Soul Marked
Chapter Nineteen
I AM HERE
Do to the length of this chapter I am not adding a bonus chapter this time. This is the longest chapter I have ever written and because of this I hope it makes up for the long wait for me to update.
I've been spending more time with my family recently and my daughter as changed her sleeping schedule once more. She's now refusing to sleep until one in the morning when my husband gets home from work so my writing while she's asleep has been nonexistant this last month.
However I hope you guys enjoy this update and it meets up to expectations! Honestly the fights here were so hard to write so I hope I did them justice. I feel like they could be better but I just wasn't sure how I could make that happen but in all I'm satisfied with them.
It has not been betaed yet but will be soon
Izuka could feel herself growing tired and knew that before her next fight she would need to rest. Other than a few scrapes and bruises she found that unlike Ochaco in the end she wasn't all that hurt and could easily ignore it. Having already been healed once today she knew she shouldn't push it for another time so soon with there being so many more potential fights for her. After placing Ochaco down on the stretcher so she could be taken to Recovery Girl Izuka let out a little breath before moving toward the stands.
Her body itched to rest and watch the other fights before her own. Just being able to sit down and observe so many quirks in one sitting was like a dream for Izuka. She loved trying to come up with new techniques for heroes, what would be best against them, and advantages they had over others. A small smile crossed over her features before walking into the darker corridor.
People were cheering her name, and not just her classmates, but actual civilians, and heroes.
It was an amazing feeling hearing words of encouragement and excitement over something she had done. Before she turned the corner a high pitched squeal left her mouth as she jumped back quickly and took a fighting stance, her body instantly going into fighting mode at running into something she hadn't been aware was there. Relaxing after a moment she came face to face with Shinso. A whole new reason to be tense passed across her mind's eye just as she was beginning to feel calm again.
Could he be mad at her for having hurt Ochaco, even if she was just more exhausted than actually hurt. Though if she was honest with herself she understood how heavy emotions were after going through the bonding process, it took a while to calm down and go back to normal, if there was ever a normal for the emotions you felt.
"Y-yo, Shinso-kun," she said trying to sound calmer than she felt.
"Midoriya," he said in greeting before shuffling his feet as he sighed. "I would like to apologize for all the things I said toward you. Most of them were meant to make Bakugo pissed, even though that's not a good reason to say them. I would also like to thank you, Ochaco could have been hurt worse if you hadn't swooped in and saved her. I appreciate it."
Izuka began to rub the back of her head sheepishly. "Oh, well it's okay," she said a little embarrassed before her face turned serious. "I don't really care what you said about me, but Shinso, just so you know Kacchan is a little rough around the edges but he's a good guy. He just has a very high ambition and won't let anyone get in his way. It doesn't make him a bad person, just determined, and misunderstood."
Shinso smirked at her. "I could think of one person who might be able to get in his way." Midoriya cocked her head to the side in confusion her face scrunching up as she tried to think who that could be.
"What do you mean?" Shinso only laughed a light chuckle before shaking his head.
"I would like to hear your story sometime, Midoriya," he only said avoiding her question before turning around. "I'll see you later." Blinking she watched him leave realizing that this talk had only caused her to be more confused about Shinso. She could only hope he didn't speak this way toward Ochaco, the poor girl would probably never understand what's going on. Though if she was being real with herself Bakugo always left her feeling confused now days anyway.
Making her way back toward her friends she found her seat between Bakugo and Kaminari still free so she sank back down in the seat happily. The ache in her muscles lessened now that she was no longer using them. She secretly began to hope that the matches would drag on so she could just keep sitting there.
"That was awesome, Iz-chan!" Kaminari said with a bright smile. "The way you turned her quirk back around against her. Your pretty badass!" Izuka let out a soft little laugh as her eyes brightened up at her friend.
"Thanks Kami," she said as her eyes darted off to the side of her where Bakugo was sitting. A frown had settled over his lips, an action that she was sure hadn't been there when she sat down. Shoving himself from his seat his eyes left where Cementoss was fixing the arena after Izuka and Ochaco and ruined it. His red eyes were hard as he glared at everything around him. "You'll be the best." The words left her mouth before she could stop them but she was happy to encourage him.
"Damn right," he only said before stalking off down toward the corridor. He'd make it to the arena before the match was called. She knew the next person he was up against would be Kirishima and even though she was a bit worried about his hardening quirk against Kacchans explosions she knew he probably already came up with a plan to defeat him. She expected no less from him after all.
"He seems surlier than usual," Kaminari muttered causing Momo who was sitting in front of them to speak up.
"Yes," she agreed nodding her head. "After break he came back with something on his mind it seems like. Whatever it is hasn't put him in the greatest of moods."
"Though when is he really in a good mood," Kaminari laughed.
Izuka let out a quiet sigh as she knew exactly what was causing his foul mood. It was what weighed on her mind since it happened as well. She was still determined to ignore it however, distractions weren't what she needed. Instead she focused on the start of the match and watched as Kirishima and Bakugo fought it out.
Honestly she was pretty excited about what she was watching, it had very little to do with watching Kacchan fight, rather than seeing how they used their quirks against one another. Seeing the final blow that took down Kirishima had her quickly scrawling down every word she could.
Kaminari sent playfull jabs at her different hobby but she ignored him, making him dodge her elbow after one unappreciated comment, even if a smile was tugging at her face.
Once the battle was done and Izuka had jumped up to scream in excitement with everyone else she quickly calmed upon her eyes landing on Ochaco making her way over to them.
"I'm so happy to see your pretty much healed!" she called out going to meet her halfway.
"There's just scratches left," she said with a shrug and Izuka pretended to not see the red blotchiness of her face and eyes. "Thanks for giving it your all. I hadn't expected you to travel ahead of the rocks and send it toward my way." Izuka shrugged but gave her a small smile.
"You were pretty amazing yourself," Midoriya said as Ochaco sat next to Momo and Izuka took her seat once more.
They all watched as Todoroki and Mina were announced next. Izuka barely noticed when Bakugo sat back down next to her. She zoned in on how Todoroki seemed more upset than usual, she could only guess it had to do with his fight against Momo. Her shoulders were hunched as Todoroki froze and desposited of the pink girl rather quickly, only allowing her to show off her quirk for a short moment before showing that his ice was more powerful than her acid.
It was then that Izuka realized if she won this next fight against Tokoyami she would be going up against him. Something she was quite aware he wanted. A reason that his father seemed to have drilled into him, and all that Todoroki wanted to prove against. She shook her head as she stood to her feet knowing then that if she passed this next fight, then the one against Todoroki would not be easy. She wondered if she had a chance against defeating him. He was powerful, had been trained in his quirk for so many years, already ahead of Izuka in that aspect. Her own quirk was barely handled, mediocre at best, slowly getting stronger, but not to where it needed to be for a fight like that.
Clearing her head she began to walk knowing that soon she would be announced to go ahead down to the arena for her second time. Her brain was in a fog as she walked not even hearing her friends tell her good luck as she focused solely on how she would beat Tokoyami. She had watched all of her classmates at one point or another fight, had written down everything pertaining to their quirks and fighting styles.
His weakness was one she had not entirely proved to herself yet, but it wouldn't help her anyway. Light had nothing to do with her quirk she would just have to work with what she had. If she was being honest with herself going up against Tokoyami was terrifying, Dark Shadow was both offensive and Defensive, and she wasn't sure if she could actually win. The only thing going for her was that they were surrounding by sunlight so at least he wouldn't be as powerful, but it would make her feel better if she had Kacchan or even Todoroki's quirks for this fight.
