Chapter 7. Under Pressure.
The ride to UA doesn't take as long when I feel as good as I do. Dad went to work and Fuyumi too. So tying my tie the way I did makes me feel proud of myself. Mostly because I did it myself of course. Soon enough the whole Dabi thing sits in the back of my mind. Still the news of random arsons keeps getting more and more reported on. Especially since Dad's been investigating them. Ever since the good old talk with him a few days ago he's been after this guy like a mad dog.
Now I'm sitting here on the train pulling into the station where UA is. Or not far. Not too sure about what was ahead but as long as I have my friends in there with me I think I'll be good! I clench the straps of my backpack and get off the train to get up to the school. I move fast. Mostly excited for what the day could bring. A ton of new friends maybe Or maybe more time with Midoriya and Momo!
'Things are looking up for Shoto Todoroki! Time to carpe diem!' I break into a run the minute I see the huge H-Shaped building and almost crash into the door. Luckily I stop just before I slam into it.
When I get in the classroom there's twenty desks with really fancy chairs behind each of them. With no indication of where to sit. There isn't even a seating chart or anything like that. But… I see Momo. She's sitting towards the back. I guess we're going by alphabetical order because she's in the back corner in the twentieth seat.
While I sit down in the fifteenth seat. Just in front of her. She smiles. Wearing the girl version of the school's uniform and her hair is in its normal ponytail. Still as normal as I've ever seen her.
"Good morning, Shoto." Her voice sounds bright and cheery like a nice bell. I nod and find myself smiling back.
"Yeah. Morning!" I cheerily answer. She seems to be in a good mood but I don't exactly want to socialize much. Mostly because I'm not sure if Midoriya got in. He's my friend. So are Momo and Inasa. But from what I heard Inasa went to Shiketsu instead.
"Well. You seem to be in good spirits." she says. "Besides the normally haggard look."
"Gee. Really glad you think I look tired." I dryly sigh.
"Well you do. Any reason why?" she wonders.
I shake my head and shrug "Hell if I know." Even though what I said wasn't true in any sense of the word it was just the fact that my head is filled with a ton of nightmares. Mostly about something I can't do or someone I couldn't save. Still I'm brought out of my thoughts by my first neighbor. He has a bird head and red eyes. Sitting down with his feet on his desk crossed together. He glances at me.
"Greetings." He says.
"Uhh. Hey." I answer. "My name is Shoto Todoroki."
"Tokoyami," he introduced. "You'd best be wary of me."
A little dramatic… I think. Still, it's really nice to meet someone new! I nod and he goes back to brooding. There were others coming in. A boy with longish black hair and wide eyes comes in. His elbows look like tape dispensers and he comes in to sit right next to Tokoyami. He smiles.
"Yo! My name's Sero Hanta! Just call me Sero! I can shoot tape outta my elbows!" he says. Tokoyami nods and I sort of smile at that. It sort of reminds me of something from my old life. Sometimes when I see things similar to things I remember vaguely I remember the other thing. Next up was a girl with short dark hair and earphone jacks on her earlobes. She looks at me with a slight smirk. Seeing a keychain on my bag. An old Metallica one I dug out of storage once.
"You like Metallica?" she asks, "More of a punk girl myself."
I smile and nod. "Yeah. I like them. Kinda something I always liked." I say. 'Even though they're really old. They were old even when I remember them.' I think. She looks back down at her desk and I just return to my normal. Which was cracking my journal open and writing in it. Just writing their names down. What they tell me. Just that and nothing else. Almost like a guidebook. Izuku comes in and I hear.
"OH MY GOD AM I LATE?!" He yells. His cheeks flushed and looking nervously around. Doing a safe motion with his hands. Coming in behind him is what I can only describe as a girl that looks like what I would imagine Kirby would look like.
"Hi, um, is this class 1-A Hey, you're in the same class as me, I think, you are in 1-A right?" she says. In a way I feel like Izuku is one lucky guy. I think we're both lucky in our own ways. Izuu blushes and nods.
"Well! Yeah!" He blurts. "I ah… haven't really gotten your name.
"Oh, right. My name is Ochako Uraraka, how about your name?"
"I'm I-Izuku Midoriya." he says. That's a good start and I wanna let him know it is.
I smile and call out, "Good job!" He whirls around and sees me. His look of sheer terror replaced with relief.
"Thanks Todoroki!"
