Ya got a team Tetsutetsu?"
What?! "Just like that? We don't even know each other," surprise written across the guy's face as she shrugged.
"That's what makes it fun. Plus, its an opportunity to make new friends and work alongside different Quirks. Both challenges in their own way."
The steel Quirk user falters, how can I argue that? "Let's do it!" I hope Kendo and the others won't be too angry!
"Yeah?"
Wow, thought I'd need to do more convincing.
"Badass! I feel like this is already a good line up! I have two others in mind, think ya can trust me here?"
Usually, Tetsutetsu wouldn't have a problem being straightforward about anything, thoughts of asking someone else from his class join their team. However, that all seems to fade to the background when the attractive girl raised a brow in question, her attention solely on him and without care of the forty other students bustling about around them. "Who do you have in mind?"
"Come on," Free waving for him to follow and weaving by others, towards the tuft of purple she hasn't let out of her sight since first spotting it. They just so happen to pass by Shoji in the midst, her fingers snagging one of his without warning and pulling him along. "You're with us Mezo."
"Aa," the large male not bothering to protest, allowing her to lead him and the other guy a couple more yards where she let go with a wink.
"Give me a sec to work my magic. In the meantime, Tetsutetsu, this is Shoji. I'll be right back," the girl already strolling the remaining distance to her last victim. "Hey, Sugarplum," the flirty name instantly drawing the lone student's purple eyes. "Ya got a team yet?"
She's talking to me, Hitoshi Shinso scanning nearby to make sure he's certain. "Not yet." Sugarplum...?
"Good. You're perfect to fill the last position on mine, if you're interested of course," no hint of malice or underlying tones of bullshit, throwing off the general studies kid.
"Why me?"
"I like an underdog," she admits easily. "That, and it took a shit ton of nerve to confront my class like you did. Means you're determined and serious about your goal in becoming a hero student."
Again, Hitoshi is caught off guard, not something that happens too often, yet he's oddly pleased with the feeling it brings for once. "Thanks for considering me… I accept."
"I'm Free Hastings by the way," her hand extending for his and shaking when he takes it.
"Shinso Hitoshi."
"I kinda like Sugarplum more, but will settle for Hitoshi if that's alright?"
Scratching the back of his neck, the indigo haired teen does his best at smiling, "whatever works with you Hastings-san."
"Free. A part of my American side dies every time someone my own age calls me by my last name." Shinso chuckled and trailing her when she motions him towards a pair of males conversing not far off. "Team Value Pick ready to go!" Her joke making the multi-armed teens mask lift and the shark toothed one laugh loudly.
"Hastings-san is funny!" Tetsutetsu remarked, the guilt from ditching his class lessened from her light-hearted humor.
"Free," she directs to the 1.B student, "Hastings-san is my ma."
"Hai, Free-san!" He corrected, earning a wink in satisfaction from her.
"So, I was thinking for our formation we'll have to know each other's Quirks. From what I've gathered already, Shoji will make a good bottom center for defense," pointing him out for the new comer, "-and I think with my light manipulatation and morphing, I should be rider in case we need to make a fast escape. I'll able to carry and land us safely with a strong set of wings."
"I'll take any side," Tetsutetsu says. "My steel is perfect for all lines of defense from any angle."
"Steel? It covers your entire body?" To answer her question he activates his Quirk, solid metal covering every surface visible of the teenage boy.
"No one can get through me!"
"So that leaves ya," 3 pairs of eyes landing on the last to state his Quirk. "What ya got Hitoshi?" Her question is a simple one, but feels the complete opposite when directed at him, Shinso becoming tongue-tied in response.
I have to tell them, don't I? They're wiling to take a chance on me…
"Brainwashing."
Brainwashing, all three hero students thought, Free the first to fully acknowledge his words, "you're Quirk is Brainwashing?" He nods, purple jumping between them for what he expects to be feelings of distrust and certain weariness. "Let me guess, it doesn't work on robots, huh?" Redhead quick to make the connection to his declaration weeks ago.