Taking a deep breath she focused on the wall opposite of her as she sat at the table to plan. If she wasn't careful the match could be over before it even started. Getting up close was going to be impossible but he had an advantage at long ranging attacks. So did she for that matter but she could bet he would be better.
Her eyes narrowed in concentration going over in her mind everything she knew about Dark Shadow and ways in the past that All Might defeated similar foes. She hated to take tricks from him but he was after all her favorite hero and One For All was his first. He had a handle over it better than she did, so she'd take all the help she could get.
Hearing her que she slowly lifted her body from the bench in a motion that read how reluctant she was to go out and fight. Nothing had come to her, and going into a fight without a plan didn't settle well in her stomach. Forcing out a barking laugh she guess this would be good practice for when she became a pro hero. They couldn't plan beforehand, their opponents were always a surprise. Forcing one foot in front of the other she was stepping out into the sunlight sooner than she would have liked. Tokoyami was entering from the other side.
Their eyes met and they nodded in greeting at one another.
"It is an honor to be fighting against you Midoriya," Tokoyami said with a slight tilt of his head.
"You as well," she said with a hint of uneasiness. Midnight called the match and Tokoyami didn't hesitate to engage immediately. Dark Shadow appeared before darting toward her with great speed. Her heart was already beating out of control as she shoved herself to the side to avoid his attack, but he was already following closely behind her. He was able to turn more effectively than she was.
A huff of irritation blew from her nose but quickly turned into a grunt of pain as Dark Shadow flashed forward. Izuka's hands came up in an X motion to block his attack. Her feet began to slide against the cement at the force of his pushing. Gritting her teeth she pushed against him and called for One For All to activate in her legs and feet. The familiar glow of green surrounded them as she dug her feet into the ground causing her shoes to break through the cement to find any source of traction to quit her descent backwards.
It did the job as she stopped several inches from the out of bounds. Letting One For All spread throughout her body she began to push back gaining some footing away from the out zone.
Determination filled her as she sharply shoved her arms against Dark Shadow breaking the hold they had on each other. Pulling back and releasing her fist she began to punch her opponent over and over trying to keep him from being able to counter attack. Each hit was filled with five percent of her power but after the fifteenth punch she could feel herself began to lose her stamina. This would have to be something she worked on in the future. She hadn't even been able to force Dark Shadow back yet, how could she get to Tokoyami to get him out of bounds. Jumping up she twisted her body and flung her leg around, roundhouse kicking Dark Shadow in the face and using the momentum of the kick to spring backwards away from him.
Her eyes narrowed as they connected to Fumikage who wasn't even wore out.
"Of course not," she muttered. "He hasn't even moved since the fight started." Feeling irritation swirling around her she put her hand forward and flicked her pointer finger off her thumb causing a blast to zoom between them. Stumbling several steps back Fumikage lifted his arm up to cover his face as he commanded Dark Shadow to attack again.
Izuka dodged to the right avoiding the hit that was coming her way as she sent another blast toward her opponent. She was going to have to play cat and mouse with him. Avoid getting hit by Dark Shadow and focus all of her attention on the source of her problem. Tokoyami.
Each dodge was counter acted with a flick of her finger. Most were covered by Dark Shadow but each hit she got in sent him back several steps before he started to correct himself. Finally feeling a plan form in her mind she began to allow Dark Shadow to move her around as she dodged him. Each time her finger flicked forward and sent a gust of power out it caused Fumikage to step in a certain direction. At first glance it seemed to allowed him to easily correct himself away from the end zone but she only wanted him to start feeling comfortable.
Their dance continued for several minutes in the same way and she knew she was becoming predictable. Fumikage easily counter acted her without even thinking anymore, his actions weren't as calculated, more going through the motions.
This time instead of dodging Dark Shadows attack she went through with it, meeting him head on. Predicting the move, the same one she had allowed him to use over and over, she used it to push her up into the air as she jumped up and landed on the arm of Dark Shadow before vaulting over him toward Fumikage. She could see the surprised on his face and the confusion, before it slowly shifted into a calculating look, but it was too late.
Kicking out with her foot she activated her quirk into that leg as it connected with Tokoyamis chest, the instant her shoes connected with him she allowed her power to release. Instead of putting the normal five percent she had been using she did the full eight that she could handle. The burst of extra energy only added to how off he was at her changing things up because he wasn't able to call Dark Shadow to stop his body from flying back and out of bounds.
The match was called in her favor as she crouched putting her hands on her knees and breathing hard. A small smile of victory covered her face as she walked over to Fumikage and helped him to his feet.
"I should have been more alert," he said with good humor as he allowed her to haul him to his feet.
"Thanks for a good fight!" Midoriya said with a thumbs up. "I was sure I was going to lose. Dark Shadow is powerful." They both left the arena allowing for the next people to go. Todoroki would be her next person to go up against and she was utterly lost at what to do. She wanted to beat him, to win and go on to the finals, but there was something holding her back. His speech from earlier was aggravating her and she found herself thinking that she didn't want to fight him at half his power, or hear the nonsense that it was his father's so he couldn't use it.
A deep sigh escaped her lips as she climbed the stairs to go back to the stands. There was only one more fight before hers and with it being Kacchans she hurriedly went up the stairs to watch, not wanting to miss out, and took the opportunity to get her mind off the next match.
Her body was telling her to take it easy that her muscles were sore from her battle with Tokoyami but that invisible force inside of her was shoving her forward not wanting to miss a thing, but instead of sitting with her friends and classmates she just went to the top of the stairs and watched. It would leave her with less of a distance back to where she had to go this way.
As predicted the battle was amazing, not as flashy as the others Kacchan was in but it showed both of their power and quick thinking. She was happy with the outcome as she spun back around and practically sprinted to where she had to go. As she grew closer her feet slowed to a walk as the weight of who she was against next weighed her down.
He had shown he was ruthless in his past battles, his temper having gained control, and she knew it could easily be a quick ending if she didn't stay in perfect control over herself. She would have to counter everything he shoved at her.
Irritation began to cover her features as she scowled at the walls. She hadn't felt like this with her previous battles even when she found she had no idea of a plan with Tokoyami, but Todoroki had gotten under her skin. His words still floated around inside her head and she was finding it hard to ignore the whispers of telling him off and to get rid of his views over his fireside. She wanted to help him and she found it irritating but that hero inside of her told her that even if it screwed up her chance of winning she was going to do it.
Letting her head fall into her hands she groaned but kept pushing forward knowing that soon she would be called up.
"Hey, you," came a deep gruff voice that caused chills to run down her spine. "Kid." Her whole body tensed as she jumped up into the air, unconsciously her legs began to move her back several steps. Her eyes widened as the harsh glow of flames, that seemed a little too bright in the small hallway, that surrounded the mans face. The heat coming from him was intense and not warming or welcoming like she thought they should be to people he would be saving.
Everything about this man screamed harsh, even his cold blue eyes that reminded her of ice, the complete opposite of his quirk. Pulling herself together she forced her body to untense and the shake in her hands to steady.
