Coco: As I said it's a double update, so please continue to enjoy XD lol
As the extra games came to an end, Ayano took her seat with her classmates in the stands. Each class was given a designated spot to watch the third round. Ayano would remain with her classmates until it was time for her to fight her opponent. She was a bit nervous, but also…excited.
"Hey, sports fans, are ya ready?!" Present Mic shouted to the crowd. "After all the action you've witnessed it's time for the real battles to begin! Can you feel the excitement?!"
The crowd cheered loudly as Cementoss, who had been creating the battle arena, stepped back.
"Our competitors are on their own now!" Present Mic said. "Sometimes heroes have only themselves to rely on. Heart! Skill! Strength! Wisdom! Courage! They'll have to use all these things to rise to the top!"
"He's so overdramatic." Kyoka deadpanned as she arrived.
Ayano smiled at her classmate as Kyoka took the available seat next to the ginger-haired girl.
"I suppose that's what made him perfect for the commentator position." Ayano commented.
Kyoka snorted though couldn't disagree. Though it was still a mystery as to why their homeroom teacher was the second commentator. Aizawa was definitely not made to hype a crowd of people.
"Alright, audience, let's cut to the good stuff, and not delay these finals any longer!" Present Mic announced. "Welcome our first fighters!"
Izuku and Shinso's faces appeared on all the screens, and Ayano blinked at the image of Izuku. Why did they take one of him looking so nervous?
"Whoa, he looks kind of scared in that picture, doesn't he?" Present Mic asked when noticing the same as Ayano. "It's Midoriya Izuku from the Hero Course vs. Shinsō Hitoshi from General Studies who hasn't really done anything to stand out yet."
He's done enough to catch Ayano's attention. Something wasn't right about that guy. He got the drop on many of her classmates and members of Class 1-B and none of them seemed sure of what happened exactly. How he ended up in General Studies was beyond her since he obviously has some kind of talent.
"The rules are simple, immobilize your opponent or force them out of the ring!" Present Mic explained. "You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle!"
Simple enough rules, but even if Ayano's opponent immobilizes her physically, she can still win, which gives her a slight upper hand.
"Bring on the injuries because we've got our very own Recovery Girl on standby along with her faithful partner—Pro-Hero: Doctorine!" Present Mic said.
Many of Class 1-A paled at the mention of the sadistic nurse, and those slotted for battle, hoped they wouldn't be given reason to see her later.
"So, put your morals aside and don't be afraid to play dirty!" Present Mic told the students. "But still no life-threatening crap, folks! That's not allowed. Real heroes use their powers to throw villains in jail—not kill them."
"Says the guy who said to play dirty and put your morals aside," Ayumi, who appeared next to Ayano suddenly, said.
She then proceeded to suck down a chocolate shake at high speed before stuffing a corndog in her mouth. Kyoka and Ayano both sweat-dropped at the girl's eating manners, but guessed they shouldn't be surprised.
"Man, that really hits the spot," Ayumi said smiling after she finished her corndog.
"I guess you used a lot of energy during that race, huh, Jinsoku?" Mashirao asked.
"Yeah," Ayumi said with a sigh. "I guess I shouldn't have rushed so much. I mean, I still had seconds to spar in the obstacle race. Guess I let my excitement get the best of me. Using that much speed makes me so hungry."
After saying this, she opened a bag of chips to start munching on. She ate as if she hasn't eaten in days, and with how she burns fats and calories, Ayano was sure that's how she felt.
"I wish I could eat like that and not have to worry about gaining weight." Toru said forlornly.
Many of the girls murmured in agreement as they nodded their heads. But their attention went back onto the center of the stadium as Present Mic gave the okay to begin battle. Ayano saw that Izuku seemed angered already as he charged towards Shinsō. He shouted something at Shinsō and Mashirao gasped.
"Uggh, I warned him not to say anything!" Mashirao snapped.
His reaction had the others looking at him in surprise. Ayano then looked to Ayumi who paused in stuffing her face to frown. Ayano looked back to the fight with her eyes widening when seeing Izuku wasn't moving anymore and a glazed look was over his face.