"It does not. Only people who can respond to me."
"It's activated through speaking?" Shoji understanding.
"Aa."
"Wow! Show us please?!" Tetsutetsu asked, curiosity tenfold at the mind controlling Quirk.
Abashed at the sudden interest in his power, Hitoshi figured obliging wouldn't be such a terrible thing, "Free, do you mind." At his inquiry, the usually carefree girl goes rigid, sudden thoughts of having no control over herself bringing everything to a standstill.
All chattering voices sound miles away, while her heartbeat pounds loudly like a drum in her ears. I… I can't, chest tightening with every tick of it, until a hand settled on her shoulder, drawing the 17-year-old from the mild panic attack. Mezo gives what he hopes to be a reassuring expression and offering himself up instead, a look passing between their other teammates, but neither choosing to comment.
"Shoji, right?"
"Yes." Nothing obvious gives it away; only when Shinso tells the dupli-armed teen to do the polka, does it really register to both Tetsutetsu and Free that their center is under Hitoshi's Quirk. Even when the short dance makes the American giggle, she can't help the natural fear it generates in her.
Damn that man for breaking pieces of me, orbs shimmering with immense emotion and locking on the odd man out, "you're a perfect fit for the brain of the operation. What do you think?"
Released from the control, Mezo shakes off the iffy feeling and nods in agreement, "collecting headbands will be fairly easy if no one catches onto your ability. Can you hold more than one person at a time?"
"With enough concentration, multiple people are possible," Hitoshi answered, making Free grin.
This is going to be epic.
"I've got a rough plan in mind... if either of you have anything to add or any better suggestions, don't be afraid to chime in. We're a team," huddling them in closer and informing them what she thinks their best play is. "I'm a lefty and strongest on that side, so we should put Hitoshi there, while Tetsu covers right. Try to strengthen any weaker spots."
"Good idea Free-san!" Tetsutetsu getting more pumped by the second, his team not what expected or originally planned, but just as cool.
"We should stay under the radar and start by collecting bands with the lowest points," the Brainwasher supplied, all three concurring. "We'll keep my Quirk as a trump card for near the end or emergencies. No one will likely catch on if we avoid putting it use too often."
Free grinned, "it's almost too good, yakknow?" The male trio nodding in agreement. "I'll do as I stated earlier and cover long distance with electromagnetic attacks too. Mez, you're our ears, eyes and main body; anyone or anything incoming is for you to alert us to before hand, which should give us enough time to either go on the defense or offensive. Tetsutetsu is our tank and shield, Hitoshi secret weapon. "
"Aa. I won't fail you guys."
"Let's do this!"
"Any failures are on us as a team, okay?" A heartfelt and genuine smile accompanying what she hopes to words of affirmation in their partnership. Both Tetsutetsu and Hitoshi regarding the freckled beauty in new light, while Mezo is somewhat accustomed to the girls' equanimity and natural charisma. "Team Value Pick for tha win!"
--
Soon enough, 15:00 minutes is place on the board, along with groupings and point amounts:
