The moment has arrived…. The sports festival. I'll try not to retell the entire plot, but I'll be shifting the focus away from Izuku and in horoko's ees, so hopefully it won't be boring. Anyway, enjoy
(if anyones wondering, her fighting style is copying movie scenes and then randomly twisting them with her material arts, only because as an author, I'm not creative)
Y'all before the race began, as i was writing it, I actually got nervous, myself . And i'm like, the heck are you nervous for, you ain't doin anything?? Lol
Disclaimer: I own Hiroko, that's about it
-- Do NOT interrupt Midnight on national television --
I watched the bustle of people around me, excitedly. Many were carrying equipment for their kiosks, either to set up or to sell. Each stand was bright and colorful, attracting those who passed by, and not to mention the smell of food had filled the air. It was making my mouth water. I was reaching the doors of the stadium, when I saw a booth already set up, filled with hero merchandise.
I quickly ran over to the seller and scanned the table, feeling giddy as I found merch for many of my teachers. I spotted an All Might baseball cap and broadly smiled, noting that the design was from his golden age,with his signature hair style being imitated in the front. . I bobbed my head and picked it up, placing it on my head and discovered that it fit perfectly.
"You like it?" The man behind the counter asked, slightly sarcastic. I blushed a little but nodded my head, smiling like an idiot.
"I love it!" I answered quickly, and brought my hands up to secure it on my head by moving my braid into the opening in the back. "I'll take it." He nodded his head as well and smiled back at me.
After I gave him the money I paused, thinking of another item I could bye. He waited patiently as I scanned the items once again and pouted when I couldn't find what I was looking for.
"Is there a problem?" He asked, "Would you like a bag?"
"Oh, sorry no." I said, laughing slightly at the question. Clearly we both knew I intended to keep the accessory where it was. " but I was wondering if you happened to be keeping some of your merch somewhere else?"
"Why, is there a particular hero or item you're looking for?" He questioned, bending down to begin searching under the table.
"Well I was wondering…."
--
I happily skipped along the cordiers of the stadium, thrilled that the man had what I had wanted. The skipping was also a way to get to the waiting room, where I was supposed to be right then. It would be worth Iida's yelling though, having both an All Might baseball cap, and a pair of Earaserhead socks, which I'd already switched out with our school ones since we had to change anyway.
I slowed my skipping to a stop, however, when my homeroom teacher stood there waiting outside the class 1A sanctioned room. I tried to smile at him but he only gave me a deadpanned look, it was impossible to see otherwise, even through the bandages.
"You're late." He announced, I brought my hand up to gesture my protest, but dismissed me with a wave of his hand. "On time is late and late is unacceptable. Leave your stuff in the room and then go change, only your training uniform, and be back as quickly as possible." pouting, I followed his order, randomly throwing my backpack on an empty seat and jogged down to the girls changing rooms. Already hearing the voices of my classmates and others.
"Aw man,"' Mina cried, pinching her uniform. She had waited for me as I tried to change as quickly as possible, and walked with him on our way back. "I was totally hoping to wear my costume." Ojiro walked up to us, having come from the boys locker room as well.
"At least everyone will be in uniforms," His tail moving as he spoke." That'll keep things fair, right?" I nodded at his reasoning, feeling my own secret relief of wearing the more baggy clothing.
"I also get to keep my socks on." I declared before pulling up one of my pant's legs. "Look it'is Mr. Aizawa, cool right?" Both didn't seem as excited as I was, giving me their own versions of fiend interest. "Don't be mad at me because I have style."
Mina rolled her eyes and walked into the room, going to a certain locker and opening it. I looked at her questionably and realized Ojiro had a locker of his own, close to Mina's. I peered around the room and questioned if I had one.
"It's your number, you idiot." Katsuki grumbled, apparently noticing my struggle. I turned to face him and smiled, shrugging off the name calling and thanked him. I grabbed my poor backpack and threw it into the unlocked locker.
I sat down in a chair and began to unbraid my hair, knowing that I'd messed it up earlier when I put on the hat. As I did it, the curls and tangles the braid had created began to feather out, making my hair seem slightly longer than before, reaching past my hips. I needed to cut it, sooner or later it was going to cost me a hero point or get stuck in something.
