GoatLike: That was an interesting start.
Hoped ya liked it :)
A sudden streak of white dashes from a tunnel at the remnants breaking them away from one another causing a dust to rise to the air, Kanao landing on her feet sliding to a halt and Nunu rolling back to stop on his knees and hands, both looking to the cause of their interruption.
"Few, looks like we made it in time!" A voice calls gaining everyone's' attention.
All eyes draw on a pink skinned girl with pink hair and black irises wearing the gym uniform with a hand over her heart as she lets out what one could guess a breath of relief.
"Mina?!" Momo calls looking at the girl.
"It is!" Deku says, both walking to her. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, ya see, I was helping a lil' birdie out. Or I guess super strong eagle, or hawk, you know what I mean, ehehe." She rubs the back of her head at her antics.
"Wait, then that means..." Nunu mutters focusing on the dark cloud.
That means... Kanao looks to the fading dust to see nothing but the bright light emanating from within before the smog fully fades as does the light to reveal Relon at the epicenter.
He lets out a sigh of white breath turning to glance at his step-siblings, both of which stand back up reverting to normal.
"Guess that's the end our fight. Honestly thought we would have had more time before you would have stopped us." Nunu call standing to his feet, his blade dissipating for his DNA bracelet to form on his wrist.
Kanao remains silent doing the same with her sword as both begin to walk to Relon who awaits their arrival looking up to the clear sky before glancing behind at the destroyed arena. He winces slightly, quickly shaking it off with a bob of the head.
It'll take too long for Cementoss to fix this up...
He changes his point of interest to the pro hero standing from his chair to survey the damage.
"I take it you're more or less rested up, Shinn?" Nunu asks, he and Kanao having reached him from both sides.
He holds a hand in a pause fashion to walk towards the cement hero leaving the two remnants behind.
"Well, time to get started again." Cementoss sighs crouching down to stop noticing Relon approach. "Lucinance, is there something you need?" He asks to gain a shake in response followed by a card given to him as Relon swirls a finger.
'You look tired. Would it be okay if I fixed the field for you?'
The teen's words cause the hero to raise a brow.
"You can do that?" Relon nods for the square headed hero to ponder the thought for a moment before nodding. "Go right ahead."
With another nod, Relon bends down placing a hand on the a square tile before closing his eyes to reopen them. Everyone watching in disbelief as arena begins to reshape itself. The crater from Kanao's immense take off beginning to rebuild itself back to the tiles it were before its destruction. The side of the atena from Nunu's Kickback reforming as well. 15 seconds later, the arena is as good as new.
"Dang, had I known you could fix it this fast I would have called on you ages ago." Cementoss comments at the remnant leader's work, Relon only able to rub the back of his head with a silent chuckle.
He turns walking back to his siblings, his peripheral catching sight of Midoriya, Momo, and Mina watching from afar.
Later. Right now...
He stops before the two, one more bloodied and beat up than the other yet both seem not at all tired. He extends his hands placing one on each of their shoulder before his right illuminates with circuit-like markings along his right half. After a brief moment, he steps away reverting to normal.
"You still intend to fight, don't you?" Kanao is the first to speak, both boys looking to her before Nunu shifts to Relon, the latter locked on Kanao.
Relon motions turns his body giving her his full attention. Through his peripheral, he notices the few bruises and cuts delivered by Nunu. His eyes shift to her chest rising and lowering in a slight rhythm. He then also takes note of her hair hanging behind her. Relon begins walking towards the girl putting a hand in his pocket and closing his eye to rub it with the other stopping beside her to pull out a pink band. Taking a chunk of her hair, he runs the band through her black hair adjusting it before backing away satisfied with the fix. He watches Kanao examine her ponytail to once again lock eyes on Relon. He gives a slow nod with a long blink, Kanao tensing at the answer.
"Even after everything that has happened? You're still not healed so why...? Why must you be like this?" He question solemnly now looking down to the ground, the life in her eyes seeming to slowly dwindle.
"Tell me Insight, we agreed that if you won, I wouldn't fight Shinn." Relon's eyes widen taken aback looking to Nunu and back to Kanao. "During our match, were you fighting as Insight, the Overseer or were you fighting as Kanao, our sister?"
"Regardless of what I choose, my answer will remain the same."
"You think so?" His question causes Kanao to look up to him, her eyebrows lowering a little as she comprehends his question.
"Are you implying my reasons for fighting should be disregarded?"
"Not exactly. Insight, your given job is to watch over and protect Shinn but as our sister, it's your choice to do that. Whether you make it a job or choice relies solely on you." His words causing the girl to seem genuinely surprised. "So, I'll ask ya again. Did you do this because it's your job to protect Shinn or because you felt like trying to stop your brother from further harming himself?"
She raises a hand balling it up to her chest as she ponders that question. She glances once more to Relon as he gives her a tilt of his head.
Her whole life since having her memories wiped has been devoted to staying by Shinn's side. Yet once the time came for them to be free, they no longer could be together. She no longer could fulfill her duty she was given. She was... lost. Like a match without anything to set alight. A glass meant to have water yet was empty. Her purpose all but gone. Unknowing of when or how to reunite back with the boy she has come to know, befriend, and preside over. Fate deciding when and how they would reunite. If they could reunite.
To what would become pure joy years later, they would. Not on the most desired of circumstances, but happily reunited nonetheless. Her life purpose fully restored yet now here she was being told that protecting her first friend, the one that saved them all from that cursed hell of a place, their leader, was someone that she necessarily wasn't going by the order of watching over. But more so, choosing to watch over on her own accord.
This whole time since being incited as a remnant under the codename Insight, she always believed it to be her duty to watch over the other remnants but her orders were always to prioritize Shinn. Is there a possibility that her job interflicted with her feelings. Was her thinking of the two meanings being the same wrong?