1. Izuku Midoriya, Ochaco Uraraka, Fumikage Tokoyami, Mei Hatsume. 10,000,325.
2. Katsuki Bakugo, Hanta Sero, Mina Ashido, Eijiro Kaminari. 665.
3. Shoto Todoroki, Tenya Iida, Denki Kaminari, Momo Yaoyorozu. 615.
4. Nirengenki Shoda, Juzo Honenuki, Yosetsu Awase, Ibara Shiozaki. 590.
5. Tsuyu Asui, Mashirao Ojiro, Minoru Mineta, Aoyama Yuga. 540
6. Free Hastings, Mezo Shoji, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Hitoshi Shinso. 415.
7. Kyoka Jiro, Rikido Sato, Koji Koda. 365.
8. Neito Monoma, Kosei Tsuburaba, Sen Kaibara, Shihai Kuroiro. 305.
9. Itsuka Kendo, Reiko Yanagi, Setsuna Tokage, Kinoko Komori. 225.
10. Yui Kodai, Kojiro Bondo, Manga Fukidashi. 165.
11. Hiryu Jin, Jurota Shishida. 125.
12. Pony Tsunotori, Togaru Kamakiri, 70.
~
"Now then, it's about time to get started!" Midnight on her platform, while Present Mic comments on some on the team match ups, before beginning the count down. "Three! Two! One!"
"Start!" The R-rated Hero waving her whip.
Free Hastings can openly admit that battles of this sort are a rare thing in America. Team efforts and events are done much differently back home, though it's a fun change and new experience to find oneself being carried and supported by three peers.
"Okay, let's stick to the plan. Nothing flashy to catch attention and start at the lowest amount," the Texan throwing her shirt to the ground again, a thick chrysalis already formed along her exposed back, much thicker than the one covering their left wing entirely.
Extra padding for someone with a mental based Quirk goes a long way, she noted when covering him in the cocoon layer.
"That would be Pony and Kamakiri with 70," Tetsutetsu says on her right, steel fingers pointing to the horned American exchange student and the Green-Mohawk one. "She's excellent at long range, while Kamakiri is a mid to close fighter. Both have great control over their Quirks and crazy determination."
"Are they easy to rile up?"
"Yes! Him more than her," his response exactly what the female teammate wanted to hear.
"Perfect! Straight for them and no stopping," opal sliding down to violet amid doing as she bid. "If things don't go as smoothly as anticipated, ya know what ta do Sugarplum?"
"Aa," Shinso nods, eyes moving to the team of two ahead.
--
Over the next ten minutes, Team Hastings's points climb higher and higher, their plan working out as intended for the most part. The team specifically avoiding Team Kendo with 225pts at the steel teens discretion, and Team Bakugo and Todoroki at hers.
Together and in sync, they utilize each of their own skills and strengths, succeeding in collecting the three lowest point-bands. Free keeping them at a distance afterwards with solar energy attacks, as the rest of her team's abilities lie in closer ranged fighting.
"4 MINUTES REMAINING! Who's going to take the 100000?! Any ideas Mummy Man?" Present's' commentary ringing out and time quickly dispersing.
Eventually, the loosing teams realize how much of a threat the ragtag group is and decide to all approach at once, intending to overpower them with numbers. Aware of this, and uncomfortable sitting at only 825pts around her neck, Free zeroes in on Team Asui across the arena and figuring its as good of time as any to break out their escape tactic. Likely collect the 540 points too and sealing the deal.
Female Goliath Birdwing: dark-brown forewings and yellow, white-spotted hindwings freeing from the cocooned back. "Tetsu, Shoji, NOW," the steel teen releasing his Quirk while the larger teen wrapped his multiple arms strategically around his teammates, redhead sitting on his shoulders as another pair linked at her waist securely. Just as three teams attacked, massive butterfly wings spread forth, a burst of solar power pulsed from the scaled appendages, blowing back the competitors with blinding light.
Team Hastings fluttered off the ground with another output of enerfy, allowing themselves plenty of escape room and time; or so they thought.
"Incoming," Shoji warned, deep-green vines lashing upwards at them and skillfully aiming to rip off their headbands, the buggirl maneuvering with gracefulness to dodge, while sending a wave of rays to throw the powerful plant Quirk away.
Tetsutetsu points at Team Shoda below, their sights set on the team mid-air, "it's Ibara! Her vines are versatile, but she's weaker in close quarters!"
"Good thing we have the perfect weapon for that. You're up Hitoshi," the Texan dropping in closer, energy pulsing with every figure 8 to keep the vines at bay.
How long will I hold up burning all this light vitality, Free recalling the last time she depleted so much and wincing at the thought.