"Oh great, Deku!" A rough voice snarls out, "You got a guard dog now!" I turn and see a kid leaning back with a smarmy smile on his face. I wanna punch it already. His reddish brown eyes glare at me from his backseat. He still smiles.
"I bet your daddy bought your way in. Right?" he asks. I feel a twinge of rage turn into a raging inferno. I give him my best smile and realize that my old life is gone. No more fear of other people when I can just shoot ice and fire at them.
"No one bought my way in." I say. "All I did was work my ass off." I smirk and he glares at me like I'm the scum of the earth when he should really be looking in a mirror.
"Oh yeah! What the hell are you on about?!" he yells.
"Sheesh! Inside voices…" I sigh. He bristles and seethes. His eyes narrow and his mouth fixed into a vicious snarl. I look at him with not even a second goes by before a yellow sleeping bag slams down from out of nowhere.
"That's enough. Barely even a day in and already you're at each other's throats!" said the yellow sleeping bag, as the person started to unzip from the bag and reveal himself to be our homeroom teacher. The same tired guy who proctored my exam. His dark eyes ringed with bags and his hair long and unkempt almost like mine.
"Also. Don't think you're here to make friends. You're heroes. Or going to be anyway. That means you won't have the handholding." He continues giving a glare to Ochako like she shot a dog or something similar.
"Hurry up and get your uniforms on. Time is precious and you all need to know that." he says and his eyes glow yellow, "Now get moving."
We all get up with a blue haired and blue-eyed boy with arrows for eyebrows begins saying something about orientation but my blob method comes back. Only giving shape to my rowmates, Izuku, and Momo. Izuku and I head into the locker room. I remove my uniform jacket away from the others. A small purple blob darting in before forming into a short beady eyed boy with balls for hair. He smiles and I stare impassively at him.
"Hey. So you and Yaoyorozu-" he begins and I roll my eyes.
"We're friends but if you think you're gonna do anything to her, you'd best think again."
"Sheesh! Okay so I'll leave your girlfriend alone!" he counters. I still get a little angry. Momo and I were nowhere near that. In fact I'm not sure I want to get that close! I glare at him and he backs off as I take off my shirt underneath and slide on the Physical Education uniform. I make sure my hair is fine and I walk out of there. Just letting it go because it's dumb to get into an argument. The others all come out and Momo is one of the first to meet me out there. We both wait for the rest of the class as the tired guy Mr. Aizawa clears his throat.
"Alright. So today I wanna see what I'm working with. You get to use your quirks in a similar way to a middle school field day." He says. Everyone seems to be really happy about it. All of them get excited about it because a lot of times we don't get to use our quirks. Well… in a fun way.
"Alright! We get to use our quirks!" A red haired boy yells. "That's so manly!"
"Oh yeah! That's awesome!" Sero excitedly cheers. I sigh and close my eyes knowing from years of 'But Waits' from my dad that there's a catch to literally any training exercise. As sure as an arrow shot from a bow Mr. Aizawa injects it expertly.
"But. The one with the lowest score is expelled. Being a hero means that it has to be serious." he continues when the pressure sets in for everyone else. Momo and I just know deep down he's just saying that because there were way too many times my Dad would motivate me in the exact same way and Momo is a genius.
He takes out a softball. "This is the first test. A ball throw to see how far you can throw it with your quirks. But first up has to do one normally. So… who wants to start?" Mr. Aizawa doesn't have long before the blond haired Mama's Face swaggers up and grabs the ball from him. Smiling like hed murder everyone in this school or just me and Izuku. Maybe just me and Izuku.
"Watch and learn, extras!" He yells with his arm whirling and the ball flying through the air. It's normal enough but then he got it back. He rears his arm back like a major league pitcher and roars out.
"DIE!" Before chucking it into the air off the back of a massive explosion from his hand. All I feel isn't shock but really just dry humor. Of course I would rip the shit out of anyone if it ticks them off enough.
"I think he's really trying to convince us that he's so cool and awesome and sexy and we should totally just worship him…" I hiss towards Momo's direction and she snickers just a little.
"You're incorrigible, Shoto!" She whispers back.
I smile. "Right… but can you blame me? I mean I'm the rich kid here and he's acting like hot shit." I reason and she shrugs just a bit. He sees that and decides to bark again.
"What're you and Ponytail talking about?! It better not be me!" He rages toward me and I raise my hands.