One look at Relon's eyes caused a feeling to resonate within her. A feeling she has been all too familiar with to surge forward yet never knew exactly what to call it. Growing up in the facility, fighting alongside Relon against the Nomu, standing at Nunu's side with Relon behind them during their "interrogation." All these past instances had led to ignite a sensation each and every time. Yet, this thing, this feeling, that has dwelled inside of her only sprouted when someone she cared for, mainly Shinn, was in danger.
She could rule over the possibility of it being a function that was processed when her memories were wiped but even she knew the chances of that were slim. After having a life at both the facility, the League, and with her new family prior to leaving said facility, the term 'anything is possible' would make her believe literally anything. This sensation that made her body move on it's own until Kanao took over, such a familiar thing yet she never could explain it. All this time, she has been unable to put it into words.
I am Insight, the Overseer... His overseer... his sister... I am Kanao Lucinance... Everything I have done has been for Shinn because I wanted what's best for him. Not because it is my duty. I deemed what was best because I...
Kanao lowers her arm down to her side seeming to have finished her train of thought as she walks past both boys, her hands together behind her as she looks up with her eyes closed.
"Well, Insight?" Nunu asks, he too tilting his head, Kanao silent for a moment before answering.
"I simply wanted to stop my brother from doing something barbaric." This earns a silent chuckle from Relon and a quizzical look from Nunu.
"Wait, which brother?" His question causing her to turn to face said brothers.
"Isn't that obvious?" She asks looking over her shoulder at the two boys.
"You! Ugh, whatever." He says in annoyance waving his hands in a 'give up' manner muttering something else as Kanao eaits for the two to walk side-by-side, all three heading to Momo and the others.
Relon glances at his sister.
"It's fine." She says looking forward. "I did everything I could until you arrived. Just know that should you begin to feel ill during your match, I won't hesitate to intervene. Regardless of publicity."
"Yeah, yeah, we hear you." Nunu says with a roll of his eyes and arms. "Don't want to see your favorite person slash brother too hurt. God, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're the one dating Shinn and not Yaoyorozu." He comments causing Kanao to stop walking along with Relon as both blink repeatedly while Nunu continues walking unaware of their halt of movement.
When he puts it like that... Relon dares give a second of a glance to Kanao, a faint shade of pink forming at her cheeks for the girl to take notice of Relon's gaze only to look away in response until regaining her composure coughing into her hand.
"Ahem. The only reason being Yaoyorozu cannot keep up with us at her current skill level."
"Oh? Is that it?" He calls up ahead stepping of the stage.
"Yes. That is all." She calls back, her blush still visible.
Relon takes a step only to feel a hand grab his arm as he stops to look at Kanao. Her eyes averted to the ground before raising them to look at Relon. She opens her mouth to say something but stops seeming to think it over before shaking her head of the idea.
Kanao?
"It's nothing." She looks to the ground. "Just promise me one thing." He raises a brow to feel her grip tighten.
Her attitude's shifted.
"Don't push yourself too far. I know that's difficult with how Crono is but..." She mutters to suddenly have a hand place itself on her head, the girl jumping slightly at the contact to raise her head to meet Relon's. They look on silently before she nods raising her hands to hold onto his still on her head, a smile forming. "Be careful... brother." He gives a smile nodding in acknowledgement.
"What are those two doing?" Mina asks.
"They're having a moment, let 'em be." He says, hands in pockets as he walks past the group, the three eyeing him before each other.
"What's up with him?" Mina asks point a thumb at the dark skinned teen to gain shrugs from the two.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Momo responds turning to gaze at the approaching remnants.
"Heeeey, Kanao, Lucinance!" Mina calls waving the two over already having forgotten about Nunu.
They step down to be greeted by the three students.
One down, one to go. Relon mentally sighs taking note of Momo's worried expression.
"Lucinance, are you-
"Relon, you should be resting." Momo interrupts the freckled protagonist, Midoriya just looking back to nod in agreement.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay to fight?" Relon nods.
"But still-
"Yaoyorozu." Kanao interrupts. "There's no stopping him. He knows his limits so all we can do is believe in his judgement."
"Kanao..."
"Stop being a worrywart, YaoMomo. He's a lot better than how I found him if that makes you feel better."
"But still, he- Wait." Momo pauses catching her words.
Ugh, damn it Mina.
"What do you mean, 'how you found him?!'" She nearly shouts glancing back and forth between the pinkette and her boyfriend. "He was laying in bed when we left!" Momo grips her shoulders shaking the girl.
"Lucinance, help me out here!" Mina cries as Momo suddenly pauses, both girls looking to Relon for his response to see him looking away.
"Huh?" Is all the girl can respond as Momo let's go turning and walking to him.
Damn it, Mina!
He slowly begins stepping back only to feel something bump him from behind. He turns to take sight of Kanao looking up at him with the same look Momo is giving.
"Brother, what is this I hear about 'finding you?" She asks.
Eh! He backs up slowly now bumping into Momo with her arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
"Well, Relon?" Looking between the two, he raises his hands defensively backing away only for the two to grab his wrists. "If you must fight, then you're getting more rest. No ifs ands or buts."
"I concur. And no you do not get a say." Kanao states.
Knowing nothing will work, he gives in sighing in defeat. Mina and Midoriya looking on with nervous laughs.
"Poor Lucinance." Midoriya chuckles.
"Ahaha, you got that right." Mina agrees.
"Hmm, well Nunu did just fight so I guess we could have Midoriya and Bakugou's match first." Midnight mutters not wanting to interrupt the protective group of girls leading Relon out.
"Aye, sounds good!" Mic responds over the intercom.
"Fine then, we'll give them a few minutes before going on." Aizawa states gaining agreements from the two heroes.
"Midoriya." The sexy hero calls gaining his and Mina's attention.
"Y-yes?"
"You're up next. Make sure you're ready by then."
"Y-yes ma'am." He and Mina follow after the three.
"You fighting Bakugou, huh? Got any ideas?" Mina asks looking to the freckled teen.
"Yeah, a few I think..." He gives a perturbed look, Mina looking on momentarily before turning back to the others.
