I'm going to start revising the old chapter starting today. Fix some grammar mistakes and add a couple of more stuff. Hopefully, you enjoy reading this long chapter...that I should've separated into two bit whatever. You'll definitely like the interaction between Akio ANd Tsuyu in this one...hopefully
My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama
CHAPTER - 17
The matches for the day continued as I watched Tokoyami dominate with dark shadow. Ashido couldn't really do anything with her acid and it only took a few moments for her to get overwhelmed and hit so hard it sent her skidding back out of bounds landing on her ass.
"He won in an instant too!" Mineta was honestly perplexed at how fast the rounds were going now especially considering now we're getting into the final stages of the tournament.
"Tokoyami dark shadow is amazing," Yaoyorozu said with a sigh of obvious regret. There was nothing I knew much about Tokoyami dark shadow aside from the fact that it's a shadow. What is his weakness? I cupped my chin and took a moment to think about what I've seen so far from Tokoyami. He stays in one place...which I suspect is because his quirk is simply meant for long range.
Long range quirk users refrain from getting into close combat because they're obviously weak in that department.
See, that is the problem. Tokoyami himself won't be a problem but dark shadow will be. Dark shadow being just the right amount of defense and offense is not helping either. I can see now why it would be frustrating to face off against someone of his caliber especially if you're not prepared. Even If Dark shadows weakness is something as easy as a light - then I'm in deep shit - I won't be able to exploit it.
So, I'll have to aim for Tokoyami. Tokoyami knows that too.
It didn't take long for the next match to begin, and rather quickly at that. It was Bakugo vs Kirishima. The fight wasn't boring per-say...I mean it was nice to watch Kirishima and Bakugo duke it out but it was obvious whom the winner is going to be. I have to apologize Kirishima but from what we've seen from before I don't think you're going to hold yourself together for long.
Kirishima quirk seemed like a counter to Bakugo's but I could tell his hardening would only take him so far. He's taking hits from Bakugo in succession too which doesn't help him at all. Kirishima is a durable tank but he still takes damage. If he can't land anything - I say this as Bakugo dodges a hook and hits Kirishima in the stomach with a point-blank explosion - then Bakugo will run off with the match.
Kirishima started showing signs of fatigue and pain after a minute or two. That's when Bakugo let off a barrage of explosions into Kirishima. Kirishima fell to the ground defeated by Bakugo Katsuki. Did I also forget to mention that Bakugo quirk gets stronger the longer he fights as he builds up more sweat the more powerful of a blast he can output?
"With that Bakugo advances to the third round! And that completes the final four on the main bracket!" President Mic announced with a flourish of cheers from the crowd. That put's an end to the main bracket and for now, I have to fight for the losers side now. I stood and dusted myself off.
It's game time again.
Ashido and Shiozaki. Ashido has an acidic type quirk that obviously melts through ice and rock. Shiozaki is scary her hair giving her range to attack and defend if need be. Two difficult but not impossible to win matchups.
"Feeling confident?" Yaoyorozu put a comforting hand on my shoulder as I shrugged a little indifferent.
"Shiozaki is strong and her quirk can definitely match mines blow for blow. But with what I've seen so far I think I'll be able to claim an easy enough victory over her. It'll probably be quick for both of them too." I finish whispering at the end so that Ashido didn't hear me.
"Quickly?" Toru asked leaning in her seat. "How is that possible?" I shake my head before tracing my index and thumb across my lips successfully sealing them off. Toru let out a disappointed grunt as she fell back into her seat.
I've come up with a solid enough plan. Shiozaki vines can detach from her head and she hasn't made any significant movement when she is on the offensive, however, this tells me she needs or prefers to be stationary to use her vines. That doesn't mean she'll allow me to get anywhere near her however...not that I plan to do that.
"Give me luck," I say as I make my way past everyone and ascended the stairs to get to my match.
Shiozaki vs Akio - Arena floor
"This is it I think he's met his match Akio the god of material vs the goddess of nature Shiozaki! Her vines are terribly strong so I wouldn't suggest getting tangled in those." President Mic once again did a good job of introducing us to the crowd as he changed up the way he delivers his lines once more. President Mic than begun the countdown like anticipated.
I kept my eyes trained on Class 1-B's vine haired quirk user. To my surprise, Shiozaki didn't make any sudden movements as I had hoped. "Start!" At President Mic's go, Shiozaki vines dug into the ground behind her. My body tensed, quickly I calmed myself. I ran like my life depended on it once I saw the crack on the arena floor form a trail towards me. The vines were close as I had to juke twice out of the way of Vines that sprouted up from the ground. This is why Lia made sure I did my cardio...I'm not out of breath just yet. Shiozaki removed her vines from the ground and instead used all of them to lash out towards me. Good, this I can deal with.
The crowd went crazy I grabbed onto one of the vines with my hands before the rest coiled and wrapped around me like a snake lifting me off the ground. This left me suspended in the air.
"So that was your plan," I said unimpressed with a roll of my eyes. "I should've known." My quirk only works if I'm in contact with any solid. Shiozaki vines are indeed quite solid but they're already tied to someone of organic makeup, that being Shiozaki. The thought had crossed my mind but was dismissed quickly due to the fact I used this strategy against Lia and it had no effect. My plan had succeeded and now I just had to wait until the right moment.
"Is it really game over for Akio!?" President Mic was perplexed his mind probably racing at the prospect of an upset in the losers bracket. After everyone I beat...I rather not lose to a second tier. I pressed my hands hard onto the vines I caught a hold of before focusing the ice to grow at a rapid speed onto her vines. In an instant, Shiozaki hair was currently being frozen over as it went the path of her vines back to their owner. By the time she realized what was happening it was already too late with wide eyes and arms up the ice reached her. It froze her over from the head down. I struggled and tensed my muscles as I forced myself free of the vines becoming easily fragile due to the ice.