I brushed my fingers through the small knots and began to rebraid my hair, making sure that the top was tied securely in a high ponytail. By the time I was done my arms were slightly sore but the time had ticked by without the increasing feeling of boredom, so I guess it was a sacrifice for the greater good.
"Hey Kuku" I called, seeing that he had arrived 'late' (on time) like I had, "Question, how's my braid?" I turned so that my back was facing him, giving him the perfect view of my hair.
"I-it's fine." He stuttered, I turned to him for a second and questioned his reaction. Did that mean it was off? Was he hiding something, ya now beside the whole, random quirk and All might thing? Did he get a girlfriend? Let's not jump to conclusions… oh but what if he did. Who would it be? Is he not going to tell me?
I turned to Yaoyorozu and asked her to check as well. She inspected my hair and gave a different answer. "It needs to be tighter in the back and two percent to the left." I swiveled by body around to her and gave a questioning look.
"Percent? Like what is that, an inch, a centimeter.." I asked, and she blushed slightly. I felt bad for her embarrassment, but put it aside when I felt mine, mental math had never been one of my strong suits, unless I spent thirty minutes studying for it.
"Just a centimeter," She responded, and this time I nodded in understanding. I began to undue it again and tightened it in the back and shifted my hands over ever so slightly. I finished quickly than before and she gave me a nod of approval. "If- if you have time, could you braid my hair as well?" She shyly inquired, her eyes reading hopeful.
My smile widened and I nodded eagerly, loving the chance to play with her hair. It always looked so smooth and maintained, even during training her hair remained pretty and soft. I directed her down into a chair and took out her signature ponytail when Iida charged into the room, fully dressed in the designated uniform.
"Everyone, get your game faces on!" He ordered, "We're entering the arena soon." he left briefly after that, leaving the door wide open. Yayaroku's shoulders slightly slumped before going back to her perfect posture.
"It's fine we can do this later." She said, beginning to get out of her seat. I moved my hands with her head and kept the beginning of the brain intact.
"I can do this quickly, It's way easier to braid on someone else's head than mine." I reassured, she sat back down and slightly nodded. "And it'll be faster since your hair is nice and smooth." I followed the movements of a dutch braid when a call attracted my attention.
"Midoriya." Todoroki said, stepping up to my shorter friend. I tried to ignore the tension that seemed to have built in one moment, going back to her hair.
"Hey, Todoroki." Kuku answered, "What's up?" His voice didn't hold much confidence, or at least a lot less than usual. The other students noticed the tension as well, all beginning to shift their attention on the two. Luckily we were already facing that direction, or I'm sure both our heads would have turned and lost the progress I'd been making on her hair.
"From an objective standpoint, I think it's fairly clear that I'm stronger than you." The Ice hero began. I had to stop myself from intervening and tried to let them handle it themselves. Though to see Kuku being subjected to this kind of judgment once again was hard. Even if it was a long time ago, I can remember times when those comments visibly hurt his feelings.
My childhood friend responded with a gasp, before agreeing in a stutter.
"However, you've got All Might in your corner, helping you out." Todoroki's statement caught me off guard. So I wasn't the only one who noticed that something was going on. "I'm not here to pry about what's been going on between you two. But know that I will beat you." Kuku gasped again and I pulled a little too tight on Yaoyorozu's hair, earning a yelp.
"Sorry ," I whispered, before resting my eyes back on her hair.
"What's with all these declarations of war lately?" Kiminari jokes, and Kirhsima stood, walking over to the two.
"Yeah, what's the big deal," He asked, placing a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "Why are you pickin' a fight all of a sudden..? And right before we get started." Todoroki knocked off the hand and continued to look at Kuku.
"We're not here to be each other's friends." He began to walk out, leaving most of us in shock. "Don't forget. This isn't a team effort." I finished her braid as he said so, leaving me a bit offended and angry. I pushed those feelings down however, and thought of a way to break his cold exterior.
