beating fire with fire!
「 火をつけて火をつけろ！」
The creaky swing could be heard from all around the front porch of the house. It was a mint-colored house with oak wood for trim and floor. Thin legs, too small to reach the oak floors, went back and forth to swing on the wooden bench. Gripping the chains of the wooden porch swing, emerald eyes were content and a blank smile was plastered on the kid's face.
"Quit smiling like that, you're creeping me out." The younger boy looked up to see the same green eyes staring down at him. The only difference between these two were their height and ages. They looked like twins as opposed to brothers.
"I'm smiling?" The younger asked. "I didn't even notice."
"It comes naturally to you, for some reason." The older stated, taking a seat beside the other. The smaller frowned as he wasn't able to swing the bench anymore. The older noticed and used his feet to swing them lightly instead.
"Can we play vampires?" The younger asked.
"Mom said we weren't allowed to play that any more." The older responded. The smaller knitted his eyebrows together and huffed.
"You know that it's almost time for our Quirk training, right?" The older asked the younger, who gave him a nod and crossed his arms.
"Of course, I do." The younger uncrossed his arms and looked up at his older brother with a concerned expression. "I can trust you, right? I don't have to be afraid of my Quirk as long as you're with me, right?"
The older didn't hesitate, "Of course!" He smiled at the younger, reassuring him. "Pull yourself together! We're gonna ace the training and become heroes!"
"Yeah!" The younger cheered.
The blood around the dark room proved that moment, in that time, was nothing more than one big lie. Green wide eyes and a misplaced smile was on the little boy's face as he stared down at the two dead bodies around him. The monsters that were once there were now gone. The older brother held the little closer. The little didn't hug back. As tears fell from his eyes and be stared at his parent's dead bodies, he just stood there, smiling.
"Young Akagawa?" Akagawa was stirred awake. Upon his emerald eyes fluttering open, Akagawa got a face full of All Might. Being Akagawa, having All Might as the first thing you see when you wake up, well... All Might got a proper push by Akagawa's legs to distance them.
"What the hell?" Akagawa groaned.
"Glad to see you're awake." Aizawa commented, watching All Might instantly transform into Small Might after erupting into a pile of smoke.
"I sense sarcasm in that tone." Akagawa stated, squinting his eyes at his teacher. Aizawa, not admitting nor denying it, just shrugged with a snarky face.
"Young Akagawa!" Akagawa turned back to All Might's voice, just to see Some Might standing there with blood tricking down his face.
"I didn't know you'd bleed like a water fountain just from one kick!" Akagawa shouted at the sight. Small Might merely just gave a thumbs up, implying he was fine, when in reality he was spraying blood everywhere like a water hose.
Putting a tissue to his mouth, he continued. "I was impressed by your battle with Young Bakugou! Good work out there! You really held your own against him!"
"Sure." Akagawa responded hesitantly. He turned to Aizawa, "I get why he's here, but why the hell are you here, then?"
"Told you me congratulating him was out of character for me." Aizawa said to Small Might.
"You should be more encouraging to your students, Aizawa." Small Might chuckled.
"I think I prefer Sensei this way. If he was nice and encouraging, the world would end. And rightfully so." Akagawa commented. "Anyway, why did you come here, Sensei?"
"That can wait. Go ahead." Aizawa motioned toward Small Might. Small Might nodded.
"Right. Young Akagawa..." Small Might began. "I owe you big time. For keeping my secret. For keeping Young Midoriya's secret. You could sell me out to the League and pursue your brother... but you never did."
"Well, that options still on the table." Akagawa said, followed by silence. "I'm kidding. I wouldn't negotiate with villains. Plus, it's better for blackmail on you than anything. I just have nothing to ask of you, really."
"Well, I've already made arrangements to thank you for keeping the secret. How about this? You keep my secret, and we'll let you know all the information about Dracula!"
"You have information on my brother?" Akagawa perked up, fully sitting up from the bed. "How come I don't know about this until now? I thought you didn't know anything?"
"Calm down." Aizawa instructed. "I don't. All Might knows very little, also. To rephrase, we can hook you up with an intel specialist."
"In exchange for keeping Small Might a secret? That's a bargain. I accept—"
"But, there's a catch." Aizawa silenced Akagawa. Akagawa looked between both pro heroes, asking what it was. "You have to join an agency in order to meet the guy."
"...Seriously?" Akagawa complained.
"Seriously." Aizawa stated.
"It's your call, Young Akagawa." Small Might reminded Akagawa. Akagawa shook his head in thought, not liking his options. However...
"I'd want to meet the guy first." Akagawa gave an answer. Aizawa, surprised, nodded.