"Endeavor," she said fingers twitching as she tried to ignore the intimidation she was feeling. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
"I have to say I've been impressed with the display of power out there," he said his gaze pinning her to her spot. "The force you can create from your power. Remarkable." His compliments were beginning to make her uncomfortable knowing there had to be a reason he was saying such things and she was sure she wouldn't like it. "It seems familiar to All Mights own quirk, in terms of power that is."
Straightening up her back she glared at the older more intimidating man. This was one man she could never let know the truth of his own words. She had to keep it from him more than anyone else out there.
"Is there something you actually wanted?" she said with more confidence than she was feeling. "My match is next and I truly will be needing to leave. So if you don't mind getting to the point." A smirk appeared on his face at her braveness in speaking so bluntly to him. His face twitched before it fell expressionless once more.
"I admire your spunk kid," he said as he raised a hand into the air. "I came here with just one intention. To tell you that my boy Shoto has one duty to surpass All Might. With your power being so similar this match will prove a valuable test. So if you don't mind I want you to give it your all and give him a good fight." His hand crushed into a fist as his eyes flashed at her.
Izuka frowned as memories of earlier flashed across her mind's eye. Todoroki was completely against using his father's power.
"There's nothing else I wish to say," he said as he began to turn away from her. "I'm sure you don't mind my bluntness." Izuka unfroze her eyes flashing in defiance at him. Her mouth was opening before she could stop herself. Irritation rose at this mans words to her. She felt so angry at the idea that he saw Shoto as himself and she being All Might. They were not them, these fights would not be a test to any outrageous ambition that he had.
"I am not All Might!" she said her words cutting into Endeavor as he spun back around a frown tugging at his lips.
"Little girl," he said in annoyance. "I know that-" Izuka didn't let him finish before she was walking up to him her finger striking out to poke him in the chest. She allowed it to dig into his chest as she forced her words into his ears wanting her point to get across.
"I am NOT All Might, even if my quirk is similar to his own," she said her eyes hardening to stone. "Todoroki is NOT you. Even if part of his quirk is similar to yours." She watched as he lightly knocked her finger from his person as his eyes glared down at her. Idly Izuka wondered if she had gone too far and he was about to smite her off this planet, but before he could open his mouth and spill out any harsh words that were prepared for her a voice cut through the tense silence.
"Koneko," came the hard tone as a set of crimson eyes stared between the two. A little worried Bakugo wondered on what the hell Izuka was doing with an angry looking Endeavor and what she had to have said to make that look appear on his face. He hadn't heard a word the two had said.
"Kacchan," she said taking a step around Endeavor deciding she no longer wanted to be around the number two hero. It was probably a good idea to disappear before he could erupt.
"What is going on?"
"Oh, nothing!" Izuka said waving her hands around as she walked quickly to stand next to him.
"Do not disappoint," Endeavor said simply shoving the anger from his tone as he spun around and walked away, but not before sending her another hard glare.
"What's he talking about disappointing?" Kacchan asked his eyes never leaving the pro hero.
"Just my fight against Todoroki," Izuka said not meeting his gaze as it slid to her. "He wants me to not hold back against him." Bakugo searched her face, an action hard to do with her avoiding him, before he finally dropped his gaze to the floor.
"Hn," he said as he pushed his feet to begin walking again. "I want to see you in the next round." Her head began to automatically nod in agreement as she refused to look at his passing form. "I'll be watching."
She could hear the sounds of his shoes connecting with the cement as he walked away. Her heart was pounding from both encounters and didn't find the will to move until after the sound of his retreat faded away. Shaking herself she began to run not wanting to be late.
This was too much trouble for one person.
A sound like waves crashing against rocks, and she was the rock, met her ears. Everyone was screaming wanting to see the outcome between two of the more interesting students. Their fights in the past made it hard to guess who would be winning this round. Raw power against raw power, it would be a great fight.
"Both of these competitors have won top marks in this festival so far," came Present Mics voice. "But there is only room for one of these greats in the ring, it's Midoriya vs Todoroki!"
Her breathing was coming out shallow but her heart was racing as she stared into the eyes of Todoroki. Her body was tense ready to fight, as her mind whirled with her options. She was going to win, but before that she was going to beat some sense into him about his own power. Readying herself she fell into a battle stance her gaze melting into determination.
子猫
Scratching filled the void inside of the room, a screen lighting up the darkness that it was shrouded in.
"This is the girl you speak of?" a voice broke the insistent scratching causing the other occupant to lean forward splaying every finger but one across the desk. Scarlet eyes bore into the computer screen taking in every inch of the girl displayed on it. She hadn't changed but when the camera did a close up a pleased smirk spread across his chapped lips at what he saw. Silver lines etched into the skin on her neck was a pleasurable sight for him to behold.
"That's her," he spoke his voice almost like a caress at the giddiness he felt inside of himself. "She's the new symbol." His finger reached out to touch the screen as the man behind him stared at the unremarkable girl.
Just looking at her he saw nothing spectacular but having watched her fight he saw what his disciple saw in her. The potential that lied there.
"When will you put the plan in action?"
"Soon," Shigaraki whispered as his eyes never left the screen. It was unsure of what promises hid in his tone whether he was answering his question or telling the girl.
子猫
Izuka stared into the mismatched eyes of Todoroki and saw what lied there. He was going to end it as soon as the match was called. Her hand raised knowing what was coming for her. His ice would arrive as soon as Midnight announced the start. She could not let the ice connect. It would need to be stopped at the right moment. Her eyes watched his movements waiting for the tell that it would give her before he used his quirk.
Her arm shook with the concentration she was displaying only hoping her quirk would be enough to break through his ice. It could not reach her. She had too much relying on this.
Todorokis' eyes darted over to her as she watched his arm twitch and her body reacted on instinct. Cold was the first sensation she could feel. Even at the distance between them she could feel the sheer force of the chill that rolled from his quirk. Ice sprung up between them darting forward in precise movements clearing the distance in seconds.
Midoriya's arm swung forward a high pressurized streak of power flooding the space between the ice and herself, slamming into it as it crumbled away into powder and water. Her breathing was coming out in visible puffs in front of her as she steadied her feet underneath her. Shivers wracked throughout her body as her eyes were once again able to look at her opponent.
Clutching her arm into her other hand she began to rub at it trying to shove past the pain she felt. He had hit her hard as she suspected he would. Todoroki had wanted to end it, which was why she had given it more than eight percent of power. The kick back was already being felt as she could feel her arm muscles screaming in protest at the action. It didn't take kindly in being handled so harshly. Shaking the arm she shoved back the pain in her mind soley wanting to focus on him and nothing else.
Todorki didn't give her a second's notice before ice once more began to increasingly fill the void between them. Pulling back her other hand she punched forward smashing through the second round of ice as she began to breath harshly, the force of his attacks and the power she was putting behind her own, a little too much for her body to handle.
Trying to steady her breathing she stared across at him trying to bring up any helpful fact she knew about him. Most of his attacks always ended in a flash, brute power forcing his opponents into submission. He hardly left any openings. Her other arm began to shake and she lowered them to her side knowing that she had to be more careful and thoughtful of her own limits. He was going to force her into hurting herself and ending it then. It was a waiting game.
Her emerald gaze flashed around him taking in everything. Todoroki had built a wall of ice behind him, this she knew was a countermeasure of her being able to blow him away. The bruises that had begun to form around her arms was only a reminder that she would need to find another way to defeat him. At this rate she would end up breaking herself into pieces before this fight ended.