"Wait a sec, Todoroki," Kuku said, surprising me and stopping the small rant I'd been thinking of. "I don't know what's going through your head, or why you think you need to tell me that you'll beat me. And, yeah, of course you're better than me. In fact, you probably have more potential than anyone in the hero course. That's why you got in so easily."
I fumed at his viewing of himself, how could he say that he'd lose so easily, already knowing what the outcome of the fight before it's even begun.
"Midoriya, maybe you're being a little hard on yourself, and us." Kirshima awkwardly tried to reassure him. Izuku didn't even seem to hear him, already shrugging off what he had said.
"No, he's right, you guys. All the other courses- they're coming for us with everything they've got." He looked down, his voice becoming harder with determination. "We all have to fight to stand out, and I'll be aiming at the top too."
"Fine." Todoroki responded, the tension thick within the classroom. We sat in silence, none of us knowing what to say. It got to a point where the stillness became unbearable and I huffed loudly.
"Well, that was fun," I said, not really knowing what to say either, but I couldn't stand staring at each other in the quiet like that for any longer. "Though I must brag that I totally said the same thing when purple hair tried to declare war last time. Little late, there Kuku, though I was feeling the determination, it made you look all grown up."
I wiped an imaginary tear away and tried to wrap my arm around his shoulder.
"You just made it even more awkward." Mina deadpanned, I turned to her and smiled sheepishly.
"Well it was too quiet and it was freaking me out." I told her, laughing a little at myself. She laughed too and got up, stretching her way over to me.
"Let's go, I wanna see all the people in the stands." She said, changing the topic. Our classmates began to agree and took my outburst as a way to talk about something else. Many of them following Mina and I out of the classroom.
Present Mics announcement was heard behind the huge doors we were told to stand behind. We'd wait till he introduced us and then enter as a class. The time finally came as the door opened and a huge hallway presented itself, as his voice became more distinctive.
"Let me hear you scream as our students make their way to the main stage!" It was nerve wracking as the voices of the crowd got louder, and Mina seemed to be feeling the same thing, because she gripped my arm as we walked down the tunnel. "Welcome back sports fans!" He announced, before introducing each class. Us specifically for being faced with real villains so early in our training.
There were thousands of people in the stands, all there to see us beat eachother up.
Okay, maybe not exactly, but I'm definity close. I breathed in a huge breath, feeling the nervousness rising.
"Ooo, I'm getting excited." Mina exclaimed from beside me, still clutching onto my arm, somehow not causing us to trip over each other. "Though i'm super nervous."
"As a wise woman once said, you're nervouscited." I referenced, trying to laugh off my nervousness, she looked at me confused and I huffed. Of course she wouldn't catch on. "It means you're nervous and excited."
"That's not a thing," She said, finally letting go of my arm.
"I'm pretty sure it is." I replied back, she gave me a look and gave up. We lined up with the rest of the classes, all of us facing the stand box which held Midnight. She was wearing one of her costumes, with high stockings, see through material on her arms and the rest of her legs, and handcuffs around her wrist. She was one of those heroes my dad never let me get merch for, not that I disagreed.
"Now the introductory speech." She called, raising her baton thingy in the air. The other first years noticed her revealing costume, many getting embarrassed.
"Someone should talk to Ms. Midnight about what she's wearing." Kirishima said, his cheeks reddening.
"Yeah. That costume should come with a warning." Kiminari nodded in agreement, his cheeks getting red as well. I slightly nugged Mina who was now staring at Ms. Midnight in awe. She turned her head to look at me, albeit absentmindedly, and I gestured my head to the shyly blushing teens.
She stifled back a laugh at the boys expressions, making it known to them that we were staring. They turned even more red and she laughed even more.
"Silence everyone." Ms. Midnight directed, swinging her hands to gain her attention. "And for the student pledge. We have Katsuki Bakugo." It felt quiet for a moment before it was my turn to hold back my laughter. Oh this was not going to go well, and it was going to be amazing.
Everyone around began turning to him, either gasping in surprise or in fear, they seemed to be having the same thoughts as I did.
"Stop laughing, nerd," He growled at me, before calmly walking up the stairs. I reigned in my laughter and expected the worst, but I couldn't stop my smiling.