"This time I'm not letting you out of my sight until your match begins." Momo states taking a seat to the side of the bed, the group now back in the infirmary with Relon laying in bed with an annoyed look.
"YaoMomo went from the worried girlfriend to the overprotective one in an instant." Mina mutters with a sweatdrop, Midoriya nodding in agreement.
"And don't think I've forgotten about you, Mina." She cuts her eyes to the girl behind her.
"Wait, what did I do wrong? I just helped out Lucinance!" She points to said boy and herself.
"Exactly, you helped him by taking him to where he didn't need to be."
"Oh well, uh, hmm, um, hey Kanao, I'm sure Jirou and the others would love to talk with you so since YaoMomo has your brother covered what say we go?!" She asks quickly, her speech almost incomprehensible.
Kanao looks to Relon who rids himself of his annoyed looking nodding to the girl.
"Very well. Yaoyorozu, I leave him in your care." She bids Mina quickly running out followed by Kanao at a leisurely pace.
"That Mina, I swear." Momo sighs shaking her head.
"I'm going to go too. I want to see how Uraraka and Todoroki are doing before my match with Kacchan starts." Midoriya announces.
"Oh? Okay, good luck, Midoriya. Recovery Girl should be with them still." He nods leaving closing the door behind him.
And then it's just us. He looks as Momo, her head still to the door. He lets out some air through his nose relaxing in bed with his arms behind him, his rustling making Momo refocus on him.
"You're really going through with this, aren't you?" Her question causing Relon to shift to her, Momo's worrisome look having returned.
A nod from Relon causes her shoulders to slump slightly.
"Do you really have to fight? You just woke up from the void let alone supposedly went to the facility." He widens at the question.
"Relon? What's wrong?"
Ather's interpretation of his malevolent Momo reflects Momo's own expression causing Relon to shut his eyes shaking his head, a hand holding it.
"Relon are you okay?!" She gets up in concern.
He sits up blinking a few times before looking to her, that fark image now long gone. He nods to her answer rubbing his forehead before laying back down, Momo also taking a seat once more. Silence befalls the two, neither unable of what to say or do until Momo is the first to speak up.
"Hey." He turns his head to her. "Can you tell me what happened... in there, I mean." She points to her head assisting in her reference.
He looks forward in contemplation before shaking his head handing her a card from his sleeve as she holds it to read.
'It's better that you don't know. Believe me when I say that. I wish I didn't see what I saw.'
She looks in complete shock at his words raising to see if his face holds the same feeling as does his words and indeed it does. That look on his face. It held what could be disgust, anger, and... pain all in one.
What did he see that could make him look like that? Whatever it was inflicted a severe amount to put him in this condition. Can all he do is really rest? Had I and Kanao nit stopped him... No, don't think like that Momo. Right now, making sure he gets his rest is my top priority. But... is there anyway to make him more at ease...?
"Relon Lucinance, aka Shinn, meet Ather Delmise, aka Deathbringer!"
Ather Delmise... Deathbringer... There's more questions than I have answers. Once this is all over, I'll have to tell those two what happened. Relon takes a moment to stop his thoughts already feeling a headache begin to come.
He feels it subside to mentally sigh.
Not having hours of rest like the other times this has happened sucks. Simple as that. Once this is all over, I need to rest. He pauses once more glancimg to Momo who looks to be deep in thought. This isn't fair to Momo let alone Kanao and the others. They're only acting like this because I'm still injured from my fight with Deathbringer. I have to make it up to the others somehow. Especially Momo and Kanao.
Skrt.
His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of something scraping the floor. He looks to see Momo standing, her cheeks slightly red.
Momo?
She averts her eyes as she shuffles slightly in place.
What's wrong with her? He tilts his head.
He takes note of her visible blush.
"I want to... try something. Is... that okay?" She states still averting her eyes, Relon's widening once more.
"Do you... want to try something?"
He remembers what Momo said the sexual dream as he too grows flustered averting his eyes.
Why did I have to remember that now of all times?! Parts from said dreams flood his mind as his eyes slowing shift to gaze at Momo's figure to suddenly look away, Relon mentally shaking his head so his girlfriend doesn't get the wrong idea.
He attempts to compose himself but the memories continue to blast one one after another.
Just ignore them. Just ignore them. He mentally sighs again trying to control himself as he finally turns to Momo, the girl noticing his own blush. He gives a nervous nod even though he can't face her with his current thoughts, he remains looking down to his bed sheets.
Stupid hormones, give me a break already!
He hears the bed mattress creak as well as feels something sit at the edge. He looks to see Momo sitting with her back to him.
Why do I always get nervous right when the time comes to do something?
Both glance to one another, their eyes meeting for the two to avert nervously.
How did this happen? Both mentally groan.
Relon lays back down, his head making contact with the pillow as he looks to the ceiling.
Tap.
Momo turns to him noticing words form on the wall behind his head.
'We get nervous way too easily for no reason.'
Reading this causes Momo to chuckle.
"Yeah, you're right about that one." She responds looking at him as he does the same.
The nervousness leaving both their bodies without either realizing it. Without a word of warning, Momo motions herself fully onto the bed next to Relon, their eyes not losing the others. She moves over on her right side, head resting the other pillow with her hands laying in between the small space they have apart, her left leg laying on top of her right. Relon copies her action turning on his left side, his head over his left arm with the other resting along his side.
Onyx meets black, both seeming to have the same thought as both inch a free hand closer to one another until the faintest touch of skin snaps the duo from their trance. Both look down to see their hands intertwined with one another. Relon begins to pear back up at Momo but stops as his cheeks flush red once more.
If the closeness between the two wasn't making the situation within Relin's inner mind and worse, then glancing at Momo's chest squeezing together due to her arm seeming to press down on the side made it all the worst.
Another flashback to the wet dream causes him to shudder, this going noticed by Momo.
"What's wrong?"
Damn it, those thoughts went away a second ago. He looks back to the eyes of their beholder he's fallen for giving the girl a shake of the head.
