Great googly googly. Sorry it has been taking so long to get fic chapters out. Work has kept me busy and, unfortunately, burn out happens. I still want to write (even though there were times I wanted to give up). I just needed some time. I say this a lot, but zi hope I can get things out quicker, especially once I can move in with my partner. I think that might energize me a bit more. We will cross that bridge later though, I suppose.
Now then. This chapter has been in gestation for a while and, while I posted this on mobile, I wrote it on my laptop. This and more betareaders means there should be fewer typos from now on. Thank goodness.
I changed some things around to better suit the story I wanted to tell and left some things out due to the perspectives this story is told from. I also wanted to build up some relationships more (both romantic and platonic) and round out the supporting cast. I have plans for them all.
Also, with what we know about everyone's quirks now? Yeah. Team Kendou not being able to do much? Bullshit. Corrected that here. Anyway, enjoy and catch you on the flipside!
Itsuka ran for it. She ran as far as her legs would carry her. She hated to leave her friends behind, but it was a race. She had to do her best. She wanted to stand out and this was a competition. She could always focus on teamwork in the next phase, depending on what it was. She remembered last year's festival having something similar.
The redhead turned on her heel and sighed. She didn't care about getting first place here. She just wanted to make it to the next round and do her best there. She wasn't exactly the fastest in her class.
As a robot brought its arm down, she threw out an enlarged hand and blocked it. She lifted her hand and swiped the robotic arm to the side.
With a strained groan and a hearty grunt, Itsuka shoved the behemoth aside, at least by a few meters.
Shots rang out as the girl turned her head. Momo had created cannons to blast some of the robots with. The shots pushed them back a bit, leaving dents in the metal.
Once she was sure that the robots were dealt with, Itsuka made her way towards the next part of the course, trying not to look back but unable to withhold a glance backwards. Sure enough, Momo wasn't far behind. She noticed a few other students nearby, including the pink girl she saw Momo talking to on that first day at UA. The redhead shook her head and observed the view before her.
"Wow. This really is an obstacle course." She thought out loud, kicking a pebble downward.
The area she was in overlooked a canyon with tightropes and precarious platforms meant for students to navigate. Luckily it wasn't anything deadly. Otherwise this school would have no funding. The giant robots were bad enough
Momo had caught up to the rest of the converging group, and was surveying the area. She watched as other competitors tried to clear the area. Not everyone was up to the task. However, the young woman merely took a deep breath and pulled some rope and other rock climbing supplies from her midriff and proceeded to traverse the area.
Itsuka shook her head and smiled. The other girl really was versatile. She would have to step up. Taking a running leap, the redhead used her quirk to grow her hand and launch herself across the first chasm,keeping up the pace with determination and guile.
The whole time, she kept her eyes on Momo. If they were to be rivals in this, then nothing could be held back. Itsuka knew how adaptable Momo was, but there was still much that she had yet to see from her oldest friend. She had to keep on her toes. If they wanted to go all out against each other, they both needed to make it to the next round.
Meanwhile, the green-haired boy that Setsuna apparently knew was working his way past the obstacles. He was definitely an odd one, hardly using his quirk, if at all. She recalled him being the one whose quirk had heavy recoil, so she could see why. Still, it was odd but not her primary concern. That is, until he started to take a lead.
"Focus, Itsuka. You don't need to get the gold here. Play for endurance and plan accordingly after. Adapt, and strike."
X
The entrants had entered the coliseum to a cheering crowd. Midnight walked out, announcing the next event and explaining the rules: Students would gather in teams and attempt to steal headbands from each other worth points. The teams that had the most points would then move on to the next round. Izuku Midoriya, the awkward Green-haired boy with the self-destructive quirk, had come in first place in the obstacle course and therefore was worth the most points. Itsuka almost felt bad for the boy, but that would not stop her from doing her best. She was still determined to go all out and she couldn't let her concern for a boy she barely knew stop her. At the very least, she could always say "No hard feelings", especially since it seemed like Setsuna knew him. Maybe she could even give him some pointers so he wouldn't hurt himself.
Itsuka walked over to Momo and sighed, feeling terrible for her friend as she picked a small perverted classmate off the other girl's back like a lecherous purple tick.
"Thank you, Itsuka. I appreciate that." The raven-haired girl smiled meekly.