""Uh, he's the first year class rep?" Kuku asked nervously, leaning in so the boy in question wouldn't hear. Sero leaned as well,
"I guess that hot-head did finish first in the entrance tests." He said, both now looking at the boy on stage. A girl huffed, looking annoyed as she corrected us.
"Only for the hero exams." She had blond hair, and stood amongst her class. The only person I was able to actually recognize was the purple haired kid who challenged us a few weeks ago. I scrunched my nose at the girl and fought to control the disgusted look I was giving her.
"Oh," Kuku siad, "Right."
"That girl obviously hates us." Sero whispered again.
"Yeah and we've got Bakugo to thank for them not liking our class." Kiminari remarked, looking just annoyed at the comment as I was. I relaxed a little as I remembered his blatant rudeness toward them the last time we interacted, so I guess she's just a little mad from before. Can't be more mad at her than the actual cause, just because he's pretty to look at.
Blasty- Boy made walked up, hands in his pockets, with a nonchalant attitude. We waited in anticipation, my smile form before returning as I imagined all of the things he might say. I heard Kuku visibly gulp, fueling my entertainment for this situation.
"I just wanna say." His deep voice echoed through the stadium, emphasizing his every word. "I'm gonna win." The booing of the first year class instantly filled around my ears, but I cackled and threw my head back.
"Why would you be so disrespectful?" Iida yelled, raising his arms dramatically. "And why are you laughing? You're " I didn't stop to answer him as I continued to laugh, my sides beginning to hurt from the lack of air. When I finally began to real it in, if only for a second, Katuski turned around and gave him a thumbs down.
"Not my fault the rest of you are all just stepping stones to my victory."
I started to howl in laughter, didn't I think that exact thing before? "Who actually says that?" I gasped through breaths. The students still raged on, and and Ms. Midnight's agitation grew as she began to yell out as well.
"Keep laughing, loser and I'll rip your vocal cords out." McBlasty growled, his voice closer than before. I looked up to see him coming down from the steps and toward me angrily, one fist still shoved in his pocket, and the other crackling like he usually did when he threatened someone. I once again attempted to stop laughing, being scared enough to restrain myself but unable to stop smiling. He got closer now and glowered at me, his height adding to his intimidation.
"Hey!" I barely got out an acknowledgement before Midnight's roaring voice in the microphone made me jump. "You two are interrupting my show!" She took her time to assess us now, eyes traveling over the both of us. She smirked now, seeming to realize something. "But ill forgive you because your sexual tension sure is..." She licked her lips slowly for dramatic effect, much to my horor. "delicious."
"What!" Katsuki questioned, his cheeks slightly going red, but she continued on as if nothing inappropriate had been said on national and maybe international television. I heard snickers around me, mostly coming from a certain pink classmate. I turned to her with burning cheeks and evilly glared at her. But that just fueled the fire.
"Without further ado," Ms. Midnight said, raising her hand and gestured to the board above. "It's time for us to get started." The board clicked as my future flashed before my eyes, all revolving around a mocking Lilly, an angry overprotective father, and a gossip loving grandma. Oh my god, what would Mitzuki think? I mean, He looks pretty mad, that usually just makes her laugh. "This is where you begin feeling the pain." I'm feeling it. "The first fateful game of the festival!"
A giant board appeared out of nowhere, showing a giant wheel that span quickly, coming to a stop to a slide that said "Obstacle race"
"Ta-dah" The teacher called, "All 11 classes will participate in his treacherous contest. The track is four kilometers around the outside of the stadium. I don't want to restrain anyone, so as long as you don't leave the track, you're free to do whatever your heart desires. Now! Take your place contestants."
We gathered at the red archway, three green lights displayed above us, ready for the countdown. I pushed the embarrassment down for what had happened and got ready for the race. I'd happened to get a place by Kuku and turned to him quickly before we started.
"No hard feelings for whoever wins?" I questioned, putting out my hand as an "agreement". He looked shocked for a moment before nodding his head in determination.
"I meant what I said earlier, I'm going to try my best and win."
"Then so will I."