"You should just end it now!" Todoroki called out between then as he send another round of ice her way. "Before you get yourself hurt! I'm going to end this quickly!"
Izuka gritted her teeth as she lowered the amount of power she was sending with each punch. This time her fists hurled forward repeatedly as she punched it multiple times to break it away from her. The exertion used to counter that attack was more winding but it didn't hurt her like her last ones. It would take more and she would have to be careful to not wear herself out but it was more manageable.
"Todoroki moves in to close the gap!" Present Mic yelled out in excitement.
Izuka watched as he ran forward watching as ice covered every step he took, she could see the raw emotion behind his eyes. This was supposed to be the killing blow, but she just couldn't allow it. Taking a step back she prepared herself and watched him come closer, looking for her opening. Kicking out she let lose her power once more watching as it broke off a chunk of his ice and sent him spiralling forward. She twisted her body around bringing her other leg forward to kick him while he was in the air.
Todoroki's eyes widened at her nearing foot as he lifted his upper body up and away as his hand came forward to form ice between them. He slammed into the wall of ice at the same time her foot connected with it. Having not used One For All in that kick she winced as her foot slammed into the hard ice but used it to push herself back and away from where Todoroki was behind it. Ice began to appear rapidly from in front of the chunk she hit.
Gasping she jumped into the air and side stepped the line. As her feet hit concrete her eyes widened as Todoroki appeared over the wall and sent another strike out toward her. Gasping and breathing heavily she dodged barely missing it as she twisted and landed on her knees. Sweat was dripping down her nose as she struggled to her feet. They were too close, she needed distance between them.
Todoroki crouched one foot further in front of him then the other as her eyes widened at his next attack began to take form.
Izuka needed distance and she needed it now!
"Too close, too close!" she yelped as she spun back around her whole body twisting mid air as she called One For All within her whole body. The twist sent her power spinning out catching the ice coming for her and shattering it upon impact. The force of the blow blew back her hair and ruffled her clothes sending her tumbling to the ground as her balance was shoved off course.
In her panic she had allowed way more power than she attempted earlier. She landed in a crouch on jagged and broken up ice as her body groaned out in pain wishing for her to not move. Another wracking shiver shoved through her body as the chill of ice penetrated through her clothes and uncovered skin.
Todoroki crossed his arms in front of him as he closed his eyes against the wave of power and ice that blasted around him. He was impressed by the display of power but a smirk cross his lips. He had caused her to lose control for a second.
"That was more powerful than the others," he taunted. "Are you trying to tell me to stay back."
Her breathing was still coming out harsh and only grew heavier as she forced her body to stand onto two wobbly legs. Her eyes took in his own form. Ice had covered him in small spots and his own breath was visible in front of him. She had never before truly appreciated how impressive his quirk was, how strong he and it was. It was daunting to her but that didn't stop her from observing. Izuka had barely moved on the offense since starting, it was always defensive, and her one attack had failed. There had to be a weakness she was over looking.
She needed a weakness! He was human, everyone had one. What was his?
"Are you done?" he asked as her eyes roamed over his body. Faintly she could see him shivering, only just the slightest of flinches wracking his body, barely seen compared to her own full on shaking.
Her head fell forward at this knowledge. He barely showed any weakness, that she had gotten to him.
"I apologize for all of this Midoriya," he said his voice cutting into her. She watched as his eyes traveled up to where his father was sitting. He already thought this battle was over, it was spread all over his face. "I appreciate it though, because of you he doesn't look happy." She hated the sound of his voice. Hated what words was spilling from his mouth and filling the air between them.
Her body began to shake more powerfully almost knocking her over in it's force. Her hands gripped at her sides the pain that it caused barely recognizable. She wanted him to shut up. To stop thinking so little of her.
"You look broken," his voice broke her thoughts causing her to flinch. He sounded sure of himself, and bored. He wanted it to end and was certain that she was done for. "Let's end this, no point in dragging it out anymore. It would be cruel."
Her nails bit into the skin of her palms raising blood from the small gashes that it left. Her cheeks heated up in anger as her eyes flashed up in time to see another impressive wall of ice rapidly moving toward her. The chill it brought to her bones was almost too much but her anger and disappointment in his words warmed her with a fiery blaze.
"Who says I'm finished!" she yelled out her voice carrying across the stadium. It bit into Todoroki as his eyes widened at her actions. Izuka slammed her hand forward the force of her quirk and emotions within it shredding every piece of ice in it's way, blowing it away and forcing Todoroki to form another wall behind his body in fear of being blown away.
The people sitting behind Todoroki winced and covered their faces as their hair was kicked up and waving around them. Water and small chunks of ice sprayed them viciously.
Todoroki winced as his body was slammed into the wall he formed as he covered his face and wiped away the hair from his face. He looked at the small girl in shock as she stood there her face pulled into a vicious smile as her body dipped back and forth in her exhaustion.
"Why?" he said softly but it carried over to her and got louder as he spoke. "Why keep going? Your exhausted! DONE for! If you keep going like this you'll be left with nothing!"
Her eyes flashed dangerously, lighting up into a brighter green, as her features morphed into one of pure determination and willpower. "Because your shivering, Todoroki."
Her words cut him like ice as his body froze and tensed at what she was implying and figured out. He began to lightly shake, with fear or anger, he wasn't sure.
Midoriya could feel herself losing control over her emotions, over the frustration, and the need to help him. It twirled inside of her bitterly as she stared into his eyes knowing that she was about to let loose what she thought he needed to hear and understand.
To hell with just winning, she wanted to teach him a lesson. She was tired of him blocking his full potential, and the way he went at things. She was also sick of his words but that only pushed her actions a little bit. Izuka was tired with the way he treated himself and Momo. It was irritating that he held back his true power over his father, and she could bet that the bond he was rejecting with Momo was also his old man's fault. By observation she had found out that they were soulmates and that every time Momo talked it was about him.
She would end it all here, and force the lesson she was about to give him down his throat if she had to, but he was going to come to a revelation about himself if she had anything to say about it.
"Quirks are just physical abilities and with that means you have a limit to how much cold you can bear before it all becomes too much. Though that shouldn't matter considering you could just use your left side to thaw yourself out, isn't that right, Todoroki?" Her words came out harsh. He winced away from her. She noticed. "Every single person here is giving it there all, and you want to win just using half of your power?" Her words held bitterness and agitation within its depths. "I still haven't put a scratch on you." Her anger was rising as she stared at him. "Don't you dare insult me and the others by doing such a thing! Come at me with everything you've got!"
Todoroki is not you.
Her words from earlier flashed across her mind. She needed Todoroki to see that. He wasn't his father. It was insulting to think that he was. His power is his own, his actions his own.
She gripped her hand into a fist in front of her, her eyes not breaking from his own. Her body swayed with the exhaustion she was feeling. Todoroki's jaw jutted out as she saw anger flash across his features, morphing them. He gritted his teeth, gnashing them together, as his eyes hardened at her words. Who the hell did she think she was.
"What the hell are you planning?" he called out angrily. "With everything I've got, did my bastard of a father pay you off or something." His eyes had narrowed having believed she was better than that but now-. He could only shake his head.
At his assumptions Izuka could feel her levels of irritation rising, which was unbelievable as she thought only Kacchan could make her feel this way. "Your pissing me off!" As soon as the words left his lips he was racing toward her his right hand held out as his anger took over his actions.
