Yes. Yes! YES! It's here! The second round, the legendary battle awaits! This was the part I was most excited to get to! This is why I really wanted this ark to go well. This is when we get a special surprise I've been gearing up for. Remember that I do not own any of the elements I am using, so please support the original releases.

Chapter 14: Lightning to Stoke the Flames

Bakugo watched as Uraraka was taken away by two medic bots.

In the stands, many of Urarak's classmates looked saddened by the results.

The girl had tried so hard and still, it was all fruitless.

Izuku stood up and walked away. His fight would be coming soon and he couldn't get distracted.

His friends watched him leave without a word.

Iida hesitated to speak for a moment. "Bakugo truly is powerful. I can see why Midoriya looks threatened by him."

Tokoyami nodded. "And he may be the one I face in the semifinals."

Yaoyorozu looked down. 'They're all so capable. It's incredible. I need to try harder.' The gap had only become more apparent, but she knew she couldn't give up.

Izuku was making his way to his waiting room. His mind was focused on Bakugo and Todoroki. In his mind, they were forces of power. He couldn't afford to hesitate. His focus was broken though when he saw the explosive blond. "Ah. Hey, Kacchan."

Bakugo of course got mad at the sight of Deku. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Izuku answered not wanting a confrontation. "Well since my match is up I thought I'd go to the waiting room. Congrats on winning. Bye now."

Bakugo wouldn't just let him walk away. He had questions. "It was your idea, wasn't it? That stupid desperate plan of hers You would come up with something that annoying. If we end up-"

Izuku then cut Bakugo off. "No. That plan had nothing to do with me. Uraraka came up with it all on her own, I didn't know anything about it. If that battle was harder than you thought it would be, then it's because of her strategy, not mine. I'm not the only one to look out for Bakugo. I hope you see that now." Izuku then walked away.

Bakugo was left angrier. Nothing was going as it was supposed to. His opponent was supposed to be frail and easy to beat, but after that fight, that word no longer applied.

Izuku then made it to his waiting room and when he opened the door he saw Uraraka. "Uraraka?"

Uraraka gave Izuku a big smile. "Hey, Midoriya. It looks like I lost. Too bad."

Izuku was confused by the sight. She was taking the loss better than he had expected.

Uraraka then kept talking. "Guess I got a little carried away at the end thinking that I could still make it. Dang it!"

Izuku then closed the door and approached. "You seem fine. Did Recovery Girl heal you?"

Uraraka then pointed at the pad on her cheek. "Yeah. She was careful not to drain my stamina too much though. So, I've still got a few scrapes and scratches." She then became visibly frustrated. "Jeez, I didn't realize how powerful Bakugo was! I didn't stand a chance! Now I realize how much I have to catch up on!"

Izuku then became unsure of something. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Uraraka then smiled again. "I'm better than I expected! Even if you lost you gotta keep looking to what's ahead, right? This just means that I have to work harder now."

Izuku wouldn't disagree, but Uraraka didn't just lose she was demolished. "That's true..."

Before he could say anything else Present Mic's voice boomed announcing Kirishima's advancement and that the next round would start.

This conversation would have to wait. "Right. I'll talk to you later." Izuku then began to walk to the door.

Uraraka then apologized. "Oh, I'm sorry. You weren't able to prepare since I was here!"

Izuku turned to her with a smile. "It's fine."

Uraraka then smiled back. "Then good luck out there."

Izuku gave a small nod and left the room. He walked down the hall knowing what he was walking away from and what he was walking toward neither felt easy. He then saw a man walking into the hall.

He was tall and muscular with short spiky red hair and facial hair made out of fire to accompany a mask made out of fire. He wore a navy turquoise bodysuit, with lines of flames streaming across his chest, upper torso, arms, and most prominently his shoulders. He also had boots that appeared to be on fire.

Izuku knew exactly who this was and was more than surprised to see him. "Endeavor?!"

The Flame Hero then looked down at the student. "Ah. I was looking for you."