And with that, the green lights slowly began to disappear, a beeping going off to dictate how many seconds we had left. I got ready to run when the time passed to one, lunging in a type of runners position.
"Begin" Midnight's vice ecoyed, and with that everyone was off. Except for me, because I was immediately trampled by the huge person behind me. I barely managed to stand up and see the rest of the 1st years scrambling to be the first through the doorway and into the light at the end of the huge tunnel. I began to sprint as well, but backed up as I felt a familiar sense of dread wash over me.
This same thing happened before the Villains attacked and in the cafeteria. Everyone was going to get stuck, and then I.. I would-would get stuck in one place, unable to move. No, that's not what's happening, I got this, find another way out.
The field was clearing and I searched for a way through the door, the walls on either side would take forever to scale, and using only the ceiling to carry myself across would take massive amounts of strength. And though using the other kid's heads as a way across would be hilarious to watch, but would look bad for all those potential hero agencies watching me now.
I mean I could go up? The long way up the wall would take less effort than the other two options, and since I'd be going OVER the doorway, then I'd still technically be in the track.
I didn't hesitate with a plan forming, going more under the red arch way and jumped, powering my legs and arms for the workout I was about to receive. Always remain controlled over your breathing, number one priority along a long distance run.
My force propelled me high, aiming right for the wall above the cramped students and entryway the long hallway I'd seen before. I threw my fist into the concrete wall and held myself there, wow this looked so much easier in the movie. I propelled my way up, using my increased strength to climb and make holes for my hands and feet to go.
"What's this?" Present Mic's voice boomed from the "Hiroko Bushida from Class 1-A taking an alternative route to the doorway? Is that even Allowed?" I didn't concentrate on the answer, I'd already committed to it, even if they kicked me out, I did not want to experience that situation. I'd just got my nightmares to stop being so consistent.
The first couple were rough, but I gained speed as I got the hang of it, actually enjoying climbing up the humongous wall. Actually, this is way higher than I realized, and I think it's curving. I was right, the wall began to curve into itself, making the last hits on the wall feel like I was crawling up like a spider. But my arms were starting to shake, Oh God, don't look down.
Do I even need to say it? Ya know what I will. You're an idiot
With one final reach, I gripped onto a metal bar, waiting at the top of the stadium. I was covered in sweat and realized that I probably used too much of my strength for the beginning of the race, but was happily rewarded when the pressure off my shoulders and biceps. I stood at the top, and caught glimpses of Todoroki freezing the doorway, almost reaching the top of the stadium, and the ground below him.
The breeze followed through my hair and distracted me for a moment before yelling was heard, and I snapped back into my competitie reality. Right, now how to get down.
Okay, note to self, never under any circumstances be the plan guy in a group.
I looked around me, only seeing stairs into the stadium far away, but that would definitely disqualify me, with no way of talking my way through it. The only thing left was the land metal bars, this actually gives me an idea.
I gripped the top bar and saw that it easily fit in my hand. I'm not sure how sturdy these things are if they're smaller than my hand, but oh well. I grip tightly and pull, ripping the metal from its counterparts, and breaking it off with my foot where it meets. I yank again and more come undone. I pulled again further down, trying t o collect as much pole as I could, leaving myself with a 50 foot pole.
This still won't be long enough, I huffed to myself, before realizing zed that I'd just done enough property damage and decided to go with a different route. If I slide down this domed area and then when it gets long enough, I can ride down and not have to run that much.
"This is the dumbest idea I've ever had."
I took the poll in hand, having it in front of me as I began to slide down, my momentum began to speed up as gravity began to pull me toward the ground. Okay, now to plan this right, I slid off the roof and started to plummet toward the earth, but flipping the metal, getting ready to use it to, I guess, ride it down. What was my plan exactly?
Instead of screaming like I'd wanted, I began to feel a rush as the wind continued to wip through my hair. Okay, getting closer. I used the pole when I assumed I was fifty feet in the air, slamming it down as I gripped to it. My aching arms no longer in mind as the pole hit the ground hard shaking me slightly, but it held no effect on my death grip. I leaned at the last second and it followed my weight.