"Yeah." Aizawa responded. "The class will check out agencies after the Sports Festival. You can join then and meet the guy."
Akagawa nodded. The two pros said their farewells and left the infirmary. The two glanced at one another. All Might spoke up, "I'm surprised he didn't tell you off for making him join an agency to get intel..."
"Me too." Aizawa shrugged. "Just shows how determined he is. I don't think I'll be able to change that. Luckily, Kihara has agreed to the circumstances. I really hope that idiot will help Akagawa."
"Kihara is a good man!" All Might reassured. "More or less..."
"Ugh." Aizawa thought.
Inside the infirmary, Akagawa realizes that it was time for the match against Bakugou Vs. Todoroki should begin soon. Akagawa, after leaving annoying praises to Recovery Girl, left the infirmary and headed out toward the bleachers where his class was. On the way, he noticed Iida walking rapidly toward the entrance.
Akagawa approached with a raised brow. "You looked like you've just seen a ghost." Akagawa joked to lighten his mood. Usually, it would've worked. However, Iida barely even gave Akagawa a glance before heading off to the entrance.
"I have to go. I have to see him at the hospital."
"What?" Akagawa questioned, to no response. Iida left in a hurry. Akagawa shrugged his shoulders, wondering who he was talking about. Akagawa finally made it to the bleachers and found Midoriya and Uraraka first, sitting together. He noticed Midoriya's cast and patched face, but didn't say anything about it.
"Welcome back, Akagawa!" Uraraka exclaimed.
"Did your injuries already heal?" Midoriya asked in concern. Akagawa waved the question off with another one.
"Iida just left." Akagawa paused. "Said he had to visit someone in the hospital? What's that about?"
"He had to visit his brother at the hospital." Uraraka informed Akagawa with sadness in her brown eyes.
"Villains injured his brother badly." Midoriya added, concern laced in his tone. Akagawa hummed to himself, wondering who Iida's brother was in the first place.
"Welcome back, Akagawa!" Kirishima exclaimed, changing the subject. He and the others just getting back with more snacks. The amount of snack stops by this class alone was phenomenal. This time, they also had snow cones and popcorn from the stands. Sero handed Akagawa some chocolate they had out there. Akagawa gratefully accepted all the sweets they had to offer him.
"How's your back?" Sero asked him.
"Could use a massage." Akagawa shrugged nonchalantly, munching on his sweets. Uraraka perked up from her seat in front of the group.
"I know how to give massages! I give mean back massages!" Uraraka exclaimed cheerily.
"I'd be afraid you'd accidentally send me flying." Akagawa replied. Uraraka shook her head eagerly.
"No chance! Just letting you know, if you need it, I'm always happy to help! I gave my parents massages all the time back home!" Uraraka clasped her hands together in persuasion.
"I don't know, I think Midori needs the massage more than anyone here." Akagawa said. Uraraka looked toward the broccoli-headed boy.
"Oh, no, that's okay, Uraraka!" Midoriya said nervously. Akagawa smirked like a cat and put a hand on Midoriya's shoulder. Midoriya froze in wait, only for the sound of a crack to erupt when Akagawa pushed down on the shoulder. Midoriya cried out in pain.
"See? He totally needs it." Akagawa said.
Uraraka, convinced, reassured Midoriya. "It's okay, Midoriya, I can ease the tension in your back and shoulders in no time! It sounds like you really need the relief!"
"M-Maybe, so..." Midoriya trailed.
Akagawa left the two to their intimacy and returned to the others. A knowing look from Ashido met Akagawa's eyes. "What?" Akagawa asked.
"Playing cupid, Akagawa?" She asked.
Akagawa put a finger to his lips. "It's pretty fun to play cupid from time to time."
"The match is starting soon." Asui announced to the class. Hagakure, who Akagawa didn't notice until now, jumped up and down in excitement.
"Who do you guys think will win? I say Todoroki will win!"
"Todoroki has an issue with his left side." Jirou commented. "I think Bakugou has the underhand against his ice."
"Bakugou will definitely be the winner." Aoyama winked.
"Still, Todoroki has always been formidable, even without using that side—" Midoriya spoke up, only to be interrupted by Akagawa nonchalantly.
"Todoroki has no way of winning unless he uses his fire. Simple as that, really." Akagawa rolled his shoulders. "In the cavalry battle, I saw Blasty and Todoroki face off. Any ice that came Blasty's way was melted in seconds."
"Akagawa's right. Todoroki doesn't have that much of a choice but to use fire..." Kirishima thought aloud.