Izuku took a step back. "Really? Well, uh, what brings you here?"

Endeavor was quick to answer. "I've been watching you through the festival. Your power is pretty impressive. Those creatures of yours seem to be an overwhelming force."

Izuku then tried to escape. "Well, thanks for the praise sir, but I should get going." He then began to walk away.

Endeavor kept going though. "It's Shoto's duty to surpass All Might as the number one hero."

Izuku stopped when he heard that.

Endeavor then got to the point. "His match with you will show him what he's missing. So, don't disgrace him or yourself by holding back."

At that moment Izuku's mind flashed to Todoroki and what he had said. This man. What he had done couldn't be forgiven easily.

Endeavor then began to walk away. "That's all I wanted to say." He then stopped when Izuku spoke.

Izuku didn't know if they were words that should be said, but he didn't care. "You can't control him. Todoroki may be your son but he isn't you." He then walked away leaving the pro behind.

As the match entered its introduction the crowd roared in excitement and Present Mic was quick to pick up. "I can feel the anticipation in the stadium! And that's because the second round's first match is gonna be epic! It's the guy who won his last fight by a landslide and literally left half the audience frozen. The hero course's Shoto Todoroki! The one to beat who always finds new ways to surprise us. Also from the hero course, Izuku Midoriya!"

The two students looked at each other knowing only one could win, knowing that to hold back would mean defeat.

Iida turned to Tokoyami. "Tokoyami, how do you think the match will go?"

Tokoyami had already thought of that. "I believe Midoriya may try to exploit any weakness he can."

Yaoyorozu agreed. "He may use WarGreymon to stop all of Todoroki's ice attacks."

Uraraka was getting anxious. "Oh, man. How is it gonna go?"

Present Mic then continued to hype up the moment. "Both heroes-in-training have been frontrunners in the Sports Festival! But which one of these rivals will advance to the next round? Prepare for Midoriya versus Todoroki! Begin!"

Now was the time for a decision. What Knight would be chosen? Izuku knew who he needed right now. The one who would face Todoroki. "WarGrowlmon!"

In a flash of light, the crowd would behold the large Knight who had been chosen to face Todoroki.

This confused Izuku's friends. Why WarGrowlmon? He was strong sure, but he didn't have a type advantage.

Todoroki was also made very angry by this. "What are you doing?" He then sent a barrage of ice to attack.

The gunports in WarGrowlmon's chest glowed with energy. "Atomic Blaster!" The two ports then fired beams of energy that ripped apart the ice leaving Todoroki vulnerable to a counter-attack.

Present Mic was feeling the excitement. "WarGrowlmon managed to rip through Todoroki's opening attack easily! What will Midoriya do next?"

But he wouldn't. Izuku instead waited for Todoroki's next move.

Todoroki was quick to act as he sent a larger stream of ice. "I didn't think you'd be one to turn down a request."

WarGrowlmon responded by blasting the ice again.

Todoroki then made a stairway of ice that stretched over WarGrowlmon and began to make his approach.

Before Todoroki could get too close WarGrowlmon burst through the ice with his pendulum blades.

Todoroki hoped for this and froze the Knight's upper half. He then ran closer to Izuku. "Why are you doing this? You were supposed to use Omegamon!" He then prepared to attack, but his side was slammed against by a long wire that would have forced him out of the ring if he hadn't used a wall of ice to stop himself

"Omegamon isn't right now, so focus." WarGrowlmon wouldn't let his opponent get away so easily.

Izuku then answered the question. "We're all trying our hardest Todoroki. But you're here only using half of your power. We're all here to reach our dreams to be number one. And you think that's good enough?! Look at me, Todoroki. You can't even get near. So come at me with all you've got!"

Todoroki didn't like to hear that. "Midoriya... What are you trying to do here? You want my fire? What, did my monster of a dad bribe you or something?"

WarGrowlmon roared the answer. "He has nothing to do with this!" He then rushed Todoroki swinging his pendulum blades down.

