"Tazuma, why don't you take a break now that you've got a day off?"
My aunt asks as she gently opens my bedroom door. I sit patiently at my desk, my hands covering the cramped pages of my special black notebook. The one with all of my records written inside...
"I guess. Not now though, I'm busy."
She sighs.
"Don't work yourself too hard. I'll leave you be."
She closes my door shut as she walks down the stairs. I noticed the sadness in her voice. She was rightfully worried a great deal when she heard the U.S.J was attacked by villains and has been feeling down ever since. I lean back in my chair, making sure I don't go too far this time.
...I already called Shigiraki this morning, so why do I feel anxious? I shouldn't feel worried about anything. The first part of the mission was a partial success, and I can still get information for the League so what's to worry about?
A thought comes to mind as I stare blankly.
Oh. So that's why...Well, it's going to happen sooner or later and I'd rather it happen later. If my true motives and identity are revealed at the wrong time, everything could go up in flames. I still have to keep calm…I'm still undercover and I'm still on a mission...
"You guys! Did you watch the news last night?"
Toru says excitedly.
"Yeah."
"It was so cool that we got a few seconds of screen time! Though I bet nobody noticed me hanging out in the background…"
Toru sighs as Ojiro makes an awkward face.
"Probably not. It is difficult to stand out when you're just gloves."
"We're totally big deals! Those news channels love us, we're basically celebrities!"
"Yeah, it's crazy right?"
"Get over yourselves, the hero course that pumps out pros was attacked and that's what they care about."
Jiro twists her headphone jack around her finger as Sero chimes in with a worried expression.
"Who knows what would've happened to us if the teachers hadn't shown up!"
"Why'd you say that?! I'm gonna pee myself just thinking about it!"
I grumble as Mineta starts freaking out in his seat.
"Oh, shut up! Grow a pair loser!"
Bakugo shouts as he threatens Mineta. I hold in a laugh.
I don't know what it is but seeing that bastard pissed is the funniest thing.
"Did you guys see All Might fighting that bird guy? That dude was super strong and he still destroyed him!"
"Yes. His strength is truly a thing of wonder."
Tokoyami sighs in admiration as Iida suddenly marches in through the door.
"Attention! Homeroom class is about to begin, everyone stop talking and take your seats!"
"Uh, we're all sitting." Kaminari
"Yeah, you're the only one standing."
Kirishima and Kaminari say as Iida walks to his seat.
"Hey Tsu, so who do you thinks gonna teach class today?"
Mina leans back in her seat and beams at Tsuyu.
"No idea. Mister Aizawa's still in the hospital recovering from his injuries."
The door creaks open, and out comes a bandaged and even more tired Aizawa. White cloth covers his face and both his arms are in slings.
He's going to teach?! In THAT condition?! This guy is insane! I'm surprised he hasn't died from just walking all the way here!
"Morning class."
His voice is even more rough and tired than usual.
"Mr. Aizawa what are you doing here?!"
The class says in unison. Kaminari gasps in awe.
"Woah, what a pro!"
"Sir, I'm glad you're okay!"
Iida raises his hand high in the air as he speaks.
"You call that-? Okay...?"
Ochaco stammers as Aizawa sighs and walks to the front of the class.
"My well being is irrelevant. What's more important is that your fight isn't over yet..."
Everyone holds their breath.
"...The U.A sports festival is about to start."
The sports festival is this week? Lucky me...
I smirk as I cross my arms.
"Let's go kick some ass!"
Kirishima shouts in excitement but Kaminari silences him.
"Wait a second,"
"Is it really such a good idea to hold a sports festival so soon after the villains snuck inside?"
Jiro finishes Kaminari's sentence.
"Let's be honest, if they see that we took the hits and are still standing strong, they'd be more scared to try again. And they'd be complete idiots to try and attack anyway. There's most likely going to be dozens of rookie heroes, interns, and pro heroes watching live in the stands, so it just wouldn't make sense to attack in the first place."
I say boldly.
"Exactly. And they're beefing up security compared to past years. This event is a huge opportunity for all students at U.A. It's not something we can cancel because of a few villains."
"Um, I'm sorry, but why not? It's just a sports festival."
Mineta gulps as Midoriya turns to him.
"Mineta, don't you know how important this competition is?"
"Of course I do. I just don't want to get murdered!"
He starts to freak out again.
Mineta, if someone were to murder you, they'd do it at your house or someplace where your by yourself instead of at school.
"Our sports festival is one of the most-watched events in the entire world. In the past, everyone was obsessed over the Olympic games, but then quirks started appearing now the Olympics have been drastically reduced in scale and viewership. To anyone who cares about competition, there's only one tournament that matters. The U.A sports festival."
"That's right. And top heroes everywhere will be watching. This is where you get scouted."
Momo says as Mineta mutters to himself.
"Sure unless you're dead."
"She's right! After graduating, a lot of people join pro agencies as a sidekick!"
Kaminari gestures as Jiro chuckles.
"Yeah but that's as far as some people go. They miss the chance to go indie and stay eternal sidekicks. Actually, that's probably where you're headed, you're kinda dumb."
