Me, about nine months ago, I'll take a small break from writing.
Me, today, oh shit it's nearly been a year since I've updated this story.
Soooo... I'm back... and still don't have six chapters done, and I haven't really written anything due to lack of motivation until fairly recently. Also I discovered a little fanfic called 'Taylor Varga' and took time to read all of it. For those who don't know it's over two million words long and still going. I found it very good and do recommend it, but keep in mind if you don't know 'Worm' you might have some trouble following along with the story. Also it's very slow in pacing so if you don't like slow stories you probably won't like it.
Anyways lets get on with the story.
Sports Festival Arc
Chapter 47: The Semifinals
"AAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLRIGHT!" Mic shouted. "It's time for the Semifinals!"
The crowd roared in excitement.
"That's the energy I like to hear!" Mic shouted. "Now I know you're all excited but let's take this time to look at the four who have battled against the odds to make it this far. Starting us off is the master of fire and ice himself, Shoto Todoroki."
A picture of Shoto appeared on the holo-screens for all to see with his tournament results.
"He's managed to do fairly well through the tournament earning a fourth place finish in the first event and a third place finish with his team in the next. While both respectable, he has really shined in the final event with a dominating win against Shoda and his jaw dropping fight against fellow powerhouse Midoriya. What are your guys thoughts?"
"As his teacher, I have to say this tournament has been good for him. He's been forced to overcome a lot of the barriers he's placed on himself. He still has a long way to go, but this has helped set him on the right track." Aizawa noted.
"I've got nothing to say. The kids got a good grasp of his power. He's definitely one of the favorites to win this thing." Qrow added.
Splinter was silent.
"Got nothing to say rat?" Qrow asked.
"I's heres for comedy. If I's can't make funny, I's don't got much to says." Splinter replied.
"Moving on, our second participant is Todoroki's opponent, the lovely Itsuka Kendo." Mic stated.
The screen switched to a picture of Itsuka with her tournament results.
"While she scored among the upper middle of the pack in the obstacle course race, her performance in the cavalry battle netted her and her team first place. Since then, she's shown impressive martial skill in her previous two battles. Unfortunately unless she's got one heck of a trick to pull out I don't think she'll make it past the semifinals." Mic explained.
"I'm inclined to agree. Don't get me wrong, the girls got skills. The match up however is heavily skewed towards Todoroki." Qrow added.
"It'll be a good learning experience. As heroes you'll have to get used to going up against unfavorable odds." Aizawa chimed in.
"All good points, but we've got a schedule to keep so let's move on to the third semifinalist Kumoko." Mic began.
The screen switched to a picture of Kumoko with her tournament results.
"Gen-ed's latest rising star has made quite the splash in the tournament. Her start was rocky, placing in the lower middle of the pack during the first event and her team earned a last place finish alongside many others in the second. In years past this would have been the end of her run. But with the change in formatting this year, she's been able to really show what she's got. She's shown an incredible display of skill and determination, battling through the preliminaries and having to eke out a win against one of the tournament favorites to make it here now. I'm personally rooting for her to go all the way though she'll have a tough road ahead." Mic explained.
"Indeed, but she's shown she's got a lot of tricks up her sleeves. I won't be terribly surprised if she wins the whole thing. However Bakugo and, if she wins her match, Todoroki are both gonna be very tough matchups for her." Aizawa stated.
"Indeed, not only do they have quirks that are natural counters to hers in a way, there's also the fact the last match probably took a lot out of her. Regardless of the results though, I'll be pushing to get her into the hero course as soon as possible." Qrow added.
"Me as well." Aizawa expressed.
"I'd definitely get on board with that. Now, before we get on with the matches, we've got one last participant to go over. That would of course be Kumoko's opponent, Katsuki Bakugo."
The screen switches to a picture of Katuski with his tournament results.
"He made an impressive showing in the first event, earning a fifth place finish. In the second event however he and his team only managed another fifth place finish, though he was close to taking team Todoroki down. Since then he's shown a dominant performance of both skill, and power. Though Kumoko might give him a surprise or two. Whatever happens though, he'll at least make fourth." Mic stated
"F*** YOU!" Katsuki roared.