Todoroki dodged trying to make some distance, but he knew he'd be slowing down soon. He attacked with more ice, a move that was easily countered again. "Why won't you let me do this?"

WarGrowlmon once more roared. "You aren't the only one with things to prove here! That's why we got to give it our all! Including you!" WarGrowlmon then began to attack wildly missing as Todoroki just kept using his ability to generate ice to evade. Neither could touch the other. "You wanna revolve your life around hating him then fine! But it pisses me off knowing this is a prison you've trapped yourself in!"

Todoroki was confused the Knight was preaching to him and he couldn't understand. "Shut up!" He then released a great surge of ice that formed like a moving glacier.

WarGrowlmon once more blasted at it feeling his anger at the boy's plight boil. "Todoroki! Wake up and accept who you are!"

In that moment Todoroki could see memories of his mother and his childhood shift to the front of his mind, but he still refused to relent. "Isn't that easy for you to say? What part of you is there that you can't accept?!" Todoroki hadn't realized it, but at that moment his mind had stopped looking at his opponent as a quirk, but as a person instead. He then shot out enough ice to almost completely envelope his left side, this ice had also managed to completely blanket WarGrowlmon in frost.

WarGrowlmon could feel it now. Without him noticing the Digital Hazard was flashing again. What had happened once was happening again and Todoroki had made him realize that. It didn't matter now though. He had been frozen over maybe this could contain it. Stop him from hurting anyone.

Izuku then yelled out to the two. Refusing to believe that either could give up. "You can't keep fighting against what's inside you! You have to take it for yourself! Because that's what it takes, right? To be a hero!"

Those words then took to the center of WarGrowlmon's mind as Todoroki's past began to resurface in his. WarGrowlmon couldn't keep fighting the Digital Hazard like this because it was a losing battle. He had made it, so it was his sin to bear. He couldn't run away from it. Here was someone like him trying to suppress a part of himself and he was lecturing him as a hypocrite. It only made him angrier. He had to accept that deep down a part of him was the Digital Hazard and right now he had to accept that. Accept the pain, anger, and doubt so that they may be washed away by a gallant effort. At that moment the flashing stopped but the symbol never changed to crimson instead it remained a noble white. Lines of data then began to form in the air around WarGrowlmon stunning the audience, but more importantly those who knew what it meant. The lines stopped forming when they made three rings that surrounded the Knight and without hesitation, WarGrowlmon let out one final roar as the ice broke apart before being surrounded by an orb of light.

Those watching covered their eyes as the rings began to spin and Present Mic expressed their confusion. "What is happening?! Is-is WarGrowlmon transforming?!"

WarGrowlmon's voice boomed in response as the rings were engulfed by the now greater light. "WarGrowlmon digivolve to..."

Todoroki couldn't attack. With all this light he couldn't see and with the winds being shot from the orb he couldn't keep his balance.

Finally when the light faded a new figure stood. No longer was there the savage might of his previous forms instead stood an armored white knight with red plated pauldrons, poleyns, ends of his vambraces, and the ankle plates of his sabatons as well as gold trimming. His helmet now had what was once his face as a crest. He was further adorned by a flowing red cape and the symbol he had come to dread on his cuirass and poleyns. In his left hand was a mighty shield and in his right furious lance. This was repentance, a new beginning. And he was to announce himself to the world. "Gallantmon!"

Izuku could feel tears of joy threatening to spill. Not long ago Guilmon was horrified of what he had become, but now there was no mistaking it. This was Royal Knight.

Izuku's friends couldn't believe it. Guilmon had digivolved seemingly out of nowhere.

Tokoyami was the first to find meaning. "The one who fought with savagery now has become a glimmering warrior."

Iida was stone-faced but the moment itself filled him with emotion. "So inspiring."

Uraraka was more excited by the sight and words. "Get him Guilmon! Get to the finals so you guys can kick Bakugo's butt!"