"It's true that joining a famous hero agency can grant you greater experience and popularity. That's why the festival matters. If you want to go pro one day, then this event could open a path for you. One chance a year, three chances in a lifetime. No aspiring hero can afford to miss this festival. That means you better not slack off on your training."
"Yes, sir."
Everyone says with excitement.
"Class is dismissed."
"Are you excited about the sports festival, Todoroki?"
I ask Todoroki as we wait in the long line for lunch.
"Yes, actually. I plan on winning to prove something."
He turns to me with a completely serious face as I snicker.
"Don't we all. But I'm looking forward to fighting, I mean, won't it be the best part?"
He shrugs.
"I don't know."
"I wonder if we'll be allowed to wear our costumes. Probably not because they might provide advantages for some people and that just wouldn't be fair."
I feet unusually talkative as he stares off into space.
"But recently I've-"
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Taking it out I check the number.
Why is auntie calling me while I'm at school?
"I should take this. I'll be right back."
"Aren't you going to eat-"
Todoroki watches with concern on his face as I ease my way out of the line. Walking away and taking a sharp turn into a hallway, I answer the call and put it up to my ear.
"Auntie? What's wrong?"
She sighs from the other end and is obviously in distress.
"Dear, I need you to pay attention to what I have to say. I understand that it's not the best time to tell you, but I'm at the police station. They gave me permission to call you and I have some news. Now, all I want is that you remain calm while I tell you, alright?"
I feel genuine fear crawling into me as I clutch my phone.
"W-what is it?"
She takes a deep breath.
"Y-your father...He's been given a pardon for good behavior a-and…"
I bite my tongue as my heart races.
"H-he's coming to live with us."
It feels as though my heart has stopped altogether. My muscles tense up as I grit my teeth.
"No."
My fists clench as my voice tightens.
"Tazuma, we have no choice-"
"Yes, we do! Why can't he just live on the streets?!"
I'm now shouting into the end of my phone as my aunt pauses.
"Please, calm down-"
"Why the hell should I?! He doesn't belong anywhere near us! Do you have any idea what-"
"Yes, I am well that he blames you for your mother's death! I hate him as much as you do! But, part of me feels sympathy for him...Even if I reject the very thought of it."
"Sympathy?! How can you have any sympathy towards him?!"
"I gave you sympathy when you showed up at my doorstep a year ago!"
That shuts me up. I remember walking in the rain, soaked and desperate. I'd be dead in an alley if it weren't for her. Not that she would have ever known that...
"Listen to me, it'll all be okay. I already have everything worked out. This is only until he can find a job, and once he's gathered enough money for himself. It'll be over before you know it. See you when you get home, dear."
The phone line goes dead and my arm falls to my side. I lean against the wall and stare up at the ceiling.
Why... Why?! Why didn't he just drop dead in jail?!
Still gripping tight onto my phone, I rub my eyes as I swallow hard and choke back tears.
No, don't cry, don't cry...You can't start now! Someone could walk in and see you looking so pathetic! You're a villain for crying out loud! It's an utter disgrace to cry at something like this! And on top of that, you're being overdramatic for even considering it! When will you stop being so emotional all the time?!
Tears start slowly slipping past and they drip down my cheeks as I aggressively use my sleeve to wipe them away. I can hardly suppress a small whimper and I bite my tongue again as I stand up. Suddenly, footsteps echo in my ears as I accidentally chomp down on my tongue. Wincing, I put a hand over my mouth as I forget to think when a familiar ash-blonde turns the corner with a confused expression. He gets a good look at my pained and upset expression before I shout, accidentally taking my rage out at him.
"W-"
"Shut up! If you tell anyone you saw me like this, I'll cut your damn tongue out!"
Bakugo stands still, looking both concerned and angry, but mostly angry as he tries to speak again.
"J-"
"And no I'm not telling you what happened! Leave me the hell alone!"
He clenches his teeth as sparks pop on his palms.
"Let me talk, damn it! The hell is wrong with you?!"
"A lot of things, and no I'm not going to let you talk!"
Wiping the rest of the tears away I shove my phone into my pocket as I glare at him and he shouts in retaliation.
"Fine! Have it your way then, dumbass!"
He grumbles curse words as he pushes past me. Rubbing my eyes one last time, I mutter angrily as I walk back into the cafeteria. I scan the area for Todoroki, and I spot his red and white hair at a table near the windows. Taking a deep breath, I make my way over to him, making sure not to bump into anyone. Lazily sitting into the seat across from him, he glances up at me from his soba.
"What was the call about?"
I pause and sigh as I lean against the chair.
"M-my dad is being released from prison...A-and he has nowhere to go so he's staying with us."
He stops eating and stares at me for a moment, his expression almost unreadable. But, he doesn't say anything, like he doesn't know what to say. I'm sure he noticed that my cheeks appeared wet and so did my sleeves.
"Y-you don't have to say anything. I'm not happy about it at all. But, It's only temporary so he'll be gone."
He reluctantly returns to eating. I stare off into space as the mindless chatter and petty laughter of the other students slowly fill my empty mind. Part of me is angry and confused, but the other half is just quiet. I don't know what to think and I don't know how I'm supposed to feel.
