Guys, I cut my finger on a cookie. Like, it's bleeding.
Disclaimer: I own Hiroko, that's it
- penalties and pleasantries -
The crowd continuously cheered as my classmates all ran through, each one carefully avoiding the hole I had tripped in last time. Where did it even come from? It was the same entrance we left earlier, and I know I would have noticed kids tripping over each other… which means it happened during the race. But, why?
My eyes scanned the students sprinting through, locking on a pretty pink and waiting for her to notice and come over. She was gasping for breath, leaning over her knees, but had a determined smile on her face, nonetheless. I jogged over to her and she stood up straight, breaths still shallow.
Her smile turned to a pout and I snickered at her expression.
"Ugh" she whined, now that she could breathe again. "That was so exhausting, and I only got 19th." I nodded in agreement, feeling my biceps and even my core ache when I moved a lot.
"Yeah, and it's only the first test," I complained with her, slumping my shoulders and letting out a sigh. "I know Mr. Aizawa said to train hard, but I don't think I should have started only two week ago." She nodded along with me, before pulling her arm up over her head and stretching.
"I know," she said, " I got lazy because we were practicing so hard at school." Everyday we would do hero training after lunch for hours, pushing ourselves to get better. It was profitable, but practicing and working out after school helped even more. And maybe not eating five suckers a day.
"Wait, where is your shoe?" she asked, grabbing my attention again.
"Just- I.. plan gone wrong, I guess."
"The first game for the first-years is finally over, and what a game it was!" Ms. Midnight's voice echoed through the stadium, after more kids had entered. Her voice reminded me of the embarrassing moment from earlier, and I tried to resist the urge to look at Katsuki. I only succeeded because Mina grabbed my arm and dragged me to the stage where the teacher stood. "Now, let's take a quick look at the standings, shall we?"
We were grouped amongst our classmates, each class standing in an organized way, apparently.
The same board from earlier dropped down and broadcasted a list. Kuku in first, Todoroki in second, McBlasty in third and myself in fourth. Oh, Katsuki was gonna be mad. An unknown name was five, then Iida, Tokyoyami, Sero, Kirishima, and so on. I saw a couple more names in my class, and noted Uraraka as 16th, Yaoyorozu as 17th, and Mina as 19th. And by the end of the list, I knew that everyone in class 1-A had made it in the first round.
Pride swelled for my class and pumped my fist to myself. "Let's go 1-A!"
"Shut up!" Blasty-boy yelled, eyes in slits and jaw clenched. I flinched back violently with a shriek, some kind of muscle memory kicked in and I flung my fist, though it looked sloppy and hit no one but myself.
"Hey!" howled Midnight. I jumped again, this time shielding my face with my hands. It seemed to be the reaction she wanted and continued like it never happened. "Only the top 42 will advance to the next round. But don't be too let down if you don't make the cut! We've prepared other opportunities for you to shine." She licked her lips and chuckled softly to herself, a flicker of excitement flashing in her eyes.
"Now the real fun is about to begin," she continued in the same playful tone. "The chance to move yourselves into the limelight! Give it your best." The boy beside me growled to himself, and I, for once, decided it best to leave him alone. Ms. Midnight raised her hand in the hair and waited for the board to stop spinning. "Let's see what we have in store for you next! Will your wildest dreams come to life? What could it be, the waiting is torture."
Mina leaned over to me and whispered quickly, her eyes never straying from our teacher. "I think Ms. Midnight is a little too into her character."
I agreed with a silent nod and made sure said teacher hadn't heard or noticed us. She hadn't and kept going, sweeping her arm dramatically under the result that awaited.
"Prepare yourselves… for this."
Cavalry Battle
What?
I racked my brian for any resemblance to the words but I came up blank.
"Allow me to explain." Midnight turned to the board behind her which held a picture of 13 and Present Mic holding up All Might. They wanted us to fight like that? "The Participants will form teams of two-to-four people as they see fit. In theory, it's basically the same as a regular playground game." How had I not heard of this? "But there is one difference. Each player had been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course."
"So that means each team will have a different point value baked on which students are on it," Uraraka explained.
"Uh-huh!" Mina said, pointing finger guns at her. I snorted and she turned to me, 'firing' her finger guns at me as well.
"Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you." Midnight swung her arms down in protest, looking directly at the both of them. I smirked despite myself. It was definitely funnier when it wasn't me. "Why is it always this class interrupting?" This time her glare shifted to me and sighed in acceptance. Karma.
"Now then," she continued. "The point assignments go up by increments of five, starting from the bottom." The board changed behind her and revealed the list, this time it showed the amounts of points we had received. "For example, 42nd place is worth 5 points, and 41st is worth 10. And the point value assigned to the 1st place winner is...10 million!"
But why?
I scrunched my face in confusion and felt a tinge of jealousy, wishing that I had won. No, Kuku deserved it, he's really been working hard. No hard feelings, no matter who won.
Okay, but why was there such a difference between 2nd and 1st?
"That's right," Ms. Midnight said, almost wickedly. "It's survival of the fittest, with the chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!"
I looked back to him and saw the rest of our class doing the same. His eyes were wide and he was sweating, looking around nervously. He caught my eye and I tried to give him a reassuring smile. He tried to smile but it was forced. I brought my lips together to keep from laughing, but he could tell and deadpanned. His stare was cold and I smiled even more.
"First years." Our attention turned to Midnight's call, the Board changing to the picture of All Might being carried by the other teacher again. "These are the rules that you'll abide by: the game itself will last fifteen minuets. Individual point values will be added together to reach your team total." Like Uraraka said… "Everyone will know how much you're worth thanks to your headbands. Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team's score."
Okay, so this was starting to make sense, the team with the most points will win, and you got points by stealing the headbands.
"Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up," she said. "So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them. And another thing… Even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing till time runs out."
"It's anyone's game, then," Yaoyorozu said, touching her chin thoughtfully.
"Yeah," Sato agreed. I looked behind me to hear more of the conversation and noticed how he towered over her, even at her height. "And since there are 42 contestants, there'll be ten or twelve teams fighting on the field the entire time."
