Chapter 19
Sports Festival Finals
Summary:
Izuku and Katsuki fight in the finals. Some CP-9 action. And the closing Ceremony for the Sports Festival.
"IT IS TIME FOR THE MATCH EVERYONE HAS BEEN DYING TO SEE THESE TWO BOYS PLACED FIRST IN THE FIRST ROUND, GROUPED TOGETHER AND CAME OUT ON TOP IN THE SECOND ROUND. THEY HAVE WON ALL THEIR MATCHES TO END UP HERE AT THE TOP OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL. WHO IS GOING TO WIN THE TITLE OF CHAMPION BETWEEN THESE TWO POWERHOUSES!" Present Mic hypes the crowd.
"You ready for this Nerd?" Katsuki smirks ferally.
"You bet, come on Kacchan" Izuku smirks back at him.
"START" Is called over the stadium.
Izuku goes into Full Cowling lightening flowing from him. He is excited to show Katsuki his Shoot style. Katsuki comes at him right fist ready to swipe an explosion at Izuku. Izuku notices the feint and jumps up as Katsuki left hand explodes the ground at his feet. Izuku hisses in pain as his leg was singed.
"You think too much, nerd! Let's show them what we are made of. Let's go all out you can heal the damage, later right? So, COME AT ME."
"Kacchan?" 'there is something going on with Kacchan' Izuku activates full cowling again dodging Katsuki's explosions. He needs to find out what is bothering Katsuki. Katsuki jumps straight at Izuku, Izuku dodges the blow. Katsuki is getting angry 'why wont Izuku fight him?', he chases after Izuku letting off explosions left and right. "STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT ME!"
As Katsuki launches at him Izuku stops his advance holding his shoulder, Katsuki brings his knee up and knees Izuku in the face causing Izuku to skid backwards. As Izuku stumbles back he launches a kick to Katsuki's chin. Katsuki falls back and lands on his ass.
Izuku notices he hit Katsuki stops Full Cowling face morphing into worry. "Kacchan are you ok?" holding out a hand to Katsuki. Katsuki slaps the hand away, shouting "Stop worrying about me!" he gets up emotions choking his voice "Fight, what the hell's wrong with you?" Izuku looks at him confused he is not sure why Kacchan wants him to fight seriously. When Katsuki sees that Izuku is still not going to fight him his shoulder slump "Why?" Izuku stares eyes wide he is not sure why Katsuki sounds like he is falling apart. "Why? Do insist on going so far for people. Why break yourself just to teach someone a lesson? Why didn't you move before? Your reflexes are faster than that you could have moved everyone out of the way and still dodged that attack." Katsuki is crying now his voice drops to barely a whisper Izuku can still hear him with his enhanced hearing "but I… Why was I…" he looks at Izuku "Why did All Might save me, why was I the reason you could have died!"
Izuku gasps he didn't know this was still on Katsuki's mind. He didn't know that Katsuki blamed himself for Izuku getting hurt. Izuku didn't think his actions would hurt Katsuki.
Katsuki continues "If I'd been stronger and took out those guy faster and got to you and Aizawa faster. Then that wouldn't have happened. All Might blames himself, tries to keep it a secret, but if I wasn't there then he could have went right for you. Kirishima, Todoroki, Luffy and Ace they don't mention it but even if I try not to think about it. I can't stop. I can't get it out of my head. Every night it taunts me, every night I can't sleep. It keeps coming to mind unexpectedly. I don't know what to do."
Katsuki is crying clutching his chest. Izuku stares at Katsuki a number of emotions on his face. 'he's been carrying this around with him this whole time? He's been worrying about it? Thinking about it?' he activates Full Cowling again. 'there might not be any real meaning to this fight, no meaning in winning and losing. But I am the only one who can help Kacchan'
Seeing the look in Izuku's eyes change as he activates Full Cowling again Katsuki gets up and sprints toward him ready to let a few explosions go. Izuku roundhouse kicks him across the face. "This is perfect I've wanted to test out the full capabilities of my shoot style. If I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna go all out" 'Katsuki has always had a problem expressing his emotions, fighting is a way he can release those thoughts. It's kind of twisted, we have known each other our whole lives. Even though we are soulmates we have never really talked about how we felt. That time after the USJ where emotions were so high, we were both blinded by the fact I was going to be ok. The negative emotions went away, and they must have been festering in the back of Kacchan's mind.'
"What is Kats doing down there, I though this was supposed to be a spar?" Luffy asks.
"I think Blasty has some things he needs to work out, he has been more volatile since the USJ. And I think the fight between Izuku, and Todoroki got to him." Ace speaks his thoughts out loud.