Yaoyorozu looked at Urarak with a nervous smile. "So you are holding a grudge."

Todoroki looked at Gallantmon only getting angrier. The Knight had gotten stronger and he was still no closer to proving himself. Looking at the striking contrast of red and white. It only made the pain of these memories hurt more. He shot once more as much ice as he could.

Gallantmon looked at the rushing attack and narrowed his eyes. Electricity then gathered around his lance focusing on the tip. "Royal Saber!" He then thrust the lance forward firing the electricity causing the ice to break away easily. He then looked at the state the boy was in. "Todoroki you're freezing. You won't win without thawing yourself out."

Todoroki could feel himself shivering. At this rate, he wouldn't be able to fight anymore. "I refuse to use my left side. I refuse to use his power." He said as a last effort of defiance.

Gallantmon had had enough. "It's yours! It was never his power! It's yours!"

There it was another memory revealing itself to him. Words he had heard long ago when he watched one of All Might's interviews with his mom. That regardless of history a quirk is what the user wants it to be. "Just remember to stay true to yourself." How could he have forgotten those words? The words of his mother. They had become clear to him. They were words that reminded him that with his power he still had a choice. He could feel the warmth of his heart rise as the flames of his left side roared to life like an imprisoned animal freed from its chains. As the ice that had formed melted away, he could begin to see it all so clearly. "I want it. To be a hero."

Gallantmon leaped back returning to Izuku. "He did it."

Izuku smiled gladly. "And so did you."

Todoroki's voice then broke the conversation. "You helped your opponent. You're fools. Even though you wanna win this battle. Now you're the only ones screwing around." Regardless of his words, Todoroki was smiling with a joy he once thought impossible. He then for a time he thought would never come shot a torrent of flame at his opponent.

To the audience, the flame not only engulfed Izuku it was now coalescing into a mass as instead of hitting had been redirected.

Todoroki was confused about this until the flame began to shrink.

The flame had been dissipated into a blade used by one Izuku thought was appropriate to call for. "So, Todoroki. Did you need something from me?" Omegamon was now ready to face the boy.

Todoroki's smile then grew. Izuku had always planned to give him what he wanted to confront even himself. To face the odds with his full power. Ice then began to form as his two sides would not allow the other to overtake him. He then fired a mass nearly as large as the arena itself.

Gallantmon then took aim with his shield "Final Elysion!" A large beam of light then fired that carved a hole in the ice for them.

Izuku knew it was the time to end this. "Omegamon, Gallantmon together!"

Omegamon held his cannon to his side as Gallantmon began to charge electricity into his lance.

Todoroki began to generate greater heat in preparation for his final attack.

Gallantmon kneeled over Izuku covering him with his shield. He then prepared to fire. He shot the stored electricity straight into Omegamon's canon. The eyes on his Garuru arm then began to glow yellow.

Todoroki began to fully release his inferno as the cold air around him began to rapidly expand. "I see it now. Thank you. Both of you."

Omegamon then took aim at the approaching flame and with Gallantmon they released their combined attack. "Royal Cannon!" His cannon then fired a torrent of frost with even greater force than he anticipated. Omegamon even found it difficult to stand straight while firing the blast

Walls of cement were erected in an attempt by Cementoss to stop the boys in fear that one may kill the other but the two attacks cleaved through it, meeting and creating a large explosion of steam and concrete.

The high winds even ran through the crowd it was hard just to look straight at the ring.

Kaminari yelled out at the situation. "This is insane!"

Yaoyorozu almost couldn't. "Their incredible!"

Iida found himself in awe at the display of power. "They truly are!"

When the winds died down all that remained was the rising steam cloud.

Cementoss looked at the ring amazed yet calm. "Having great power doesn't mean you'll be a great hero. But these two are amazing."

Present Mic couldn't sit properly from watching the explosion. "What happened just now? What the heck is up with your students?"

Aizawa answered. "The air around the ring had been thoroughly cooled, and then it clashed with heat forcing it to expand."