I screamed in excitement as my trek closer to the ground gained speed, I'd have to time this better than last time, or I'd probably end up with another broken leg. I tried to focus my power on strengthening my lower leg muscles, lossining them for the impact. I got nearer with every second, and the Students around me seemed to be moving out of my way. Smart.
I jumped off the pole before it smashed into the ground, and tumbled as far as I could get, feeling the pain distributed evenly, but not a specific force to one. I came to a stop on one knee. My heart was beating fast and I had the vague idea of doing that again.
"Oh my God, I'm alive."
I breathed in a huge breath but that didn't stop the fast beating of my heart. I was probably still going through my adrenaline rush. I took another breath and decided my short rest was over, that was only the first obstacle.
I looked around me and noticed the disbelieving eyes, and I looked behind me to see Todorki's ice effects still held some people captive. I got up and jogged back to the pole and broke off a piece relative to my size, actually it was a little too short, but I was starting to fall behind.
I took the pole and began to sprint, trying out a new trick I'd been trying to learn over the last two weeks. The idea was to increase my respiratory systems abilities and make it take longer to run out of breath. I focused on my breath and imagined it circulating throughout my body as I pushed myself to run, not trusting myself to enhance anything else.
My attention was taken elsewhere when a smash resonated ahead of me, a huge robot covered in ice had fallen, leaving only its heap of metal to sit. I jogged the rest once I noticed the other speechless students all just standing there, watching the Ice hero's work.
Dang, he's so cool his rudeness from earlier has already been forgotten. Literally. Cool, get it.
I hate you for that
As I of you
The machines behind the fallen robot looked menacing with their red lights and titan like bodies. I got ready to make a less physically demanding jump when Kirishima popped up through the Robot's metal.
"I'm alive!" He screamed, alongside Present mic's announcement.
"Kirhishima from Class 1-A! what a hard core debut for this rookie!" the teacher said before another sound of breaking metal was heard. Revealing that really angry guy from before, but this time his body was made of steel or iron.
So you can tell it's him, but couldn't recognize Todoroki?
Yeah, why is that
"Tetsutetsu from Class 1-Bwas also stuck underneath!" Again the announcer's voice screamed through the hidden speakers. "What are the odds?" The two started running up the metal robot, continuing on with the race. As I should be.
I jumped into the air, deciding to take action, with added strength and ran up to another point 0 robot coming our way. The thing tried to move and swat me away, but I moved up its arm and jumped, twisting my body quickly, with the help of extra force from my bo, and slamming a double kick into the head.
I began to fall down, my kicks having enough momentum to do some damage. As it fell I ran and jumped onto the next robot after it, hoping to just slimy run on these slowly moving hunks of metal, instead of wasting even more energy, and time.
Katuski's angry form appeared in the air above me, distracting me enough to slip up and land in a palm of the robot I was racing on. It brought its other hand up to flick me away, but I enhanced my speed, focusing no less on strength and getting away from the monster.
I successfully did so by propelling myself forward with my makeshift bo staff and maneuvered my way around the smaller robots, choosing that running was the best option for me right now. Instead of sprinting, I began to pace myself, already feeling the repercussions of my exertions earlier. I chose this time to work on breathing without my Quirk, using techniques my grandma taught me when I'd get tired from training for so long.
It worked just as well as it used when I made it to the next obstacle, barley out of breath. I took a second to settle my heart however and looked at the obstacle ahead of me. Which was in fact a hue ravine of randomly scattered pillars of rocks, which looked like there was nothing at the bottom. Great.
I gritted my teeth and looked at the closets rock, and backed up, getting ready to jump across. It had to be close enough for people without physical strengthening quirks, they wouldn't risk students' lives just for some race, right? I sprinted toward the piece of land and jumped, using an extra increase of speed to help me. I landed roughly in the middle and misled, many were spaced this far apart from each other, if I continued to jump like this it might work, but I'd have to stick to close pillars.
And that's what I did, repeating the first jump and finding the closest island as right before landing, that way I could keep my momentum going, usually having one foot on the ground at a time.