Midoriya steeled herself feeling her legs lightly shake but she held her ground preparing for anything he was going to send her way. It was in those few seconds she wondered if she would even be able to fight after this if she were to win. They were going to go all out, it was unavoidable, she knew that. Pushing his buttons had shoved him over the edge but this was where she needed him to do any good.
Her eyes narrowed in concentration knowing that having him this close really put a damper on her dodging abilities, but they had been this close before. Her fighting abilities were on par with his and even though it would be harder to dodge his ice she could still break away from it using her own quirk. Izuka would just prefer to keep him at bay where it was easier to handle.
As he ran her way she noticed he was slower, the freezing temperatures causing him to be stiff, his joints not wanting to move as fast as before. She followed his every movements looking for the best opportunity and taking in everything.
She watched like it was in slow motion as he neared her, his leg coming up and she knew that he would be attacking in the next moment. Her body tensed as she prepared to attack herself, moving faster than she had before, shoving her body forward, fighting against the feeling of not moving at all. Her muscles protested as All For One was called into her legs, the least painful place in her body. Her body moved up, her leg lifted into the air, as her hands came forward and grabbed his shoulders, pushing them down as her leg came up, connecting with his stomach.
Pure cold could be felt on her right side as his hand was engulfed with ice having started to call for his power. A muffled gasp left his mouth as her knee connected with his gut and the ice quit forming in his shock. Midoriya began to shiver as she realized her shoulder had a hard encasing of ice on it. Her body began to shake as she called for One For All once more to break away the ice on her shoulder. Where she cracked it away she could feel tingles and her arm moving at a slower pace, the cold had been too much for her body to take.
Todoroki with the force of her kick went flying back, skidding across the ground, his left over ice digging into his skin as he let his body come to a natural stop. He was wheezing trying to regain his breath and working against the pain. Curled up he tried to move his body, forcing it to comply to his wishes as his eyes darted over to where Izuka was bent over rubbing at her shoulder.
He had been able to land a hit at least. A scoff clashed through his teeth as he ground them together as he slowly began to uncurl his body. She was looking down at the ground when she noticed his next attack seconds to late. Her chest was heaving as her breathing was rapid when the ice encassed her feet up to the ankle. Pulling at her legs she tried to force them out but Todoroki had already lunged forward onto his feet and was coming her way.
She held up her arms in an x-motion to block his attack as she tried pushing against him hoping to have him break away and retreat but he didn't. Instead her right sides temperature was dropping rapidly as she could feel the ice seep over her skin and clothes. A hiss left her lips as she used her left side to push harder wanting him back to retreat, to go away. Her right arm was totally useless and the cold was still traveling.
All For One surged inside of both arms, the right pulsing but not breaking, as the left gripped onto Todoroki tightly causing him to wince. Izuka yanked on his arm causing him to topple over as she pulled her hand back before shoving forward. He blew away from her only a couple feet and hit the ground. Feeling panicked Midoriya set to work breaking away the ice at her feet. She could hear his feet crunch against ice as he pulled himself up. The shifting alerted her to his arrival back toward her.
With a hard kick with her right foot the ice broke away from her last foot and she lifted her hand, arcing it, and letting lose another round of her quirk, weaker than before. Her muscles were now screaming out at her to stop as she visibly saw the bruises forming and darkening on her skin.
Todoroki wasn't flown back this time, he was able to push against the gust but didn't gain any ground in his actions. "Are you scared?" he called out making her take several steps back as he lunged forward barely missing her.
Izuka's feet were barely cooperating at this point. Her whole body was cold and stiff. Trying to get anything to move was an effort. "You're back on the defence? Can you no longer attack?"
Each step she took to avoid his attacks were slower than the one before, and she was just barely able to keep ahead of him. However, she noticed that Todoroki wasn't as fast as before either. The frost on his skin and clothes had widened, covering more of him than before. Each shiver that wracked throughout his body was clearly visible now. He was only slightly better off than herself.
His next attack wasn't just a punch but his ice again, seemed he had warmed up just enough to send another dosage out. She had been keeping track how long before he used his quirk again, there was always several seconds that were gaining more and more with each attack, but his ice was also weaker. He was pushing against his limit.
Her smirk fell onto her face as she stumbled back and off to the side missing his sluggish punch to the face. Her legs over corrected itself as her arms waved trying to regain her balance before she fell. This fight was taking too long, neither one of them had much time left.
"Your ice is weaker," she said knowingly. That comment only served to piss him off more as he sent another attack her way, ignoring the fact that he had used his ice too early and that it pained him to do it. It took less power to break it away from touching her. It was almost a relief.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked a flicker of worry flashing across his vision before anger reappeared. "Why are you putting yourself through this pain?"
Izuka glared up at him as she countered another attack. She had to prove herself, had to be like him, this was her only way of showing everyone she had what it takes to be number one. Izuka needed to prove herself, to him, to everyone. It was unacceptable to be anything less, but him, wanting to prove with only half of himself, the anger that had formed, she couldn't allow that. This was pushing herself, but it was too push Todoroki too.
"I'm just trying to meet the expectations that are on me!" she yelled out as she began to stiffly move forward. Each step jolted throughout her entire body she gained speed. "A smiling, dependable, cool hero, that's what I want to be!"
Todoroki froze, his eyes widened.
Shoto.
He remembered thinking the same thing as a kid while watching All Might on television.
Izuka's body ached as she forced herself into a jump, once more twisted, while she kicked out sending Todoroki flying backwards, having missed his dodge due to the memory.
"That's why I'm giving it my all, for everyone!" she yelled out while hunched forward. "I can't even imagine what it's like, your determination, everything you've experienced that's pushed you here. If you become the number one hero only using half of what you are then I don't think your serious about denying him everything."
Todoroki was pulled into another memory.
His father was standing over him menacingly as he glared down at the hunched over young boy. Vomit had spilled from his mouth all over the floor of the training room. He could hear his mother gasping as she clutched at his body. His father voice rumbled above him angrily.
"Get up," he commanded. "How do you expect to defeat All Might when you can't even take on third class villains. Your despicable."
"Stop it!" came his mothers soft voice, shaky with tears. "He's only five!"
"Get out of my way," his father snapped. "He's already five, he should be able to do this."
Todoroki ripped himself from the memory as he glared over at where Midoriya was shivering and forcing herself to stand. His face twisted as his mouth opened. "Shut up!" The frost on him began to crack and break away as his angered spiked before another memory washed over him.
"I hate him mommy, I don't wanna be like daddy," younger Todoroki said as he cried into his mothers chest. Her arms were wrapped loosely around him, giving him comfort as he cried. "Someone who bullies my mommy, I don't wanna be like that!"
She began to pat his back softly, but her face was hidden away.
"You want to become a hero right," came her soft reply. Her words carressed around him in a soft embrace. Her voice always made his feel safe. "That's fine, you're not-"
He glared harshly at Midoriya as she began to run forward, her body toppling over itself barely keeping her up and balanced. Everything inside of her told her to topple forward, to hit the ground, and stop moving, but pure determination kept her up on her feet.
Her fist swung forward ready to hit him with everything she had as more words spilled from her mouth before she could stop them. "That's why I have to win!" she yelled out as she drew closer to him. "I have to surpass you, Todoroki!" She let her fist fly forward a shock wave powering toward him as it caught him off his feet and up into the air. He hardly felt himself tumble over mid air as his mind pulled him into yet another memory.