Present Mic was still shocked. "Wait, that's what caused the explosion? How hot did that fire get? How much ice was shot back? Jeez, I can't see a thing! Is the match still going or what?"

Midnight tried her hardest to look through the steam until on the far side of a wall she saw it. Todoroki was out of bounds with his back against the said wall before falling. "There. Todoroki is out of bounds. Midoriya wins! He advances to the third round!"

Izuku was still being shielded by Gallantmon and Omegamon still had his cannon aimed forward but he also had his sword stabbed into the ground behind him.

Omegamon looked honestly surprised by how powerful that attack was. "That was... unexpected."

Izuku got up and away from Gallantmon. "Are you guys alright?"

Gallantmon's shield and lance seemed to break apart into ribbons and flow into his gauntlets. He then got up. "I'm alright."

Omegamon then leaned forward removing his sword that had buried itself into the ground. He then put both his weapons away. "For the most part."

Izuku then looked at Todoroki who was already being tended to. "We won."

The two Royal Knights then came to Izuku and looked at Todoroki as well.

Gallantmon then looked at Izuku. "Yes, we did. Now, are we gonna leave them hanging?"

Izuku was confused by that question until he realized this was a victory. With that, he once more pointed to the sky showing that still, he would rise. Next to him, the two Royal Knights would do the same. Izuku knew this wasn't just a victory though. Gallantmon and Todoroki could now truly hold their heads high.

Todoroki would look up as he was dragged away by the medic bots. His mind lingered at the events of the battle. Not even realizing when he had entered the tunnel. That was until he saw his father's face looking down at him with an aggravating smile.

Endeavor then spoke proudly. "You'll have to learn to control your left side. It's dangerous to release so much energy like that. But don't worry we'll make sure that next time you won't lose. Now that you've abandoned your childish rebellion, we can get back to what's important. This is a new beginning for us. After you graduate you'll work by my side. I'll lead you down the path of the great, Shoto. And then not even that boy will be able to defeat you."

Todoroki then broke the image Endeavor had made. "I haven't abandoned anything." He then raised his left hand. "You're a fool for thinking that my feelings would be so easily reversed." His mind then moved to the emotions behind Izuku's words and Gallantmon's stand. The weight of the final push. "For that one moment. I forgot all about you. Now I've seen what a new beginning really looks like. Whether that's good or bad I don't know yet."

Endeavor was shocked to hear that. Todoroki had proclaimed that he now wasn't what mattered.

With that Todoroki was taken away by the medic bots to Recovery Girl.

Endeavor then looked out the tunnel and remembered what he saw. Those creatures. One could control fire and ice. It was a mockery of his greatest creation and because of them and that boy, Shoto had only found a way to make more distance. What did this mean? What new begging could there possibly have been that he didn't see? What did that brat do?

The crowd was still left amazed by the power put on display. They spoke of the events and how Midoriya only seemed to have more power the more the festival went on.

When Izuku returned to his class he was met with several stares. Something Izuku found very awkward. He didn't know what to do.

Until Kririshima got up. "Midoriya, that was so manly! That new guy was so cool with all that lightning and stuff!"

Kaminari smiled and gave a sarcastic comment. "Just don't try to steal my shtick."

Izuku smiled and nodded. "Right." He then walked down to his friends. Even though he was smiling he could feel the aggravated eyes of Bakugo pierce him. It made him inwardly anxious.

When Izuku took his seat he was met with more congratulation.

Yaoyorozu was happy to see that there'd be a lot to celebrate for. "I hope Guilmon is proud."

Izuku looked at Yaoyorozu surprised then smiled. "He is."

Tokoyami nodded with a small smile. "So, what does this make him?"

Izuku smiled wide to proclaim it. "He's a Royal Knight."

Uraraka looked excited by that. "Really? Man, Midoriya soon all five of them are gonna reach that level."

Iida nodded. "Yes, and as our class representative, I know you'll use that power wisely."