I was getting closer to the front leaders, getting ahead of the people who passed me up when I was pacing myself. Though I had already seen Todoroki on his last string, which I had noticed when he was randomly skating across what looked like nothingness. I huffed and powered through my legs muscles again, deciding it was time to push myself harder.
I took two pillars at a time, still trying to find the next place to land while I was in the air, which worked till the very end, where the ledge was way too far to cross with the way I was doing it. I slowed down with the last pillar in sight, deciding that it was time to use my bo. I grabbed the end and pushed off, throwing all my strength into the push, Jumping over the last pillar and my plumating death.
I landed upright and kept going, this time using the breathing enhancement, no longer worrying about over exerting myself. I wanted to win, and the yelling boy using his explosions to propel himself forward, was only edging me on.
I ran up the red steps and saw the back of Todoroki, the eagerness of being so close bringing a smile to my face. I picked up speed, trying to see how far I could run without using my quirk, relying on my own physical abilities and training.
That decision was instantly regretted when I realized Todoroki and Bakugo were both faster than me. I gritted my teeth and pushed forward, powering my poor legs once again. I strived to go faster and pushed myself, beginning to gain on both. By now Katuski stopped flying via his blasts and had been running, barely keeping up with Todoroki.
I bolted past him, the anger in his eyes evident when I did so. Todoroki was getting closer by the minute. I was having trouble breathing but I sprinted anyway, the awful pressure on my lungs continuing to get worse, but I didn't dare to stop my legs. Going to relish in the moment of being first. I looked ahead and saw the next obstacle coming up, I'd make sure I was first to reach it.
The power through my legs serged when I turned to look at Todoroki, he blinked in surprise before the emotion disappeared and determination became dominant. Ice shot out of his hand, reaching the ground and trapping me in the ground.
My body came to a hard stop, and it felt like my insides suddenly halted as well. I flinched at the action but wasted no time, deciding to wedge myself out of my shoes. A few students passed by, and I growled in frustration. Well, played, Todoroki, well played.
I ran as fast as I could without my quirk to the next obstacle, thinking it best to save what energy I had left for the last remaining trial.
"And now, the last obstacle." Present Mic's announcement sounded, "Everyone better tread carefully. You're stepping on a minefield!"
"A what!" I huffed out, not having much breath to breathe.
"If you look carefully, you can see where those little bombs are buried, so keep your eyes on the ground, folks." He said, "By the way, those land mines were designed for the games, so they might be loud and flashy, but, they're not all that powerful. Just enough to make you wet your pants!" God, I hate this teacher.
By the time I reached the minefield, people had already begun to cross.
Okay, what's the plan? He said that we can see where they've been planted, and that they aren't deadly. I could just run past, but that would be taxing. I breathed in deeply, trying to get as much air to my lungs.
I did exactly as everyone else did, I began to keenly search the ground and step where I assumed they were not, even using some of my super strength to jump to places I know they weren't, but first place was far ahead.
I took my metal pole and broke off a piece, wondering what the reaction time would be. I threw it far away from me and counted the seconds it took for the bomb to go off. Less than a second. Yeah… there is no way I'd ever be fast enough to run the whole thing.
I continued on like I was, hoping that I could pass everyone at the end with everything I had, especially since doing this so slowly was making it easier to breathe.
Explosions went off behind me, but not from the minefield. Katsuki was screaming in rage, reusing his quirk to blast himself forward, flying high over the awaiting traps and bombs.
I ignored Katsuki as he landed, focusing back on myself. Though I could tell from the yelling and Present Mic's play by play, he had met Todoroki at the front, and was now fighting him.
Careful looks and quick reflexes kept me from begging blasted, but I was moving slowly. I clenched my jaw in irritation, usually I could just power through this, but any physical enhancements I made might cost me valuable time.
The ground shook, a huge bomb behind me going off. An immense amount of power was used, pink clouds filled the air with a familiar boy riding it on a piece of metal.
"Kuku?" I voiced. I was both concerned and intrigued at his quick thinking, though I have no idea how he did it. He was now nearing the front, sailing over the Katsuki and todoroki.