"Wow, he did the math quickly." I said, mostly to myself.
"So," Mina drawled. "If you lose your headband at the beginning, you have more time to make up a plan."
"I don't know, Mina," Tsuyu said, putting her finger to her chin. "Maybe we should wait and see how the teams turn out before we start strategizing."
"I hope I'm on a team with somebody smart," I added, having no plan or ideas for the next game.. "I.. am so bad at strategizing."
"This is going to be rough," Midnight continued.
"But don't you usually do well in class?" Mina whispered, trying not to get caught by the easily angered woman in front of us.
"Right, but chemical solutions and the body's system never change," I answered back, feeling slightly distressed for the game to come. Running and jumping over things was easy, but working together meant more added pressure. You couldn't take the risk at the expense of others. Maybe I could team up with Kuku? Who am I kidding? He's strategic and my friend, he's probably my only choice. "Strategy is hard, and usually my ideas are never sound."
"It can't be that bad," she snorted, laughing at my expense.
"I'm pretty sure I got by, by the grace of God."
"Well, we got this," she encouraged, pumping her fist to herself.
"- Make a team fall on purpose and I'll slap you with a red card," our teacher said, snapping us both back to attention.
"Oh my god was she still talking?" I questioned.
"You'll be disqualified!" As she finished her announcement, I heard a faint scoff next to me. Katsuki looked angry at the rule, but I don't think I could be more grateful. If he was just let off the leash like that, I might just give him my headband already.
"However," Midnight continued, her eyes narrowing in on me. "There was a breach of the rules during the first part of the game."
Why is she looking at me?
"How naughty," she said. The board behind her began to play the beginning of the obstacle course, more specifically when I jumped up onto the stadium wall. The look I had before jumping was painful to watch, because I looked scared. Scared of going through "the doorway". I looked pathetic. What kind of hero can't even go through a crowded hall without freaking out?
I pushed the feeling down and watched the clip roll to me reaching the top of the stadium. My arms were clearly trembling but I pulled myself up and stood.
"I wanted to disqualify you from the game and send you home," Midnight said, and my eyes drifted back from the board to the woman. "I think you went off the course, which was not permissible. However… your teacher vouched that you cleared the doorway, by thinking outside the box. I wasn't onboard until he offered a punishment." Her eyes lit up at the word and I clamped my mouth shut to keep from saying anything.
The board behind her continued to roll my 'venture off course', and between watching myself rip the side railing off the stadium and the… physically aware(?) woman in front of me, I was having a hard time concentrating.
"So, for your punishment…" she paused for dramatic affect and I felt my heartbeat accelerating quickly. "You are not allowed to team up with the winner of the race."
"What?" I breathed out. How was that fair? "Bu- I.. I didn't-"
I watched as the last few seconds of the clip rolled, showing everyone in the stadium of my epic adventure of jumping off the building, using the metal pole like a pogostick, and falling 50 feet in the air.
A nasty scowl appeared on my face and I breathed in, keeping myself from yelling at Ms. Midnight. It wouldn't help anyway, it'd only get me in more trouble.
"Now, you've all got 15 minutes to build your teams," she continued like she hadn't just messed up my whole plan, leaving me to dumbfoundedly stare at the clock that began. "I recommend you start now."
What was I going to do? I guess it shouldn't matter too much how many points I have, I should look more into people with great Quirks.
"Hiroko!" Mina screamed in my ear, and I flinched back, looking at her with a questioning look. "I've been calling you!"
"Oh, sorry."
"We should team up," she said, eyes wide with hope and excitement.
"Yes!" I answer back, just as excited. How hadn't I thought of that? We high-fived each other and she nodded with determination.
"But we need somebody smart," she contemplated. "Because you were not kidding when you said you were a bad strategizer."
"What happened to, 'oh it's not that bad." I tried to imitate her, scrunching my face in mock offence.
"You jumped off the stadium."
"There was no other way."
"And that's why you can not be the brains," she smiled, almost mocking me. Actually, scratch the 'almost'. She was mocking me.
"Eh. .." I started. She gasped and grabbed my writed, successfully dragging me to the group just a few feet away. It consisted mostly of our classmates, all surrounding Katsuki. I shook my head, knowing for a fact he wasn't going to team with me. And I really didn't want to beg.
"You should team with me!" Sato said, pointing a thumb toward himself. Mina pushed her way through and brought me to stand next to her, right in front of Katsuki.
No!" she exclaimed, letting go of me. "You definitely want us by your side." I nodded along with her, even though I hated the idea of begging to him. And the idea of working with him at all… it would only encourage Ms. Midnight and her 'sexual tension' theory.
"I don't want to beg," Aoyama said, holding his stomach and shaking slightly. ( I learned he was the one with the awesome cape, and he said he'd make me one.) "But please."
"Wait, remind me what your Quirks are again," he hesitated, looking somewhat lost. I snorted at his response, but shielded it with my hands. "And your names."
"You're kidding." Mina exasperated. "We're your classmates."
"Can you really be that self-centered?" Sato questioned. My lips began to hurt from holding down my smile. I, too, sometimes forget how prideful Blasty-boy is.
"I'm braids," I mocked, putting my hand out like I did when we first met. "And I can enhance physical abilities, both other people and myself." I smiled innocently as his lips twitched into a frown.
"I know you, loser," he growled. I nodded and stepped back, allowing Mina and the rest of the people crowding around him to convince him. Hopefully he'd choose someone quickly and Mina and I could find someone, hopefully two people so we could stay together.
Instead, Kirishima called.
"Bakugo." He waved his hand and we turned to him, watching as he placed a hand on Sato's shoulder. "I was gonna try Todoroki, but he already picked a group. So hey! We should team up." I threw my head back and laughed, loving how Kirishimadidn't even try to hide that Katsuki was his second choice. If only we were all as brave as him.
"Hey, dumb hair."
"Ha!"