"Oh no! No no no…" I wave them around. "Just making an observation with my learned friend."
Momo cuts in "Yes yes. Very astute observations." she nodded. The others go by alphabetical order. This guy laces high enough to make me feel nervousness begin to bubble under the surface of my calm facade. If I fail here my Dad is gonna be so mad I don't even think that I'm gonna be alive at this time tomorrow. So when my turn comes I stride over to the new ball after the Ochako girl floated the old one into orbit. I bounce it in my left hand instead of my right.
I smile and my flames ignite as I form it into a long arrow. Tossing the ball upward before spearing it on the end and it streaks off through the skies. My flames win out and I go on to the next event which is the long jump. I started skating forward before launching into the air with ice behind me until gently landing as well as I could. Grip strength and sidesteps go by faster than I remember. Just going through all of the events is easy enough but at the same time the same worry ebbs and flows through my mind.
What if I'm not good enough? Am I good enough to get the girl and become a hero? Or rather even HAVE a girl as a girlfriend in the first place? Because I remember getting absolutely terrified of the subject. My thoughts distract me from the world and I feel almost like it all falls into focus. Momo and I are friends. Izuku and I are friends. Ochaco can. Bakugo can't. That tiny asshole better watch himself before I football punt him into the wall.
Mr. Aizawa comes back with the results. He doesn't look impressed or happy or anything like that. Even when Izuku broke his finger. He shows them and…
I feel my butt leave the bleachers as I launch into the air and yell. "YEAH! HOLY- YEAH! MOMO WON! YEAH! I GOT SECOND- Wait I got…"
"GRRRAH! THAT'S RIGGED!" Bakugo screeches "I DID WAY BETTER THAN ICY HOT HERE!"
I roll my eyes and Mr. Aizawa huffs. "Todoroki. I get you're excited but please sit down. The thing about exelling you all was just a logical ruse to use your full potential. Something you all did excellently."
He lets the praise die as he continues. "However, some of you need to rein in some things if you are to become heroes. Some of you need to train yourselves beyond your limits. Going Plus Ultra after that." he looks at me and Bakugou and Mr. Asshole. But then at Izuku. We all sort of shudder but that's really just me because I have an intense feeling that I'm gonna be a main character in my own life even if I don't want to or not.
After that, lunch came around. Using my quirk always makes me feel really hungry. Momo got the ravenous glint in her eyes and Izuku looked ready to massacre a meal. I walk into the massive lunch room and sit down with my lunch from home. I sit on my own away from the others opening my journal. Looking over the notes and adding the scores and placements next to each entry. This is more than just a guidebook. It's history. Just in case this is a looing thing that goes on forever.
"Ahem." I hear a soft, almost melodic voice nearby and I turn to see a different girl than Momo. She's got green eyes and vines for hair. She looks at the seat next to me.
"May I?" she asks.
"Uhh…" I start. "Sure…"
"Bless you." She says sitting down next to me. The girl smiles and glances at me from her spot. She seems very calm and serene.
"If it's not too rude, can I ask you for your name?" she wonders.
"Yeah. It's… uh… Shoto. Shoto Todoroki." I answer with her nodding.
"My name is Ibara Shiozaki." She says. "It's nice to meet you, Todoroki."
I just busy myself with my food. She glances at me every now and again. Maybe trying to figure me out which there isn't much TO figure out. Ibara clears her throat again.
"Todoroki, you're conflicted." She states. "Constantly in turmoil and struggling with your destiny." 'Oh wow. Is that your quirk?' I think with sarcasm driving daggers into its tone. Deep down I know she's right but why was she saying that? It's none of her business! At the same time Ibara seems to continue.
"The only way you can find your destiny is by taking the road less traveled." she advises. Her green eyes staring into my gray and azure. "Besides. I quite enjoy assisting wayward souls."
I tilt my head at that remark, "In what way am I wayward?" Ibara just leans close and stares intently at my eyes. I blush and back off. She doesn't hate me. At least I think so. All I know is that she's just strange so far.
"The eyes are the windows to the soul." she says. I sigh and I know the old adage. But I guess she's a lot more perceptive than most. Ibara goes back to eating and I do too. We mainly stay silent and not a lot of talking goes on with us. It's an odd feeling just having someone to eat with. Especially an odd girl like Ibara.