Izuku nodded again. "Thank you. All of you. Both I and Gallantmon will do our best."

Within the Digivice Impmon and Veemon looked up at the towering Royal Knights.

Impmon lightly elbowed Veemon to get his attention. "We're gonna be that cool one day. Especially me."

Veemon rolled his eyes. "So Gallantmon. You're really a Royal Knight?"

Gallantmon looked down at Veemon with a happy expression. "Yeah, I almost can't believe it myself." He then looked at his hand. "Royal Knights Designation 3: The Hazardous Duke, Gallantmon."

Alphamon placed a hand on Gallantmon's shoulder. "I knew you could do it. Now all that's missing is to take your oath."

Omegamon nodded. "See what I told you? Or, er, what half of me told you. It's difficult to explain how you get there."

Gallantmon kept looking at his hand in thought. "It is. There's a part of me that understands, but another part that doesn't."

Impmon's face then became more serious. "Nevermind. You probably won't get to that level."

Veemon was ticked by that comment. "Watch it. You're just as stuck as I am."

Impmon then shrugged with a sly smile. "Hey, I'm not the one using training wheels."

Veemon was slightly appalled by that. "That was a low blow."

Gallantmon placed a hand on his chin. "Well if I could do it I would say that it's only a matter of time before you two achieve the same thing."

A strange ding was then heard by the Knights and a rectangle with text appeared in front of Alphamon.

The other Knight's looked at Alphamon curios.

Alphamon read through the text and shook his head slowly with a chuckle. "It looks like we'll have to run something over with Izuku."

Outside the second match had begun between Iida and Shiozaki. A very fast fight as Iida used his Recipro Burst to quickly push Shiozaki out of the ring.

Next was another quick victory as Tokoyami faced Ashido. With Dark Shadow's reach and agility, it was easy to push Ashido out of the ring.

Next would be Kirishima versus Bakugo.

This was the match Izuku was most interested in watching. Kirishima's quirk wasn't very flashy but it was effective.

Yaoyorozu was also curios. "How do you think the match will go."

Izuku knew that there was one deciding factor to it all. "It depends on how long Kirishima can hold his quirk."

Yaoyorozu nodded. "That's true. If Bakugo can force Kirishima to push himself too hard then he wouldn't be able to protect himself."

As the battle progressed that idea was apparent. Bakugo kept away from Kirishima until he realized that one of his explosions dealt damage. With that, he began launching a flurry of explosions.

It wasn't long before Kirishima fell and Bakugo was declared the victor.

Izuku got up feeling a little bad for Kirishima. "Me and Iida next."

Yaoyorozu looked at Izuku a little worried. "Good luck."

Izuku nodded. "Right." He then walked away to prepare.

Uraraka looked concerned. "I don't know who to route for."

Tokoyami gave his thoughts. "I would prefer if Midoriya won."

Uraraka looked at Tokoyami a little surprised. "That's blunt."

Tokoyami then explained himself. "It's not so much that I want Iida to lose I just wish to face Midoriya and for that to happen he must claim victory."

Yaoyorozu nodded. "I see, but there's also someone standing in your way."

Uraraka knew exactly who. "Bakugo."

Tokoyami nodded. "Yes." He then stood up to leave. "Therefore I must prepare myself." He then walked away.

Now at each end of the arena, Midoriya and Iida looked at each other ready.

Present Mic then introduced the match. "For the first match of the semi-finals, we have thought versus action. From the hero course, the revved-up hero in training Tenya Iida! Versus... One who I'm sure needs no further introduction, his classmate Izuku Midoriya!"

Iida looked at Izuku thinking hard on what his approach should be. 'Midoriya has already identified possible weaknesses and catching someone with such a versatile quirk off guard would only work for a moment. Therefore I'll have to stop him from using his quirk completely. With three Royal Knights, I can't afford to slow down.'

Present Mic then signaled the beginning. "Begin!"

Iida acted quickly knowing that he couldn't lose a second. "Recipro Burst!" His engines roared as Iida blasted forward."