"My name is Kirishima! And my hair isn't that different from yours," he protested, and I calmed myself down, realizing nobody else was finding their interaction funny. "Come on. You wanna be the rider, right? So you're gonna need a strong front horse who won't be hurt by your blasts." He hardened his arm to emphasize his point and smiled confidently. "That'd be me."
Wow, that's actually really smart.
"I need someone with guts," Katsuki said. I stared at him, now dumbfounded. This was the most cooperative I've seen him.
"My Quirk was made for this!" Kirishima swore. "I got you covered, man. Let's go charging into battle together." He put his arm up and looked Katuski in the eye, smirking. "Ten million. Bring it."
Again, wow. That was beautiful.
The blonde's confused look morphed into wicked determination, having decided what he was going to do.
"Alright, dumbhair," he declared, turning back to the rest of the group.
"Heck yeah!" Kirhsima exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. I turned to the clock and saw we had 10 minutes left, and the rest of the people seemed to be making their choices by now. Todoroki was out. And so was Kuku, stupid penalty. Going over just made sense, at least Mr. Aizawa backed me up. Though he's usually the one telling me It was a stupid idea.
"I have acid," Mina added, stepping up and grabbing Katsuki's attention. I turned to her and smiled excitedly, I loved how her Quirk worked, Especially since she could control the density and its solubility, her only set back being her body's resistance to it. Acid hurts without calluses.
"Let's see it." Blasty-boy said, stepping back and giving her room, Kirishima, stood next to him, watching as Mina got ready. The crowd around us was beginning to disperse. Specifically I saw Shoji turn to Mineta, who looked to be in serious distress. Aoyoma, Sato, Sero, and I were the only ones staying closer, and the rest began to drift.
I went and stood beside Kirishima, keeping my eyes on our pink friend.
"'Nice speech," I quipped, crossing my arms over my chest. "Though I'm surprised McBlasty went for it." He rubbed his neck and smiled sheepishly, well as sheepishly as a boy with shark teeth could get.
"Heh, yeah I got pretty excited," he said. His expression changed, and his eyes flashed with determination. He hardened his arms and punched them together. A spark flew as they hit. "But I'm all pumped up."
"Mhm," I whispered, casting a glance at the boy beside him. "I'm actually scared to see what will happen if Katsuki doesn't win."
"Well you won't have to worry," he declared, jabbing his thumb at his chest again. "because I'll be taking us to victory." I smiled at his confidence, but felt a surge of competitiveness run through me, getting excited again for the next game.
"What do ya think?" Mina asked, and I brought my attention back to her. Boom-boom's eyes were calculating, though he looked disinterested. I gave her finger-guns, but turned to look at more of the surrounding groups. The groups were getting more put together, some even strategizing.
"You wanna win right?" Katsuki asked nonchalantly, looking her up and down. She smiled victoriously and pumped her fist in the air.
"Heck yeah!"
"Come on, Bakugo," Kirishima insisted, putting his hand on Katuski's shoulder. "Ashido is super athletic, and would make a good horse so we can get around faster."
Aw, he stood up for her.
"Yeah, and I can melt todoroki's ice," Mina said, nodding quickly. A familiar wicked grin spread on his lips, and red eyes lighting up like fire. It looks like she convinced him. I guess my job here is done.
"Braids," he called, and I turned to him in surprise. He usually ignored me unless I approached him first, and even then it took a few minutes of vexing to get him to respond. "What do you want?"
I saw Mina smiling and pleading with her eyes to try and join. Apparently, she could sense my uncertainty to work with him. I smiled at her and decided to try, he was my best bet, and I didn't want to go against any more of my friends.
"I wanna be on your team too," I said, with confidence. I searched my head for a good reason why and just rolled with a way he might let me. "I can increase our team's strength and speed, so we can maneuver quickly without it taking a toll on Mina's and Kirishima's Quirks or bodies."
I didn't bring up the fact that I could enhance his explosions, having a feeling he might yell about 'my explosions being fine just the way they are', 'a loser couldn't handle it', or 'you think you're better than me?' That one was my favorite.
"I'm getting that headband off that supid Deku's head,'' he growled. "And I don't need a follower of his getting in my way." He didn't look angry, only questioning if I would hold back for Kuku. I smiled and felt that competitive spirit grow.
"Hey! I wanna win too," I reassured, confidently. "And if it means taking down Kuku, then let's go kick his butt." I didn't back down from Katuski' stare, and I tried to convey my eagerness to win. Even if it was less noticeable than his.
"Tch." He looked away from me and gave a small jerk of his head, beckoning me over to his side. Mina jumped up, and pumped her fist to herself. She sure did that a lot. I walked over to her, still surprised that he actually let me join him. I thought he'd laugh in my face, throw the word loser in his insult somewhere, and send me on my way.
"I can't believe that worked," I whispered to her. She nodded and threw her arms around me and I hugged back.
"Alright losers," Katsuki called. We both turned our heads and she let go. I sighed and put on my game face, getting ready for the battle ahead.
"Why are you always so mean?" Mina wined, though mostly to me since we just got on his good side. Or, whatever was going on right now.
"We got one goal." His force eyes became slits with determination, looking behind himself to stare at the boy who'd taken his victory. "Win." I snorted at the obviousness but apologized when Katsuki growled out an insult. "I'll be the rider, Dumbhair the front, Racoon eyes you'll take right, and Braids, left."
I nodded but both Mina and Kirishima both protested at the names. He ignored their ramblings and looked at me with a hard look. "What I say, goes."
I crinkled my nose and raised my hands in confusion; asking him silently why he was looking at me like that.
"Don't be an idiot," he seethed, his usual tone finally seeping through. "You go off and do whatever you want, and it's usually something stupid."
I copied his scoff from before but nodded, knowing that he was telling me to think it through before I risked his win.
"Wow," Kirshima said, drawing my attention to the red-headed boy beside us. "I get it." Mina seemed to be in agreement and I stood there waiting for him to explain his outburst. "About what Ms. Midnight said."
My face began to warm. Realizing, once again, how close Katsuki got when he threatened/insulted people. My reaction went unnoticed by Kirishima however, as Blasty began to shout odd threats and profanities, all following the same trend of: I'll kill you.