"Then why are you blushing." He twitches his eye knowing how much of a hypocrite she is but decides for the better to not respond to that but instead point his finger.
She looks to where he's point to gain a lilac color on her cheeks realizing the issue. She scoots to the edge covering herself.
"S-sorry." She averts her eyes, the look showing shame to Relon.
Why the hell am I so flustered? We've been in way more awkward situations so seriously, what the actual fuck is wrong with me? He mentally curses at himself. She's trying to make sure I'm alright and as nervous as she is, I can't even act right because my fucking mind is all over the place. Like why the actual fuck are those wet dreams just NOW coming to mind?! You know what, fuck today, fuck Ather or Deathbringer or what the fuck ever his her its fucking name is, and fuck life! He mentally sighs again after his rant for much longer than ever before. AND FUCK THIS STUPID HEADACHE!
He pokes her side causing her to look to see him pointing a finger twirling. She follows the direction to see words on the wall. A LOT of words. She sits upright to move to the bottom of the bed as she adjusts herself to sit properly before reading.
'Momo, I'm sorry. Honest, truly, genuinely I am. As much as that may not sound anything like me, I do mean it. I don't like having anyone worry and I especially don't like seeing you, my own girlfriend show clear concern over my well being. If I could sit down and tell you everything, I would. Sadly, I can't for reasons I still hope you can respect. I know both you and Kanao don't want me to fight Nunu and I get it. But... this is something I have to do.'
'Not as a friend, not as a classmate, not even as his brother. He asked me to fight him as Shinn, the leader of the remnants. Something only I can do. Ever since we were young, we've fought. Nunu always trying to get one over me. Even if I'm not fully healed, I still want to do this. I feel like Nunu thinks he's living in my shadow and he feels like this is a test to see if he can truly stand up against me on even grounds. I don't want to let him down and I don't want to start now.'
'A title I honestly wish I didn't have but that's life. As shitty as it may be, excuse my language, I can't do anything about it but just accept it as I already have. I've tried for years to forget and try to move on but nothing worked. I thought moving here would help but it only seemed to cause my past to resurface even faster than I could ever could have imagined. Reuniting with Nunu and Kanao, enrolling at U.A., getting acquainted with everyone, seeing Tomura after all these years to find out he's leading a group calling themselves the League of Villains.'
'I am still struggling to grasp everything. It's like when things calm down, something accelerates from zero to a hundred in mere moments. I just wish things could slow down so I could take it all in one at a time like when we went on our date. On our date, I had flashbacks to my past but at least I could deal with each memory one after another. Now there's too much I don't know what to act on first let alone how to.'
'I know I've said sorry and I wish I could be that guy that could promise that I won't ever make you worry but I can't. I'm sorry. I'm that jackass of a boyfriend that can only promise to make you worry even more the next time. That's just how my life is. I've been given a quick as well as powers. A blessing as well as a curse. I'm sorry that I'm putting you through an ordeal like this. I don't like it. Not one bit. To think that I've fallen in love with someone that's the definition of pure perfection to which you're still with me is a blessing and a half.'
'One which I don't at all take for granted even if it may seem like it. We've had our moments and I don't even get why I still get flustered seeing you cause your figure to stand out. Even after you said I was fine to basically check you out, I still get embarrassed over the whole situation unable of what to say let alone do and in the end, I just go with the flow at that point. I'm still relearning how to interact with others and and and...'
It's so confusing it's frustrating.
She lowers her head from the wall of words to the source of that familiar voice altered voice to take in the sight of Relon on his hands and knees with his forehead lowers touching the sheets, white circuit-like markings scaling along his right side of his body quickly fading leaving himself panting. Basically groveling before her. As for when he had done this, she could only think to some time during her reading. She takes note of his hands now balled into fists. The sight causing her eyes to droop a little.
She looks between him and the cards for the edge of her mouth to curve upward. Extending her hands forward, her movement causes the bed to creak resulting in Relon lifting up. In doing so, he's spun onto his back for his head to make contact with her lap. His face etched with confusion, he looks to see a smiling Momo. He feels Momo's hand rummage gently through his hair.
"Letting all that pent up emotion tends to do wonders on the mind and body, you know." She states gently rocking her head side-to-side before looking down to him. "Feeling any better?" Finally understanding her words, he slowly moves his head up and down dumbfoundedly. "Good. Now rest while you can, if you want to fight Nunu you'll need it."
Momo... you're really too good for me. He relaxes his body as his head sinks against her thighs.
"We'll talk once everything is over with, how's that sound?" He nods again closing his eyes.
"Sleep well." She bids as a resounding calm silence befalls the young couple.
"I'm surprised you actually left Lucinance alone." Mina comments stretching her arms up. "Aren't you worried about him?"
"I am, yes."
"Then why leave him behind. You know you didn't have to just because I insisted."
"I am aware."
"Then how come?"
"I wanted to hang with you, and the others to an extent obviously." Kanao answers nonchalantly causing the pinkette to jump. "That alongside the fact that he and Yaoyorozu needed some time together."
"Whoa! Your attitude and even the way you talk changed!" She exclaims in a comical pose as if frightened.
"Is that so? I didn't notice."
"Then why are you grinning?!"
"Am I?" Kanao responses now acting oblivious with a tilt of her head.
"Kanaoooooo! Jeez! Wait, but how could- She stops mid sentience as her expression seems to come to the realization of something. "You used your quirk on Midoriya didn't you?"
Her only response is another grin as she continues walking leaving Mina with her mouth agape at her female companion.
"Hey, you're back- Kanao?!" Jirou exclaims causing the heads of Class 1-A to raise, everyone turning to see the female duo exit the hallway to the bleachers.
"I have returned, Jirou, everyone." She gives a slight bow.
"We're back after so long!" Mina announces with a huge smile showing off her pearly whites.
"You make it seem like you were on some long trip." The music lover mutters before shaking her head. "Wait, scratch that, are you alright?!"
"Yeah, that fight was pretty intense!" Kirishima adds.