Ugh.
"Tetsutetsu! Come on dude! We had a plan," their opponents right wing called out, Yosetsu Awase.
"What plan?" Shinso asked the welder, who gives the lavender haired teen at a bored look and writing him off, which he comes to regret in a second.
"The one where we take down all of 1.A."
Got you, a triumphant smirk on the tired eyed teens mouth. "Ibara, right?" His next question directed to their biggest threat, who's in the midst of encircling and trapping the four with her Quirk. The team unaware that their females' solar energy is feeding the girl's vines, powering her more with every attack.
"Shiozaki to those I'm unfamiliar with."
And you, the brainwasher mused. "Forget using your Quirks and head out of bounds," both brainwashed players complying with the command, leaving their teammates confused at the actions.
"TWO MINUTES LEFT!"
"Ibara! Awase! What are you doing?" Their rider, Nirengenki Shoda shaking their shoulders in question, until a shadow from above reminds the Twin Impact user of their current situation, "oh no!" Shoji easily swiping the 590 band ahead of wings them propelling upwards again, far safer mid-air.
As the remaining time counts down, Team Hastings spends it ducking, swerving, weaving and evading an onslaught of various ventures from others after their points from below.
Unsurprisingly, the rider is beginning to suffer effects of fending off Quirks with volleys of light, expending a lot more than she's absorbing currently and relying on reserved stores, blood dripping from her full lips and staining the bands tied at the tan neck. Free's teeth clenching the sensitive skin as extra weight and tiredness takes it's toll.
Fuck. I'm almost at my breaking point... gotta hold on.
"10 SECONDS!"
Thank the lord, the American barely hurling an orb of light in time to knock Tsuyu's tongue back, amidst pulsing her scaled limbs a last time to halt all other attempts.
Ultimately, it pays off as Mic called an end to the second round. Phew! Texan's giant wings wavering for the first time in lowering to solid ground, girl practically flopping down the second he wings disintegrate.
Tetsutetsu's natural reflexes aid in catching the exhausted redhead, "oof."
"Shit… any longer, and we would have crash landed. Haha," crystal irises fading back to peach as the 1.B student placed her down. "Thanks, T."
The gray-haired teen blinking at the nickname as Present Mic announced the four teams that'd be advancing. "In first place, Team Todoroki with 1000325 points. In second place, Team Hastings with 1365 points! In third, Team Bakugo with 1135 points. And last but not least, Team Midoriya with 615 points in fourth place! These four teams will advance to the final round!" The Pro Hero ending by saying there'll be an hour break for lunch and remaining activities to be started afterwards.
"You were the difference between winning and loosing at the end," Shoji says to Free, who frowns and waves off his remark while redressing.
"We all played a part, so none of that. I'm privileged to have a Quirk that prevents others from getting close mid-air. Ya'll did the real work and heavy lifting," glancing between the male trio. "I look forward to the next round."
"Aa. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of Team Hastings," Hitoshi chimed in, violet gaze on the 5'8 female who gave him the chance as she rests a hand on his forearm.
"Your Quirk is safe with me. Giving it away now would only put ya at more of a disadvantage for what's to come," squeezing in reassurance and letting go. "S'not my place to tell the others what they didn't take notice of, yakknow?"
For another time today, Shinso is caught off guard, uncertain of how to answer her generosity, other than, "I… thanks... Free."
"I'm lookin forward ta see what else ya can do. Show U.A they made a mistake with their entrance exams. Got it, Sugarplum?"
"Aa," wild lavender nodding.
"I'm with Free-chan! No one will find anything out from me! Good luck out there, man!" Tetsutetsu added, prior to shifting to grin at the maroonette. "I did plan on taking down your class, but you changed my mind."
"How so?"
"Mostly is was what you said about challenging yourself by working with new people," he admitted. "That, and uh… it's hard to refuse a pretty girl," never one to lie, even if it is embarrassing, a light blush coloring his cheeks, drawing a wholesome smile from the Texan.