The timer went off a minute or two after that, leaving the echoing sound of the alarm ringing throughout the stadium.
"Oh, goody, It's time to get this party started." Midnight stretched her arms on the stage, which had moved back considerably, and commented on the start.
"After 15 minuets to pick teammates and talk strategy, 12 Calvary teams are preparing to go head-to-head!" Present Mic said, his voice also coming through the speakers. "Come on, everyone get your hands in the air! It's time for an arena-thumping UA battle royal!"
Getting a better reaction than he usually did during class, the crowd did so. The stadium, had once again, been filled to the brim with cheers and yells of excitement for our next game. And though it made me nervous, It also fueled the desire to win.
Midnight came around and gave Katsuki his headband. Together we had a total of 680 points. After that came the awkward process of getting him on Kirishima's shoulders and our arms, and Mina and I positioned ourselves so we could run smoothly. It was way easier than I expected.
"Let's get this party started!" Present Mic cheered after all the teams were ready. "One final countdown before the game starts!"
"Three"
"Get him." Katsuki commanded, cracking his knuckles. I kept back my sarcastic response, nodding my head, determined.
"Two!"
"One!"
A second passed by, the crowd and the students both anticipating the next words for us to charge.
"Begin!"
We all moved, heading straight for Kuku and the 10,000,000 points. He looked worried but kept his face steady, unwavering to the groups heading toward him. His arm swept over Tokoyami's head, and he began to shout.
"We're running away!"
Okay, so I was wrong.
"Coward!" Katsuki yelled. But it went unnoticed by the group, because they began to sink into the floor. Who's Quirk is that? That's so cool. Did it affect just the floor? Or all surfaces?
I snapped myself out of the fangirling, and saw Kuku yell at Uraraka (that's adorable, they teamed up) and a girl with pink hair. They followed his instruction, ducking, and they began to rise from the floor. They were flying… Uraraka was using her Quirk to get out of the floor.
They flew over our head, flying high into the air and out of our reach. The other teams were yelling in protest, but I concentrated on my team, waiting for instructions.
"I'm turning around," Kirishima yelled to us. Mina and I nodded and slowed, turning in the same direction while carrying Katsuki head on. I smiled, we were in sync, and it was definitely because of the continuous training we all had to go through as classmates.
We followed their movements, and they began to descend down seconds later.
"Hey, Kiri," I called. "I'm gonna get us to go faster so we can grab it before they reach the floor fully." I looked up to Katsuki for approval and he did so by growling. I made sure I was touching both Mina and Kirishima, and felt energy surge through my body and into theirs. We began to pick up pace and we were gaining on the group that had now reached the ground.
Other teams began running to surround them as well, and I slowed us. Both to conserve energy, and to see what was going to happen. If we could avoid a collision, we would waste less time getting back up, and more on getting headbands.
Kuku and his team stopped, glancing at the Calvary groups that had them cornered.
Katsuki began to cackle maniacally and I smiled up questioningly. How was this insane boy, the leader of our team?
I shook off the thought and watched as sticky purple balls came from Shinji's arms, which he'd been holding up the entire time.
Did he have another Quirk?
Oh, wait. Mineta's tiny figure could be seen inside his massive arms, and I figuratively hit myself over the head for not thinking of that. Tsuyu was apparently in there as well. Or I assumed because of the familiar frog-like tongue that aimed for Kuku's headband.
Blasters under uraraka's feet propelled them up. I noticed there was another jetpack-like-thing on Kuku's back. So it wasn't just the brunet's Quirk keeping them in the air. Wait, how did they get jet-packs and rocket boots?
They blasted off high into the air.
Heat radiated off Katuski's hands and Mina and I ducked. He soared into the sky with his explosions propelling himself forward. Smoke was left in his wake, trailing after him and leaving a swirl of black lines.
That amazing smell was left behind and I questioned if it belonged to Katsuki. No way… that's just weird.
"Don't think for a second you're safe," he yelled. Making it easy to hear him even from so high up. He faced Kuku with an extra push of his blasts, readying his hand to grab the headband, and probably an injured head. "I've got you!"
Kirishima, Mina, and I all stood gaping at the scene, watching our team mate try to fight someone so high in the air.
"Tokoyami," Kuku called. He responded with dark shadow. The bird reacted perfectly in sync with Katsuki's explosion, shielding the team from the blast. I would never admit to Katsuki that I was glad Kuku didn't get blasted.
The crowd roared in anticipation, expressing the same feeling that had been washing over me when Katsuki about ripped Mina and I's heads off when he went up there.
"Whoa!" I heard Present Mic scream into the microphone. "Bakugo has been separated from his horses. Is that even legal?"
I jumped to action with no thought, only hoping we wouldn't be disqualified. I energized my legs, focusing my Quirk to the specific muscles and jumped.
"Follow where I land," I screamed under me as I reached Katsuki and grabbed him. It was weird to carry him bridal style, but that looked like the easiest way to get him down AND staying with his 'horses'.. I guess. I didn't really have any other plan.
I most definitely didn't feel his muscles on my arms, and I most definitely didn't enjoy it.
"This is stupid, Idiot" he yelled in mid-air, his hair flapping around his face. I was preoccupied so I ignored the dig and focused on my Quirk, not his muscles.
Who are you lying too?
My face was heating by the time I touched down and Mina and Kirishima were just a second behind, giving me a chance to hold back into our original position and getting ready to carry on without hesitation.
"He never touched the ground," Ms. Midnight said. I glanced at her briefly and saw an evil glint in her eye. An oddly familiar glint. "So technically it's okay."
"I was not sure how that'd turn out," I told them truthfully.
"Isn't that how your plans usually start off with."
"You've only seen the one plan, Mina."
"Then where is your shoe?" I hesitated at her response, remembering how I left it behind to escape Todoroki's ice.
"Braids!" Katsuki called. I shifted my attention from the other teams I had been keeping my eyes on and on to him. From below I could see his jawline perfectly, and the way his neck moved when he talked.