"Didn't Izuku also break his fingers to get out of his first opponents mind hold?" Asks Luffy.
"Yea, Blasty knows Izuku could have gotten out of that without hurting himself. But he chose to break his fingers. Then his fight with Todoroki, he could have ended it sooner by chose to continue breaking his fingers and healing them just so Todoroki would accept his other half." Ace explains.
"Bakubro did say he was going to beat some self-preservation into Izuku. I didn't think he would take it this far. He looks murderous."
Katsuki propels him self in a leap with an explosion coming at Izuku from above, Izuku dodges and lashes out with a kick. Katsuki dodges using his explosions to get behind Izuku, Izuku turns to face him and gets punched in the stomach. Izuku crashes to the ground and bounces as he skids. Green fire erupting out of him. Katsuki goes in again to Attack Izuku while he is down Izuku blocks. Katsuki grabs Izuku's arm and tosses Izuku away. Izuku prevents himself from flying out of the ring with his wings he changes direction in air and crashes to the ground. He gets up reactivating Full Cowling and charges at Katsuki. Shielding his eyes from Katsuki's stun grenade. Katsuki uses the moment Izuku takes his arm away from his eyes to punch him in the face. Launching Izuku up into the Air, Katsuki come soaring after him "Why are you so quick to throw your life away. Why are you trying to leave me behind."
"THEY ARE NOT HOLDING ANYTHING BACK."
"this is more then a simple fight to these two" Aizawa says quietly.
Shanks is up in the stands with a sad look on his face he understands Katsuki completely. Just because Izuku can heal it doesn't mean he has to go and absorb all the damage onto himself. All Might looks like he wants to go down there and stop the fight himself. Shanks puts a hand on his shoulder and when all Might looks at him, he shakes his head "This is something they need to work out on their own."
Izuku finally gets it, Katsuki is scared, terrified even about the possibility that there will be one time, one injury that Izuku won't be able to heal. That Izuku will jump in front of it to save someone and get himself killed. Katsuki is afraid Izuku will leave him behind, that Katsuki won't be strong enough to protect Izuku from himself. Izuku launches at Katsuki faster then before, too fast for Katsuki to do anything but try to block the incoming kick. Katsuki raises his arms to protect his head and absorbs the kick to his arms. The force of the kick causes Katsuki to skid back his arms are bleeding. Izuku leaps back as Katsuki powers up his explosions. They launch toward each other all the spectators can see are lines of orange and green racing toward each other in the middle as they clash in flurry of explosives fists and flaming kicks. They separate from Izuku landing a kick to Katsuki's face twisting out of the way of the explosions aimed at him. Izuku goes in for another kick. Katsuki dodges and lands a punch to Izuku's stomach.
Izuku rights himself in the air, so far, he has been using his shoot style and not really punching at all. So when Katsuki is too close to dodge he pushes One for All into his fist and connects a punch to Katsuki's cheek. Katsuki grabs hold of Izuku's shirt and flips them in mid-air. He uses an explosion to launch them to the ground pinning Izuku under him. He has one foot planted on Izuku's arm his other foot laid across the other boys lap. One hand is holding the other boys wrist and the other hand holding his face down. As the smoke clears the audience can see that both boys are panting trying to catch their breaths. Izuku's green fire caresses them to heal all the damages received through the fight.
Midnight approaches the boys. "Midoriya can you still fight?"
"No" Izuku states calmly looking right into Katsuki's eyes. Katsuki's eyes widen and he stumbles off the other boy. Izuku wants to stop him, want to let him know he understands know. But that will have to wait.
"IZUKU IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE FIGHTING, KATSUKI BAKUGO IS THE WINNER OF THE FIRST YEARS U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL"
Cheers explode out from the audience, Katsuki stands there weighed down by guilt for hurting his Soulmate, for forcing his nerd to fight him in the only way he knows how to express his emotions. Fury because he knows the nerd is stronger than him could have launched him out of the ring at any time. Could have continued to evade the attacks. He had to prove that he is capable of fight alongside Izuku not forever doomed to look at his nerds back as they fought. He could protect Izuku too. He looks at Izuku and whispers out "Can't you see that I need you, that I would be lost if you were to leave me. I don't need you to protect me and end up dead for it. I need you to understand that if you were to die, I would follow."
"Kacchan?" Izuku wants to protest, he doesn't want Katsuki to follow him in death if it came to that.
"TELL ME YOU UNDERSTAND NERD!" Katsuki shouts out.
"I understand Kacchan" Izuku states looking at Katsuki with sincerity in his eyes.