"No sweat. Just know I won't be holding back in the next event."
"I don't expect you to. Although…" Momo paused, thinking deeply. "I still wish to compete against you, to test myself against you...but I wish to team up with you, if that is ok."
Itsuka's lip trembled as she bit it slightly, her shoulders slumping as the weight of indecision burdened her. She wanted to team up with Momo. She wanted to just say, sure. However she was hoping to test herself against her friend, not just in a sparring match, but in the Sports Festival itself. There was a thrill she got from being able to see how her friend had progressed, not just since their training but since their childhood. Still, there was an event after this and she could never turn down Momo. She was about to open her mouth and utter the words when someone beat her to it.
"Yaoyorozu. Will you team up with me?" It was Shouto Todoroki, a brooding young man with an ice-quirk and an air of mystery around him. He was the son of the flame hero, endeavor, and apparently had more to his abilities than what he had shown in practical lessons.
"Oh...Todoroki, well you see…" Momo tried to explain her situation. She felt bad about refusing. He was amicable enough despite his cold demeanor, and she would be honored to stand alongside him any other time. However, she had already made plans. She wanted to team up with her best friend, the girl she admired most. It would be rude to change her mind now, especially as she had just expressed desire for an alliance.
"It's ok, Momo. You don't have to team up with me. Seems like you're pretty popular. I'll see you in the next round." Itsuka forced a smile. She couldn't help but feel disappointed that she wouldn't get to team up with her dearest friend, but she wasn't going to pick a fight over it. She didn't want to come off as possessive.
Momo noticed Itsuka's feigned smile and tried to see if she could reach a compromise. "Todoroki, is there room on your team for Itsuka? She would be very valuable to have and is a fierce competitor."
Shouto looked coldly at the redhead, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but I already have a team assembled. I just need one more person. " The bicolored boy stated. "I had decided to pull from within our class as that is what I am most familiar with in terms of abilities. With Iida, Sero, and you, we would be well rounded."
Momo looked forlornly at her friend, unsure of what to do. Her classmate's strategy for picking teammates was sound, but the decision still didn't sit well with her. "Todoroki, I appreciate the offer, but I was hoping to-"
Itsuka put a hand on her friend's shoulder and looked her in the eyes. "I'll be keeping a close eye on you. If you're worried about hurting my feelings or that something silly like this will cause a rift, relax. It will be ok. I won't hold back, so don't you go holding back either, ok?" The redhead smiled again, this time more genuinely. This seemed enough to placate the reluctant Momo.
"If you say so. Promise me you'll progress though? I want to see how I fare against you as well." Momo smiled uneasily, still sad that she couldn't team up with Itsuka. Students wandered around her, teaming up as she looked back one last time towards Itsuka. After everyone had gathered into their groups, the buzzer rang and Midnight's riding crop let out out a crack. The games were on.
X
Itsuka tied the headband around her head. She wasn't sure how she would stack up against the competition. She wasn't an expert on analysis but she liked to think of herself as observant. You had to be if you wanted to be a martial artist, let alone a hero, or both in her case. There wasn't a lot of time to scope out the competition but she hoped she could do so on the go when it came to those whose quirks she did not know.
"Hey Itsuka. You know what this is right?" Setsuna giggled.
Itsuka was confused at first. Why wouldn't she know? It was the cavalry battle. Midnight had just explained the rules. It was then that the realization hit her: this was a patented Tokage pun.
"Oh god, please no." Itsuka groaned.
"Women supporting women!" Setsuna cheered as she and Reiko hoisted their leader up, just high enough that their shortest teammate, Kinoko, could still reach.
"I think that's bootiful." Reiko deadpanned with her low, husky voice, hiding the smirk that was creeping across her face with her arm. This got to Kinoko immediately and the small brunette laughed at the one-two punch delivered by her two teammates.
Setsuna winked and grinned towards her smallest teammate. "Thanks. I got a million of them."
Itsuka facepalmed with an enlarged hand and tried to focus. Her eyes scanned the stadium before landing on Momo's for a moment, they locked and all stood still. She was the focus, the rival. The beautiful, fair-skinned rival with a laugh that could calm wars. "Wait, what?" Itsuka asked herself.