Hold up. Calm down.
"Get us there faster," he said, and once again I watched his Adam's apple bob when he growled out the command. I nodded through a distracted state, still being able to push us faster. Even with the break we got when we chose groups, I felt my energy beginning to slip. I might be able to make it through this round, but if I didn't get some food then I might be useless in the next.
Teams were turning from the number one points, and were now coming after us. A specific one was the team with the floor melting(?) Quirk. Katsuki took care of it easily, using a blast to knock them away from us. He also used his smoke to cover us as we ran closer to Kuku.
"Now who wants to take a look at each team's points so far?" Present Mic questioned. I tried to block him out and focus on my breathing, I was doing well with keeping Mina and Kirishima without burden, but I was beginning to feel tired. "It's been seven minuets, so let's get those rankings thrown up on the screen."
"Uh.."
I looked up from my side and saw no one near us, but both Katsuki and the crowd seemed surprised.
"Hold on here," Our personal announcer said. This is an unexpected turn. Other than Midoriya… class 1-A isn't doing so hot. Even Bakugo is losing!"
Oh no.
I looked up and saw a blond boy had taken Katsuki's headband.
"Your class is too small minded," he insulted, monotonously. "Think bigger." It was clear the boy I was carrying was angry before he began to shout, his body going rigid, shaking slightly.
"What did you say?" he demanded. "Come back here!"
Right. Cause that's gonna work.
They stopped and I scrunched my face in disbelief. It actually worked? What?
"Midnight said the obstacle course was just the first game." the blonde began. "And we figured they wouldn't cut that many of us right off the bat. Would they?" Wait a minute… is he monologuing? "Assuming they'd keep at least 40 contestants for the next event, all we had to do was make sure we stayed within that group as we ran." Yes, he's monologuing. In the middle of a time sensitive game. "From our spots in the middle ranks. We could fully observe the Quirks our rivals had and judge their capabilities. Only a fool would obsess over winning the preliminary rounds. Wouldn't you agree?" Did this guy have a 'a bad guy's monologuing in battle' checklist, cause I think he just followed every anime's routine for a typical antagonist.
"You planned this as a class?" Katsuki asked.
"More like their covering for their mediocrity," I whispered to Mina, she snorted and I smiled back.
"It wasn't totally unanimous," he answered. "But I'd say it's playing out well. It's better than chasing after a temporary frontrunner like a horse with a carrot waving in his face." Clearly they didn't get a good analysis of Katsuki from so far behind, because he could get a lot more scary when he was insulted, and his plan was only going to work for so long. "Oh, while I have your attention. You're kinda famous, aren't you? For being attacked by that sludge villain."
My heart stopped and I felt an anger roll inside me, begging to get out. I'd heard about this sludge thing before, from one of the reporters before the USJ got attacked. If what the blond was saying was true, then Katsuki got attacked, and wanna be over here was using it as a weakness. As something to lorde over him.
"You'll have to tell me about it sometime. It must be strange to always find yourself in the role of the victim."
A horrible memory resurfaced. The sight of my best friend bruised by the awful villains that had taken her in the first place. The smell of her bloodied nose and scratches. The overwhelming feeling of guilt and shame because I couldn't stop it.
How could this boy who knows nothing of the fear and trauma of being faced by a villain, talk so freely like it was Katsuki who was weak for being attacked?
"Hiroko," Kirishima hissed, rolling his shoulder under my hand. He couldn't finish because he was cut off as Katsuki called out his name.
"Kirishima, we have a change in plans." he growled out. His anger could be felt in waves, leaving Mina to whimper nervously. I'm sure if I was in the right state of mind, I'd be doing the same. The gleam in his eyes seemed murderous. "Before we take down Deku, we're gonna kill every last one of these B-list idiots!" I hate to admit how appealing that sounded in the moment.
I clenched my jaw and controlled my actions, stopping whatever energy I had been previously using subconsciously. Our team couldn't operate with two provoked people. Oh wait, I just fell for the wanna-be's monologue. That makes me just as predictable as he was.
"And now," Present Mic commented, breaking some of the tension that had filled the air. Though not enough to ward off Katsuki's blood lust. We've reached the halfway point of the game. As the cavalry battle enters its second half, It's anyone's game. Class 1-B has made an unexpected showing, but who will wear the ten million points in the end? That's the real question sport's fans."
The real question is: How long will it be before Katsuki kills this wanna-be antagonist?
"Monoma," One of the blonde's horses called. "Don't provoke him man, man. That's the kinda thing he would do." I can't tell if that was supposed to help, or….
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Monoma, I guess, agreed. "It's not very heroic of me. Besides, you know how these things work." Why is it, even when he says something agreeable, It's still irritating. "Heroes are always being hounded by moronic villains desperate for some kind of revenge."
Katsuki was shaking in rage, and I clenched my jaw tightly.
This bozo was so ignorant to the world of villains and heroes, and of how I would love to introduce it to him.
"Calm down. Bakugo," Kirishima tried to be the voice of reason. It did not work. "You've gotta keep a level head or we'll never get our points back!"
"Shut up!" Katsuki roared, bringing his hands up and creating a smoke screan from his bombs. "I've never been calmer. Can't you tell?" Why… am I oddly attracted to this?
I thought you were angry?
You can feel more than one emotion
"Now get after them, Kirishima!"
"Please don't make us regret this." Kishima pleaded, but ran off anyway. Mina and I were dragged before we found our footing.
"You think you're so tough?" Katsuki bellowed. "Die!"
Manoma dogged his outstretched hand, leaning back to avoid the blast that was aimed to kill. From under him we turned back, swiftly keeping up with Katsuki's center. Though the more he moved around, the harder it was to keep him from falling.
Another blast erupted, but it came from the boy we were fighting. I stumbled back, and my muscles flexed as I kept myself up.
Wait, what?
"Huh. Wow." Monoma exclaimed, smiling at the boy I was supporting. "I see why you like this Quirk!"
"My power.." Katsuki growled.
"Woah weird," Kirishima commented. "That guy had your Quirk!"