I scratched the back of my head before bowing in respect to my opponent. "I guess someone will have to melt her out of there...Do I win?" I asked Midnight who looked perplexed at the frozen form of Shiozaki.
A smile graced her lips. "The sculpture captures her perfectly." Midnight complimented before licking her lips eyeing Shiozaki shocked form encased in ice. somehow I had to agree and cringe at how the light shone off of her almost as if she was a goddess.
She shook her head. "Well...if she's unable to continue then technically," Midnight paused to raise her whip high. "Akio is the winner and moves on to the next round!" Midnight announced with a crack of her whip. The crowd cheered and with every new victory, I could see that my stock for the pro heroes was going up immensely. I looked through the crowd and waved when they started to chant my name. You guys really are going to start making me blush. I believe I'm the crowd favorite now.
In my round of waving I caught glimpse of Todoroki watching me with his arms crossed. My hand lowered to my side as the happy expression left my face. Todoroki stared at me as if he could see through me, but it was that disconnect - that look in his eyes as if I held nothing of value. He had so much life in his eyes when he fought Midoriya but now...he's looking distant once again.
I thought we had a pretty good friendship.
…
I want to hurt him. Ignoring me like that. I'll show you.
The robots came and - as fortune may have it - they already had built in mechanisms such as small lighter's for arms to thaw Shiozaki out of the ice. The moment she was out she was trembling and holding herself trying to find warmth.
I didn't bother bowing or saying my respects this time as I walked off the arena floor. I began making my way back to the waiting area. I've claimed victory once more. I beat Shiozaki due to my intelligence and my ability to deduce what my opponent would have done in certain situations. Ashido shouldn't take that long to figure out. When I arrived back inside the waiting room I half expected to find it wasn't exactly empty. On the desk sat a piece of paper with a plate of octopus balls to the side of it. I picked up the small white slip and examined it. It had written on the front and I quickly glossed over that to find a name. I did and it shook me with rage.
Well, look who decided to show their so-called 'support'.
"Hey champ," I read aloud before shaking my head silently. Mother actually wrote this. Due to her poor taste in word choice, it seemed she did this in a haste. Still hot. The takoyaki Octopus balls on the table were fresh and still hot which means it hasn't been sitting there for long. I just missed her. I return to the paper and finish the rest in silence. It simply tells her excuse for entering in the first place, how she excited at the prospect of seeing me in person, and good luck. I don't want your good luck. I crumble the piece of paper and throw it across the room before taking the plate in my hand ready to chuck them across the room before stopping myself.
There was a loud noise and it came from my stomach. I hate you, mother. I begrudgingly downed the octopus balls before flinging the plate behind me somewhere.
…
Good luck. I just want to laugh right now. There was a knock on the door before I even had the chance to calm down or rest. Just great. That really pissed me off.
Sorry Ashido, I not going to be in a good mood when I fight you.
Ashido Vs Akio - Arena Floor
"Are you ready!?" President Mic yelled, his voice reaching throughout the whole stadium. It left me with a headache and so did the crowds constant cheering and chanting of my name.
…
"Good luck!?"
I shook my head trying to stay focused.
Ashido rolled her shoulders and hopped in place getting pumped with her signature smile. "I won't g-" Ashido voice became warped and every other sound in the arena started to get drowned out. My vision was steadily replaced by a pale colored wall.
Again, I found my body to have a mind of its own as I sat up in bed.
I took notice of how my short arms were wrapped in bandages. It hurts to move.
There is an audible click from the front of the room. I tear my gaze from my arms only to find the gruff and exhausted look on Lia's face. I silently wait for her to notice me and watch as she slams the door shut running a hand through her red lock of hair.
Her eyes catch hold of me and somehow my breath catches in my throat. There's this foreign look on Lia's face - a look of complete relief and happiness - that causes tears to form in my eyes. It only takes two steps for the women to bound over to my side of the bed and wraps me in a tight hug that unfortunately, I couldn't return in full.
I cry softly into her chest and there's this new feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Envy, jealousy, scorn, and sadness. Oh, how young I would soon realize how stupid he was to not cut himself off right then and there to those two.
Silence. Then there was a shift in scenery. Here I was again standing still in an arena with a stadium full of people watching students duking it out for entertainment. Right, my opponent. Ashido? That's the one I'm supposed to beat right? So, why does she look like...her? Blonde hair and violet eyes and pale skin morphed onto pink.
Distorting the image between Ashido and my mother. Anger. Scorn. frustration. A wave of a headache caught me as I stumbled a step forward. Her lips curled up into a smile and worry was etched onto my mothers face. Don't look at me with that look in your eyes. As if you've ever cared about my well being before. I gritted my teeth and all I could see was red when I clutched my head the vibration and pressure on me getting heavier.
I muffled my screams, hissing and grunting through clench teeth. My muscles ached and it screamed for release.
"Akio." The voice was an echo and it made me wide-eyed. As I looked up at the culprit. How dare you let my name cross your lips. I wanted to bury her...I don't want to see my mothers face. There were a screech and the sound of thunder, no perhaps a wrecking ball knocking down a building, but it was loud and a crash.
When it was done it left nothing but this ringing in my ears as I tried to gain a sense of what truly was happening. I clutched my eyes shut and breathed.
A gasp of air and the ringing came to an abrupt stop. There was a slight tremble in the air like pebble sized rubble rained from the sky. Dirt? My eyes were wide, My sneakers left my sight, and I looked up to find the arena floor in front of me was ripped open, spit out, and stopped just on the edge. The only area not affected was the space behind me which was only a quarter of the arena floor.
I frantically looked around searching for anyone. All I found were the eyes of the spectators. Shocked and scared. "What have I done?" My question shook my consciousness awake.