Although she does remind me of an old friend from old life. At least the belief system. Ibara peacefully eats and I do too. Not much to say or not much to do keeping us quiet. The first day of UA and already I want it all to be over. Mostly because of Bakugo and how he was losing his ever loving mind over some random thing being rigged in the Test.
Either way I bowed to Ibara. "Thank you very much for sitting with me." I see her smile and I feel my cheeks heat up.
"Of course." She says as she hustles away. I watch her go and smile. I grab my journal and lunchbox and I head out mostly thinking about those two and the fact I came in second place overall in the Apprehension Test. An eventful day.
Heading home today was something I didn't know I was looking forward to but here I was doing it anyway. Happily listening to Under Pressure in my earphones and just minding my own business. Just letting myself finally relax. I actually try to dance and walk home. More overjoyed than worried. Getting back home and just feeling better than usual. Fuyumi is already here as I take off my shoes and backpack. She grins and I feel even better.
"Long day?" she asks.
"Yeah. A really long day. Is Dad in?"
"No. He's been really busy. Why?" she wonders. "Is there something you need to tell him?" I shrug and dig through my bag for my homework. I start on it as she works on dinner.
"Nah. Just thinking about something." I sigh. Fuyumi notices something I don't. She adjusts her glasses into her serious mode. Or what I jokingly call her 'serious' mode.
"You're getting moody again." She says. "What's wrong?" She gets close and stares at my face. "Hmmmm… Girl trouble?! Already?!"
"What is it with you guys and staring at my face?" I huff. "First Ibara and now you!" That was my first mistake. Because Fuyumi squeals like a bottle rocket. So loud and so high my ears ring.
"EEE! My little brother is a hit with the girls! You- Waaait a minute! I thought you liked Momo!" She jabs an accusing finger into my chest. Her gray eyes glaring right into my soul.
"I do! It's not like I'm dating her! Or Ibara either! Stop treating it like… I'm…" I notice a certain flaming man in the doorway and Fuyumi jumps backward.
"Eek! Hey Dad." she greets him. He glares at the two of us. Or at least tries to. But then he smiles that same dangerous grin. Dad suddenly dashes up from standing at the entrance to the dining room. His large meaty paw lands on my shoulder with it jolting me a little. "Son. What's the literature girl's last name?"
"Uhh… Yaoyorozu?" I answer. He sways a little before his other hand lands on my other shoulder. Almost like I told Dad I found a T. Rex. I find this to be horribly out of character for him but ever since the whole Dabi thing he's been acting weird.
"Can I speak with you in private?" He shoves me off towards his home office. Sometimes he brings some work home. But this is new. Really new. He shoves me in and shuts the door behind him going towards the desk and sitting down. I sit across from him and he takes out a bottle of something and fills a glass with it.
"Now Shoto. There comes a time in a man's life where he has to decide something. A very important and almost primordial thing that has followed humankind since its inception." He begins as he lightly swirls what looks like high quality Sake. 'Oh dear lord, not the Talk.' I'm cringing at the sheer awkwardness of the situation. Dad takes a drink and puts it down. Swallowing and smiling at me full of pride.
"Finding a bride is something we Todoroki men have done for generations. Your grandfather was NOTHING when he met your Grandmother. Now I had found your mother. Had Touya. Had Fuyumi and Natsuo. Now you." He ruffles my hair and all I can think of is how he bought Mom. He didn't even romance her or anything like that. How can he tell me how we Todorokis can be proud of their sheer machismo when I'm one thousand percent sure that he's full of bullshit?
"So what? Do you think I should borrow your credit card and buy Momo?" I blurted that out but Dad rolled with it.
"No! You can do something better than me! Son. This is something more important than anything in your entire life aside from hero work!" he exclaims. I feel weird. My eyes look down at my knees and all I can do is think of how bad this all is. Most of the talk faded out of my mind. All of it just broke. The pressure on me is almost too much to bear as I stand and walk out after he is done. I eat my dinner and go right to bed. Without a single word to Fuyumi or anything close. I fall into my futon and the thought of me… buying anyone makes me sick.
Or even having anyone be that close to me. In any other circumstance I would gladly go after Momo and maybe Ibara just so I have the choice to if I want. It's all up to me but the fear I feel underneath all the sickening dirge of what Dad did to Mom. What if I do the same to them? What if I turn out exactly like him? The questions all swirl through my overly active head as it slowly gives up on my panicked thoughts of what could be and what is.
My eyes slowly close and I fall into slumber.