But, I'm not thinking about my dad...I'm thinking of Todoroki...Even though he's right in front of me, I feel like we're worlds apart. Not in a romantic way, god no, but in a more symbolic way. I'm a villain, he's a hero. Or, will be...
Maybe...
What on earth are all these people doing outside the classroom?!
"Why the heck are you all here?!"
Ochaco exclaims as Iida chops the air with his hand.
"Do you students have some sort of business with our class?"
"Why are you blocking our doorway? I won't let you hold us hostage!"
Mineta shouts as Bakugo saunters upwards, his bag over his shoulder and his hand in his pocket.
"They're scouting out the competition idiots. We're the class that survived a real villain attack, they wanna see us with their own eyes. At least now you know what a future pro looks like. Now move it, extras."
"Don't be so rude, goldie locks. It'd be a shame if you ruined class 1-A's image just because you feel the need to be a dick to everyone you meet."
I say as Bakugo grumbles and walks away. Walking up to the students, I stare a few of them down.
"Sorry about him, he's always like that."
Turning towards Bakugo, I stick my right arm up and roll my sleeve down, aiming just above his head. I then fire a porcupine quill from my skin towards him. It cuts through his hair and sticks into a wall as he whips around and shouts at me.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"Go piss off someone else!"
I clear my throat as I turn back to the crowd.
"Not trying to be rude, but we still need to move, you know."
Then, a guy with messy purple hair and tired eyes makes his way up to me.
"So this is class 1-A? I heard you guys were impressive, but he just sounds like an ass. Is everyone in the hero course delusional or just him?"
Now slightly pissed, I try to reason with him.
"N-"
He cuts me off, just making me even angrier.
"How sad to come here and find a bunch of ego-maniacs. I wanted to be in the hero course. But like many others here I was forced to choose a different path. Such as life. I didn't cut it the first time around, but I have another chance. If any of us do well in the sports festival, the teachers can decide to transfer us to the hero course. And they'll have to transfer people out to make room…Scouting the competition, maybe some of my peers are, but I'm here to warn you that if you don't do your very best, I'll steal your spot right from under you. Consider this a declaration of war."
I glare at the purple-haired guy as I clutch my bag over my shoulder.
"Lovely speech but you know you could've just said 'I hate you guys and I want to be in the hero course so watch out'. It's simple really."
He glares back at me then a guy with spiky silver hair pokes his head up from the crowd and starts shouting.
"Hey, you! I'm from class 1-B next door to you! We heard you fought some villains and I came to see if that was true! But you're just a bunch of brats who think you're better than us! Talk all you want it'll just be more embarrassing when you're K.O'ed!"
I sigh as I gently push past the people blocking my way.
"It won't do you any good to keep threatening us like that. Why call out the enemy and make it obvious you're planning an attack? Now we know what's coming and what to expect. Good day to you."
Finally clearing through the mass of people, I take a deep breath as I make my way out of U.A.
I'm so tired...But I don't want to go home because I know what's waiting for me...A disgusting dog who thinks that just because he played nice, he gets to leave the kennel.
Opening the front door, I don't bother to say good afternoon like I usually do. As I take off my shoes, I glare at the figure hunched over on our living room couch. His worn-out golden eyes glare right back at me and his shabby dark grayish-blue hair is speckled with white and grey streaks.
Yeah, I know. I'm almost a spitting image.
He doesn't even bother to say anything as he turns his cold eyes to the news on the television. My aunt smiles weakly at me from the kitchen as she washes dishes.
"Dinner will be ready shortly. I hope you had a-"
"I'll eat dinner in my room. And today was fine."
I pay attention to what's ahead of me, and I resist the urge to claw at the stair railing as I lightly stomp upstairs to my room. Slamming the door, I drop my bag and collapse onto my bed.
I can do this. At most, It'll be a month or two...Or three...Or four...But I need to focus on the sports festival. It won't be too hard to win. Wait, if I go against Bakugo or Todoroki, then what chance do I have?! Those two could easily beat me in a match, anywhere and anytime...That just means I'll have to train harder than both of them! I'll have to try training every chance I get while also keeping contact with the League...I have to give it everything I've got and more, even if it means pushing myself past my limits. It will all be worth it in the end...Right?
Over the next few weeks, I trained relentlessly. Testing a wide range of fighting styles and switching between animals as fast as possible without hurting myself while also strengthening my attacks. The reason I can't do multiple at once is because my cells will malfunction and I'll be left in pain for the next few hours so they can reassemble. But, with every minute I was practicing, no matter how stressed or exhausted I became, all I had to do was glance at Bakugo and his power, and I would feel motivated enough to keep going. After all, you can't beat the best without becoming the best. Not only that but I felt that even after all these years, I wasn't good enough to be recognized by my own dad, so I wanted to prove to him too that I'm not weak and deserve recognition. That was my mindset. But little did I know, something entirely different was on Todoroki's mind of late. Something that would catch me completely off guard, and would light a fire inside of Bakugo. Because no matter how hard I prepared for the sports festival, I was never prepared for what happened next.