"Midnite...uh...announce the winner." President Mic voice sounded rushed and hushed as he pushed Midnite to do her job. There was panic in his voice and that put me on the edge. Midnite crack of her whip made me snap my attention to her form which stood above a proctor to the events I didn't witness. To the events I caused.
"Ashido is out of commision! Akio wins and moves onto the next round!" Midnite confirms as the screen flashes my image the victory in gold flashing underneath. The crowd was still silent and I realize they were still staring. I took a step backward and quickly walked off the arena floor to escape.
Escape I did. To the waiting room.
"Akio?" The feminine voice made my hair stand up on the back of my neck. I hadn't expected someone to find me so quickly. I turned to the figure that stood across from me in front of the door leading out to the halls. It was Kara Red. Why couldn't it be Tsuyu? Kara walked forward a neutral expression on her features.
I rubbed my temples and kissed my teeth. Why is she here?
"What do you want?" I asked making it very clear in the tone of my voice that I didn't want to talk to her. She paused for a second only to advance forward once more.
"What was that?" Kara asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. "What was what?" I asked for clarification knowing full well exactly what happened. I did put two and two together. I was feigning ignorance because I didn't want to acknowledge it.
"Tsk." Kara annoyed swung an arm back gesturing to the previous match. "Ashido," She paused. "What you did? That show of power was unnecessary." I raised an eyebrow and looked down ashamed. What had I done? I know I hurt my friend! I just...these thoughts are stupid.
"She'll be all right Recov-" Kara slapped her hands on the table behind me cutting me off. She pressed herself against me pushing my back against the side of the table. She was the same height as me making it easy for her to get in my face and glare which I returned in full.
"Recovery girl can heal physical damage but not brain damage, you idiot! Hell after what you did to that girl I'm would be surprised if she didn't break anything!" Kara words hit me straight in the chest. I never saw Ashido body - was she truly hurt that badly? - so this information is making my heart stop.
"So what's your point!? You just came here to antagonize me! Scold me?" I yelled irritated and wanting to end this conversation.
Kara straightened and put a finger in my face. "You were angry, I know when someone isn't in his or her right state of mind. What the hell is going on?" Her question whether it was out of worry or sympathy only made me angrier. I swung my arms in the air in disbelief.
"Kara I told you to stay out of my business." My dismissive behavior caused the worry on Kara's face to turn into shock and then pure boiling anger. Kara turned me around and grabbed me by the collar of my U.A PE uniform forcefully slamming my back against the wall. Her eyes were ablaze red and full of anger.
"Stay out of it. Oh, I remember." She mocked before letting me go and turning around swiftly.
"Sorry for wasting your time. I just thought..." Kara trailed off and only angled her head to look at me. You've become so different now. You look scary." For a second as Kara spoke, I found just an inch of hurt in her voice. I clenched my eyes shut and sighed. I'm I that scary?
There was a crumpling sound...the one you heard when someone unfolded a piece of paper. My eyes shot open to Kara who in her hands had a crumpled piece of paper - not any crumbled piece of paper it was the letter my mother wrote to me - I push myself off the wall ready to intervene when she turned around her eyes gleamed red ready to fire at any moment.
A warning. I forced myself to freeze and looked down at the floor. After a moment I heard her uncrumple the paper and silently read it to herself.
…
…
When I glanced up to see her reaction. Her eyes were downcast as her eyes trailed across the words on the paper. She looked up at me a second later. "You're...Your mother is-" Kara was at a lost for words. Before she could collect her thoughts I snatched the paper out of her hand and started tearing it up.
"Happy now?" I asked sarcastically. Moving past her and opened the door just as the official stopped in his tracks. He bowed as I walked past him and to the arena.
"Here we have it the last match before the final four!" President Mic opened up with as he screamed into the microphone.
"Let's get right into it! Akio the man who has shown us a taste of what he can truly do and Kirishima who is the man with guts but will he claim glory in this match?" The crowd surprisingly recovered from the last match and cheered with the same enthusiasm this time.
Kirishima smiles a toothy grin at me. "Hope you're not tired!" He activated his quirk and slammed his fist together sparks flying off. I kept silent.
"Tsuyu?"
"Tsuyu!?" The girl in question blinked in mild surprise. She wasn't one to space off so easily. She turned to her left to find Mineta sitting there an eyebrow raised.
"Akio match is starting! You're going to miss it." Mineta says holding his arm out at the arena. Tsuyu followed his direction and saw Akio standing across from Kirishima a resolute look on his face.
It was so easy to differentiate the demeanor between the two. Akio...looked unmotivated she noticed. Something is bothering him.
"Oh." Tsuyu simply said.
Mineta arms slowly dropped looking slightly shocked as if he didn't recognize the girl. "Wha-what you mean? Oh? For like all of his past matches you haven't said a word that you normally would." True. Tsuyu couldn't deny that. But was it her fault if she wanted to keep to herself for awhile?
Ochacko looked back with an eyebrow raised. "Yeah, you two didn't even say anything to each other when we were in recovery girl's office." She tilted her head. "It seemed like he was ignoring you too." Tsuyu looked up in thought tapping her finger against her chin.
"Did he? I didn't think anything of it." Lies. She knew exactly why the boy was avoiding her. To be honest she was too. The line between them had become too strained some moments ago.
"Really Tsu? I thought of you to be really attentive." Ochacko said more surprised than anything. She was attentive. She could read almost anyone expression. She has seen them all before.
"There's nothing going on between us." Tsuyu said. Another bold face lies and she knew it. "Everything is fine." She reassured as Mineta shrugged.
"If you say so." The two said as they returned to the match.