"The lead is his!" Our teacher screamed, fuling the myself and the rest of the racers.The two leaders stopped fighting, beginning to use their Quirks to make progress in the race, even if it meant giving others an advantage. More specifically, todoroki made a long ice way, running over the land mines with little effort.
Why are those three so cool? I hate them all.
I pushed forward, deciding to use todroki's ice path and gain an advantage. But my plans were foiled when a random classmate I didn't recognize got there first and proceeded to break the ice as he walked, slicing it with the knives on his feet. H-how does he walk? That looks very painful.
Focus. And I did. Enough to watch Kuku take the metal piece he'd been surfing on, and forcefully pull it to the ground, right near Katsuki and todoroki. The blast was large and it sent Kuku flying even further, and he tumbled to the ground, reaching the other side.
I kept myself from laughing and continued on, my body aching from the running without stopping. I kept going, finally reaching the end of the bomb field, seeing Kuku far ahead and Katsuki and the ice hero not far behind.
I smiled, finally able to power myself with little consequences. I threw the metal bo staff behind me, letting it hit the mines and block some of the people behind me. The lost weight and made me feel lighter, which ultimately pushed me forward.
It felt just like last time, the overwhelming desire to come in first coursing through my body, and it fuled me. I ignored my sore feet, choosing not to rethink ditching them. I ignored my breathing and the pain that planted itself in my lungs, I'd practiced like this before, I could make it. And I ignored the aching in my arms and legs as I serged forward, my continued use of my quirk finally taking it's heavy toll.
But i focused on the boys who were less than a foot ahead of me, on the cheering crowd, on Present Mic's ridiculous commentary.
I was gaining on them, the training I'd done was actually paying off, and I was going to be victorious. It would only take one last effort to pass Kuku, who was pushing himself just as I was.
Except, a heavenly scent evaded my senses, it smelled like burning sugar or carmel, and it was coming in the direction beside me. I turned my head, like an idiot, and saw how close Kastuki was. My focus was lost and reminders of Ms. Midnight's comments made my face even hotter than the buckets of sweat.
My foot slipped, and my body fell into a randomly placed crater near the finish line. My nose smacked hard against the ground and my eyes began to fill with tears. Even with my blurred vision I could see Kuku coming in first, hear the crowd cheer loudly for his victory.
I got up, pushing myself with all my might and charged, knowing that I wouldn't be making second.
And I didn't. I made fourth, coming in after Todoroki and Kasuki. Though i have no idea who came second.
I wiped my teary eyes, and checked my nose, feeling no blood and it didn't hurt to the touch. I sighed, both disappointed and happy for Kuku, he'd just won against the top two students in the heo course without a Quirk.
I jogged up to him, continuously ignoring the lively announcements of my english teacher.
"Kuku!" I called, waving my sore arms. Now that I'm not competing anymore, I think i should have just pushed through the doorway, instead of using that much energy for such a small distance. "That was amazing!"
I flung my arms around him but cringed when I noticed how swaty we both were.
"He, yeah?" He asked, "You're not mad you lost?"
"Well, I'm disappointed," I said, answering truthfully. "But like we said before, no hard feelings because we were both going to try." He looked relieved and I widened my smile. "Though I have no idea why they added that weird hole in the middle of the finish. I thought the minefield was the last obstacle."
"I think that was you." He said, before tuning again to someone calling him over. I crunched my eyebrows together in confusion, how the heck was that me?
"That was amazing you guys!" Uraraka called, slightly out of breath. I nodded my head in agreement but my mind was still working through his last statement. "I can't believe you got first place, I'm jealous." He wrapped his arms around his redlining face, and I smiled wickedly. I'd find out later, right now, it was shipping time.
I backed up, letting them have their space. And I waited excitedly, albeit more subdued, for Mina, watching as the others pored in. Some I recognized as classmates and others maybe familiar in the halls.
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Okayyy, so this probably isn't that good so i apologize. I hope I could keep you all interested. Also, do you guys think I'm making her too overpowered or a Mary Sue, like too perfect? I just think that since her quirk revolves around her physical abilities, doing well on the obstacle course just makes sense, but I might be biased. Okay, hope you enjoyed… I might update this chapter again, but i wanted to get this out.
;p