"Your battle was a spectacle to behold. Your condition afterwards is something that will leave uneasiness." Tokoyami says.
"I am fine. Thank you for your concern."
"You looked really into it, ribbit."
"Yes, to say Crono and I had a sort of bet would be the right term to use." She answers, her and Mina taking a seat in their previous seats.
"It has to do with Lucinance, right?" Kaminari asks gaining a nod in response.
"Yeaaahhhh, now that I think about it, those were some crazy move, Kanao!" Mina says changing the subject.
"Yeah, I haven't seen those moves before." Mineta adds.
"That trail move plus that speed was something else." Sato says with crossed arms.
"Did Lucinance assist you in creating those?" Shoji asks.
"No. I have been able to use those moves for a time now. As you know, Shinn's fighting of style is a tactical one which he uses a constant stream of attacks to deal with his opponents while at the same time leaving new openings for follow up attacks." The whole class nod listening as she continues. "My style of fighting revolves around agility and precision; wanting to settle a fight as fast as possible. Against certain opponents, this would not work no matter how great my speed may be. Knowing something like this may happen here, I asked Shinn for some guidance as for a backup of sorts should the occasion arise."
"But as strong as you, Lucinance, and Nunu are, was that really necessary?" Sero wonders.
"Yes, should my opponent be one whose style of fighting relies on counters and powerful strikes, an opponent that, no pun intended, counters my style of fighting. It is better to come prepared than not at all."
"True words spoken like a warrior." Tokoyami mutters with his bird head raised.
"A warrior? You know what, nevermind. You do you, dude." Sero laughs.
"Although, strength isn't everything." Kanao speaks up. "I am strong because I was trained from a young age as you all are aware." She states with a solemn tone and expression, the class' brows furrowing remembering their 'interrogation.' "There will come a point where any of you will be strong like my brothers and I. I am not speaking from a superiority standpoint, I am simply stating matter of factly. It is only a matter of time before that happens." She continues having rebounded from her sad expression back to a neutral one.
"Hmm, well it won't be long now then, Kanao! I'm gonna work twice as hard to make you work for it!" Mina cheers raising her arms to the sky.
"So are you admitting you haven't been giving your all thus far?" The remnant retorts jokingly.
"Wow, Mina, I thought you would at least be willing to work through the physical stuff. Someone seems lazy." Jirou adds which only makes Mina twitch an eye.
"Eh? Wait, that's not at all what I'm saying!" The hyperactive pinkette cries in embarrassment, the class laughing at the girl's antics including Kanao albeit not as much as the others before she stops to think to herself.
Someone that counters brother... Those three are the only ones who would prove a challenge. That or... She raises to look at the still clear sky. Everyone...
"I'm going to go too. I want to see how Uraraka and Todoroki are doing before my match with Kacchan starts." Midoriya announces.
"Oh? Okay, good luck, Midoriya. Recovery Girl should be with them still." He nods leaving closing the door behind him.
With only one place in mind, he begins his trek to the other infirmary room.
I'm fighting Kacchan... Again. He shudders at the thought.
Fighting his childhood bully once more was something he didn't know how to feel. Facing Bakugou the first time was nothing short of a terrifying experience. Even before then, he has been timid towards the spiked blonde just from his sheer attitude. An attitude that made him like many including Nunu would suggest 'made him a dick.' Once the bestest of friends with Midoriya, that all changed with the sprouting of Bakugou's quirk.
From that point on, he slowly shifted away from a quirkless Midoriya becoming more selfish as praise after praise came to him, a gap that only grew bigger as time progressed to their current point in time now. By middle school, the infamous 'Deku' was born. If Midoriya could have a penny for everytime he was called that, he was almost certain he could be a millionaire.
"Worthless Deku!"
His nickname spoken by its originator holds so much venom. Hate, scorn, superiority. What had he done to deserve such treatment? This was something Midoriya Izuku always wondered. How could his ego do such a 180 from being a genuine friend to someone that both verbally and physically abused him to the point of telling the young teen to commit suicide.
No one would ever come to his aid. No one would ever defend a quirkless loser like him. What good was he without a quirk. Among the 80% of the population, he was in the 20% that was often looked down on. A world that was once full of normal people soon evolved through generations to where it is now almost the opposite; a world full of superpowers, a world... of quirks.
A world he believed he didn't belong with the way society treated people like him. Yet a chance encounter with the one he looked up to changed all All Might gave him a second life. A life he had always dreamed of having and now here he was living in it. With Bakugou nonetheless. His childhood bully and him both having gotten into their dream school which they now attend let alone the same class. The odds were likely that this would be the case but it was never certain.
And for some reason, Bakugou's hatred for Midoriya only seemed to grow. Believing that throughout their time together, Midoriya had lied about being quirkless. Somehow thinking his 'childhood nuisance' as Bakugou often called him thought was above the spiked blonde. Yet as much as Bakugou thought he knew about Midoriya, he knew very little. For Midoriya, it was the complete opposite. He knew so much about Bakugou he could write a book on every minor detail. Not to sound creepy or anything weird.
A perfect example being Bakugou's speech before the sports festival. Everyone gave it a one glance, one listen and assumed he was being cocky but Midoriya knew better. He could tell what truth his childhood acquaintance's words held. 'You want the top title, come and get it.' Those were what he truly meant and it took not even a second to understand the short tempered teen's hidden meaning.
Overall, Midoriya knew who Bakugou was. A self centered, short-tempered, mean, grumpy, abusive teen that shared his dream of being the number one hero. So why? Why didn't he feel the disdain for the spiked blonde that said abuser held and often showed for him? No matter how much he tried to hate the guy, he just couldn't. Everyone in Class 1-A saw their interactions and could tell if they didn't already that they had a history between them.
It didn't take a genius to tell that there was always tension between the introvert and the bad-mouthed teen. Time after time, even sensing a surge as tiny as it may have been, it was quickly shut down by Bakugou disowning him in some aspect that always included one nickname.
"Deku..." Izuku mutters with a clenched fist at the cursed nickname.