It seemed Kirishima had to fight his way through a bunch of pillars to get to Akio. He has tired everyone knew it. It became increasingly apparent when his quirk wasn't able to break through the last wall. The wall then sprouted arms? No pillars from its side and wrapped around Kirishima slamming him into its body. The wall seems to mend and grow around his lower body only leaving his face open to the air.
The camera panned to Akio who didn't even wait for the announcement before walking off the stage. Tsuyu watched closely as the camera followed Akio until he disappeared into the tunnel.
…
…
She stood and decided she needed to go use the restroom. The restroom was close by as one was stationed at every exit in the stands. She went to the sink and turned the cold water on before splashing the water against her face.
Akio...made her feel different. The thought of him just sent her head in a spiral that made her feel queasy in the legs and stomach.
Her lips became pursed as she fought a shower of emotions that wanted to come out at the thought of that moment in Recovery girls room.
Past - Recovery Girls Office - 3rd person
Tsuyu eyes were shaking and she was trembling as she held her hands to her face. What was it she was feeling...she didn't know. It made her feel scared and frustrated. What had happened? What was going to happen?
"Tsuyu?" Her trembling stopped immediately and she removed her hands from her face slightly straightening herself as Recover girl closed the door behind her. Recovery girl showed worry her wrinkles made it easy to depict that.
"..." Her mouth opened but it was caught in her throat and came out almost like a choke. Why? Why? She started to tremble again as Recovery girl walked over to her desk and removed a box from the assortment of folders and objects among her desk. It was tissues, "Come, girl, how about you talk?"
How could she talk about something she couldn't understand? The tears started flowing from her eyes and she took the tissues with a croaky thanks. A hand rubbed her arm in comfort and she was incredibly thankful for recovery girl being there.
"Take your time...we have all the time to talk later if you want?" The offer was nice and she nodded as she remembered to breath deep long breaths to calm herself down. Shaky at first but soon smooth and uninterrupted. She wiped the last of the tears away.
"Ready to talk?" She regained her composure and the first thing that came out of her mouth was the person on her mind.
"Akio…" the name rolled off her tongue and it had this silver taste to it now as it came out of her mouth.
"Akio." Recovery girl hummed in thought and nodded. "A troubled boy...you must see that already no?" Recovery girl facial expression saddens as her smile turned into a frown.
"The boy is worrisome. His emotions and personal affairs cloud his judgment. He's a young and fragile person." She looked up at Tsuyu an eyebrow raised, "He caused you trouble? Did he hurt you?" Tsuyu folded her hands and looked downcast.
"H-he...was going to…" Her pauses made the old women frown more and she knew better than to let this drag-on. "Our lips were going to touch." She couldn't say ki-it...it just made her choke again.
"Hmmm." Recovery girl sighed. That's what she meant. Her features became perplexed and she rubbed the girl's arm again in a comforting manner. "This is a very hard topic indeed." The women hadn't dealt with this before but she was well aware of it.
"Were you uncomfortable?" Tsuyu thought on it. Was she scared? A weird feeling is hardly a way to objectify what she felt at that exact moment. It was a blur and her heart was racing. She didn't know.
"I don't know." She answered. "My heart was beating fast and I thought I was going to pass out but he stopped suddenly and…" She shook her heads not being able to make heads or tails of the feelings she had at the exact moment. She knew she was frustrated however and it made her angrier.
Tsuyu was labeled to be So attentive, to the point she was able to read how someone else was feeling say what was on her mind without hesitating but she couldn't read her own feelings or say what was on her mind. It just came out a jumbled mess like how it was in her head.
"Don't dwell on it." Recovery girl suddenly spoke up a gentle smile as she addressed the girl. "There's nothing that I can say to make you understand then letting you figure out yourself understand?" Tsuyu nodded rising to her feet as the elder shook her head.
"Have fun at this festival go your friends need you right?" Recovery girl shooed her away.
Present - U.A stadium bathroom - 3rd person
She dried the water from her face and took a deep breath. "Don't dwell on it." She repeated in a whisper turning off the pipe, Before rubbing her arm. The feeling was still there when he was going to...kiss her.
Why? Why did he pull away? Her eyes widened in mock surprise as she blinked before shaking her head. What exactly was she feeling at the moment? She shook away the swirl of thoughts and wiped her face clean of water once more before using some paper towels to dry her face and hands.
Calm. You have to be calm and slowly these feelings will become more understandable. She opened the door and walked out just to bump into a passerby. The person apologized quickly and she raised her head to apologize, but when their gazes met everything froze. Blonde hair those purple gems and UA uniform gave it away immediately who it was.
Akio.
U.A Stadium Corridor - Akio P.O.V
I hadn't expected this. Not when I just wanted to clear my mind for a bit before the final four had commenced. I swallowed my spit and contemplated just to keep on walking but these things happened for a reason.
"So…" I began putting a hand on the back of my neck, "I know that it's very-" the words wouldn't come out and I ended up just silencing myself.
"Awkward. Weird. Embarrassed." Tsuyu listed for me. She could just be saying take your pick. It made me flinch with each word that left her mouth. "Y-yeah...that." I agreed.
"I just want to apologize," I said pocketing my hands and kicking my foot mindlessly against the floor.
"For what?"Tsuyu asked a nonchalant look on her face.
I paused - Is she? - putting up a finger. "Back in Recovery girls room…" I trailed off once again not able to find the right words. Everything came rushing back to me and it just makes me second guess my actions. Tsuyu stays silent allowing me to take my time and I thank her for that.
"I just hope that didn't ruin or tarnish our friendship in any way." I don't look at her face and my arms just can't stay still. "So I take that...as a no, everything won't be all right?"
"No," Tsuyu states rather flatly.
I flinch. "Y-yeah I had thought so. I won't talk to you anymore...if that's what you want." I begin to step past her but she stops me by holding on to my arm.