Izuku had partially expected this. And as Iida inched closer he enacted his plan. "MetalG-"

Iida had already closed the gap and grabbed onto Izuku's shirt. He then made a dash for the edge of the arena.

Izuku wouldn't let it end like this. "MetalGreymon!"

In a flash of light Izuku's back hit the large Knight.

Iida looked up and saw the blue eyes stare back.

Present Mic then gave the introduction. "The Ultimate level MetalGreymon has arrived! Look out for his Trident Arm and Giga Destroyer!"

MetalGreymon then stabbed his metal claws into the ground between Iida and Izuku.

Iida was running out of time his engines were going to stall. He had to act fast. He dashed forward maneuvering around MetalGreymon's arm. He had to get Izuku it was his only shot.

Izuku expected this. "Flamedramon!"

Iida was so close but was then barbed by a flash of light and a small pillar of flame forcing him back.

Flamedramon then steeped away from MetalGreymon. "Hey, Iida. Ready for a rematch?"

Present Mic then announced the arrival. "The armored Knight Flamedramon has blocked Iida's path! Will he be able to avoid the Knuckle Fire or withstand the Fire Rocket?!"

Iida looked at Flamedramon then MetalGreymon. Neither of them were fast but with their power they had him cornered. His engines had stalled and there was nothing he could do. He then saw Izuku behind Flamedramon. He couldn't see them directly, but he knew that behind the Digivice Izuku only looked at him with calculating eyes. It was almost terrifying. To know every move he could possibly make would be countered. Even though his opponent was shorter it felt as if Iida was being looked down on by someone greater. Iida's knees failed as he fell to the ground keeping himself up with his hands. "I-I surrender." And resigned victory.

Midnight called the match. "Iida has surrendered that match. Midoriya moves on to the final round!"

Iida looked down grinding his teeth. He lost. He let his brother down. He let himself down.

Izuku's voice then pierced the shadow of defeat. "Hey, Iida."

Iida looked up to see Izuku who had his hand held out and a smile on his face.

"We've made it far. So when it's over let's make sure we celebrate it right." Izuku smiled knowing that Iida was disappointed. "You rose. And I know that's worth being proud of."

Iida was a little surprised to see this. He then realized that being surprised at this point was ridiculous. He took Izuku's hand and got up. "Thank you Midoriya."

Izuku just pointed upward.

Iida then smiled back and did the same. He rose as far as he could. He only hoped that was enough to make his brother proud.

Present Mic once more commented on the events of the match. "Midoriya's quick wit and ability to adapt have made him our first finalist. And now the two show us their sportsmanship. It looks like Midoriya wasn't lying when he said he'd rise!" When the two students left the area it was time to continue. "And, now Bakugo versus Tokoyami!"

The battle had started fast with Bakugo trying to reach Tokoyami by relentlessly attacking.

Tokoyami was completely on the defensive. With every blast, Dark Shadow would weaken. He couldn't win like this. He had to think of something fast. None of his usual tricks would work. Bakugo's abilities were just too well-rounded. What could he do? He was running out of darkness and Bakugo wasn't slowing down. If anything he was getting faster.

Bakugo could see it. Every time he attacked the bird thing Gloomy Beaks would be more exposed. That gave him an idea. He maneuvered through the air blasting the quirk one last time to use it as a springboard. He landed behind Tokoyami and brought his hands together. Sparks of an explosion popped in Bakugo's hands in preparation for his improvised attack. "Stun Grenade!"

A bright flash surrounded the arena before the smoke cloud of an explosion took its place.

Uraraka was a little worried. "Oh no."

Yaoyorozu turned to her confused. "Do you think Tokoyami lost?"

Uraraka knew about Dark Shadow's weakness so she had an answer. Didn't mean she liked that answer. "This was definitely not a fair fight."

When the smoke cleared Yaoyorozu saw what Uraraka meant.