Katsuki roared in protest, waving his arm up and blasting at the boy again. A loud explosion went off, leaving the rest of his horse covered in ash. I sneezed but went back to watching the scene unfold. (Hoping) that Monoma would have been knocked off.
"You both have impressive powers," he said through the smoke. His arms shielding his face, they looked hard like Kirishimas. "But I think you'll agree mine's better."
"Huh?" I gasped, more in loathing than in question.
"What? Mine too?"
"His Quirk." Katsuki figured, calming down considerably. "He can copy other powers." That's actually really cool. Why is it that all the cool people have awful personalities.
"Very good," He mocked, and released Kirishima's Quirk. "So, even an idiot can figure it out." Eh.. I didn't even know what was going on.
Katsuki growled and I took it as a symbol to charge forward. But Kirishima stopped and I hit my head on his hardened back. Once again having to adjust my feet and strength to keep myself up.
"Ow."
Weird liquid was blocking our path when I looked up; it was another kid's Quirk from class 1-B.
"Nice one." Monoma said, taking his eyes off of us. "Thanks for the backup, Bondo."
"Why are you helping them?" I questioned the other team. Noting that Bondo was a boy/girl(?) with a yellow beehive-like head. "The whole point of the Sports Festival is to gain support from hero's, and this whole plan of yours is really only making you guys look like losers." Monoma looked to me with indifference, before his eyes flashed with recognition. "Especially when we rip those headbands off your skull and use you as a way to make us look better. Gotta love a fight with stakes, it'll get the audience more invested with our victory"
I made sure to let the mirth I'd been holding back seep through, my disgust for this guy hadn't subsided like it usually did. Instead, the more he talked the more I wanted to knock his pretty little teeth in. to show him what fear really meant, how villains really would act.
Okay, so I was a little worked up.
"You're that idiot who jumped off the building right?" My words held no effect, but I didn't care. The more he underestimated us, the more satisfying his face would be when we won. "I'd say you're the only one who looks like a loser, I mean you did all that work just to come in fourth place."
He turned with his insult… though I was far from offended, more peeved with how high and mighty this guy was. It was actually more annoying than Katsuki's constant claims of victory, because at least Katsuki could back it up, this Wanna-be only succeeded for a short period of time, and even acted like he knew us.
"Stop him!" Katsuki demanded.
"It's too sticky," Kirishima said, and now I realized his leg had been encased in that weird liquid from before. "I can't move."
Mina was quick to action, bridging her foot to the liquid and using her acid to melt through.
"Oh no hard feelings, right?" Monoma provoked, turning around and using Katsuki's Quirk again. "After all, you provoked us. What was it you said in your speech before the games?
"Oh my God, I want to kill him," I seethed, whispering under my breath. He was just like that Man-baby villain at the USJ. Always trying to blame someone else for his failure and his idiotic actions.
"Only one minuet left!" Present mic screamed along with the crowd.
"Hey, Braids." Katsuki growled. I looked up and saw his eyes focusing on the retreating form of that bozo. "You really wanna rip those headbands off his head?"
"More than anything." I smirked back, and he looked down at me and hinted at a smile. A disturbing one, but a smile nonetheless.
"Then shut up and follow my lead." He commanded and I nodded, keeping my eyes out for whatever he was planning to do. He turned away from me and began to shout.
"Let's go forward, I'm enhancing your speed again." I warned Mina and Kirishima as Katsuki yelled. They nodded and I felt the power flowing again. It wasn't nearly as strong as it had been before, but back then I would have settled with 4th place. Right now, I wanted to demolish this boy and lorde it over him with satisfaction.
Monoma turned and began to speak, but Katsuki's explosions in my ears cut off any other sound. He jumped high again, and reached for the headbands.
"Hey, don't just fly off on your own!" Kirishima screamed. I widened my eyes and realized that this was probably what he had been hinting to earlier.
He was stopped in midair by a clear looking shield, that had been made by a cute looking fronthourse, just before he reached the group. He gripped it and I stopped my energy from flowing into my team and pushed it toward my own legs. Once again getting ready to catch him.
Katsuki punched the shield and it wouldn't break. I planned on just catching him but I reached him before I anticipated and grabbed his leg. Sending a specific amount of power to his shoulder muscles, the way I've enhanced my punches since I learned to fight.
Both our teammates were catching up by the time Katsuki grabbed the headbands off Monoma's neck. And the small flash of sunrise and fear that crossed Monoma's face definitely felt satisfying. I Jumped and grabbed Katsuki again, wrapping my arms under his legs and back. It was like any other romance scene, but now Katsuki was the damsel in distress and his gaze was considerably more deadly.
"This is stupid," He growled.
"Then stop getting off your horses, this is the only way we haven't been disqualified."
I practically threw him on Kirishima, feeling my cheeks begging to heat up. If he said anything now I'd probably admit to how much I enjoyed it.
"Team Bakugo nabs two headbands and moves into third place." Again, Present Mic commented, riling up the crowd. "The final moments of the game have been full of shake ups!"
"And romance!" Midnight yelled, causing me to whip my head around. Was there a ship I didn't know about? Was it Kuku and Uraraka? …. Awww I hope so.
"Oh, to be young again!"
"We're not done!" Katsuki yelled, now standing up and having us charge toward Monoma.
"Huh?" Kirishima questioned. Blasty began to knock on his head, silencing his question.
"We're gonna be the indisputable champions of the game!" He yelled. "I couldn't brace myself earlier when I jumped. Get closer!"
That's because you jumped without telling us.
"We'll get our points back from this idiot, then go for the big one."
"We're following you, Katsuki." I said, giving him the lead to our next move. Mina and Kirishima nodded in approval.
"Raccoon eyes!" He called. I focused on running to keep from laughing, knowing full well that she hated that. "Lay down some acid in the direction we're going."
"wait I only have one shoe-" She didn't listen. Only yelling at him for the name and doing as instructed.
I jumped up on my boot, riding the acid like a wave and my boot as a board. We quickly began to pick up the pace, and I began to question why Katsuki didn't just use me to increase our speed.