"Your family...I know you don't like how I mention them." Tsuyu states. I nodded letting her continue. "But I'll always be there for you no matter what happens. So no don't apologize." She let's go of my arm and I just stand there my back to her. I purse my lips and shake my head.
I turn suddenly and wrap her in a hug. Quite awkwardly, however, because I don't want her to feel uncomfortable. It takes a while - must be because she was shocked - but she eventually slides her hands up my back and leans into my embrace. "That still doesn't make me feel any better y'know," I whisper sliding into her embrace feeling just a little more confident to hold her tighter. She doesn't complain instead clutches onto me a little tighter herself.
I release her after a while. "Still Friends?" I ask looking down at the frog girl.
Tsuyu nods. "Of course." Tsuyu tilts her head as she looks up at me. I raise an eyebrow and her lips curve into a small frown.
"You should cut your hair...it's getting too long." Tsuyu suggested out of nowhere. I blinked and ran a hand through my blonde hair pulling it back and out of my face.
"Yeah, it is getting long huh?"
When we get back to our seats I saw Midoriya sitting there a smile on his face as he saw us. "There he is!" I exclaim moving over to my seat behind him to lean over and pat his shoulder.
"The man who forced Todoroki to use his full power to beat you."
He sheepishly laughed and scratched his cheek. "W-well it wasn't like that...exactly," Midoriya stuttered out quite bashfully. I sat in my seat next to Tsuyu and leaned back.
"Well, either way, I think your fight will be remembered for years to come," I said. His expression turned into a warm smile at the praise. Uraraka pointed at the screen suddenly as President Mic appeared once more. Man, these fights are happening one after the other.
"Akio..." I raised an eyebrow and turned to the voice only to find it belonged to Yaoyorozu. Yaoyorozu lips curled up into a small smile. "You look better." She turned back to the match leaving me blinking at the back of her head confused.
Had she noticed?
This fight was Lida vs Todoroki and it had me a little stumped. His speed might catch Todoroki off guard. Todoroki has to be more keen and aware if he does plan to trap Lida in ice.
"The first match of the semifinals! With both of them from hero families, it's a battle of the elites!" President Mic started as he introduced them.
"From the hero course, it's Tenya Lida." Lida looked calm and poised as he usually was. The determination painted across his features was easily picked up, "Versus...also from the hero course Shoto Todoroki!" Shoto looked like how he usually looked. Stoic and cold Shoto.
"Start!"
Todorki unleashed a wave of Ice. the trail making its course for Tenya. Tenya quirk is made for speed however and It was easy to outrun Todoroki quirk. He was about to run behind Todorki but he bent in Lida general direction before unleashing another wave of Ice that had Lida making a U-turn.
Todoroki knew what he wanted as he came into this match. His intelligence on a battlefield is something to be feared. Sometimes you have to watch your possible opponents to learn something about them or from them. This was a learning opportunity and something I'd make sure I remember.
Even so, against Lida quirk, it's most likely not going to work. Sure enough, Lida jumped up dodging the ice that would of surely put him out of commission. He glided over and Immediately used his special move recipiro burst to try and hit Todoroki with a kick aimed for his head. He missed but because of his ability to turn off and on his engine at will he was able to spin into another kick knocking Todoroki down into the ground.
I hissed in pain as everyone gasped in shock at how devastating that kick looked. "He got a pretty heavy hit in!" Sero exclaimed, "That kick was way too fast!" Kaminari agreed.
Even so, Todoroki recovered quickly standing on one knee barely as he attempted to freeze the ground under the class president feet. Only for Lida to jump easily over it once again. I was glued to the edge of my seat when Lida grabbed Todoroki by the back of his collar and dashed over to the other end of the arena. At this point, I had thought Todoroki had been bested.
But I knew better...right?
"I didn't think it was possible," I said with gritted teeth. I need to stay in the losers bracket for as long as I can...If I face Todoroki now. I know I'll lose.
All of a sudden Lida had stopped in his tracks for some unknown reason. Not a moment later had Todorki froze the ground and began freezing over Lida from the bottom up. His hand was speeding up the process and with no way of escape, Lida was immobilized.
"Lida is immobilized! Todoroki wins!" Midnight announces as the crowd cheers happily at the outcome of the match. I sit back and sink into my seat when Kaminari and Sero look at me with smiles.
"Well, it looks like luck is in your side," Sero said first giving me the implication that they did hear what I said.
"I know but I don't think I'll regret it later on when I fight him," I state knowing full well I now have a better understanding of Lida quirk and how to stop it. Then again like my other matches, my opponents could switch up the way they fight and catch me off guard. Lida is definitely one of those people.
Kaminari let out a disappointed groan. "Man but I did want Lida to take that Victory," Kaminari states as he slumps in his seat as well before perking up. "Well, at least we can still root for him when he faces this guy." He points at me with a smile that I return in full.
The upcoming match will be Tokoyami vs Bakugo...then the loser bracket starts up again.
I'm surprised Tokoyami looks like he's on the ropes and frightened for his life no less.
"C'mon Tokoyami you're better than that," I said annoyed out how much Bakugo was pushing Tokoyami and his dark shadow back with his barrage of explosions.
"Why is he not fighting back?" I complain as Bakugo hits dark shadow with another one of his explosions.
"Tokoyami has advanced this far with his almost invincible quirk, but this time he's completely on the defense!" President Mic states definitely sounding surprised.
He definitely is on the defensive. Bakugo is just giving him no openings but I thought Tokoyami dark shadow would immediately just tank his explosions and hit Bakugo. But of course like I said watches these matches allows me to figure out things I normally would have no time being able to do if I was in a match with Tokoyami and his dark shadow right now.
It seems that his dark shadow does feel pain. Which is good but does he actually take any real damage if I hit him with one of my normal attacks.