The Cavalry battle kicked off after all the teams were chosen. Itsuka and her teammates (Setsuna, Reiko, and Kinoko), had dashed ahead, getting off to a decent start. They had started out by going after team Shinsou, taking them by surprise before going after Monoma's team while it was distracted with team Bakugou. Monoma rebuked them at first, but let his guard down, allowing for a moment where Itsuka could swipe a couple headbands. Between Reiko and Setsuna alone, the team was doing well for themselves.
Before they could continue their streak by going for Team Tetsutetsu, however, Itsuka's team found themselves stuck in place due to a sheet of ice around their feet, creeping up to their knees. Team Todoroki, passed them by, grabbing a headband on the way, but mostly focusing on people who were further managed to take it back with her quirk, but the ice still froze the girls in place.
Itsuka's teammates struggled to get out of the ice, leaving Itsuka to nearly give-up. "We are really stuck, huh? We really can't budge." She thought to herself, only to be snapped out of it.
"Hey, earth to Kendou! Come on, we can't give up now. You literally have a psychic, a mushroom mage, and a girl who can split herself into pieces. We aren't out of this yet, Madam president." Setsuna spoke passionately but calmly. "Besides, you have a big gay crush to fight. Don't just sit here while we get frostbite. Let's go!"
Itsuka felt a fire burning in her stomach. Setsuna was right. Her nicknames could be a bit much, but also endearing, partnered with the salient points the lizard girl was making.
"You have a childhood friend here too, don't you, Tokage?"
"Reiko, can you use your quirk to deal with this ice?"
"I mean, if I can get a hold of something to bash it with. Setsuna, can you grab some headbands?"
"Leave it to me. Yoink!"
As quickly as she had winked at her captain, the green-haired girl had detached both arms and sent them flying, with her head soon following. Her sleeves drooped as the limbs within exited their cloth home. She mostly had experience with limbs but was still getting the hang of her head without feeling woozy.
"Hey there, fellow green bean. Mind if I borrow a cup of headbands? Thanks, neighbor." The girl whispered with an air of familiarity that shocked Izuku and caused him to let out a surprised squawk. Did he know this girl? Wait, he actually did.
"Wait, what?" Before Izuku could react or even question what was going on, Setsuna had grabbed a headband with her teeth. Unfortunately, before she could get away, a large, bird-like shadow had swatted her away and grabbed for the headband. She instead grabbed a smaller value headband and retrieved her arm.
"I think I'm gonna be sick, but I grabbed a few. How are we coming on that ice, Yanagi?" Itsuka grunted with a strained yet determined tone. Todoroki's team might have dispatched them, but she would not give up yet.
"Nearly there. I had trouble finding things to chip through but one more smash from your fist should be enough. It might hurt a bit." Reiko smashed into the ice with a stray object, then gestured with her eyes, as if to say "It's all you, Kendou."
Itsuka hissed as the chill of the ice stung away at her skin. The Ice gave way though and the girls were able to escape. So much time had passed and they had to catch up in a short amount of time, but they set out to do just that. Out of the corner of her eye, the redhead saw her friends on team Tetsutetsu freeze up as they were eclipsed by team Shinsou.
She shook her head and tried to remain focused, but the thought that her classmates were doing so well only to just stop was bothering her more than the thought of not being able to face Momo and test her skills against her.
And yet, she and her team needed to keep competing. If it were about giving points to her friends, she would have handed her headband to Momo herself. As bad as it was, while there was still time on the clock, Team Kendou had to do their best to grasp victory. Reaching out an enlarged hand, the redhead grabbed her classmates Shishida, Pony, Toogaru, and Rin. Setsuna, picking up on what her team leader was doing, grabbed as many headbands as she could before they broke free.
Everyone fought ferociously. It soon came down to team Todoroki and team Kendou. Momo and Itsuka's eyes met for a moment before Todoroki attempted to freeze the competing team again. This time, however, they were prepared.
"I know it's unbecoming of me as a class president, but ready to play dirty, Tokage?"
"You know me, hands. I am always ready. Not a fan of this cold though," Setsuna winked as she pulled out a chunk of ice she had been hiding, It was a wonder it hadn't melted more but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. With a little sleight of hand, she stuck some in the tailpipe of one of Iida's tail engines, causing the speedster to flinch and throw team Todoroki off their game. Kinoko followed up by covering Todoroki's arms in mushrooms, which he counteracted with the coldest ice he could muster. The brunette muttered her disappointment but kept carrying Itsuka.