"Hiroko! Boost!" He growled. I about lost my balance at the mention of my name, but tried to focus on what he asked.
"Wait, what?"
He ignored me and screamed, winding up his arm to grab the headbands. The same shield popped up and I panicked, throwing a little too much into his muscles. It worked out well, creating enough strength to break the blade in one go, getting the points, and as an added bonus, knocking Monoma off his balance.
"Bakugo is a merciless force!" Present Mic said. I was perfectly content knowing that I aided in knocking Monoma off his high horse, literally. "What a point hog! That was a shield breaker round, the arena, and I can't wait to watch the replay."
"Now," Katuski commanded, ignoring the excitement in our teacher's voice. "We're going after Deku and Todoroki."
"We have less than a minute."
"Don't question me!" he yelled back, leaving me with a sour look on my face. I was tired, and my perfect Eraserhead sock was ruined, but… he did say my name. So, I guess I'd give it my best until the timer ran out.
I focused my remaining energy and huffed out a breath, before enhancing my teammates' speed again. Mina lifted her arm and raised it over Kirishima's shoulder. When we reached closer to the ice formation, which I'd noticed before but was too preoccupied to really check it out, she spewed her Quirk and began to break down the ice. Katsuki blasted everything he could, screaming about… I don't even know.
The crowd cheered, focusing on something in the Ice barrier. We finally reached the ice, and I was having a hard time breathing, but like before, I pushed through, trying to give support to Mina and even increasing Katsuki's forearm muscles to help him with any backlash.
I'd noticed how he would grip his arm every once in a while after practice, specifically when he had used noticeably larger explosions. It was a gamble, but it would only affect me if I was wrong.
"It's time for a countdown."
With that last blast from Katsuki, we entered through the ice. He jumped off the second he could, leaving us to run after, once again.
"Deku!"
"I'm not catching him this time." I hissed to them, they shot me empathetic looks and I scoffed.
"Uraraka!" Kuku cried out, facing Todoroki. She cried out with just as much force and excitement.
My attention turned from Todoroki, to Katsuki, who was coming in fast with explosions, and Kuku. I felt like I was getting whiplash to see who would win in this situation. The tension and anticipation reached its climax, and it felt like everyone in the stadium was holding their breath.
"Times up!"
The boy in the air crashed, falling straight down, and completely ignoring the laws of inertia.
I threw my head back and laughed, but it came out as cold and slightly cruel. Revealing my underlying feelings.
"Bakugo, are you okay." Kirshima asked, and I stopped my laughter and risked a look at the boy who landed on his face. He was pounding the ground in frustration and I remembered how he got there. I cooled it this time, subduing my laugh with a cough.
"In first place, we have team Todoroki." Present Mic said, and our questions went unanswered. "In second place, team Bakugo."
"Ugh." Mina wined, no longer checking on our fallen leader. "We were so close to first place." she shook her hands in disgust and I smiled at her, feeling a similar feeling.
"Yeah, but I'm ready to be done" I added, agreeing with her but answering truthfully. "I'll take the second place."
"I don't think our leader would agree with you." Kirshima said, glancing at the reading Katsuki in front of us. "Like at all."
"Well if he hadn't been jumping everywhere then I wouldn't have had to waste energy to go get him," I huffed. Though in reality I knew we wouldn't have won if Katsuki hadn't taken those risks. And it felt really good to know that he trusted me enough to catch him. At least the second time anyway, I'm not sure what his plan was when he first jumped.
"In third place It's Team Shinso? When did they come back from the dead?"
"Yeah," He agreed. "But you gotta admit. We would-"
"Yeah, yeah I know."
"And in fourth place, team Midoryia."
My eyes grew wide and I blanched, wondering if I was a bad friend for forgetting about him. The sound of his crying made me cringe even more.
"I'm gonna go check on Kuku." I said, smiling awkwardly. They nodded hesitantly and I ran off, leaving a sulking Katsuki to angrily scream at the ground.
I waved at Yaoyurozu and she smiled back, before jogging off, reaching a wailing Kuku.
"Kuku, you know I love you…" I started off, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him slightly. "But you got to stop crying. You're gonna flood the stadium."
"But I'm just so happy."
"Okay.." I said, not really knowing what else to say. "Well congratulations! You guys did a great job. Especially you, Dark Shadow." I turned to the bird and I swear I saw it blushed. "I mean the way you warded off Katsuki was amazing." my face dropped and I gave a quick glance to the raging boy. "Please, don't tell him I said that."
Dark Shadow nodded, and I smiled. The fact that he was a living, sentient being, and was a Quirk, astounded me. I wanted to study more about tokoyami and Dark Shadow, but I didn't know where to start. I mean, he was as his name implied, a shadow… so no amount of physiological study would get me anywhere.
"Now." Present Mic's voice broke through my train of thought, leaving me to wonder what he could want now. "Let's take an hour lunch break. Before we start the afternoon activities…. See you soon."
Ooo, lunch. Actually, I should probably get my shoe first. I huffed, looking down at my dirty sock, poor Earaserhead, being subjected to dirt and acid.
"Come on, Hiroko!" I heard Mina call. I glanced up and saw her jogging up to me, waving like she wasn't a few feet away. "Krishima and I were gonna get some Katsudon, you wanna come?"
"Yeah, one of the booths outside comes from this awesome restaurant just a block or two from here." Kirshima added, looking excited.
"I would love to, really," I said, feigning innocence. "But unfortunately, I have to get my shoe. Don't wanna ruin my Eraserhead socks all the way. You two can go on without me."
"Aww really," Mina played along, not giving me any chance to tease her. "I wanted you to come. Well we could help you if you want…" Oh she's good, but I'm better.
"No way!" I said, grabbing her arm dramatically. Her eyes finally flashed, giving me an annoyed glare. "I'm honestly still worked up because of that Monoma guy. I think some alone time will work perfectly" I lost control over my smirk at the mention of 'alone time' hinting at what I was doing.