"Saws that ones coming." Splinter noted.
"Bakugo's anger issues aside, there's no denying his abilities as a fighter. Despite not being first in the entrance exam, his combat scores were among the best. Also his determination and drive are among the highest among my students making him incredibly tenacious." Aizawa explained.
"Even still it's sure to be an interesting match between him and Kumoko." Qrow added.
"That it will be. But now, it's time to get ready for the first semifinals match between Class 1-A's Itsuka Kendo and Shoto Todoroki!" Mic exclaimed.
The two students made their way towards the stage as the crowd roared back to life.
"Will Todoroki perform as expected or does Kendo have a trick up her sleeves. Find out… … … NOW! BEGIN!" Mic shouted.
Itsuka rushed forwards to attack. Shoto sent a wave of ice towards her in response. Itsuka slammed her hands against the ground, enlarging them right before impact and pushing herself over the wave of ice with a flip. Upon landing, she bolted forwards. Todoroki matched this with his own charge. The two combatants neared each other, neither revealing what their next attack will be. Itsuka was the first to attack, sending forwards a palm towards Shoto's head, mainly to draw his attention as another one was sent towards his stomach. Shoto snaked his way around both strikes, freezing Itsuka in place as he did. Another small wave of ice was sent to fully secure her. Itsuka grunted as she struggled to break free.
"Can you get out?" Midnight inquired.
After a few more moments of struggling, Itsuka stopped and sighed.
"No…" She answered.
"Itsuka Kendo is unable to move, Shoto Todoroki is the winner!" Midnight announced.
The crowd cheered.
"Darn… lost again." Itsuka muttered.
"Don't beat yourself up too much." Shoto expressed as he walked up to her and began thawing her out. "It was a bad matchup for you, you did your best."
"I know, but that still doesn't change the fact I lost." Itsuka expressed with a sigh. "I'll just have to work harder for the next time."
A small smile found its way onto Shoto's face.
"Don't think I'll make it easier. I'll be training hard as well." Shoto replied.
"Speaking of which, you better go all out in the finals. I'll be insulted if you lose because you hold yourself back." Itsuka declared.
Shoto raised an eyebrow at this. Probably some warrior's pride thing.
Meanwhile…
Kumoko and Karen watched Shoto thaw out Itsuka from the waiting room. In Kumoko's hand was a protein bar which she was currently munching on.
"Almost time." She mumbled before swallowing and taking a few more bits, finishing off the protein bar.
"Yep, how's your plan to beat sparky sparky boom boy coming along?" Karen asked.
"Not very well." Kumoko mumbled before swallowing the protein bar. "Nice reference by the way."
"Reference?" Karen questioned.
"His explosions and mobility are gonna be the biggest hurdle for me." Kumoko continued.
"Can't you just tie him down like you've done with almost everyone else?" Karen asked.
"He can blast his way out. The heat from his explosions will burn through my silk. I still haven't gotten replicating inorganic material with my silk down quite yet so I can't effectively make fire proof threads without getting rid of any other attributes." Kumoko explained.
"Darn." Karen muttered.
Kumoko sighed as she rubbed her head.
"Honestly, trying to fight him head on might be my best bet." Kumoko noted. "Though from his fight with that ah… ah… Portal Guy ah… … Flash Dallas, from his fight with Flash he seems to be a very skilled fighter."
"Yeah, I noticed that too, but what else can you do?" Karen pointed out.
"I'll think of something." She noted.
She noticed Shoto and a now freed Itsuka leaving the arena.
"Best get going." Kumoko noted as she got up.
"Best of luck Kumoko." Karen expressed as she also got up to leave.
She tripped and fell down, cracking the ground on impact. There was a brief few seconds of silence.
"You really need to work on that." Kumoko noted.
"I KNOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Karen whined.
Later…
"ALRIGHT EVERYBODY!" Mic shouted in English. "IT IS TIME!"
The crowd came to life with a roar of excitement for the next match.