Young Todoroki pushed his face up against the cool window looking down at his older brothers who were playing out in the courtyard. He yearned to be out there with them, being happy, and goofing around.
He felt something wrap around his arm and tug harshly onto him. His balance was thrown off as he was dragged down the hall. His feet stumbled over themselves as he tried to regain balance.
"Don't look at them, Shoto," his father ordered. "Your brothers belong to a different world than you."
Todoroki could feel the pain throughout his body as he stared up into the sky as he could feel gravity begin to pull him back down.
Little Todoroki had woken up from his sleep thirsty. Pulling himself from his bed he walked to the kitchen only to stop at hearing his mother. "Mom... I know it's not right, but I can't do it anymore." Todoroki could hear his mom say. He wiped at his eyes as he paused outside the door. Her voice was no longer soft instead sounding a little hysterical completely unlike her normal self. "The pull of the bond only grows every day, it's become unbearable to deal with. I can't, no I don't want to continue to ignore it anymore. And it's not just that, the kids, they become more like him every day. And then there's Shoto, his left side, sometimes I look at him and I hate what I see. I can't raise him anymore, I shouldn't."
His mother's words began to freak him out and hesitantly he shuffled into the doorway. Tears were beginning to leak from his eyes.
"Mommy?" His mother turned around, her eyes wide, and crazed.
Todoroki winced against the memory refusing to allow the next moments to be seen by him.
"Where's mommy?" Todoroki asked as he winced at the pain around his eye, the gauze was pulling at the burn once again.
"She hurt you, I had her taken away," his father said simply. "The fool.. especially during this crucial part in your development." Shoto began to cry his whole body shaking with his emotions of anger and sadness.
"This is all your fault!" he accused.
Todoroki felt as his body hit the cement. The action jolted him from his memories and for a moment he laid there dazed. Slowly he began to pull himself into a sitting position. Something was roaring in his veins.
"I'll show my father," he said.
Izuka could feel her control break as she gritted her teeth. Her whole body was done, she just wanted to sit down, but it wasn't over yet. "Your power!" she yelled out loudly. "Is your own!" At her loud exclamation they both just stared at one another. Both chests heaved as sweat slid down their faces.
Young Shoto was sitting on the couch curled up into his mother as he listened to All Might talk.
"But you want to become a hero right?" he heard his mother say cutting into All Mights voice. Shoto glanced up at her with a nod. His gaze returned to the television screen, a look of amazement, and admiration filled his features. "That's fine. You're not bound by his blood."
'When did I forget?' Todoroki asked himself as he continued to stare at Midoriya. That feeling in him continued to grow.
"You decide who you want to become."
It grew and grew, becoming intense as Shoto remembered exactly what his mother had said to him. He let it wash over him, fill him, as his left arm rose up beside him. It exploded from him in the form of flames that engulfed his entire right side and warmed him from all the frost.
Izuka stumbled back several steps. The heat was unbearable but it warmed up her bones and she could feel the chill leave her skin, no longer causing her so much stiffness from before. Raising her arm up she shielded her eyes from the sudden light that filled the area with the glow of the fire.
"I thought you wanted to win," came Todoroki's voice from the flames. "So why are you pushing me to be my best? Which one of us isn't taking this seriously now? But I wanna be a hero too!" From above them Izuka could hear Endeavor spouting off words talking to Todoroki. She did her best to ignore him, her attention was solely on Todoroki right now. He was finally giving her his all, she was so close to making him realize his full potential and that he wasn't his father.
There was just one more point she had to drill into him before they could finish this battle and she could finally rest. No longer did she care about whether or not she passed, the exhaustion was pulling at every muscle and her mind. She would do everything she could to win but she wouldn't be so disappointed if she failed now. After all she had done her duty as a hero and saved someone.
"I am taking this seriously," she spit out the words took more energy than she cared to admit. "However, Todoroki, one more thing I have to say before ending this. You're not your father, your power is your own, but so are your actions, and your bond. You're nothing like him, even in that aspect."
Shoto's eyes darkened at what she implied. His eyes without meaning to darted up to where he knew Momo was sitting before landing back down onto Midoriya.
"You just don't know how to keep to your own business," he said laughing. She only laughed with him, a smile that wasn't full of humor covered her face. It was all determination.
"Gotta help out a friend right." He shook his head his flames growing higher as he stared at her. He wouldn't become his father. Momo wasn't a safe topic but he got the point Midoriya was flinging at him.
"What are you even smiling about?" he shot out directing the conversation away from what she had said. "Your hurt worse than me. It's not my problem with whatever happens to you, you know." With those final words the flames around Todoroki grew as did the feeling of power between them.
Izuka let out a soft sigh as she stepped forward. One For All activated on command whipping the wind around her, causing her hair that had fallen out of the ponytail to whip around her face. Her pants leg tore up to mid calf at the force of power. As did her sleeves that had already been in bad shape because of the ice. The area between them literally vibrated as ice shot out toward her, faster, and stronger than ever before. Steam rose up around it and somehow she knew this was because of his heat. His limit was no longer an issue with his body temperature no longer rapidly cooling.
Everything inside of her protested but she darted forward needing to get in closer as she avoided the ice darting out to meet her. Her feet kicked up sending her into the air to completely avoid his ice as her arm flashed forward.
"Give it everything," she said to herself as her words to him earlier washed over her.
"Give me everything you've got!"
"Midoriya," Todoroki said. The power around him blew his hair back, ruffling his clothes, and he could feel his feet begin to slide backwards. "Thank you." He truly owed her for this.
Walls of cement built up between them trying to stop the collision of raw power that was about to meet. Flames and ice hit on one side crashing violently through to the middle. On the other side Midoriya's quirk shredded the cement it went through.
They met in the middle.
A surge of wind built from the point that both quirks had crashed into one another. Violently it was flung backwards covering the stadium with forces of wind so powerful that both Todoroki and Midoriya was flung backwards up into the air. Chunks of cement was flung around Izuka as she closed her eyes forcing the feeling of nauseous from her mind.
She couldn't tell what way was up and what was down, but all she knew was that with every foot she went the closer she got to the out of bounds. Her eyes refused to open but with a force of will power she opened them to try to figure out which direction she didn't want to go in. Her body tumbled over itself mid air as she tried to right herself.
Her arm flung out sending a wave of power out to stop her from going in the direction of out of bounds. It was weak but she was no longer going in a straight line, instead gravity had tugged her harshly down as she hit the ground. Skidding off into the opposite direction she dug her hand into ice to stop from moving.
Her head laid on a piece of ice that jutted out and even though it was extremely cold she couldn't find it within herself to care. Finally she was resting, her body wasn't moving, and her muscles sang out in joy at the mere fact. Allowing her eyes to open she found that there was too much dust in the air. She couldn't see anyone that was around her, or anything, and she was sure no one could see her or Todoroki.
Passingly Izuka wondered if she had caught herself before passing over the out of bounds but with her eyesight obstructed she couldn't find it in herself to actively care at the moment. Instead her whole focus was on staying as still as possible with her eyes closed as pure bliss took over her body.