"Tokoyami, what's going on! You attacked so much when you were up against us!" I could hear Ashido yell frustration evident in her voice. She had returned in the middle of Tokoyami match and I strayed away from even trying to glance at her.
I...can't apologize just yet. If that cast and bandages are anything to go by.
Yaoyorozu was more stumped then anything trying to find an answer. "There must be a reason…" After a few more moments of them running around each other Bakugo rushes forward again but Dark shadow goes into the air to meet him. He sends an explosion straight into him stopping whatever offense Tokoyami had.
Dark shadow attempted to grab Bakugo but missed because of Bakugo ability to use his explosions to maneuver himself out of situations. He gets behind him and presses his palms together towards Dark shadow and Tokoyami.
That must be a special move. If the big flash was anything to go by. Luckily at a distance, the flash didn't really affect my eyes too much. An explosion sounding shortly after covered the whole arena in black smoke. We all looked down in anticipation to see exactly who won.
…
But there as the dust lifted and left the field. Bakugo was holding Tokoyami by the top of his beak with his left hand. His right let off multiple small sounding explosions that cast a bit of shadow but lit up the area with a dim light.
I nod in understanding seeing the state dark shadow was in. "So of course his weakness would be the most obvious thing." I let my words drawl unhappy with the reveal. It makes the most sense but god damn it was really underwhelming.
"Light," Midoriya says somehow still able to write in his small diary. I had hoped his weakness had something more to it but alas it doesn't. Where there is darkness there is light to shine through it.
"Bakugo wins!" Midnight announces as the crowd and us let off a round of applause for a job well done between the two.
"With this, the final two in the main bracket have been decided! Don't get out of your seats yet! This won't be the last you see of Tokoyami and his dark shadow!" President Mic announces with more pep in his voice and I swear his voice just went up an octave. The finals are about to start so I can see why.
Todoroki got hit that hard and still recovered to stop Lida in his tracks. I don't think I would've been able to move if I was hit with that kick. A hand touched my shoulder and I turned to Tsuyu with a small unsure smile.
"Those guys are strong," I started pulling a hand through the strands of my hair to straighten it out. She nodded. "So are Lida and Tokoyami." She pointed out, they sure are, the thought left me nervously laughing.
"Lida I can take...It's Tokoyami's dark shadow I'm worried about." As I said that everyone hummed in agreement. "Now that you know that Tokoyami dark shadows weakness is light there no possible way to exploit that with your quirk huh?" Kaminari says chuckling to himself.
"Hey, Midoriya got any tips in that head of yours that I could use to defeat Tokoyami?" Usually, I would have thought up a plan myself but it would be good to get some insight from someone who was definitely very attentive.
Midoriya hummed in thought a finger on his chin as he pondered. "You quirk has a range, right?" He asked before flipping through the pages of his diary and I caught glimpse of my hero costume and many notes I couldn't make out. I'm actually very honored if not slightly creeped out. "If you can get close enough to Tokoyami maybe you can try and push him out of bounds with your earth quirk," Midoriya suggested.
"Dark shadow won't allow that though!" Toru yelled in protest. "If Tokoyami knows about your quirk which he most likely does he'll make sure dark shadow stop you from advancing so that your range won't reach him." What Toru say is true.
The limits of the quirk are really going to hold me back in my match with him. It made me just sink further back in my seat with a sigh. If only my range reached all around the arena. But it doesn't however which leaves me with only one choice. "I'll just try to keep the match going on for as long as I can and make Tokoyami dark shadow run out of the darkness with the natural light from the sky." I tilted my head when Midoriya shook his head at my own plan.
"I don't think that's a good idea." He warned looking up at the sky.
What is he looking at? I look up. Oh.
The sky was a bit clear nowhere near the end of the day but we had reached somewhere in the afternoon. So the sun wasn't shining as bright as it was before.
Well, I guess that puts a damper on things.
"I'll figure it out," I say with a roll of my shoulders. I excused myself and walked onto the steps and there descending the steps was Lida. I ascended walking past him.
"Good luck." The words left my mouth like a challenge. I've never fought so many people with different varying quirks like this but all of them haven't really put me into a disadvantage like this. It makes it all the more worth it when I beat them. I didn't stop to see if he reacted or not as I pocketed my hands and continued to the waiting room.
"Okay thank you for telling me," I thank the match official as he apologizes for any inconvenience the short-notice had made. The personal nodded and went on his way. I sighed and returned to my seat to rub my temple. I didn't expect this. Lida to back out for a family emergency...hopefully everything is fine. Besides that Tokoyami and I match will happen next...quite annoying really. I wasn't prepared just yet and now fate is just messing with me.
I only got a few minutes. I ruffled my hair in frustration. Think...Think something. Dark shadow can grab me out of the air so that's out of the question...unless I trap him. But from what I have seen I don't think that would help me. Especially when I don't have Bakugo's ability to maneuver while being airborne. He'll want to keep me from advancing as soon as the round begins and end the match quickly just like he did to Yaoyorozu and Ashido.
Should I drag out the battle? Catch him by surprise? Try and force my way in so I can get a direct hit on Tokoyami? My options are limited in terms of this matchup.
There is one thing I have to keep in mind, however. Dark shadow is a physical being when out of Tokoyami body which means it definitely feels pain. So I can focus my attacks on dark shadow pushing him away and slowly moving forward while being careful of not making any mistakes that will open me up for a counter attack.
Does he really take damage, however? I'll take an educated guess and say no unless it's a light-based attack.
"It's time." The voice of the official in the doorway snapped me out of my trance as I stood from my seat and nodded towards the official. I took one final breath and took a moment to collect myself.
…
All right I'm ready.