"Ya trying to charm me before the next round, T?" Her teasing only making him redder, which is when Shoji decided to step in, ahead of his female classmate really starting with the other hero student. He does sit beside her in class, the male teen somewhat experienced in reading the rowdy and wayward ways of Free Hastings, who can spend hours poking fun and flirting. The blonde bomber getting the brunt of it.
"We should eat. Something tells me you need it more than the rest of us."
He's not wrong, sunrise eyeing those passing by to go for lunch and landing on her favorite explosive classmate. "Tehe," the once sweet expression switching to impish in a breath, "I'll see ya guys next round," troublemaker already jogging straight for Katsuki Bakugo, who stomps for the arena doors beside a calmer Eijiro Kirishima. The butterfly girl recklessly jumping on the explosive teens back and covering his eyes, "guess who?"
Hothead reacting as expected, nitro glazed hands reaching for the annoying girl and roughly pulling her off, "YOU LOOKING TO DIE BRICKHEAD?!" Fist knotted in her collar to bring the freckled face to his own, "don't fucking test me," Free's brow furrowing in confusion.
"Ya really that mad I got more points?"
"Hah?!"
Eijiro nods amid prying the angry teens fingers from the Americans uniform and shaking his head at Bakugo, "you really weren't paying attention once it ended, huh?"
"Oooo, so you're mad you didn't get the million then? Honestly ya should just be happy ta make it after ending up with 0 points for half tha game."
Now she's done it, Kirishima quickly grabbing onto the enraged bomber as the girl danced out of reach laughing.
"Fuck sakes Prettyboy! There's always gonna be someone better, faster, smarter. It's just the way of life. Ya gotta learn to enjoy it, 'stead of letting it get at ya."
Calming down and scoffing, Katsuki can't help but mock her, "only idiots and losers like yourself believe shit like that, because you'll never be the best."
"Or someone who's seen enough people die without ever tasting true happiness, learning to appreciate the little things," her comment eerie enough for both boys to go quiet. "Anyway, good luck next round. Don't forget to withdraw my 10000 yen," turning and jogging to catch up to the head of mossy hair passing through doors away from everyone else.
"You don't think she was referring to herself, right?" Ruby and carmine following until Free is out of sight, the blonde not bothering with a response.
Pumpkin Face has read too many sappy manga's, Bakugo stuffing his hands in his pockets and trudging forward.
"You owe her 10000 yen?"
"Doesn't matter when I win." Though… "I'm eating alone Shitty-hair," not waiting for his answer and veering off into the same door as Free.
Are you, Eijiro contemplating if Bakugo really is just putting on a show of not liking the transfer student, as Kaminari's been saying.
~
Up ahead, the American followed halls, until voices paused her in movement. Freckles and Todoroki, apricot peaking around the corner to see them leaning against the wall from one another, the Ice user holding his left hand up, All Might's name leaving his lips. "What… does... that… mean?" Izuku somewhat nervous, as always.
He is a bunny… with a very, very, very big heart.
"It means I felt something similar coming from you. Midoriya… are you… All Might's secret love child or something?"
"Ack," Free failing at stopping her half choke, half laugh and immediately giving herself away.
"F-FREE?!"
Shit, the girl stepping around the corner and shrugging, catching a glimpse of Katsuki in her peripherals, yet pretending not to. When did he get there?
"Sorry… I saw ya come in here and didn't know ya had company till just now."
Shoto peers between the two, who are closer than most in class and usually together outside of it, maybe, "you know what I'm talking about, right Hastings?"
"Uhh… well I guess," feet bringing the girl to a stop beside them. "I never really thought 'love-child,' but there have been several instances where I've compared you and Uncle Might."
"Uncle?" Todoroki's two toned stare on her now, the redhead nodding.