"The match is starting." Tokoyami told them, directing everyone's attentions toward the front.
"It's finally the last battle of the Yuuei Sports Festival!" Present Mic sang. "The top of the first years will be decided with this one match! The final, so to speak!"
The screen showed a picture of Todoroki Vs. Bakugou. The torches around the stage lit for dramatic effect, and each opponent made their way onto the stage.
"From the hero course, Todoroki Shouto!" Present Mic announced, the screen showing a calmed and reserve Todoroki. "Versus...!" The screen then panned to a teethy-smiling Bakugou who was standing with a readied and eager stance. The opposite of Todoroki in that moment. "Also from the hero course, Bakugou Katsuki!"
Everyone readied themselves for the show that was about to begin. Akagawa snuggled into his seat with popcorn being shoved into his mouth. Somehow, eating popcorn really does make the show even more entertaining.
"Now... start!"
Immediately, Todoroki put his hand on the stage and conjured an ice barrage that stretched out toward the entire stage in a matter of seconds. Bakugou, prepared, use the heat on his hands to break any of the ice that dared to get near him.
His hands were moving to break the ice like a rapid barrage. It was hard to even keep up with the after images. Despite his usual angry expression, Akagawa noticed he was completely concentrated and focused. The ice stretches out to the other half of the stadium, nearly touching the audience.
"Todoroki gets a blow in right away! Is he trying to avoid close combat with Bakugou?" Present Mic exclaimed, then noticing that Bakugou was unseeable through the ice. "Has the winner been decided already!?"
"It's not on the same scale as in his match with Sero." Midoriya thought aloud, talking about Todoroki. "He aimed his attack while being careful of what'll come next."
"What a brainiac." Akagawa crunched on his popcorn.
A large noise coming from the ice sounded throughout the arena. With the ice cracking, what followed the sound of imitating glass breaking was Bakugou emerging from the ice that Todoroki had trapped him inside of. The giant explosion melted all nearby ice, making Todoroki jump away from the creation and brace himself not to get stabbed my stray pieces of icicles.
"Did he dig his way out through the ice like a mole with his explosions?" Sero exclaimed with wide eyes.
"That's so weird!" Kaminari grimaced.
"Weird? More like badass." Akagawa said.
Free from his icy shackles, Bakugou headed straight toward Todoroki with his guard up. Todoroki, doing the same, headed toward Bakugou himself. Before they clashed, Bakugou suddenly maneuvered around midair. Todoroki, not expecting that, was grabbed by the head by Bakugou.
"He avoided his right side and grabbed him!" Midoriya exclaimed, on the very edge of his seat, much like everyone else.
"Are you underestimating me!?" Bakugou demanded, flying overhead Todoroki and landed behind the male, his hands still firmly planted on Todoroki's scalp. "Idiot!" Bakugou threw Todoroki over his shoulder with force.
Todoroki used his ice at the last second to stop him from going out of bounds, riding on the frozen tidal wave. With the ice, Todoroki ran around the sides of the stage and even tried running Bakugou over for good measure. Of course, Bakugou dodged the attempt. Angered, Bakugou instead jumped to Todoroki with a fist full of fire.
Todoroki grabbed Bakugou's arm with his left hand to keep the flames away from him. In everyone's mind, they were thinking that now was the time to use his left side. If he just did that, then he could burn Bakugou's arm. But, instead, Todoroki threw Bakugou away from him with as much force as he could muster.
Bakugou landed like a frog, using his hand to stop himself from backing up into the ice behind him. Todoroki landed on the ground then, too, both of then slightly out of breathe in that moment.
"Stop screwing around." Bakugou demanded. Wiping his mouth with a smile, he continued. "Am I not strong enough to make you use it?"
"With the way he grabbed Todoroki's left side on purpose and timed his explosions... he's been doing research." Aizawa began. "That kid's abilities shine every time he fights."
"I see." Present Mic acknowledged.
"Todoroki's moving well, too, but his attacks are too simple. Ever since the match with Midoriya, he's lost his touch."
"Bastard..." Bakugou let off explosions in his hands. "I'll show you what'll happen if you make a fool of me! I'll kill you! I want an indisputable first place! I can't get that even if I beat scum that underestimates me! There's no point if I can't get higher up than Deku! If you have no intention of winning, then don't stand in front of me!" Bakugou began running full speed at Todoroki. "Why are you standing here, damnit!"
"Todoroki!" Midoriya shouted from the stands, gaining the attention of the male. "Don't lose! Do your best!"
"Go Todoroki, go!" Akagawa exclaimed, waving his hand in the air, making popcorn fall over his nearby classmates.