子猫
Bakugo stared wide eyed as the air around him whipped around blowing his hair into his eyes as he desperately shoved his bangs aside. His ruby gaze bounced around the stadium trying to see through the dust that had settled around where midoriya and Todoroki were. His fingers gripped the seat he was sitting in with a breaking hold. His fingers dug into the cloth and he vaguely could smell something burning, and in the back of his mind he could hear small explosions.
He had moved to the edge of his seat once the flames had wrapped around Todoroki and Midoriya had her hair fling around her. The raw power that had engulfed the stadium had been overwhelming.
Slowly the dust began to settle allowing for him and everyone else to see Midoriya laid against a pile of crushed ice not moving. He could feel his wrist heat up with the emotions of worry began to tug at his mind. His eyes narrowed as someone's hand gripped his shoulder.
"Hey, man, she's gonna be alright," the Pikachu guy said. Bakugo shook off his hand and sneered at him.
"I'm not worried," he said as he forced his eyes back to the field and away from Izuka. He looked for Todoroki trying to make himself believe he just wanted to know who had won, who he was going to be going up against, because there was no way he would be losing his next fight.
On the other side of the arena he found Todoroki lying face down on the ground, it seemed he had crashed into another ice wall to keep himself from going out of bounds. From this distance Bakugo couldn't figure out if either one of them had been out. They were both so close to where the line once was but the area was covered in cement debris and ice causing it to be hard to notice.
子猫
Izuka groaned as she could hear the bustle of people and knew the dust had cleared and she would need to be getting up. Her eyes blinked open as she slowly lifted her head feeling the headache pounding away at her head. She was in poor shape as she tried lifting her head up off the cold patch that she had landed on. Her vision blurred and her head swam as she gripped her fists tightly together as she worked through it.
Emerald eyes jumping around she tried to find where Todoroki was and where exactly she was in the arena. Was she out? Or had she somehow managed to stay in bounds?
Feeling sick she groaned before she stiffened at the sight of the boy she was looking for. A pillar of ice had stopped his body, but it was clear he was no longer conscious. His limp form was sprawled out on the ground obviously where he had fallen after hitting the ice. With holding a gasp of pain she slowly began to pull herself up to her feet, leaning heavily on her knees before actually able to work through the pain to stand up. Wobbly she found it quite hard to force herself to take one step in front of the other.
Her whole body wanted to deny the action and fall back down on the ground. It was honestly a welcoming thought but she ignored it as she determinedly made her way over to Todoroki. Everything around her had erupted into sound as she had gotten to her feet, and vaguely she could hear Midnight announcing something but her ears just couldn't focus. No, all Izuka was focused on was seeing whether or not he had managed to stay within bounds. She knew logically it didn't matter, she was up, and he was not, but to her it mattered.
Coming to a halt her eyes could only focus on the sight in front of her. Slowly she felt her body fall forward with exhaustion but she halted the decent with only landing on her knees.
Todoroki's hand had fallen above his hand, and one finger laid out of bounds.
She had won either way.
Her head fell forward as relief and fear settled into her bones at the same time. By the end of this she would have announced her worth to those around her. That she had what it took to be the next Symbol of Peace, but she already knew who that meant she would be going up against. Every bone, every nerve ending was on fire, she wasn't sure if she had another fight inside of her, or if she would be allowed to be healed.
If she could be healed.
It might be too much for her body and it would be an automatic forfeit.
"Can you go on?" Midnight's voice cut through her and Izuka wondered how many times the woman had called out to her. Snapping her head up she unsteadily shoved herself up to her feet. Knowing she needed to show Midnight she could go on, her doubts would be dealt with after getting off this stage.
"Yes," she said simply as she began to slowly take a step in front of one another once again toward the exit. There she was met with the sight of Toshi, a worried look on his face as he wrapped his arm around her waist allowing her to put some of her weight on him as they walked.
"You don't have to go on," he said his eyes staring straight ahead. "There's nothing left to prove, you've said enough. You can barely walk, Izu-chan."
"It doesn't matter," she spoke softly. "I may have nothing left to prove to them but there is still someone I have left. I need to do this." Toshi went quiet the words he had on the tip of his tongue to go on to dissuade her went silent. He understood.
"I don't think Recovery Girl can heal everything," he said simply. "You'll have to fight your next fight only partly healed." Izuka nodded her head dropped forward.
"Yeah, I figured." The rest of the walk didn't take long before she was standing in front of the small older healer. The woman tsked and heavily warned her from fighting her next fight, but at the girls insistence she nodded and gave in.
"I could only heal a few of your major injuries the rest will just have to wait until after your fight," she said sternly. "I must warn you, you won't be able to go far with how worn down and tired you are. I do not approve of this recklessness and I refuse to keep healing you like this young lady."
"I understand ma'am," she said before exiting the room. She had to get to her final fight. There was so much preparing that needed to be done. Izuka actually felt terrified by this fight. Her body may not have hurt as much but there was a cloud of haziness forming around her. She could only hope the fight would clear all of that up with the adrenaline that was sure to fill her body soon.
Her last fight with Kacchan flashed across her mind as she walked and she winced at the memory. It was unfortunate that she was sure this fight wouldn't be any better. Every Time they met each other it blew up and left devastation in their place. It was something she desperately wanted to change and wondered if she could change it here.
"Hey, kid, you got a minute," Toshi's voice called out stopping Izuka in her tracks. "There's a little bit left before your fight." Moving back to lean against the wall she watched as he did the same on the opposite end.
"What's up Toshi?" she said with a raised eyebrow.
"I saw that flash of doubt in there," his words left little room to argue as she had planned on doing. Izuka knew exactly what he was talking about, she had begun to feel like she wasn't doing her best while Recovery Girl reprimanded her for all the injuries she had gained, had willingly received. If she had just fought and hadn't goaded Todoroki into realizing his full potential that fight could have ended quicker and with less injury. Instead she felt the need to do what was right, knowing that she was pushing her limit.
"What about it?" she said hoping he would just drop it and let her go. It didn't.
"Let me tell you something." He shifted his weight as his blue eyes captured her green ones. "I believe in you kid. What you did back there with Todoroki was exactly what a hero should have done, even if it meant you could have lost. Saving him was the right choice, and even greater with how it could have caused you to lose."
"I barely won," she said. "I got lucky that I was able to stop the force of power from pushing me back out of bounds. I find this quirk so hard to handle sometimes, and even with the progress I'm making I don't think it's coming fast enough. I mean anyone would have been better than me, especially anyone here at U.A. They are all amazing, and would have been powerhouses with One For All."
"That's true, anyone with a preexisting quirk like Todoroki would have been an undeniably amazing hero if I had picked them, but I didn't. It doesn't change the fact that I saw something in you that made me believe. Don't doubt yourself because you were once quirkless. You know, I once was quirkless myself."
Izuka froze, her head which had been falling back down to stare at the ground stopped awkwardly as she processed the information given to her. Quirkless. He had been quirkless just like her. This piece of information was something she had never tried to gain from him before, even knowing that it had been passed down to him before as well. She almost felt guilty at the knowledge that she never asked, but that feeling was overshadowed by something else.
Understanding.
He understood what she was going through. They had been more alike than she previously ever believed. Her hero had started out just like her. That knowledge caused something heavy to fill her chest.
"Really?" she choked out, her throat having caught on the word.
"Yeah, surprised we've never had that conversation before, but I expected it. It's not like I've spoken of my past much, and every time you've tried I've shut down. I get why you never brought it up."