Tokoyami was on the ground with Bakugo holding him by the beak with one hand while making continuous bright sparks with the other. Dark Shadow was also there, but he had been shrunk down and didn't move.

Tokoyami had to know. "Tell me, Bakugo. Did you know of my weakness before?"

Bakugo had a grin and answered with pride. "I figured it out by attacking over and over again. It was a pretty bad matchup for you. Almost feel bad. But you're done."

Tokoyami could see it now. Bakugo wasn't just powerful he was intelligent. That must be why he and Izuku are always so close yet so far. It's as if there is the same person given different roles. A leader and a warrior. Tokoyami could see now that he wouldn't have stood a chance against Izuku and that he never stood a chance here. "I surrender."

Midnight called it. "Tokoyami gives up. Bakugo is the winner of this match!"

Present Mic then kept it moving. "That means the final match is between Midoriya and Bakugo!"

Bakugo looked around the area to try and find Deku, but when he noticed that Dekuwasn't there he just left the arena. Their fight was coming and he'd finally show everyone who was truly the best.

Uraraka now felt bad. "Man, poor Tokoyami. And he wanted to get to the finals real bad."

Yaoyorozu could sympathize. "Bakugo truly is capable. Still, placing third will most certainly get him scouted."

Kirishima was both impressed and intimidated. "To think that Bakugo is that good at finding someone's weakness. These matches are getting too unpredictable!"

Kaminari looked at Sero. "Hey, since Tokoyami's quirk wasn't impossible to get through do you think Midoriya's quirk has a similar weakness?"

Sero wasn't sure. "Well there is that stamina limit he's got, but I don't think there's something that easy to exploit."

Asui looked up at the screen showing the images of Izuku and Bakugo. "I wonder what this match will be like. Besides intense I mean."

Uraraka nodded nervously.

"We'll have to see. We can't let ourselves like it after all." Following the voice revealed Iida who had begun to walk down the steps. He had a small smile as he looked at the screen and then turned to his friends. That was until he began to vibrate.

Uraraka was concerned. "Woah! What's wrong?"

Iida reached into his pocket. "It's just my phone." That gave the others some relief. Iida then noticed that the color ID was his mother's. "I'll have to take this, apologies" He then walked back up the steps not knowing the gravity of what he was about to hear.

Far from UA, an incident had occurred. A repeat of many before where a hero met the end of their career. And the man responsible would be invited to have a deal with the devil.

Tomura Shigaraki looked down at the screen in front of him. The image it showed was of a man escaping into an alley. "Hero Killer..." The bracelet he had then dimly glowed a cyan color. "Stain." The light faded before a glow of green came and faded.

Battles were to come. Ones that would reveal the true power in the shadows. To reveal them all a promise must be kept.

Ah. It's done. That took a while. I put this chapter through hell when writing it because I was really nervous because I wanted it to do well. Regardless it's here, and I might go on hiatus. I know that's big news but I have a project I want to work on outside of fanfic and it will take a lot of my time. Back to this, I hope you guys liked Gallantmon's introduction. I know I was hyped. Now let's look at some Reviews.

First let's start with ThunderBasalisk. I'm so glad you're cool.
"My review wasn't meant as a criticism truly. Trying to balance their power to fit the MHA setting without being overpowered is very hard especially considering what we know they are truly capable of. And as for Hatsume you did fine it's just me griping after seeing story after story were she just grabs people's tech without permission and trys to mess with it without consequences irritates me greatly." It's good to know Hatsume wasn't missrepresented then. Thank you for understanding that I didn't just shut down everyone's power. I want things to have stakes.

Next, I want to mention animereader-watcher because his Review was nice and made me smile.

Last is from GUIPA who has a decently long post so I'll just focus on one part.
"Also will we get Magnamon next?" That obvious? I'm joking, but yeah. He will be coming."

I hope all of you have a great summer. I don't know when I'll post the next chapter but don't let that discourage you from reviewing. I hope to see you all again next time. Until then.