"Let's do our best, Deku!"
His fist loosens itself at the voice spoke through his head.
As shitty of a childhood that he had, it all changed that day he encountered that villain. Like a shonen protagonist from an anime, his journey started right there with being saved by All Might and it only got better. Ready to go into the entrance exam, being clumsy as he was, he almost tripped. Yet as he saw himself fall preparing for the inevitable pain, it never came.
He saw himself floating in the air. As if he was on the moon, his feet weren't touching the ground and he just floated there in place. Slowly turning his head, he was met with what he could call an angel. Uraraka Ochako. This girl that saved his face would later go on to be saved by him and the start of a amazing friendship would begin. Not to mention she was the first girl he actually spoke to let alone would later befriend along with Iida.
Bubbly personality with a cheerful smile to boot. One could think it was contagious with how everyone in Class 1-A acted similarly once she joined in. A brunette that always cheered her companions on. A smile that just looking at it made one smile. But to Midoriya, the sheer sight of seeing her was at times breathtaking. Their first few exchanges were difficult to say the least.
Her obliviousness to how close she would get to the boy always left him in a flustering mess. Something that took a while to get used to. Within only weeks, their budding friendship grew and before long they could even say they were best of friends. But over knowing her for basically three weeks, was that all there was? The random looks she'd give in class and on their walks to the train station always made him wonder, but he shrugged it off. At least, until he noticed that he was unconsciously doing the same thing.
During Aizawa and the other teachers' lectures, his eyes would often draw away from his notes and he would gaze at the brunette further up, unaware of what he was doing until he snapped out of it by chance or by a teacher snapping at him. As for when he started to do it more often, it was around the time Relon and Yaoyorozu got together. But what from their newfound relationship could cause him to set his sights unknowing on Uraraka? His friend. His first female friend.
As much as he knew his own body, he couldn't for the life of him guess this odd feeling that swelled when it came to the brunette. As the days went on, it became more and more apparent just how much this was bothering the young successor. By the end of the week, he'd had enough so Izuku went to the only person that knew him better than himself; his mother.
Now Izuku Midoriya can be compared to Inko Midoriya in many aspects. Green hair, stuttering problem, excessive waterworks, and so on. Though like any other, both loved each other like any other family as it should be. Hell, even their personalities were basically identical. Knowing her, she's flooded their apartment with used tissues. He'd find out once he got back home.
Having had enough of this odd sensation, he consulted his mother. To say it didn't take much the female parent of the hero nerd to figure out would be an understatement.
She soon began rambling about her 'little Izuku' becoming a man amd such. Something that left Midoriya more lost than when he asked.
It wasn't until after some pleas from her son that she came out with it.
He liked her. To put it more formally, Izuku Midoriya had a crush on Ochaco Uraraka.
His reaction was very 'him' to say the least.
"M-mom, w-what a-a-are you s-saying?!" A fully scarlet Izuku stutters unable to look at his single parent.
"Izuku, honey, there is nothing wrong with developing feelings for someone you hold close. It's only natural that something like this would happen at your age."
"B-but t-t-there's n-no way-
"Izuku Midoriya." She interrupts, the boy silencing himself immediately taking in her serious demeanor for it to shift back to a caring one. "Don't you dare say you're not good enough. You're a handsome young man who's smarter than most. Be more confident in yourself!"
A mother's words are something one should strive to live by. This Izuku knew very well. Knowing to live by it was one thing but to actually believe it let alone do it was a completely different story. Be confident she says, but how could he? He was... well him? Uraraka is a high-spirited individual who is basically another Mina to an extent. While he is a nerdy introvert who sometimes can't fully talk to others. Heck, he's still getting used to most of his classmates.
Midoriya must put his thoughts on hold as he arrives at his destination. Knocking twice, he waits for a response.
"Come in." A voice sounding like Recovery Girl's calls from the other side
"Excuse me." Midoriya says opening the door before walking inside.
Before him lies Todoroki on a bed and Recovery Girl at her desk.
"Midoriya? What are you doing here?" The flame-user asks.
"I came to see how you and Uraraka were doing. Now that I mention it, where is she? Was she already released?"
"No, deary. Look past Todoroki." The nurse answers.
He gives a blank look to follow her directions. Moving around his past opponent, his eyes fall on the girl he's fallen for.
Even though she has bandages in some visible areas and around her head, she still looks gorgeous before the successor. Yet he can't help but feel frustrated. Not at his childhood friend for leaving her like this. Certainly not his best friend/crush. If anyone, it was himself.
Uraraka cheered me on during my match against Todoroki but I couldn't do the same. Some friend I am. He looks on before shaking his head. No, I shouldn't beat myself over something that was out of my control. He chuckles to himself. That sounds like something she or Iida would say.
"Midoriya." The sudden call of his name snaps the boy from his thoughts.
"Oh, sorry, how are you feeling, Todoroki?"
"I'm fine now thanks to Recovery Girl. I see you're all healed."
"Yeah, Lucinance woke up and healed me. He's in the other infirmary room still. I can go get him once I leave if you want."
"No, I'll be fine.
"O-oh okay."
An awkward silence befalls the room as Recovery Girl looks between the two, Todoroki locked onto Midoriya and the latter looking around nervously.
"Well then." The nurse speaks up gaining their attention. "As I was saying, young man. You're healed enough to the point of walking so you may go. You too you Mr. Reckless."
"Thank you nurse." The bi-colored acknowledges getting out from his bed standing on his feet to then stretch.
Thank you, Recovery Girl. Midoriya mentally thanks letting out a breath of relief ignoring the nurse's nickname for him.
He turns back to the dormant girl, a gently yet worried gaze he bestows upon her.
I bet you did awesome, Uraraka. Rest up. I'll win my match against Kacchan for the both of us!
With one more lingering look at Uraraka, he slowly turns away bowing to the pro hero before leaving along with Todoroki.
"So what are you going to do Todoroki? Head back to the audience section with the class?"