"I understand why you don't talk about it much." Toshi nodded at her words, he appreciated that she never asked upon seeing how much it affected him, even if this was something he would have freely given to her.
"My predecessor saw something within me that I saw within you. It took me a little to see past my feelings of seeing myself within you, but once I did, I realized I saw far more than that. There was something special in you and you alone. Don't doubt yourself, I wouldn't change this decision even if I was able too."
Izuka could feel the tears pooling at her eyes as she tried to keep them from falling. Her body began to walk on it's own as she lunged forward and wrapped him up into her embrace. With a light chuckle, having gotten use to her spontaneous hugs, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged back.
"You should go," he whispered. "Your fight with young Bakugo is starting soon." He released her as she stumbled back a few steps. "I believe in you, Izu-chan."
"Thank you, Toshi."
子猫
Her legs felt like jello as she stepped out to meet Kacchan. They met in the middle, only a couple feet separating them from one another. The air between them felt like it had been electrified and if Kaminari was down there with them she may have even told him to cut it out, but she knew better, he wasn't there, and only one reason made sense. The bond between them had definitely begun to feel more powerful since that kiss.
This fight would mean so much more between the two that who would win. This fight would be the end or beginning of whatever was between them, she would make sure of it. No more toeing around each other, or putting off talking like they had. She was going to come to an understanding of where they lied with one another, and she would do it like she had with Todoroki. That one had ended with something getting through the boy, so perhaps she could get through to Kacchan in the same way.
Breathing deeply she lowered into a fighting stance knowing what he would lead with, what he always led with. It hadn't even changed even after their first battle, though she could tell he was trying to work on it.
Immediately her body sprung into action as he lunged toward her, his hand moving back for a punch that was sure to be powered behind with his quirk, but she didn't let him get close. Her leg swiped out letting lose some of her quirk to halt his movements and move to protect his face instead of attacking as planned.
She needed to keep distance between them. Long range were easier to dodge than his up close ones. The only thing she needed to be careful of was his long range ones were always more powerful. If she was hit she would surely be out. In the state she was in it wouldn't take much to shoved her down.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Bakugo hissed out as Midoriya once again dodged his attack and sent out nothing more than a slightly annoying sonic wave. It kept him from advancing but did no damage to him. It was pissing him off. "Where the hell did your fight from before go!?"
Izuka could feel herself tiring out fast and it was only the beginning of the fight. They had literally just started and she was already forcing herself from lying down and giving up. Recovery Girl had been right, she wasn't going to make it far. Her power with One For All was weak and she could manage much else in her state. It took everything inside of her to keep him away so she could rapidly come up with something.
"Give me everything you've fucking got, Koneko!" Bakugo yelled out his voice rising with his anger as a blast powered punch shot straight for her. Izuka barely dodged it as she kicked out getting him in side, forceful enough to knock him off balance and back a few steps so she could retreat.
Her chest was squeezing her lungs tightly as she tried to breath the the exhaustion and pain she was feeling. Tears began to pool at her eyes once more, as helplessness began to tunnel in.
"What the hell is this?" Bakugo screamed out as he powerhouse forward, one punch after another, one blast following the next. Izuka blocked each one, her arms and legs shaking with each hit, but she moved through it. Her actions becoming mechanical as she used all her strength to keep going. There was so much she still needed to do, to say. "You're not even fucking trying, Koneko! Why can't you give me your all!? Why are you always looking down on me, thinking me a fool!?"
The tears fell heavily down her face as she blocked another punch his other hand coming round to counter but with All For One in her hand she caught it. They both pushed forward against one another trying to get over the other. Every part of her body screamed for her to stop but she just couldn't. Her chest heaved as she forced herself not to sob, it was bad enough she was crying. It blocked her vision as they left her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Kacchan!" she half screamed, half sobbed. Her arms shook against the force he was using. She was going to break.
His palm heated up, the sweat there pulling, as an explosion ripped through the air where they were connected. Izuka gasped as she reared backwards and hit the ground trying to escape the heat. Through the smoke Bakugo came crashing down toward her as she in agony rolled away allowing him to hit the cement underneath them.
"I don't know how everything went wrong!" she hoarsely said as she picked herself up. Her body awkwardly fell into a defense stance knowing she had no more energy to go on the offense. That had ended very early on. "One moment I was happy and then there was nothing! I don't understand. I never did. I don't understand what's between us anymore, or if I ever really did. Not until today!"
Bakugo stumbled in his next attack toward her. The blast in his hand dying away as his eyes widened at her words. That familiar ache in his chest roughly made its appearance known as he began to rub at subconsciously.
"Shut up," he said his voice dying as soon as he had spoken. She was barely able to make out his words from where she half heartedly held herself up. "Just fucking shut up and fight me with everything you have." Izuka shook her head harshly. She was finished. There was nothing left in her broken body, all that was left was what she felt needed to be said.
"I'm sorry that I made you feel that way, Kacchan," her voice was so small he could barely hear her. "For years I questioned why you treated me that way. I was so blind to see how you were feeling, the obvious answer as to why our relationship changed. I changed that day I found out too, and it should have connected once I saw the look on your face after seeing my empty wrist, but it hadn't."
Bakugo began to attack her once more at her words, his actions erratic and unplanned. Izuka met each blow, her body automatically moving to protect her. Each hit was like a blow to her whole body. Another sob ripped from her lips as she pushed back against him.
"Why?" he shuttered out as they were once again locked together, neither one giving an inch. She wasn't sure what he was asking. Why things were the way they were? Why couldn't she had the Mark sooner? She didn't know, she didn't have any of those answers. They broke apart both jumping back. Izuka could see it in his body as he darted forward once more, not allowing her any preparation. With a sigh and only forceful determination she pushed her body forward in a much more slower run.
Izuka could feel her body begin to shut down. He was still several steps away but her muscles had tensed, they locked on her, and she found all the adrenaline that had been pushing her forward drain away. There was nothing left for her to say, not in that moment. Everything else would have to wait until later, a familiar action between the two.
Slowly she felt herself fall forward. The fight drained away. Her eyes locked onto his as he moved out from his attack and instead was trying to halt his body.
"I'm sorry," she said one last time as she felt her eyes roll back into her head and darkness take over her vision. Bakugo was left feeling surprised and pissed as he ran the last few steps forward to grab her descending body before it could hit the pavement.
"Bakugo Katsuki wins!" Midnight's voice rang out. Except he didn't feel like he had won. Instead rage filled him, her words, even how the fight ended caused so much anger in him. He wasn't sure why he couldn't just let it go, but it just came natural. This was so much easier to feel. His fingers ached at the power he was forcing himself not to let them dig into her skin.
A stretcher rushed out to meet him as he held her body half up off the ground. He hadn't moved as he stared down at her frozen and shaking with anger.
Later he barely had any memory of standing on the first place platform, or that the second place platform was empty, as the spot on his other side was full with a quiet Todoroki. All he could feel was the need to flee from the platform and deny the trophy being handed to him by All Might. He hadn't won this.
His only urge was to get to Izuka and demand answers. Their fight in his mind hadn't cleared anything. He was still left feeling empty and in the gaps full of rage and confusion. Nothing had changed.
That needed to be fixed.
That's the end! Leave me a review guys! We are getting so close to them finally starting a better relationship! This gives them that last shove forward I think. Next chapter I plan for a lot of things to come to light.