"Then take my hand nerd, let me help you up" Katsuki smiles at him. Finally they understand each other. They walk off stage together the award ceremony will be held soon. As they clear the threshold to the waiting room Izuku stops Katsuki by pulling on their still joined hands.
"Kacchan?" The sound of Izuku's voice forces Katsuki to look at Izuku. "I'm so… so very sorry Kacchan" Katsuki looks away bottom lip quivering "'S ok" he mumbles.
"No Kacchan, it is not ok. If it was you wouldn't have felt that you needed to fight me to understand. I'm sorry that I didn't think about how my actions affected you. I never wanted to see you hurt or anyone really, when I see someone hurting, I lose it. I do what I can to help them, and I do not think about the pain I'm causing you; and for that I'm sorry. I understand how you feel now, I can't promise that I will stop trying my hardest to save people…"
Katsuki tries to break out of the other boy's hold but Izuku holds his hand tightly, Katsuki settles for aiming a murderous glare at Izuku. Izuku gulps and continues "but I can promise you that if there is another way, I will take it. I will fight beside you not in front. We protect each other, that way none of us have to be left behind."
Katsuki sighs, "I can live with that, but if it is not going to kill someone you can always heal it after. I know with Aizawa that was different. I still think you could have moved yourself and kept Aizawa safe, but you must have saw something differently then I did. I just wanted you to know how I feel. How terrified I was, I still can't get your lifeless crippled body out of my mind. Please for me have some self- preservation."
"For you Kacchan." Izuku pulls Katsuki in a hug "Can you forgive me Kacchan?"
"I suppose." At Izuku's smile Katsuki adds "besides I could just kick your ass the next time you almost die." Katsuki ends with a smirk. Izuku gulps and pouts. They enter the waiting room. Ace and Luffy tied for third place.
"You good now Blasty?" Ace asks.
"Shut it Matchstick." Snaps Katsuki.
"Your fight was so awesome." Luffy states with stars in his eyes.
"I thought it was supposed to be a spar, what the hell happened out there?" Ace inquires.
"I needed to get things off my chest." Katsuki states crossing his arms over his chest.
"Kacchan is the most honest when he fights" Izuku states like that answers all the questions in the world.
"I'm always honest Nerd!" Katsuki faux rages.
"I meant emotionally honest Kacchan" Izuku smirks.
"Emotions are for the weak" Katsuki pouts. "I just needed to say somethings that you would not understand if I didn't beat it into you."
"Of course Kacchan" Izuku smiles up at Katsuki.
Meanwhile elsewhere.
While most of the pro heroes are watching the sports festival, the villains come out to play. The hero killer Stain has just taken out another fake hero, he sits perched on a water tower looking out over the city when a portal opens up behind him.
"Ah so we finally meet Hero Killer" a voice full of over confidence calls out. Stain lashes out with his sword behind him. "Oh, relax we're on the same side… you're already quite infamous. I really wanted to talk with you. May have a moment of your time." Stain follows the voice through the portal.
A different location:
"In order to get recognized by the League we need proof we are capable of being villains. How do you suppose we go about it." A female asks.
"Well Kalifa we have been functioning as a mob. Since we landed here. It won't be too hard to convince this so-called leader that we are capable. We have targets and a method to get said targets that will give the villains access to the school." Kaku states. "Blueno could give us a way into the school we could show the leader our powers."
A big man that looks like a bull nod his agreement "I can only open doors to places I have been or can see."
"Lucci as leader can pose as our mob boss." A wolfish man states.
"We would need to do petty crimes; we have already committed a few high scale robberies. Let's target a bank grab some hostages and make a scene that gets us some coverage. We need to make sure Blueno and his doors are shown so we have proof it was us that did it." Kalifa states
"Jabra will be the gun man, Blueno will be out get away. Kalifa make sure they open the safe. Kaku and I will hold the civilians as hostages." Lucci commands. "be prepared we attack tonight"
**** BACK AT U.A.****
The four winners of the festival were waiting for their signal to go to the closing ceremony when there was knock on the door.
"Congratulations on placing in this year's Sports Festival. I was told to grab the First-Place winner Katsuki Bakugo. Other Pros will be here to grab the rest of you."
Izuku narrows his gaze at the hero, yes, he was told to come get Katsuki but there is something he is not telling them. He thinks for a second that the hero is nervous to be around Katsuki, but that emotion does not match the look in his eye or the smirk tugging at the edges of his lips. Izuku holds Katsuki's hands tighter, Katsuki looks at Izuku. The best part of being Soulmates for so long is they need very few words to convey something. Just looking at Izuku's eyes and seeing 'something doesn't seem right' and 'be careful' has Katsuki nodding and following the hero out.