Reiko then used her quirk on Sero's tape to make it float a bit off course. This was their chance. Itsuka reached for a headband Momo had grabbed and managed to snag it. However, she was met with resistance as she noticed it was tied to a sequence of magician's scarves.
"A sound strategy. Just as expected from my oldest friend. Don't think I will go easy though." Setsuna shot out an arm again, this time unfettered by sleeves. It was caught in a stream of tape sent by Sero, but was pried loose by Reiko.
"My sentiments exactly." Itsuka grinned, gritting her teeth as she slapped the ground with enlarged hand, hoping to create a shockwave or at least knock up some dust. Todoroki put up an ice wall and tried to let Iida recover so they could move on. The son of Endeavor wished to not use all his time up on Kendou's team, as he was focused on getting Team Midoriya's points.
Team Kendou fell back to avoid getting frozen again and narrowly dodged it.
Unfortunately, their confrontation with team Todoroki was ultimately fruitless. "Damn. We were close, but it wasn't good enough." Itsuka sighed, trying to catch up as the Cavalry battle wrapped up.
The buzzer rang through the stadium as the round came to a close.
Attendants from the UA staff gathered up the headbands after all the students had cooled down and taken stock of the aftermath. After deliberation, the final 4 teams were announced. In first place was team Todoroki, with Team Bakugou pulling into 2nd place (much to its captain's chagrin). Teams Midoriya and Shinsou rounded things out.
The teams that would make it to the final event were selected and the final participants would be named.. Midnight stepped up to the stage and pulled up a box, filled with slips of paper.
"Alright, the 16 of you who have made it through the cavalry round will draw lots from this box! The 3rd event will be a tournament style set of one-on-one battles."
"Excuse me. I would like to drop out." a boy spoke up, his tail swaying sullenly behind him, to the surprise and objections of his classmates. Itsuka recognized him as one of Momo's classmates and a member of the purple-haired boy's team. Team Shinsou, she thought it was called. She heard his impassioned reasoning for dropping out, how he didn't feel he used his own strength like everyone else did. The redhead silently nodded, absorbing the words. She couldn't help but relate.
"I would as well. I don't remember doing anything and if i didn't put in the work, I shouldn't participate. That would be against the rules anyway, right?" Another member of team Shinsou spoke up, this time it was a short chubby boy that Itsuka recognized all too well; Nirengeki Shoda.
"How green and cowardly...I love it! Very well. It is up to Team Kendou, who placed 5th, in order to fill out the final 16."
"I don't know. I don't think we really did all that much. We were stuck in ice for a lot of the time..." Itsuka felt uneasy. She didn't feel like she earned the spot. Her and her team came to that uneasy decision and were ready to concede and let Team Tetsutetsu take their spot. However, two voices rang out in objection. The first was very familiar to the redhead.
"I must object. Team Kendou showed great resilience and strategy and more than earned their right to progress. And as for being stuck in the ice, you managed to break out and come to take the fight to our team. Itsuka, your team moved on for a reason. Besides, if we don't go on to the finals together, then I must opt out as well." Momo closed her eyes and clutched her chest as she made her impassioned plea.
"Besides, you promised that if I couldn't team up with you, we would at least be able to face off against each other in the 3rd event. As… As your friend and fellow student representative, I can not allow that promise to be unfulfilled." While Momo tried composing herself during her impassioned plea to her friend, she shouted loudly towards the end, surprising even herself.
"The fancy lady with the ponytail is right! As honored as I am, Kendou, you and your team earned this more than mine! You still kept fighting, even after you got frozen. We were doing great until, well, I dunno what happened. But you still tried! So don't give up, you hear me!? Go bust some heads for all of us!" Tetsutetsu chimed in with a fist raised in exuberant support. The steely boy shouted even louder than Momo, causing his teammates to flinch from his loud and enthusiastic cheer.
"Guys…" Itsuka could feel tears well in her eyes as she closed them and gave a little smile. A hand on her shoulder snapped her out of it. She knew her vice president was there.
"Well, your girlfriend and our resident himbo have spoken. Guess we might as well move on to the next round. What do you say, Captain?" Setsuna winked and grinned.