"Those damn nerds!" Bakugou said, accompanied by a smile. Bakugou propelled himself in the air by a giant explosion aimed below him, shooting up above Todoroki. The ice melted off of Todoroki, and flames sprouted from his skin. Bakugou began using his explosions to soar through the air faster while spinning, creating a whirlwind in the air above Todoroki.
Bakugou's whirlwind was pointed and headed straight toward Todoroki. Torodorki, with his arm aflame, waited for the moment to strike. Yet, the more he looked at his arm, the more saddened he looked. Until the flames dispelled around Todoroki's arm and was gone altogether. Bakugou didn't notice, or care, and made impact with Todoroki, creating a giant explosion that covered the arena.
The ice that once covered the edges of the arena were broken, pieces melted and icicles flying. Winds created by the fire and ice engulfed the stadium, making Akagawa's unzipped track suit shirt fly off his sides. Also the popcorn was sadly lost in the midst of the winds, as well.
"He added momentum and rotation to the huge blast he showed us in his fight with Uraraka! He was like a human projectile!" Present Mic danced around his chair. "It looks like Todoroki isn't fire off that huge blast he used in his match with Midoriya, but the winner is..."
The smoke cleared slowly to reveal Bakugou on the ground, not mastering the landing of his attack. To Bakugou's surprise, he noticed that Todoroki put out his flames. Scattered on the ice across from where Bakugou landed, Todoroki's body laid. Bakugou, woozy and stumbling, approached Todoroki.
"Hey!" He shouted, beginning to sprint up to Todoroki. Angered, he grabbed a seemingly unconscious Todoroki by his collar and shaking him. "Didn't I tell you that there was no point, damnit! To get first place like this!? Like this!? Like..." Bakugou fell to the ground as a pink mist reached his nose and mouth. Midnight, having put Bakugou to sleep for the aggressive act, announced Bakugou as the winner.
"And now, all of the events have been completed! The winner if this year's first-year Yuuei Sports Festival is... from Class 1-A, Bakugou Katsuki!" Present Mic announced. The monitors showed Bakugou's face as he laid asleep on the ice created by Todoroki.
Akagawa put a hand on his cheek. "How strange. He almost looks like an angel when he's asleep."
"All of the first-year events for this year's Yuuei Sports Festival have been completed." Midnight announced, being on a small stage in front of all participating first-year students. "And now, we will begin the awards ceremony!"
Fireworks were lit into the air, creating parks and loud booms as the ground parted. Most of Class 1-A watched as the ground informed and allowed figures standing on pedestals to erupt in front of everyone. Most Class 1-A students put a hand over their mouths at the sight, while the others simply stood there in shock.
"What the heck?" Jirou blurted.
What they saw on the first place pedestal was a tied up and gagged by a mask Bakugou, who twisted and turned violently in attempt to get out of his restraints. In second place was Todoroki, looking like a ghost compared to the lively Bakugou. Then, tied for third place, Tokoyami and Akagawa. Tokoyami kept distance from Bakugou above him, letting Akagawa be the one to stand that close.
"He's been struggling ever since waking up. But, man. That first place is all over the place." Kirishima reported.
Tokoyami sweat-dropped as Akagawa patted Bakugou's thigh and Tokoyami's shoulder simultaneously. "He's like a man-eating fiend."
Bakugou screeched from inside the mask, trying to speak to his classmates, but all they heard were muffled noises too incoherent to be considered proper words. As the confetti fell around the scene, Akagawa noticed Todoroki look slightly more relaxed than earlier. Still, it was a sad sight to see him looking so solemnly as the confetti fell around him.
Akagawa put his arm around Tokoyami's neck and smiled for the press. Tokoyami, more bothered by Bakugou at that point, simply decided to just let it happen. Tokoyami only noticed the press after he saw a bright flash from the corner of his eye, at which he slightly hid himself behind Akagawa.
Akagawa noticed and mumbled. "Cute."
"Now, we will award the medals!" Midnight boomed, gaining everyone's attentions yet again. "The presentation of the medals will, of course, be by this man!"
All Might's shadow was useable throughout the stadium. As people fanboy'd, the pro hero jumped down from the sky and landed before Midnight on the field with his signature smile.
"Now then, All Might, please present the medals, starting with third place." Midnight told him, handing him each of the medals. All Might took them and headed over to where Tokoyami and Akagawa stood together. Tokoyami stood straight whilst Akagawa crossed his arms and gave an unimpressed expression.
"Young Tokoyami, congratulations!" Tokoyami bowed, allowing All Might to put the medal around his neck. "You sure are strong."