Outside the door the hero huffs out a relieved sigh he was told to be careful of the wolf-boy. For a second it looked like the kid would tear his throat out. He turns to Katsuki and smirks, "You're too unhinged to be a hero". Katsuki just looks at the hero.
"That's not very hero like of you" Katsuki states plainly back.
"LISTEN YOU MONSTER, A HERO SHOULDN'T BE SO QUICK TO BLAST HIS OPPONENTS."
"Don't call me a monster" Katsuki states coldly hair blocking his face.
"you're right you're not the monster here. That mutt though that's another story. I was terrified he would have teared my throat out if I was in there a second longer."
"He is not a mutt. Shut up" Katsuki's hand explode uncontrolled pops. The guy smirks.
"Oh does that anger you?" He sneers. Pretending not hear the growl coming from the boy he continues "U.A.'s standards have fallen if they think That beast can be a hero"
Having enough of listening to the fucker talk shit about his nerd, Katsuki lashes out going to punch the other man. Quirk canceling cuffs wrap around his wrists. Katsuki's eyes widen, "what the hell get these off me!" he shouts.
The man smirks "No can do you tried to attack me" Katsuki growls at the man. Out of nowhere a muzzle appears on Katsuki's face "There that should silence you. If your growl at me like a dog, then Imma treat you like one." The muzzle has some sort of leash on attached to it. As the hero pulls Katsuki along, Katsuki tries to break out of his grip. Nothing he is doing is working in fact he can feel his energy and strength fading from him. He struggles for a few more moments getting weaker and weaker. He has very little energy left as the man brings him to a door. "you are no hero; you are nothing but an egotistical punk with the instincts of a killer. Mark my words, when you slip up, we will be there to put you down like the dog you are"
The hero uses his earpiece to contact Cementoss "The brat was aggressive I had to detain him under the stadium" The door closes. Leaving the tied-up boy in the darkened room. He tries to shout and scream but it almost seems like this muzzle cancels out all sound.
Meanwhile back in the waiting room. A couple more heroes come in to grab the other victors. "Follow me to your rooms please" The hero calls out.
'something is wrong I know I heard Kacchan shouting and then nothing, what is going on'
Izuku stands up and heads to the door Ace and Luffy following behind him. They walk down the halls heading to a couple of rooms at the end. Izuku's ears perk he hears muffled shouting, he zero's in on it. 'Kacchan' he releases a few feathers in the direction he can hear the muffled shouts from. The hero leaves them in a room next to one that is closed. There is a window separating the two rooms, Izuku and Katsuki lock eyes. There is a plea in Katsuki's face in fact Izuku can smell the discomfort and fear washing off Katsuki. He tries to approach the window he is going to smash his way into the other room to free Katsuki when the ceiling opens up. Looks like they are going up before Katsuki. He can tell Cementoss not to bring him up yet. Ace and Luffy are raised up on the platform. "Tell Cementoss, I need a minute".
Just as Ace and Luffy clear the ceiling another hole is being opened Izuku's eyes are in panic "no, no, no I need more time" He shouts desperately. He doesn't get the time his feet sink into the cement and he rises to the ceiling. As he sees the day light he calls to Midnight.
"Stop this Midnight" There is a plead in his voice she hold up a hand to stop Cementoss.
"What is it Midoriya?"
"Kacchan, he being tied up like a dog down there, if you bring him up right now it will dehumanize him. Please don't do that to him." There are tears in his eyes. Midnight eyes go wide she pulls Cementoss over and tells him. Cementoss opens the ground a little wider then expected. He pulls up a box With Katsuki in it. He signals All Might and Shanks to get down here.
"Now it is time to award our first years with their metals" Midnight calls being more dramatic then before to call attention to herself and away from the thrashing boy inside the box. Izuku is growling predatorily and low in warning. "WHO BETTER TO PRESENT THE AWARDS THEN THIS MAN"
All Might and Shanks jump and land in front of the students. As they approached the students shanks goes straight to Izuku. "What's wrong Izuku he asks quietly"
"The hero that took Kacchan tied him up, he has a muzzle on him and a leash they are trying to make him look like an animal. Please help him."
"I understand I will do what I can. Do you remember the hero that escorted him?"
"Not really, he wasn't a pro, but I heard what they were saying before I heard nothing" Izuku is shaking, low almost unheard whimpers leaving his throat.