"Hey, hey, what's the dealio?!" Present Mic asked. "This is the first match! It should start out with a bang. The fight has just begun, and Midoriya Izuku is completely frozen! He's not moving a muscle! And what's with that look on his face? Could this be a quirk at work? Shinsō Hitoshi seems to have Midoriya Izuku completely stunned."
Yet he has made no move to touch Izuku whatsoever. Ayano is certain the two haven't made contact whatsoever. Meaning this attack was on a mental level.
'Is Shinsō's quirk of the psychic variety?' Ayano wondered. 'And if it is, just what kind of power is it?'
She wanted to reach out with her own mind to get a feel, but knew that wouldn't be right of her. If she did so, she could affect this fight in some way, and it wasn't her place to do so. Meaning she'd just have to sit back and watch.
"He didn't stand out in the first rounds at all," Present Mic said. "But it's possible Shinsō's crazy powerful! Who could have imagined this turn of events?! That's a festival for ya!"
Present Mic proceeded to laugh as many just watched on in silence—unsure of how to react.
"This is a perfect example why the entrance exam isn't rational." Aizawa spoke up.
"Why is that?" Present Mic asked.
"Since we're onto the individual matches, I had some information compiled of our final competitors." Aizawa explained. "Shinsō failed the practical exam to get into the hero course. Since he also applied for General Studies, he probably figured that would happen. His quirk is incredibly strong, but that entrance test consisted of fighting faux villains—robots. It gave an advantage to those who have physical super powers they can show off. Despite his abilities, he never stood a chance at passing."
That still didn't tell them what Shinsō quirk was. Though in a way Ayano could understand him. It sometimes wasn't easy standing out when your quirk is done with your mind and thus makes it invisible to the human eye. While she doesn't know his quirk, it's obviously not something that can help him against inhumane opponents. She was lucky she wasn't just telepathic, or she wouldn't have faired well in the entrance exam either.
"So, here we are," Shinsō said. "You're lucky to have been so blessed, Midoriya Izuku. Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero."
There was a moment of silence before Ayano and everyone else watched in surprise as Izuku turned. When he started to head for out of bounds, Ayano's eyes widened.
"Huh?! What?! Aghhhh!" Present Mic screamed in shock. "Midoriya is obeying him!"
"Oh, no, Deku, what are you doing?!" Ochaco fretted.
"He can't walk out of the ring." Tenya said as he waved his arms around. "He'll lose the match if he does!"
Ayano didn't think Izuku had much of a choice, and she believed she was starting to understand Shinsō's quirk.
"Shinsō Hitoshi!" Present Mic called out. "His quirk: Brainwashing! When an opponent answers his question, it flips a switch in their minds—forcing them to do whatever he says. Not every question does it though. He only brainwashes when he wants to. Not very flashy, but it looks like it just might get the job done!"
It definitely could get the job done, and if Izuku didn't find someway to break free, he'd be done in these finals.
"His quirk is quite intimidating," Ayano said as she cupped her chin. "To be able to control another person's mind…it sounds more like a curse than a gift."
Her classmates looked at her in confusion, and Katsuki, who was sitting on the other end of their section, narrowed his eyes when seeing Ayano seemed a bit paler than usual.
"What do you mean?" Minoru asked. "Seems like the type of quirk to have. He doesn't even have to touch Midoriya to win. Just think of how easy he could gain the upper hand against villains in an actual fight."
"But if he isn't careful, he could break them," Ayano said. "The human mind is a delicate thing and once broken, it cannot be put back together—not to what it once was anyway. And say there are those who can give resistance against Shinsō's quirk, things would become dangerous. If Shinsō pushed back too much, or rather if it was even possible for the two minds to clash, something disastrous could become of it."
Ayano knew this all too well because she witnessed it firsthand. And a broken mind was something very scary to see. Something she will never forget for as along as she lives. Katsuki frowned.
'Is she thinking about that?' He wondered. 'At a time like this?'