"Here we go final loser bracket match! This match has almost everything on the line!" President mic starts making me raise an eyebrow. "Whoever wins this match gets a chance to steal a spot from any of the two contestants in top 2!" The crowd started to murmur and I started to tense. Wait? I'll be able to pick whom I get to face? If that's the case...I looked up in the crowd and found Todoroki in his usual place
"Now let's get it on with a little insight from Aizawa." President Mic said as his mic cut off and Aizawa made a sound a grunt of disinterest and hummed in thought.
"Tokoyami dark shadow as we all know is the perfect balance of offense and defense. Akio is already at disadvantage coming into this match as his quirk could easily be disrupted by Tokoyami if he doesn't use it strategically. I know that. All in all, will Tokoyami shadow swallow Akio in darkness or will Akio have a fire that will guide him to victory." Aizawa words left an impact on the crowd as they erupted in cheers.
"Who will win?" Aizawa then yelled in his monotonic voice.
President Mic coughed into the microphone before suddenly shouting, "Begin!"
I immediately took a stance and formed an Ice sword a little bit larger than the others. Like I had thought Tokoyami dark shadow came ramming towards me.
I ran forward to meet it and when we got close enough I immediately swung my sword right into its face. The force of the swing was so strong it broke on impact but it did make dark shadow recoil for a second before its arms shot out I vaulted to the side barely dodging the long arms swinging in a wide arc.
In my crouched position I trailed dark shadow as it returned back to the side of its owner. He knows...shit. I frowned. "I knew this match would be hard Tokoyami! Hey do a friend a favor and forfeit for me?" I asked knowing full well he won't do it. Tokoyami shook his head his red eyes had a piercing gaze to it.
"I believe not Akio. I will be the one winning and redeeming myself." Tokoyami resolve came through his voice. He had a reason for winning...a rematch with Bakugo. I nodded and my lips curved up into a thin line.
"Guess I'll just go all out then!" I shouted as I slid my fingers across the ground towards Tokoyami.
U.A Stadium - Teacher's spectating box
"Tsk," Lia crossed her arms in irritation. "He's sluggish." She finished her red hair spiraling to tie itself in a ponytail. He barely dodged that last attack.
All Might hummed in thought as he watched the match start and unfold before him. Although Young Midoriya was out didn't mean he wouldn't appreciate the rest of the talent at U.A. This time Tokoyami and Akio.
"Give him some slack the kids been fighting all day." All might said turning to the Akio's caretaker. Her response was to kiss her teeth once more.
All might returned his eyes to the match and watched as Tokoyami dark shadow picked up broken cement and threw it at Akio. All might was impressed using the destruction of Akio quirk to give him his own projectiles. "Amazing watching heroes of the future give their all on the arena floor right?" All might's attempt at changing the topic of the conversation didn't work. Lia was silent and he watched as her fingers grasped hard at the sleeve of her hero costume.
Toshinori has no idea what to think or say. Was there a problem? Should he ask? All might didn't have to act on his questions instead Lia decided for him.
"What...did I do wrong?" Lia asked finding her mind cluttered and clouded. All Might was befuddled. Was she speaking on the Akio Takeyama situation? Lia dark magenta eyes were staring at him intently.
"Are you speaking of Akio?" All Might asked with an eyebrow raised never taking his eyes off the boy. Akio managed to knock Tokoyami off his feet quite impressibly by using a feint he noticed. He caught the nod from Lia in the corner of his eye. He leaned back and pondered on the situation.
"Akio Takeyama...has it to do with your relationship at this moment?" All might inquired and Lia scoffed.
"Strained to the point it drives me mad." She answered before sighing and reaching into her pocket.
"Tokoyami is not having any of it!" President Mic snapped All might back to the match finding debris falling out of the sky and down on the arena. He had missed whatever had happened.
"Here." Lia pressed a folded piece of paper into his hands. No not paper it looked more smooth and felt different once he had it in his fingers. Lia watched Toshinori unfold the picture and his blue eyes lit up in surprise.
"Ah...I see. He found this didn't he?" All Mights question didn't need confirmation. "You told me before...that he doesn't want to interact with you willingly anymore." All might shook his head. Young Akio is a very sensitive boy. He wears a mask but to Toshinori it was rather he wore his emotions on his shoulder. Carried them like a burden.
"Yu...finally summoned the courage to talk to him. She might be anxious and happy to see her little baby. But I don't think her little baby wants to see her anymore. " Toshinori was confused. Had he not wanted to meet her with her before?
"He might see their little reunion as nothing but strictly business...that's not the right word," Lia paused her ponytail scratching lightly at her cheek. "Pent-up aggression. Hate. Spite. Ugh, it's like he wants nothing to do with the girl anymore. When they do meet I just see it being a whole shitshow of emotions." Lia said exasperatedly. The women is exhausted, tired, and it showed with those bags under her eyes and the way she spoke. Toshinori knew.
"He's not going to understand Toshinori." Lia dark eyes looked distant. All Lia could do was hope for the best outcome but her hand in this was already put on the table.
"Understand what?" Toshinori asked an eyebrow raised.
"That he's not ready."
"For the truth or for his father?" Toshinori asked for elaboration.
Lia shook her head. "Both." She stated. All Toshinori could do was let out a hum in acknowledgment and agreement.
"I am concerned about that as well," Toshinori stated knowing full well that not everything in the world is all full of light and shadow. But something far worse and sinister...a color darker than black that couldn't be described unless you've experienced it first hand.
His mother had done exactly that.
U.A stadium front entrance - Mt. Lady P.O.V
"This'll be a tough match," Kamui said giving up on even remotely staying vigilante at our post.
A devious smile came on my face. "Want to bet on who will win?" He sighed and nodded.
"I'm in if Gunhead is..." Kamui peeked at Gunhead who gave out a gruff laugh before taking a big draw of his cigarette.