All Might approaches Izuku next, a terrifying look in his eyes. "Midoriya you did well to place second, I know you will be a great hero. I'm proud of you." He nods at the terrified pleading look on Izuku's face. He turns away a furious look on his face as he approaches the stone slab. Cementoss makes a hole for All Might to fit through.
He growls low in his throat and pulls the Muzzle off the other boy's face. The cement walls fell revealing a still chained up Katsuki though he did not have the muzzle on him. Katsuki's face is still panicked and scared as all the people in the stadium look down on him. He shadows his eyes in shame, Izuku growls loudly.
"Someone needs to shut up the mutt" A familiar voice sounds from the stands.
"THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE" All Might shouts to the stands. "Who ever did this will be punished and stripped of their hero privileges" All Might growls out. "No child should ever be subjected to this treatment regardless of your reasons."
All Might approaches Katsuki and bows "I'm sorry Young Bakugo, I will sort this out. I congratulate you on placing first. You will continue to grow strong and be the best hero you can be."
"I will All Might" The fear and panicked edge is replaced with a fiery determination. All Might nods Katsuki continues "Thank You All Might" Katsuki glares at his hands.
Izuku is growling while looking at Katsuki's wrists. From what he can see his arms are blistering and bleeding slightly. He is having a hard time holding the wolf back. All Might and Shanks sense the impending shift. 'shit Izuku is about to lose control, we need to finish this'
"EVERYONE HERE TODAY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE STANDING HERE! AS YOU ALL WITNESSED! COMPETITION! ENCOURAGEMENT! PUSHING EACH OTHER TO CLIMB HIGHER AND HIGHER! THE SPROUTS OF TODAY WILL GROW INTO THE HEROES OF TOMORROW! IN THAT SPIRIT, LET'S HAVE ONE FINAL CHEER! EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME! ONE, TWO, AND" HE STRIKES A POSE
The crowd yells out Plus Ultra while All Might yells out "THANKS FOR THE HARD WORK"
"we're supposed to say, "Plus Ultra" All Might!" some one in the crowd yells out.
An embarrassed blush blooms on All Might's face "Oh right… it's just they really did work so hard…"
Izuku's feet are freed and he goes straight to Katsuki "I'll get these off Kacchan" he coats his claws in Armament Haki and quickly slices through the cuffs. The cuffs fall heavily to the ground. "Let's get out of here" He nods to Ace and Luffy, all four are pissed. They reach the halls and Aizawa is standing there.
"What happened?" Aizawa asked concerned that his student was attacked by a fellow hero.
"He baited me, knowing how I react to people calling Izuku a monster" Katsuki looks down ashamed. "He called him a mutt, and that he couldn't possibly be a hero. I snapped I'm sorry Sensei"
"Hey you are not at fault, Katsuki he should not have baited you." Aizawa states placing his hand on Katsuki's shoulder. "Now you boys go join in the celebration, you deserve it"
"Actually Sensei can we skip out on the festivities I am having a hard time keeping Fuji contained. I can't lose control in front of everyone" Izuku states straining his voice not to growl.
Aizawa inspects the group. "Ok I'm assuming fuji does not want to be away from Pack right now. So yea go home you have the next two days off. I will notify the others later. Go on try to hold him back till you get home ok Izuku."
The boys nod and head home.
After the closing festivities the Class meets in their homeroom with Aizawa waiting for them.
"In light of the festival… you'll have the next two days off" Aizawa states, before the class could cheer, he holds up a hand to silence the class "a couple of things before you leave, Kirishima I need to speak to you later so hang back. Also you're probably wondering what happened to our winners of the festival. I do not know how many of you saw or how much you saw. But the hero assigned to bring Katsuki to the stage to be presented his medal, chained him up and muzzled him. That behavior is not acceptable for a hero and he will be stripped of his hero status. They are recovering at home. You are all dismissed."
As the students leave the classroom Kirishima hangs back "You needed to speak to me?"
"I've noticed you have gotten pretty close to the 4 boys." Aizawa states.
"Yes, Luffy is my match"
Aizawa's eyes widen he didn't know that "So you must be part of the pack then"
"Yes, I am …. Aizawa Sensei what's really going on. I understand Izuku and Katsuki not being here but the other two I don't really get it?"
"Seeing Katsuki treated like an animal made his wolf lash out. Izuku can not keep it back for long when his pack is in danger. So I sent them home. Izuku needs to be with his pack right now. So I would advise you to go straight there. Be prepared to cuddle, When Izuku gets like this His wolf demands cuddling with his pack." Aizawa explains.
"Oh shit, I get it Sensei if there is nothing else, I will head over there"
Aizawa waves him off. Kirishima high tails it out of there. He runs into Shoto outside of the classroom. Todoroki stops him.