Though he supposed he could see what brought it on. Katsuki looked back to the match as Izuku was getting closer to the edge. Ayano, who tried to push those dark thoughts away, watched as well while hoping that somehow, some way Izuku broke free from Shinsō. Izuku had so much he still wanted to prove. He had so much he wanted to live up to, so this couldn't be where he was beat. Just when Izuku was about to step outside of bounds, a blast of power came from Izuku and he stopped.
'Was that One for All's doing?' Ayano wondered as people gasped. 'Did it activate on its own?'
"What's this?!" Present Mic exclaimed. "Midoriya stopped just in time!"
Izuku panted and gasped for air once he was free from Shinsō's hold on him. He felt pain in his fingers, but it was a welcomed feeling as he now had control over himself once more. However, he didn't know what just happened. And he wasn't the only one perplexed.
"No, impossible," Shinsō said disbelievingly. "You're not supposed to be able to fight back! What did you do?"
Izuku quickly covered his mouth to keep himself from replying. He couldn't make the same mistake twice.
"Come on, say something." Shinsō taunted. "I didn't know you had so much power in your fingers. I'm kind of jealous of you."
Izuku still refused to speak as he rushed his opponent. Ayano and everyone watched as the two finally clashed. Izuku shoved against Shinsō trying to physically force the purple-haired boy out of bounds. However, Shinsō didn't seem ready to lose as he fought back. He tried hitting Izuku and even tried going for his injured fingers. He managed to get the upper hand once more, but it only lasted a few moments as Izuku pushed on. The struggling lasted a few more moments, but in an attempt to end it quickly, Izuku tossed Shinsō over his shoulders and out of bounds.
"Shinsō is out of bounds!" Midnight declared. "Midoriya advances to the next match!"
The crowd cheered for the two contestants as Mashirao relaxed in the stands. He was just glad Izuku won. And now that the first match was over, it brought Ayano one step closer to her own match.
"Enough standing around!" Present Mic said as the second match was about to begin. "Now walking into the ring, our next players!"
Hanta and Shoto appeared on the screen as said two students made their way to the fighting ring.
"He's got skills, but at the expense of really creepy looking elbows—from the hero course it's Sero Hanta!" Present Mic announced.
Ayano shook her head. It didn't seem necessary for him to poke fun at Hanta's elbows. Besides, with the way he styles his hair and dresses, he's the last person who should judge another person's appearance. Hanta just kept on smiling though as he stretched his arms before the match.
"Versus an early front runner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good." Present Mic continued. "Someone who rightfully got into the hero course based on recommendations. It's Todoroki Shoto!"
As the crowd cheered for the two challengers, Ayano's brows furrowed. The look on Shoto's face…he looked so upset.
"What's up with Shoto?" Ayumi asked.
Ayano looked to the speedster to see concern in her gaze as she too picked up on the boy's bothered expression.
"He seems…so angry." Ayumi said. "But it's more than just that."
Ayano wasn't completely sure, but she had a feeling it had to do with Endeavor. But she did not tell Ayumi this since it wasn't her place.
"I don't know." Kyoka replied instead of Ayano. "There's still not a lot we know about Todoroki. It could be anything."
Ayumi just frowned, but didn't press the matter. While all of them have bonded rather quickly—especially after the villain attack—it didn't seem right for her to try and pry too much. Even if it was out of concern.
"And now for the second match of the finals!" Present Mic said. "Ready?! Begin!"
Just as the words left Present Mic's mouth, Hanta launched his attack. He wrapped up Shoto's legs and arms, and while keeping the tape attached to his right elbow, he slung his body around. It Shoto had being flung towards the edge of the ring in a surprising turn of events.
"That attack could throw his opponent out of bounds!" Present Mic shouted. "A really surprising opening from the underdog. Way to start off strong, Sero!"
While it was an impressive move on Hanta's part, Ayano knew things weren't over. And just as she thought, Shoto launched his own attack. What she hadn't been expecting, however, was Shoto to use so much of his ice that it made a large iceberg sized chunk that went over the stands while also nearly freezing his classmates.