"I got mines on the bird." He struggled out before letting out a big puff of smoke that had Kamui and I clenching our noses shut with with our fingers.
"I have…" I took a moment to cough and wave at the air in front of me. "Take he's promising."
Kamui crossed his arms. "I bet on a draw." This had me and Gunhead raising an eyebrow. Are you serious? We then started bursting out laughing. Im confident my son will win this.
Akio Vs Takeyama - Arena floor
"Take this!" I sprouted up wall after wall and push them forward. Like wave after wave Dark shadow just destroyed them each and everyone. But that was okay as long as I keep walking while doing this I'll be okay.
"Y'know I realized something!" I started as I lowered myself to the ground and tightened my fist as the ground crumbled around me. "Dark Shadow may be the best offense and defense!" I grunted as The crumbled ground started to twist together and grow at my command.
"But he definitely can't do both at the same time!" Like a spring the pillars of earth emerged from the ground each going a different direction for single target. Tokoyami was ready and so was Dark shadow. "Dark shadow!" At Tokoyami command dark shadow pulled back its arms before they both shot forward dispatching to of the pillars with ease before twisting its body and ramming through the final pillar coming straight at it.
Woah, They really aren't holding back. Dark shadow is ferocious too maybe it's the anger from their match with Bakugo. However, I was one step ahead and let dark shadow come to me. I angled myself just a little forwards allowing myself to lean on the tip of my toes.
"It's over!" Dark shadow bellowed from it's ...shadowy abyss? Something like that. But besides that, It can talk! Never mind that however as it came in an inch of me before the ground shot me in the air and right over the shadow.
Tokoyami was caught off guard as I came rushing towards him. Got you. I pulled back both of my hands on either side of waist grasping at open air. Only to feel the cold touch of frost then the shaft of the ice spears in my hands. They were out of my hands and sailing towards Tokoyami before he could blink. Not that he can blink right now.
There was panic evident in his face as he watched the spears get joined by two more and Dark shadow was slow to return.
I have to give Tokoyami props. He definitely wasn't dead on his feet and maneuvered past one and rolling away from another. However, I could tell he was incredibly slow and the roll didn't look comfortable at all. Tokoyami found himself grazed in the shoulder by an ice spear and getting struck in the chest by the last spear. Sending his kneeling from sliding on his back and close to the edge.
This is it. I raised a hand in the air as the ice particles began to appear and slowly take shape. "This is it Tok-" I was caught off guard when I felt my balance immediately got tipped over. My heart seems to catch in my throat when I felt the sudden change in speed and direction. My torso was covered in a thick darkness and the wind picked up as the ground got ever so closer.
I had miscalculated. I forgot what I was trying to avoid this whole match. Being airborne. Damn the arena floor is getting way to close! I struggled to attempt to rip the rope of darkness from my torso. Twisting and turning about in the air.
Damn it. Damn it all!
UA stadium Spectating seats - 3rd person P.O.V
Everyone's eyes were wide once Akio was snatched from the air by dark shadow hand and sent forcibly back into the ground. Class 1-A even there child counterpart class 1B had all stood up from their seats. At the tremendous crater that adorned the middle of the arena now. The crowd was silent and president mic once cut off never spoke again.
"W-what happened to Akio!" Mineta was the first to scream his lungs off in worry as the dust finally cleared and everyone stood in anticipation to see if Akio had survived the slam or not. Of course, he did but in the back of the classmate's mind, the better question was if he was conscious or unconscious.
Once the dust settled and dark shadow hand retracted back to its body everyone eyes widened at the scene before them. Akio laid out in the middle of the crater eyes closed and heavily injured.
The screen zoomed in on Midnight astounded face and then their friend's unconscious body. Tokoyami had won...Akio Take lost. It was the first thing that crossed the crowd's mind as they all awed in amazement at the indisputable power of Dark shadow.
"It's over…" Kirishima stated slumping back in his seat once he saw Akio body. He fought hard but it just wasn't enough.
"Tokoyami did beat Yaoyorozu and me...I didn't think he would win so easily this time too." Ashido brows were furrowed mostly confused and a little sad at the outcome of the match.
"B-but that can't be…" Midoriya said as he ran his working hand through his hair in complete disbelief. "If only Akio had more time." He added tapping his finger on his chin absentmindedly causing Uraraka to chuckle softly to herself.
"Y-yeah I was kind of rooting for Akio...since y'know he was the one who beat me and all." She looks ashamed to say it but also a little down as she watched Tokoyami dust himself off then hold his stomach in pain.
Everyone agreed. "He was the stronger of the two," Sero stated sitting back down in his seat and shrugged his shoulders. "Guess it was no help...seeing as the matchup wasn't really in his favor." Kaminari shook his head.
"It definitely was…" The electric quirk user pointed out, "He had Tokoyami on the defensive for a second there." It made everyone nod in agreement as they all voiced their opinion. However, one person kept their opinion to themselves...close friend and obviously the emotional fort of the class Tsuyu Asui.
There was the feeling deep down. That she shouldn't jump to conclusions. Akio...she knew Akio for a long time and he wouldn't give up now. Not now when he had gotten so far.
"W-well that is very unfortunate…" President Mic trailed off sounding a little disappointed as he hummed into the mic. "W-well Midnight what are you waiting for call it!" At that Midnight seemed to stop out of whatever stupor she was in and raised her hand.
"Toko-" She seemed to freeze suddenly and looked quickly below her and the camera panned again back the injured form of Akio doing the unexpected. As everyone jaw dropped even some in the crowd there was no mistaking what was happening.
"Of course." Todoroki couldn't help but shake his head at the scene unfolding before him. Of course, how could he think it was all over the look he gave him...that piercing stare of fire that hid behind his calm features.
I'm not stopping until I win. That's what Akio look said and he would not stop until he was done.
Not until he succeeded.