"What happened with Midoriya?" Shoto asks.
Kirishima narrows his eyes, "Why do you want to know"
"I need to talk to him and Ace, I was going to talk to them later, but this is important." Shoto states.
"I don't suppose you would tell me huh?"
"I don't want many people to know before Izuku and Ace know." Shoto states looking at his hands.
"I see, will you follow me if I don't let you come."
"Probably, please let me come with you"
"Fine, when we get there stay behind me, I don't want to put you in danger. I saw the mark and so did Izuku he knows you are a match to Ace. But you haven't been introduced to his wolf yet. If Aizawa's warning is correct it won't be Izuku you will be meeting. So let me approach him first. If you accept this the let's go. If not, I'll let him know you need to talk to him."
"Thank you Kirishima, I'll listen to you." Shoto bows "Lead the way"
Kirishima smiles and starts an almost run to the train station taking the next train to the Midoriya residence. Shoto is a quiet shadow following Kirishima. When they approach the house he knocks, Inko opens the door she looks like she has been crying. He will ask her about it later, first he needs to check on Izuku. Inko lets them in "Are you here to see Izuku" At the boys nods she steps aside. The first thing the boys here is the whimpering coming from the other side of the house.
Kirishima casts a glance at Shoto "stay here, I'll check on him first. I'll send Ace out, It might be better that way." Shoto nods. Kirishima heads to the room at the end of the hall. He knocks and hears shuffling coming from the other side of the door. A few moments Luffy opens the door and smiles as he sees Kirishima.
"Kirishima!" Luffy calls excitedly. The wolf stops whining and yips at the new arrival. Kirishima enters the room and holds his palm out to the distressed wolf letting him verify that it is Kirishima. Not being mauled by Fuji, Kirishima sits next to Ace.
"Ace, Todoroki is here to speak with you. I didn't want him to follow me and end up in danger. If you don't want to talk to him, I'll send home." Kirishima whispers. The wolf growls but doesn't sound aggressive. Ace looks at the wolf and places his hand on the Wolf's snout. "I'll be right back" Fuji lets out an accepting growl.
Ace untangles himself from the puppy pile as the boys have affectionately called it. And approaches the door. He opens it and sees Shoto staring at his feet seemingly deep in thought. Ace approaches the other boy and clears his throat, startling the other boy out of his thoughts.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Ace starts.
"You are my match." Shoto states.
"I am." Ace confirms.
"I didn't grow up with a good impression of soulmates, my dad is not a good man and my mother is the reason I have this scar. I am not sure what I am supposed to do." Shoto looks at his hands again.
"What do you want?" Ace asks. At Todoroki's confused frown Ace clarifies "what do you want to happen between us. You have apparently known we were a match for a while. Is this why you have been watching me. Why approach me now? Is it because now I know?" Ace asks his confusion showing as frustration.
Shoto looks down in thought 'why didn't approach him before' 'is it because of my father' 'am I afraid?' Shoto can't answer these questions so he states what's on his mind maybe Ace could answer these questions. "I'm not sure what I want to come for this, I don't know what a good match is supposed to look like. When I first saw the mark on your shoulder, I was terrified. How did the universe match me to another fire user. I know I don't really know you but because of my father I am weary of other fire users. But I thought you could be different when I saw you protect us at USJ until Shanks came. What ever you want to come from this I will try my hardest to be that."
"I think I know why the universe matched us. I am not just a fire user. I am fire, I control fire, I create fire. If I wanted, I could shut off your fathers fire when he uses it. Here give me a small flame"
Shoto looks up at Ace eyes wide and fearful. He looks like he is going to refuse, Ace whispers "please, I think you need this." Shoto nods. He lifts his left-hand eyes still holding a deep seeded fear. He looks at Ace "can we do this outside. Please I don't trust myself"
Ace smiles "Yea, I get it. Come on." Shoto follows the other boy out when the boys reach the back yard. Ace turns to Shoto and smiles at him "Let loose, I promise I won't let you lose control like you did in the Sports Festival. At the time I didn't know that was unintentional"
Shoto doesn't deny it he lets his flames loose and watches as Ace raises a hand. Shoto is staring in awe as the flames get smaller and smaller until they feel like they are just under his skin. "See, I won't let you lose control. I can help you train it. That why you don't need to rely on your father. I want you to try something." Shoto nods Ace continues I want you to do what you just did, I will shrink the flames until you feel like you can control it I want you to stop me when you feel like you can recede the flames on your own." Shoto nods. He raises his left hand again and lets all his fire out. Ace immediately take control of it shrinking the flames down to about half in a moment. Then slowly starts shrinking the flames. After a couple of moment Ace can feel Shoto pulling on his control. Ace smirks Shoto can almost control about half his flames. Ace lets his control go slowly as Shoto's control gets stronger and stronger. Ace pulls his control away from the other boys flames, he watches as Shoto struggles to keep his control. Just before he is about to lose it Ace takes control again and controls his fire until it recedes. Shoto is sweating and gives a grateful smile toward Ace.