"By choice, not blood, so don't go thinking he's got two love children," she joked with a wink, prior to raising a brow at her neighbor.
"Well?"
Izuku startled at having two intense gazes on him and fidgeting as he tries to defend All Might's secret. "I-It's 's not like that! I mean, even if it was, I would say it wasn't! But I-I swear, that's not how it is," but, "uh, well… in the first place, I've to you something to ask you, Todoroki… why do you think that about me?"
"You just said 'that's not how it is,' meaning there's a connection between you two that you can't talk about, right?"
Free nodding as she picked up on that too, "pretty much gave ya'self up there, Freckles." Midoriya's emeralds widening at his own stupidity.
"Endeavor's my old man," Shoto shares. "I'm sure you know that he's been stuck as the number two hero for forever. If you have something from the number one hero, then I have even more reason to beat you."
What, maroon tilting in question, is with Izuku unintentionally making himself a target?
"My old man has a strong desire to rise in the world," heterochromic looking away from the imploring eyes, "as a hero, he won a name for himself with crushing force. Because of that, the living legend All Might, is a great eyesore to him. Since he couldn't surpass All Might, he moved onto his next plan."
Plan, oange brimming at the underlying resonance in his voice. He's going to reveal something personal.
"What are you talking about, Todoroki?" Izuku asked. "What are you trying to tell us?"
Grey and turquoise switched between them, "you've heard of Quirk marriages, right? That thing that became a problem for the second and third generation when superpowers appeared."
Oh.
"-choosing a spouse based only on strengthening your own Quirk and passing it on to your children, forcing people into marriage. The old-fashioned way of thinking brought about by a lack of ethics... he is a man with both accomplishments and money. He won over my mother's relatives and got a hold of my mother's Quirk."
He's no better than Daddy Dearest...
"He's been trying to fill his own desire by raising me to be a hero to surpass All Might… it's so annoying. I won't become the tool of scum like that."
And you're not so different than me, Texas-native bitterly looking away.
"In my memories, my mother is always crying. 'Your left side is unsightly,'" his hand coming up again, covering the burnt side of his face, "my mother said as she poured boiling water on me."
Fuck, full lips parting in a quiet gasp, Midoriya doing the same.
"Basically, I picked a fight with you to show him what I can do, without using my damn old man's Quirk…" Todoroki's determination eliminating all other feels floating around, a serious expression marring his once thoughtful face. "I'll reject him completely by winning first place without it."
I can understand that, Free craving to say anything that might help as Todoroki begins to walk away… but how can she, when she's still fighting a war with her own father? At least the memories of him.
"I don't care if you can't tell me how you're connected to All Might. No matter what you are, I'll rise above you with just my right side… sorry for wasting your time."
Sunrise locking onto forest-green, bidding silently that Izuku give chase and say something hero-like, as Uncle Might would. So of course, he does, "I… I have always been supported by others. That was the case earlier, too. I am here because of the people who have supported me. Saving people with a fearless smile, the greatest hero- All Might. I want to be like him. In order to do that, I have to be strong enough to become number one. My motivation might seem trivial compared to yours, but I can't lose either."
How can one person be so bright without light?
"-I have to live up to the hopes of those who supported me. That declaration of war you gave earlier, I'll return that," freckled teen clenching a fist. "I'll beat you too." Todoroki giving him a last look and going on his way.
"Ya really wind people up without even trying, huh, Freckles?" Texan standing at the shorter teens shoulder and activating her Quirk to gather solar waves faster now that their in the sunshine again.
"I-It just happens," his gaze still on Endeavor's son, hers too.
"Let's get some grub… less then 45 for lunch," her dainty fingers wrapping her friends' wrist and tugging him along, Midoriya going with it. Together, they join their classmates in eating food and resting ahead of the next round, which comes around far sooner than liked; especially for Free Hastings, who's still in a dire need of a long nap in the sunshine to be fully recuperated.