Ayano stared with wide eyes at the ice in front of her as she leaned back in her seat. In front of her row, Izuku, Ochaco, and Tenya all screamed as the ice was close enough to brush against them. The entire stadium was silent as many tried to process what happened. Down below, Shoto broke free of the tape that had been holding them. It had been easy to do once it was frozen and made brittle.
"Um…don't you think you went overboard?" Hanta, who was nearly completely coated in ice, asked.
Even Midnight herself was half frozen, but the woman amazingly kept her composer.
"Tell the truth, Sero," She said. "Can you move at all?"
"Are you kidding?" He retorted. "Obviously not. My body is freezing."
Midnight quickly announced Shoto the winner, but instead of cheers for the victor, the crowd slowly started chanting "nice try" as if to cheer up Hanta. Shoto then went to unfreeze Hanta, and Ayano could see all that anger from earlier was gone and replaced with sadness.
'It's time,' Ayano thought as she prepared to step out from the tunnel into the stadium.
It had taken time to get to her match even though Shoto had won his fairly quickly. But now the ice he had created was removed, so they could move onto the third match—her match. Ayano stepped out into the light with the crowd's cheers rising.
"Now let's welcome the next challengers!" Present Mic said as Ibara was walking up the steps into the rings. "Even beautiful flowers have thorns! It's the assassin from Class 1-B. Shiozaki Ibara from the hero course vs. a member of Class 1-A—another hero in the making! It's the girl who can read all your inner desires and deepest secrets—Ishida Ayano!"
Ayano sighed wishing that Present Mic hadn't made that her introduction. It could give the wrong impression.
"Keep those eyes peeled!" Present Mic told the crowd. "I wanna see a super flashy battle this time!"
Well, then he was going to be disappointed. Ayano didn't do flashy and she wasn't planning on letting the battle last too long.
"Excuse me," Ibara cut in.
Present Mic paused in his announcing to look down at the greenette as she stood outside the ring to address him.
"Please, pardon the interruption," Ibara continued. "I'm not sure why you called me an assassin. I've come to the festival in search of victory. Not to take my opponent's life. That wouldn't be in line with the values of a hero at all, sir."
Ayano couldn't disagree with her there, but Ayano also didn't see the point in correcting Present Mic. He was just trying to hype the crowd up and tended to say things without thinking of it before hand. At least that's how she's come to view her English Teacher.
"Right, I'm sorry," Present Mic apologized.
It didn't seem as if Ibara was done speaking though since she ignored Present Mic's apology to keep talking.
"Gentlemen, I didn't enter U.A for wicked or selfish reasons." Ibara said. "But to deliver salvation to others. It is my humble quest to spread true good across this world. I—!"
"Listen!" Present Mic cut in. "I said I was sorry. It was my bad, okay?"
As Ayano sweat-dropped at the entire scene, Ibara smiled up at Present Mic and Aizawa.
"I thank-you for your kind understanding," Ibara said while bowing.
Ibara then went to take her place in the ring opposite of Ayano who had waited patiently.
'The people of Class 1-B are certainly interesting characters,' Ayano thought.
Though she had a few interesting classmates of her own as well. That didn't mean they were to be underestimated though. She'd have to be on her guard against Ibara.
"So, anyway," Present Mic continued. "Begin!"
Without warning Ibara sent her vine like hair underground. Ayano knew what the girl planned before she had even acted. She was hoping to immobilize Ayano before she could take off into the air. That was fine. Didn't change Ayano's own plans. Just as Ibara's vines started to wrap around Ayano, it seemed as if it'd be another quick match. Ayano was lifted up into the air by the vines with the crowd gasping.
"Ishida is immobilized!" Present Mic said. "Looks like—!"
"I'm not done," Ayano cut him off. "I don't have to be able to move my body to use my quirk."
Ibara's eyes widened as she was lifted up into the air, and the crowd gasped as they watched. When she was distracted by suddenly being airborne, Ayano used her psionic construction to hack through the vines around her. Ayano fell easily back to the ground as the crowd cheered.
"It's true I sometimes use my hands with my abilities, but it's mostly to help me focus my quirk." Ayano said. "However, they are unneeded for me to fight back. If you're going to fight a psychic, I advise knocking them out. Never assume they're beaten just because you have a hold on them."