"That's what I like to hear!" He shouted. "It's time for our final semi-finals match and it's looking to be another battle for the ages. In one corner we've got the explosive expert himself, class 1-A's KATSUKI BAKUGO!"
Katsuki scowled as he walked out towards the arena. These intros are really starting to get annoying.
"And we can't forget gen-ed's rising star. The spider mistress herself, class 1-C's KUMOKO!" Mic shouted.
Said girl blushed from the intro.
"This is the match to decide who'll move on to the finals and who'll be stuck with the bronze. We've all got many questions for how this fight is going to go." Mic stated. "So let's not waste anymore time and get right to it then!"
The crowd roared as Katsuki and Kumoko readied themselves for battle.
"BEGIN!" Mic shouted
Katsuki rocketed forward with a large explosion. Kumoko rushed forward to meet him. Right as they were nearly on each other, Kumoko ducked under Katsuki's attack. Before she could counter attack however, Katsuki had already recovered and quickly spun around to blast her, forcing her to defend. Due to her unsteady stance, the explosion sent Kumoko flying away. She righted herself in the air and skidded along the ground. She looked up to see Katsuki's explosive palm right in her face. She nearly leaned back to dodge it. In the instance she brought three fists up and slammed them into Katsuki's stomach. Katsuki gagged a bit but powered through to land an explosive strike on her side.
Kumoko cried out in pain as she was sent through the air for a bit before tumbling on the ground when she landed. Letting her momentum carry her, she rolled up into an upright position to face a charging Katsuki. This isn't working. She thought to herself. She rolled out of the way right before Katsuki was on her. He quickly changed directions with a set of explosions and was right back onto her, forcing her on the defensive. His fighting prowess far exceeds my expectations. Kumoko knocked aside or dodged any blast she could, however a few found their way through her guard. It took all she had to fight through the pain as Katsuki continued his relentless assault. Come on focus, use those four eyes of yours and find some sort of weak points.
Kumoko rolled off an explosive strike to her stomach and spun around. Using the momentum to carry her, her three fists slammed into Katsuki's side, sending him off balance. Katsuki stumbled a bit, but quickly recovered to resume his offensive against a retreating Kumoko. Rocketing forward with an explosion, Katsuki was quickly in her face sending a strike. Kumoko jerked her head away from an explosive palm strike before deflecting a follow up one. A third one broke through her guard, the explosion slamming directly into her stomach. The force of the blast launched her away. She rag-dolled through the air and tumbled along the ground to an eventual stop near the edge of the rink. She slowly got up gasping for air as she held her stomach. Her breaths were heavy and labored. Her uniform was in tatters and the protective silk around her body had been burnt up. Katsuki gave her little rest, already blasting forward towards her.
It was at that moment, that she saw her chance at victory. I see now! He can only seem to generate explosions with his hands. If bind his arms he'll be limited in where he can use his explosions. Fighting through the pain and exhaustion to stand on her feet she prepared for contact. In her tired and exhaustive state however, she failed to properly react to Katsuki switch up. Katsuki broke from his normal attack pattern and attacked low. Using his momentum to carry him forward, he slid into Kumoko's legs knocking her off balance. Bringing himself to a halt and to his feet, he grabbed her one leg mid fall. Using a series of explosions for added power he flings her out of bounds and on her back. The silence in the stadium was deafening. All that could be heard was the labored breaths of Kumoko. Damn… She thought to herself.
"K-Kumoko… is out of bounds." Midnight announced.
I lost…
"The winner is Katsuki Bakugo!" Midnight declared.
There was still no sound, no cheer, no applause, just silence.
"Good job Kumoko!" A voice familiar to said girl cried out.
She managed to look to see Karen in their classes section standing.
"You manage to get farther than anyone expected! And you're probably going to the hero course soon!" She continued.
"Karen." Kumoko whispered.
"You did! You did what we all dreamed of!" Karen finished.
Silence reigned again.
"Yeah good job girl!" A different voice shouted.
"You did great out there!" Another cried out.
"I can't wait to see you on the streets kid!" The voice of an older man called out.