"To answer you question about what I want from this. Eventually I want everything. I'm selfish like that, but I can handle going slow. Right now I just need to know you trust me, communicate with me. Let me know what you want and what you are ready for, and that you will try. If you want to start as friends, I'm fine with that. If you can give me that I can promise my heart to you, when you are ready for it." Ace say completely seriously.
"I can do that." Shoto states like it's a fact. "but umm… What does everything mean to you?"
"I have grown up with Izuku and Katsuki being soulmates." Ace states. Shoto's eyes go wide. "No one knows outside of us 4 and Kirishima and now you. But yea they found out when they were 5. That is the biggest reason why Izuku lost control. Seeing Katsuki like that his wolf wanted to come out and destroy who ever put Blasty in that predicament. But eventually that is want I want I want someone who is everything to me and I am everything to. My lover, my best friend, the person who makes me the best version of myself. Eventually I want that. I want what Izuku and Blasty have. Izuku will drop everything for Katsuki."
"I can't promise you that yet" Shoto states a little sadly. If he is being honest with himself, he wants all that and more if it is possible. He hopes that this soulmate thing can completely consume him. "but I will try to get there for you"
"That's all I ask for." Ace smiles.
"Um can I ask you for a request" Shoto starts playing with his hands. Ace nods for him to continue, "you can say no if you want… but um you see I haven't seen my mother since this" Pointing to his face "but I know it was not her fault, she was driven to it by my father. Umm can you come with me tomorrow to visit her. She would be happy to know that I met my match"
Ace's eyes widen he was not expecting that kind of request. He smiles softly "If you want me there, I'll be there."
"Thank you, Ace." Shoto smiles. Then his eyes widen like he just remembered something "Do you think I can see Izuku. I need to thank him for helping me earlier"
"Yea stay behind me, and then ill introduce you. You shouldn't have a problem If Izuku is in control." Ace heads to the door. Shoto follows him like a shadow soon they approach the door Ace knocks. Kirishima Opens it and Ace strolls in he waves Shoto to follow him. He looks at Katsuki "Who's in charge?"
"Fuji still has control, but Izuku is awake." Katsuki states looking like he wants to pass out. If someone told Shoto that the boys cuddle with a massive wolf like a normal puppy we would have froze them and then for good measure set them on fire. But seeing the others look so comfortable with the wolf wrapped around them has changed his mind. He tenses as he watches Ace approach the giant face of the Wolf. Ace puts his hand over the wolfs nose and calls out "Hey Fuji, I brought someone, he's my match and a friend." The wolf lets out a whiney growl and Shoto is pretty sure if the Wolf could, it would be pouting. "He wants to talk to Izuku" the wolf lets out a disapproving growl. "I know you don't want to go back yet. But can Izuku hear what's going on." The wolf lets out a yip. Ace continues "Then can he approach. He's my match like Katsuki is Izuku's and Kirishima is Luffy's." The wolf looks over at Shoto, the massive wolf looks to be studying Shoto for a moment before he lowers his head. Ace smiles "Thank you Fuji" he then turns to Shoto. "Ok approach slowly with your hand up don't touch him when he bunts your hand your good."
Shoto slowly approaches holding out his left hand. He stops when his hand is about six inches away for the wolfs nose. He watches intrigued as the wolf sniffs his hand and then looks at him. Shoto holds his breath he doesn't know what to do, he can see the intelligence shining in those bright green eyes. The wolf lets out a grunt and then head butts his hand. Shoto is amazed at how soft the wolf feels, he is also shocked that the wolfs fir is made of Izuku's fire and gives off a slightly warm feeling to his hand. He is so mesmerized by the fir he continue to stroke it. Katsuki chuckles "It's soft huh, Icy-hot" Shoto pulls his hand away and watches as the wolf growls and hits Katsuki on the head with a tail. Katsuki whines at the treatment but reluctantly apologizes to Shoto. The wolf hearing this yips happily. Shoto has see the wolf while fighting, and during the second round of the Sport Festival; the wolf is terrifying when fighting, but like this cuddled up he looks completely harmless.