"You are too kind." Tokoyami replied.
All Might gave Tokoyami a hug and patted him on the back. "However, in order to fight well against different types, you must not rely only on your Quirk. If you train your own strength more, then you'll have more options when you fight."
Tokoyami glanced at his medal, taking All Might's words into consideration. "Yes, sir."
All Might then turned to a snarky Akagawa. All Might chuckled. "Young Akagawa., congratulations." All Might said, holding in medal in front of Akagawa. Akagawa rolled his eyes and bowed lazily, allowing the man to put it around his neck.
"You better not offer me words of wisdom."
"All I can say for you is to reevaluate your mindset during battle. Control your stamina better. Maybe then, one day, you'll be a match for Young Todorki or Young Bakugou. Or, even perhaps villains."
Akagawa hummed flatly as All Might began walking away. "So much for not receiving a lecture."
All Might continued passing out the medals. To Todoroki, who explained that he still had things to do before he used his left side, and expressed interest in Midoriya. He admitted he wished to be a hero like All Might, too. Then, he got to Bakugou, to which he unhooked the mask.
"All Might..." Bakugou croaked in anger, his voice raspy and gone, more likely from all the yelling. "First place like this..." he began shouting, as he does best. "...is not worth anything! Even if the world recognizes it, if I don't recognize it, then it's trash!"
"Right..." All Might agreed. "Take this medal, okay? Think of it as a "wound" you'll never forget!"
"I said I didn't want it!" Bakugou barked.
"Now, now..." All Might attempted to put it around his neck, only for to look up, causing it to get stuck on his nose.
"I told you, I don't want it!"
All Might moved it down so it caught in his mouth. "Here." Bakugou, obviously still pissed, literally vibrated from anger while holding the medal in his mouth. Akagawa began patting Bakugou's thigh again to console him, even if Akagawa was mainly just doing it to poke fun at the blond.
All Might, satisfied, turned to the crowd. "Well, they were the winners this time! But listen here! Anyone here could have ended up on these podiums. It's just as you saw... Competing! Improving each other! And climbing even further! The next generation of heroes is definitely sprouting! So, I just have one more thing to say! Everyone, please say it with me!"
"Plus Ultra!" Everyone in the audience, as well as some students too, shouted in unison with the pro hero. Akagawa sighed, finding that word super boring and overused. It almost seemed awkward to him. Watching everyone go from sad they didn'twarn mmedals to happy just because of the phrase. Akagawa couldn't help but feel secluded to the feeling of accomplishment.
"Good work." Aizawa told them. The orange sunset shined through the Class 1-A windows. Akagawa sat as his desk with his classmates in their seats, exhausted yet happy to have participated in an event as fun as that. Well, Akagawa for once, felt the same way. To his own surprise, even.
"So there will be no school tomorrow or the day after. I'm sure the pro heroes who watched the festival will want to recruit you, but we'll consolidate everything and announce it when you get back. So rest well and look forward to that."
"Yes, sir!" Everyone shouted.
Class disbanded shortly after. Akagawa didn't bother make fun of Bakugou further as he wished. Not that he could, he was running late to where he was supposed to be. Even if his classmates wanted to talk to him, they'd be shit out of luck. By the time Akagawa made it outside, the sunset had barely even gone down.
He used his Quirk to make a skateboard of energy. Or, that's what he'd like to think of it as, anyway. He rode on that for most of the way, but after today, he found his energy running shorter than usual. He cursed and decided to walk the rest of the way on foot. He's going to be late for sure...
Akagawa looked behind him a few times. He continued on his way, sprinting as fast as he could. Going right, left, until he finally turned down into an alleyway. Akagawa, faced at a dead end, waited until he heard footsteps approach him.
"You've been following me for three fuckin' blocks now." Akagawa turned around to get a good look at the person. Akagawa raised a brow as it wasn't a person he'd ever seen before. A man with a distinct fashion sense. A buttoned vest, long beige unbuttoned trenchcoat, and grey slacks. His hands seemed to be bandaged. He had brown wavy hair and soulless grey eyes. He smiled at Akagawa expectantly.
"So, you could see me. And here I thought my technique was flawless. How do you do it, kid?" The person asked before looking to their surroundings. "Though, the better question... why are we in an alleyway? A little overconfident, aren't we?"
"Oh, please. You're an amateur stalker. Nothing like those idiots I've faced a few years ago." Akagawa rolled his eyes. "So, instead of kidnapping me and whatnot, let's just duke it out! Fair and square, y'know?"
"You think I trust you to play fair?" He inquired.
Akagawa smirked. "Glad we're on the same page."