Reiko rolled her eyes slightly but nodded her support. Kinoko smiled as well, looking forward to the opportunity to proceed and to show off her cute little mushroom friends to an adoring public (once she shook off the jitters).
"She's not my-" Itsuka blushed at Setsuna's words, prompting incredulous looks and raised eyebrows from her teammates. Momo had frozen at the mention of the word girlfriend and had tried not to become a flustered mess, doubling down on her professionalism.
Itsuka sighed and smiled, enlarging a hand and preparing to strike. This was her chance and if those she cared about wouldn't let her surrender it, then she had no choice but to agree. Besides, Momo was right. She had made a promise, one she intended to keep. "Ok. I guess I can't argue with you all. I'm in."
"Alright, Team Kendou. There are two slots left. Which of your teammates will move on?" Midnight swiftly extended an arm to the side, accentuating the moment and hyping up both the competitors and the audience. Present Mic and Eraserhead followed up on commentary.
Itsuka was torn. She didn't want to be selfish and deny her teammates a chance, but she absolutely wanted to participate. Still, she could not think of a better option than one of her first friends at UA and her vice president. "I will move forward , as will Setsuna." The lizard girl in question stuck her tongue out and gave a sort of surfer hand gesture, which Reiko silently matched.
"Wait!" A voice called out, as its owner raised his hand. All eyes fell upon a third member of team Shinso: Yuuga Aoyama. Shinso scoffed slightly trying to appear nonchalant, but still had a look of doubt on his face before looking towards the sky. Nobody really noticed, with the exception of Reiko. She switched her attention from the purple-haired boy to his remaining teammate.
"Pardonne moi...but I do not think I can participate either. Sorry for not speaking up earlier, but I needed to give it more thought. As much as I would love to, I have a feeling in my soul that I did not earn this. Perhaps next year, but for now, I offer my spot to another on team Kendou. Besides, My tummy is not feeling all too good. My only regret is that I am giving up such a valuable chance to dazzle you all."
The boy's heartfelt and disappointed withdrawal was eclipsed by his overdramatic swooning. Itsuka couldn't help but feel bad for the boy but she also thought he and Monoma would either get along swimmingly or be bitter rivals, with no in between.
"In that case, I will join." Reiko stepped up, without missing a beat. While not nearly as taciturn as Yui, she was hardly talkative, at least in comparison to her teammates. Still, she was not afraid to joke around with close friends or give advice. Here, she figured she could get to know the mysterious boy with purple hair and what he had to do with team Tetsutetsu falling behind, as well as his own teammates dropping out.
"Kinoko...I am sorry you can't participate." Itsuka frowned, looking at the odd girl out on her team. She had helped them get this far and it was a shame that she would be left out.
"It's fine. You three go out there and kick butt!" The smaller girl shrugged. "It would have been cool to get involved but at least I got to have fun with you girls. Besides, if there is a halftime after this, I am more than happy to entertain. It will be my idol debut!" the brunette exclaimed, offering a rare glimpse of her unique-looking eyes that her mop of hair hid.
"So it is decided. The three available slots will go to Team Kendou's Itsuka Kendou, Setsuna Tokage, and Reiko Yanagi. We will resume shortly with our 3rd and final event for the first years: a tournament!"
X
The girls of class 1-A stood by, tricked into wearing cheerleader outfits by two boys from their class, Kaminari and Mineta. Momo, who had made the outfits with her quirk, took it the worst, while Tooru seemed to be enjoying it. Komori had joined in with stars in her eyes, wishing to join in.
Momo frowned as she slumped against the wall, frustrated that she was tricked by perverts into granting them some wish fulfillment. She could forgive Kaminari she supposed, though not right away. Mineta however, well, she could always use projectiles for her cannons when she made them. Would anyone really object? The girl sighed. She was training to be a hero and that was less than heroic, even if many girls would thank her. This was the least perverted thing he had said or done though. Plus, as a class representative and a recommended student from a heroic dynasty, more was expected of her.
"Don't let them get to you. You're a trusting girl. It doesn't make you dumb or weak. You just have to be more discerning next time." Itsuka sauntered up beside her friend. "If it helps...you can make me one too. I'm not… really into overly girly things but hey, if you're embarrassed, I might as well be too, right?"