"Yeah, I'll be there before your match starts. For now I want some time to myself."
"You want to be... alone?" Deku gives a questioning look, his eyes widening in realization.
"Whatever the case may be, I shall rise above you with only my right side."
"What are you getting at? 'Everything I've got?' Did my damn old man buy you off or something? Now I'm pissed!"
"Damn it... To go as far as to help your own enemy... which one of us is really the one screwing around now?"
"By that look on your face, I'm guessing you know what I'm talking about."
"Your... left side, right?" Hesitation evident in the protagonist's voice.
"Yeah, this whole time I've denied what was honestly my birthright to use. To think I was so focused on hatred and denial towards my father, I forgot something so precious, so important..." He raises a clenched fist to himself.
"Todoroki..." Deku mutters to close his eyes thinking for a moment before reopening them. "I may be wrong but..." Shoto raises his head to Midoriya wondering what he's getting at. "I believe it's never too late to start over."
"What do you mean?"
"I... was a late bloomer. A REALLY late bloomer. As in only getting my works months before the entrance exams late." He pauses to see the pure shock that Todoroki holds.
"You..." Izuku nods before continuing.
"When we were having our quirk assessment, Kacchan was telling the truth about believing I was quirkless because he just didn't know."
"But what does this have to do with starting over?"
"Well, my life basically changed once I got my quirk. It's like I was given a second chance per say. The same could be said for you. If you choose to use your fire, then it's like your life is beginning all over again. If that makes any sense." He rubs his head sheepishly at the last sentence.
"No need to act like that, you know. I'm not Uraraka." Endeavor's son states nonchalantly.
"Eh?" And just like that, Midoriya's subtle demeanor changes.
"W-WHAT A-A-ARE Y-YOU T-TALK-KING A-B-BOUT?!"
"Midoriya, you basically just gave yourself away with that outburst. No sense in denying it."
"Ah... That obvious, huh...?" He drops his head in defeat.
"Yeah. To be honest, I'm pretty sure everyone knows except for Uraraka."
"How do you know that?" Deku shoots his head up asking.
"I overhear the others talk every now and then. One of topics is usually who the next most likely couple will be in Class 1-A."
Midoriya has to blink in repetition as he processes the logic behind Todoroki. Todoroki, of all people. Then again, he keeps to himself and just listens for the most part so it's possible that logic is sound.
"I-I see..." Midoriya stutters low.
I should have known better from the looks everyone gave me when I told Uraraka about Shinso. Looking back, I feel stupid now. He flusters at the thought.
"But a new life... huh...?" The ice-user mutters looking at his flame arm, his words regaining Midoriya's attention.
"I mean, you don't have to take it like that. It's just how I look at my own."
"No." Deku looks to Shoto turning to leave. "That insight was helpful."
"O-oh? Well glad I could help." Todoroki nods walking off only to stop turning to give Deku a glance once more.
"By the way, Midoriya..."
"Hm? What is it?"
"What made you want to tell me about you being a late bloomer? You could have just used some other example to explain."
"What made me? Well, you told me about your past. So... I felt it was only fair to tell you mine. I mean we're... friends... right?" The nervous boy asks.
Todoroki's eyes widen at the given answer causing his head to droop slightly. Midoriya seeing this, reaches out an arm but stops hearing what sounds like a chuckle followed by Shoto raising his head back up revealing his lip curved upward at the edge.
"Damn it, Todoroki! It's YOUR power! Not his!"
"Well, you told me about your past. So... I felt it was only fair to tell you mine. I mean we're... friends... right?"
"That's twice now Midoriya." The boy mutters.
"Twice now.. for what?" Deku asks with clear hesitation though the flame-ice user simply shakes his head.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it." Todoroki turns back about to leave.
"O-oh, if you say so."
"By the way, Midoriya..."
"Yeah?"
"...Thanks. Give Bakugou a few hits for me." With those parting words, he takes his leave with hands in his pockets.
Too speechless from what just transpired, the freckled teen shakes his head quickly before nodding.
"Yeah!"
With that resolute response, he turns heading down the hall to the tunnel leading to the stage. He turns the corner only to stop in his tracks. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed is a certain spiked blonde seeming in thought.
"Kacchan?" Upon hearing that infamous nickname, the boy turns his head showing a neutral expression.
Pushing off of the wall, he stands in the middle of the hall adjacent from Midoriya as both boys face one another. Once more, an awkward silence befalls Midoriya, unable to voice whatever thoughts are beginning to swell to the surface of his mind. Bakugou having the same situation.
"I may not know much about your history with Deku, but I do know a few things!"
"Deku doesn't look down on anyone!"
"Do you honestly think Deku is the type to look down on others?"
His face grows into a scowl before receding it.
He's just a insect. There's no fucking way he actually looks up to me.
"So uh, what are you doing here, Kacchan?"
"What the fuck do you think? I'm waiting to be called so I can clobber your nerdyass. What the fuck else would I be doing here?" Midoriya has to blink not at what he said but rather the way he said it; calm, almost nonchalantly.
"Nothing's going on?"
"What the hell are you getting at?" Again, a flat tone, no energy like previously.
"It's just you're talking without your usual 'vigor' is all." Bakugou stops responding after that statement only squinting his eyes. "Um, are you okay Kacchan?" For them to shoot wide.
"Hey, are you alright?" A young Midoriya asks extending a hand.
Bakugou blood pressure begins to rise slowly. His arms begin to visibly shake which Midoriya takes notice of taking a step back in response.
"The fuck was that..?" Bakugou mutters with a spark from his palm. "YOU KNOW YOU'VE GOTTEN QUITE A FUCKING CONFIDENCE BOOST SINCE HANGING AROUND THAT CARD-BASTARD AND HIS LACKEYS!" More popping as he stomps forward with a foot, Deku raising his hands in an attempt to calm the boy."
"Wait, I wasn't trying to start anything! Calm down!"