"Congratulations for making it so far!" Another voice shouted.
Soon, a great chorus of voices congratulating her for her success up until now rose up. Applause followed as they sang her praises. To all of this Kumoko can only look around from where she lay in awe. Tears began to form in her eyes. Despite how much Kumoko told herself that the words of others do not matter, each time she was labeled a freak, monster, or villain; a stabbing pain was felt in her heart that slowly chipped away at her. So to hear the heart felt praise she had so longed for in her heart, she could not help but cry with a small beautiful smile on her face. In all of this, Katsuki chose to say nothing and walked away.
A little later…
Kumoko lay in one of the beds in the infirmary bandages wrapped all around her. She groaned in pain as Recovery Girl prodded around her, checking her injuries.
"Can't you be just a little bit more gentle." She pleaded.
"No, no I can't, with your injuries you'll feel pain no matter what I do." Recovery Girl pointed out. "Maybe next time don't get injured like this."
"But I did everything I could to avoid getting injured!" Kumoko exclaimed.
"Well you should have tried harder." Recovery Girl pointed out.
"What the f… but I… but how… what…" Kumoko muttered incoherently.
"Now hold still I'm almost finished. Then I'll get out of the way and let your friends come in." Recovery Girl stated.
Confused, Kumoko looked to the open door with no one waiting outside then back to Recovery Girl. Said woman had just finished up her check up and was walking away.
"Give it a minute." She stated.
A few minutes later, a large conglomerate of students burst into the room.
"KUMOKO!" They all exclaimed.
The rushed forwarded, then Karen tripped causing the others to fall with her as well. Soon a large group of students lay on the floor groaning. Kumoko merely stared at all of this with a questioning look. Karen looked up.
"Hey Kumoko, we brought more food… … and none of it spilled." She greeted.
Kumoko sighed.
"How the mighty have fallen." She expressed.
"SHUT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!" Karen whined.
Back in the Stadium…
"ALRIGHT! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! IT! IS! TIIIIIIIIIIME!" Mic shouted.
The crowd roared to life.
"The stadium is repaired which means we're ready for the final match of the UA SPORTS FESTIVAL!" Mix proclaimed.
The crowd's roar grew deafening.
"That's what I like to hear. Now for one last time, my patented Present Mic intros!" Mic shouted.
"Frees of charge cause no ones wants ta buy dem." Splinter commented.
"Quiet you!" Mic shouted. "In one corner we have the master of fire and ice himself, SHOTO TODOROKI!"
The crowd cheered as Shoto stepped onto the stage.
"REMEMBER WHAT I SAID TODOROKI!" Itsuka shouted.
"In the other corner…" Mic began.
"There are no corners, the stadium's a circle and they don't step in at the corners of the arena." Aizawa pointed out.
"IN THE OTHER CORNER!" Mic continued. "The high explosive expert himself. KATSUKI BAKUGO!"
Katsuki stepped into the arena with a scowl as the audience cheered.
"The finals are here but who will win? Will Bakugo be able to blast past Todoroki's ice and blow away his flames, or will Todoroki cause Bakugo's dreams of first to go up in smoke as he puts him on ice." Mic began. "Find out, next chapter!"
"WHAT?!" Shoto and Katsuki question.
Ruby: About damn time!
Jaune: Ruby! Language!
Ruby: I am sooooooo past watching my language, a year! A YEAR! AND HE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE SIX FRECKING CHAPTERS DONE!
Jaune: Well... ... ... ... ah... ... ... well... ... ...
Ruby: ... ... ... ... Well... I'm waiting.
Jaune: ... ... ... ... So in the next chapter.
Ruby: Don't you ignore me!
Jaune: Bakugo and Todoroki go at it to decided who will be the champion this year.
Ruby: And hopefully we don't have to wait another year to get it.
Jaune: Right... so anyways... next time, Chapter 48: The Finals.
Ruby: Catch you all then.
If you want me to be able to produce more content, please consider supporting me on subscribe star. (search zmanxv and the link is on my deviantart page).