"I appreciate it, Itsuka. I couldn't put you through that embarrassment... but thank you." Momo smiled softly, gently touching Itsuka's hand. The girls blushed and averted their gazes from one another. Itsuka placed a hand on her friend's shoulder and grinned playfully.
"Alright, then how about a football jersey. If I can't be a cheerleader with you, I can be the captain of the team whose arm you hang on." Itsuka winked. Inside, she was screaming at herself. Where had that come from? Why now? Abort! Abort!
Momo played with her bang and giggled. "I appreciate the offer again, as bold as that is...Sure. I think it would suit you better to be honest. Before I make anything, however, I need some food. Komori already asked for a cheerleader outfit of her own and gave me her measurements. It was… unexpected but her enthusiasm is charming."
Itsuka got up and helped Momo up as well. "Yeah. Kinoko wants to be an idol so she is all about that. SHe can be a bit shy but is more exuberant than she tends to look. Anyway, wait here. I will grab you some refreshments. I am sure I can rustle some up."
The redhead wandered off and waved to her old friend before dashing off to the lockers. She was certain her wallet was there in the front pouch of her bag. She doubted she would get free food just because she was a competitor so it helped to be safe.
Jirou watched from afar, sighing. She hated being the jealous type. That was dumb. Besides, she hadn't exactly had time to comprehend her feelings for Momo. Still, the smartest, prettiest girl in the class with humility unbefitting her financial status? It was hard for the punk rock girl not to catch feelings, even if she wasn't ready to admit it. Behind her, a silent girl watched as well, humming in a sad tone.
"Hey, earjacks. You smell that?" Setsuna picked up a pompom and winked. "Smells like Teen spirit."
Jirou raised an eyebrow. "You're that one lizard girl from Kendou's class right? Didn't take you for a grunge fan."
"I'm full of surprises. Not as much of a rocker as you probably, but my dad had a record collection I would peruse."
"What bands is he into? Probably dad rock stuff."
"I mean, he is a dad. There is a record he and my mom bonded over though. She listened to them a lot in college. I think it was Piper and the rats?"
Jirou raised an eyebrow as her earjacks perked up.
"No way. That was my mom's old band."
Setsuna gaped as she felt excitement course through her veins. The cute punk girl was the daughter of her mom's favorite singer in college? Ibara was right. There was a god, and she was smiling upon Setsuna Tokage. The green-haired girl said a silent prayer and continued.
"That's so sick. They were my mom's favorite. She used to joke that I was the result of one of their concerts. Kind of embarrassing but I still think it's a fun story… sorry if that was 'TMI' by the way."
Jirou was a bit taken aback by the forward reference to this girl possibly being conceived at one of her mom's old shows. It was a little gross, but in its own right interesting. And there was something to be said for how bashful the liard girl was at the end.
"Nah. It's fine. A little weird but fine. What did you say your name was again?" Kyouka asked, her jacks poking together slightly, betraying her slightly aloof face.
Setsuna slumped a little in her seat, as her name was announced earlier, but she regained her confidence and rolled with it. "Setsuna Tokage, at your service. You're Jirou right?
"Yeah. Kyouka Jirou. Nice to talk to you. We should probably get up. I think they have a scavenger hunt thing going on. I'll walk with you." The punk girl stood up, offering a slight smile and an outstretched hand to help her new acquaintance out
"Gasp! Offering to hold my hand already? Score!" Setsuna teased. Jirou blushed bright red and felt her jacks stand on end. She wasn't used to this kind of attention. She wasn't sure whether to tell Setsuna to quit it or keep joining but there was something she couldn't describe. Something inviting? The girl rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"Don't make it weird, Tokage. Come on."
Setsuna grinned and followed suit, walking casually alongside the other girl. "Yes ma'am."
"Don't call me that. It's not rockin'" Kyouka groaned, pointing her jacks at Setsuna.
"Gotcha, Jack attack!" Setsuna stepped back a bit, laughing in what Kyouka had to admit to herself was a warm and welcoming cadence, like the kind of melody that lured you into a record store. She shook her head.
"Whatever, Lizard lips." She teased back. Neither girl knew what was going to happen with the scavenger hunt or the tournament, but they could both sense something new and fresh was blooming.