"SO NOW YOU THINK YOU CAN ORDER ME AROUND, HUH? THERE IT IS AGAIN! BEFORE THOSE LAB EXPERIMENTS CAME ALONG, YOU WERE ONLY TIMID AND USELESS DEKU! NOW, HERE YOU ARE THINKING YOU'RE MISTER HOTSHOT FROM JUST HANGING AROUND THEM! JUST LIKE WITH WHAT YOU SAID DURING THE RACE! YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING LIKE THAT!" His sudden proclamation causing Izuku's eyes to widen now.
"Instead of trying to blast me, try focusing on getting to first!"
Now that he mentions it, I was so caught up in the moment, I didn't even realize I had said it until I was running for my life. But he has a point, I haven't even noticed it, but maybe my confidence has gone up slightly. At least during certain situations. The last part he compares situations between his moments with Uraraka and his times during combat to result in a chuckle.
"WHAT'S SO DAMN FUNNY?! YOU'VE ONLY GOTTEN THIS FAR OFF OF LUCK AND NOTHING ELSE!" Kacchan shouts making the teen jump out of his thoughts as his childhood bully lowers his hands balling both into fists. "Forget it. You better be ready to get your ass pounded you shitty nerd. Cause one blast from me and you'll be on the ground dead." He simple states surprising the boy once more as Deku watches the spiked blonde turn to leave.
"You're right about one thing, but you're wrong about another." Midoriya states in a calm tone forcing Bakugou to turn back as the boys resume their face off.
"What the hell was I right about...?"
"My confidence has risen a little bit thanks to Lucinance and the others. But not just them. Uraraka, Iida, even Yaoyorozu. They've all helped me so much in just these few weeks we've known one another." Midoriya lets out a smile thinking back to everything since coming to U.A.
Meeting Uraraka and saving her from the giant 0-pointer. Meeting Iida and the rest of their classmates along with Aizawa sensei. Completing their 'trial' where he managed to not break his entire arm during the ball throw. Meeting their new exchange student, Relon and soon after, Nunu. Finding him at the beach and training together for the first time to finish watching the sunset before grabbing dinner. The events at the USJ. Meeting Kanao and learning about the remnants' dark past. The gruesome but well worth training for the sports festival.
The days spent with his friends. Growing closer and closer. Each helping one another improve not only with their quirks, but socially as well. At least, for Midoriya's case.
"And what the fuck and I wrong about." Bakugou growls seeing that detestable smile on the successor's face.
"Earlier I would have agreed with you that it was sheer luck that I got here... But not now. My friends helped me realize that have the potential to do a lot. Their words helped open my eyes. You should know, Kacchan. For as long as I can remember, I was a quirkless nobody always following after you because I looked up to you. I still do even now." Bakugou's scowl disappears to be replaced with a expression showing disbelief.
"We used to be so close when we were kids and then a crack formed creating a gap between us and it only got bigger and bigger distancing us. You got all the praise and I was left behind because of my status as a 'quirkless normie' so to speak." Midoriya continues giving a low chuckle, a frown appearing for the briefest of moments before shifting to a small smile. "But seeing yours was always a sight to behold. It still is. You've been gifted with a quirk that is more powerful than it is awesome. I was always envious of you because I couldn't wait to get my own. Years later right before the entrance exam, I got a quirk finally. You've seen how destructive it is. My body still can't withstand its full power so I'm still learning what I can about it." Stating this new information, the blonde's mouth ever so slight opens to say something but stops at the nod from the boy from his childhood gives.
"Yeah, I know. Others have given me the same look when I've told them this." Another short chuckle as the greenette raises a scarred hand to look at it before clenching it looking to his stunned classmate. "And the other thing you're wrong about..." He begins snapping Bakugou out of his stupor as he simply stares on awaiting for Midoriya to continue. "Is me losing to you. I don't plan on losing that easily Kacchan. I'll show you the fruits of my labor by beating you! Believe it!" He declares extending his fist towards Bakugou.
...
...
"... Hmpf. We'll see about that." Is his only response turning around and leaving.
Midoriya looks with confusion at the response given to him.
What... was that about? He was surprisingly quiet while I was ranting on but...
Still looking on at the fading figure into the light of the stadium, he thinks back to Bakugou's usual demeanor prior to his fight with Todoroki.
Something must have happened between the time I was healing from my battle with Todoroki and now. But what exactly?
Unable to think of what it could be, he brushes it aside for the moment. That whole altercation with Bakugou if you can even call it that was something odd to say the least. For starters, he didn't give no snide remark berating Midoriya on his simple presence but instead just stood there in silence as if thinking about something. Then his mellow mood does a 180 when he asked his childhood bully if he was okay.
He blew up out of nowhere like the inheritor talked shit about him in some way, shape, or form. Then as Midoriya when on his rant, he seemed to shush the teen and revealing the time of acquiring his quirk must have done the trick because all the anger that appeared out of nowhere disappeared just as fast. As for what the cause could be to Bakugou's odd demeanor, Izuku Midoriya couldn't hazard a guess.
Maybe it's related with whatever happened while I was out. I don't know what's going on with you, Kacchan, but whatever it is, I can't let it deter me from winning. Kacchan will undoubtedly be my toughest challenge yet. He balls his hands into fists as he talks a gulp of saliva having formed. But I don't plan on going down without a fight. I won't be some training dummy for Kacchan to blast away at nor am I the same helpless, quirkless, weakling. No, I'm here to win the Sports Festival and to do that... I have to beat Kacchan!
With that goal set in stone within the confines of his mind, he begins walking to the light Katsuki disappeared into.
So I've decided to in fact make the fight scenes between the four a bigger chapter. The idea of splitting the two into their own chapters or keeping it one big chapter was up for debate for a while and after some talk to my friends, I decided to do this. So with that said, hope you all enjoyed. Leave a review on what you thought. I'd love to read your opinions on the story so far. It does help me improve so seeing the crazy numbers of reads I get daily (at least what I consider insane in a good way), I guess I'm doing something right lol.
Word Count Goal: 10k - Achieved!