"And just like that Ishida takes control of the battle!" Present Mic declared. "Is it now over for Shiozaki?!"
"I apologize, but I don't wish to draw this out." Ayano said. "If I want to continue on, I need to conserve as much energy as possible."
Then before Ibara could even think of how to counter, Ayano moved her out of the ring with a flick of her wrist. Ibara stood there in shock at what happened.
"Shiozaki is out of bounds!" Midnight announced. "Ishida will advance to the next match!"
The crowd cheered as Ayano headed over towards Ibara. Ayano held her hand out to Ibara who was confused at first. However, she reached out to shake hands with Ayano in the end.
"It might not have lasted long, but I can see you have an amazing quirk." Ayano said giving a slight smile. "I hope we can do this again sometime, Shiozaki-san."
Ibara was a bit surprised by Ayano's kind words, but found her own lips turning up as well.
"…yes," Ibara said nodding. "Thank-you."
Ayano nodded her head then made her way down the stairs to get out of the way for the next match.
"That girl has talent," One of the Pros said. "She's been with the top runners since the beginning."
"And her kind of quirk is a rarity," Another said.
"Hm-hmm, but we haven't really seen her physical strength." Someone else added in. "She might not have any, which is a liability."
"True, but with a bit of work with the right Pro, and she'll make a great pro-hero someday," A pro said. "I wouldn't mind having her at my agency."
As the pros continued to talk about the match, the participants for the fourth match readied to enter the stadium. Ayano walked into the tunnel seeing that Tenya was ready to go.
"That was a good showing, Ishida," Tenya complimented. "I knew you would do well."
"Thank-you, Iida-kun." Ayano replied. "I know you're going to do great. I hope to see you in the next match."
Tenya grinned while nodding his head. If he wins his match now, he'll face Ayano next. While he wants her to reach her goal, he won't just hand her victory.
"You will," Tenya vowed. "However, I hope you won't hold it against me when I give it my all."
"I'd be insulted if you didn't." Ayano said as she smiled in return.
She then pat his shoulder before continuing on her own. She wanted to be up in the stands to watch the next few matches. She wanted to know who she might be facing later down the road. If she beat Tenya then Izuku or Shoto would be her next opponent. Neither would be easy to beat, but first she had to worry about defeating Tenya next. Unless Hatsume won, which she does have a chance to do. Hatsume was a clever one.
"Your sister is doing well," Tomura said as he watched the sports festival via his computer.
Rina, who was trying to enjoy her new manga, frowned over at Tomura. She wished he would stop watching the sports festival. It was ridiculous and she was tired of him updating her on how well that brat was doing.
"And why should I care?" Rina questioned.
"You're the one who told me not to underestimate her," Tomura pointed out as he turned in his chair to look at her. "It seems you might have been right."
Rina's frown deepened. She knew Ishida Ayano had talent. The girl did come from the same mother as Rina—as much as Rina hates to admit that. And unlike Rina, Ayano had been born with a stronger quirk. If Master hadn't gifted her with more power, Ayano would still be the stronger of the two. Meaning Rina wouldn't be able to take her revenge. However, she still didn't see it smart to let Ayano grow in skill and power. It was just asking for trouble.
"Just because I acknowledge her talent, doesn't mean I wish to hear about her, Tomura." Rina pointed out. "I could care less on how well she performs in the sports festival. So please, leave me to my manga."
Tomura just hummed in response as Rina returned to her reading. Tomura turned back around towards his computer as the next match began. He didn't care much about these young heroes in the making. However, that boy Midoriya Izuku got in his way of killing the Symbol of Peace. Not to mention that he was the disciple of All Might. Then there was Ishida Ayano the daughter of the late hero Phoenix. She's shown great skill and he knew she would be a problem in the future. But he was not allowed to touch her—not yet. Master had plans for her, so she had to be left alone…for now.
Coco: Hope you liked the double update, everyone! I'm not sure when the next chapter will be out, but I'll do my best to get it done!
Now, don't forget to send in those suggestions! Until next time!