I turned quickly and took my victory, but felt a hand grab my wrist. I stopped and looked over my shoulder; giving a questioning look to the pink haired girl that grabbed me. She studied my features with her golden eyes and I shifted at the intense stare. I looked away for some relief only to find Kuku and Kirishima watching as well.
"You are okay though…" Mina's voice had an underlying worry, and I cringed with guilt. "Right?" I wanted to immediately tell her I was fine, but then I remembered one thing my dad had told me when I was little.
"No, not really," I answered truthfully. My mom was a hero, and I somehow understood what it meant for her to risk her life before she died, but It was because she became so filled with guilt that she stopped sharing her burdens. then one fight, she just burned out, no longer able to fight because she always tried to do everything herself, even when my dad was there to help her. So when he finally told me the story, I tried to be more open with my feelings. "But, i'll get over it… I'll be fine."
Going back to the entrance we'd raced from, I began to walk down the hall. Away from the memory and away from my worried friend, because I did the right thing…? It wasn't a burden if she asked, right?
It took me a while to find my shoe, slipping it on and noticing how off balance I was because of the height difference.
I sighed, walking into a different hallway than the one I exited the stadium from. One that was dark and secluded, and I jammed my fist into the wall.
Why? Why couldn't I stop being angry? Even when I was smiling and enjoying the people I was with, I still felt a twinge of hatred. A need and desire to seek Monoma out and make him pay for what he said.
I knew when I brought it up to Mina, I wasn't just using it as a ploy to mess with her. It felt real, and the walk hadn't helped. I mean, he was the one acting like a villain. Why couldn't I be upset? And… What happened to Katsuki? Did that sludge villain kidnap him, or did he get hurt?
I looked up at the wall I punched and cringed; realizing I had activated my Quirk despite my tiredness. I'd left cracks that reached a foot each way, making the creepy hallway even creepier.
I walked away quickly, hoping no one would find me. The lights were already off and there was nobody around, so I guess it was unnecessary. Though I felt like I could hear voices in front of me, it was probably some people who had gotten lost anyway. As long as they didn't realize I caused more damages to the school, I was in the clear.
I continued to get closer, moving through the smi-lit hallway until I recognized Kuku's voice immediately. I strained to hear what he was saying, but decided that I should probably stop listening in on people's conversations.
"-the hero Endeavor. You must've heard of him." Todoroki's monotone voice finally reached, and I could understand what they were saying. Which means you're aware he's the number-two hero. So if you're connected to the number-one hero, All Might in some way. That would mean I would have even more reason to beat you."
He continued as I caught sight of light, beaming through another entree hallway to the outside. I scrunched my eyes and saw another figure standing. I recognized the spiky hair and caught small glimpses of his fiery red eyes. He was listening to the conversation, but the two I had actually heard were nowhere to be seen.
Katsuki noticed me and I gave him a questioning look. He responded with a menacing glare and I silently placed myself beside him. Too scared to go passed the hallway, and listened intently to the interaction just beyond the entree way. Or at least I assume that's where they are.
"My old man is ambitious. He aims for the top." So that's what he meant when he said they were connected. "He used his power to make a name for himself as a hero. But he was never able to best All Might, so the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure. He's still at it though, trying to take down All Might. One way or another."
"I-i'm not really sure what you're getting at." Kuku stutterd, "What are you trying to tell me, todoroki?"
"Have you ever heard of Quick Marriages?" todoroki asked. "Many people were forced into marriages for the sole purpose of creating powerful children. They were viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages. But clearly it was unethical." I didn't understand why he was bringing it up, but my chest already felt heavy from the news. "My father has not only a rich history of accomplishments, but plenty of money to throw at his problems. He bought my mothers relatives to get his hands on her Quirk. And now he's raising me to usurp All Might."
Tears began to prickle my eyes and I clenched my jaw. His words were not what really hurt, but the way his voice held small trickles of hatred… and sadness, that really left me in a familiar mind set.
"It's so annoying," He confessed, his voice becoming slightly emotional. "I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag…" He paused, and I felt like I was leaning forward to hear what he was going to say next. " In every memory of my mother, I only see her crying. I remember she called my left side unbearable. Before she poured boiling water on my face."
I clamped my hand over my mouth, keeping myself from sobbing. I knew of abusive relationships, and in my mind I honestly saw those abusers as villians of highest regards. Especially when those being hurt were children, unarmed, fearful children.
So why… why did it sound like Endeavour was just that? Wasn't he a hero… Weren't they supposed to be… the good guys? Could other hero's be like him?
He continued to talk, but I could only concentrate on the disgust I felt, the sadness that came with his story, and the fear of all heroes being just as wicked as the villains they put away. I continued to hold back the onslaught of tears and waited till Todoroki left. Kuku followed shortly behind, claiming that he would win, and that he'd been so lucky to get that far.
I slid down the wall, and placed my head in my hands. That didn't really help when I remembered sitting just like this when those reporters broke in.
God, that was pathetic
Yeah.
Katsuki turned seconds later, leaving the place he'd been positioned and walked away. His face neutral, unexpressive to the devastating conversation we just heard. I heard his footsteps echo before the came to a stop.
I looked up in confusion. I faintly saw him turn his head, as he stood in the middle of the hallway. The shadow of his spiked hair making it easy to determine where he was.
"Come on, Braids." His words held finality, and I felt compelled to follow. I stood up and trudged behind him slowly, walking further from the light and the heart wrenching significance behind it.
"W-what happened to my name?" I asked, trying to smile despite the tear or two still rolling down my cheeks. "I rather liked hearing it from you, Bakugo." I didn't like how his last name felt on my tongue, but remembered our deal from two weeks ago.
He scoffed and shoved his hands in his pockets before mumbling something on the lines of "Crying idiots don't get names."
Now it was my turn to scoff.
"Well then I guess you'll just be staying as 'Katsuki'."
He growled but didn't protest, and we kept walking out the dark hallway.
Kinda cheesy, I know. But It's a romance so eh.
I hope you enjoyed!
Shout out to Mangadonut for helping me edit again!
;p