He looks into the wolfs eyes and starts talking to it "Fuji, right?" at the boys nods he continues "Fuji, I wanted to talk to Izuku about our fight earlier." The wolf lets out a quiet growl he didn't like how his pup purposely hurt himself to help someone. But he is an intelligent wolf he will listen to what this potential pup has to say. Shoto continues "I wanted to apologize for being so stubborn and not listening, I also wanted to thank him for not giving up on me. Even after I was so mean and rude to him. He still smiled and helped me even when I didn't ask. So thank you." Shoto bows, the wolf studies him no doubt looking for any signs of deceit. Not finding any he lets out a happy yip he nudges the boy with his snout trying to push him over.
Ace and Katsuki laugh at Shoto's confused face. Ace explains "He wants you to join the puppy pile." Shoto looks shocked. Katsuki adds "Good luck trying to tell him no. Kirishima tried once it did not end well for him."
Kirishima perks up hearing his name "Bakubro why, I didn't know that he would tackle me. That really hurt. Izuku was so upset for like a week because he thought he hurt me. Todobro, you don't need to worry Fuji looks terrifying when fighting but, in these cuddles, he is just a giant puppy." Kirishima laughed at the disgruntled growl coming from the wolf. The wolf kept nudging Todoroki, until he gave up at sat next to Ace. The wolf yipped happily and tightened his tails around his pack. He laid his head down so his head was on Katsuki. Katsuki smiled fondly as he run his fingers through the wolfs main. The boy's stayed like that for several hours as they all fell asleep curled up with the wolf.
The sun was setting when Izuku woke up he was still in wolf form; a low growl escaped his throat when he caught on to a new sent curled into him. It took him a moment to remember that Todoroki was here. He looks around the room and notice the boys are still sleeping curled up into him. He smiles a lays his head back down on Katsuki. He nudges Katsuki's stomach with his snout trying to wake the other boy. Katsuki groans as Izuku is nudging him, hand sleepily trying to swat away the annoyance. It takes Katsuki a couple of seconds to realize who is trying to wake him. He slowly opens his eyes and sees the wolf looking at him. Judging by the insistent nudging Izuku is in control. That means he probably wants to shift but he doesn't want to dislodge the other sleeping boys.
"Oi, wake up" Katsuki says a little loudly. Ace and Luffy wake up and look at Katsuki, he points to the wolf indicating that Izuku wants to shift. The two boys nod and shake their Soul Mates awake. Todoroki looks confused; where was he? When did he fall asleep? He looks around the room and sees the wolf and everything clicks together making him blush. He didn't mean to fall asleep, but it was so nice and warm; he felt safe. Ace smiles at him.
"You looked comfortable I didn't want to wake you, but Izuku wants to shift back. He was worried if he did you guys would have fell and gotten hurt." Ace stated with a smile.
Todoroki nods and sits up; he looks unsure of his step now that he will have to actually face Izuku. He watches as the wolf shifts Katsuki grabs a blanket and covers Izuku before he is completely in human form. Izuku gives Katsuki a gratitude filled smile "Thanks Kacchan" as he wraps the blanket around himself. He turns to Todoroki and studies him, Todoroki gulps, Ace hesitates putting his arm around the other boy so instead he shifts just a little closer.
"Sorry about that Todoroki, Fuji snapped seeing Kacchan chained up like an animal." Izuku tries to explain. "But umm… Can you fill me in on what happened when you got here. When fuji is in control I am mostly running on instincts so I'm a little shock to see you here. Not that I'm upset about it just confused."
Todoroki nods "I asked Kirishima if I could tag along, I needed to talk to Ace and I was hoping to talk to you." Not knowing if Izuku was mad he quickly added "I think Kirishima was trying to get me to stand down and come another day, but I didn't listen. I think the only reason why he let me follow was because he needed to get here fast." The silence continued so Todoroki added "I probably would have followed him though, so I think he was also looking out for my safety, or something."
"Ah ok… so what did you want to talk about." Izuku asked.
"Well I wanted to apologize for my behavior during the match, I didn't think you would go so far for someone you barely know." Todoroki started.
"It's ok, I've already forgiven you" Izuku states with a smile.
"You must be a little crazy then" Todoroki states shocked.
"Perhaps, Kacchan does like how forgiving I am. But I have a good judgement of character" Izuku brushes of the statement.
"Any ways I also wanted to thank you." Todoroki continues.
Izuku and the others are confused, Izuku looks at Todoroki "What for?"
Todoroki looks down at his left hand "When I used my fire against you for the second time, for that moment I felt truly free. Free in a way I never thought I could be; for that moment I forgot all about my father. I don't know if it is a good or bad thing; or if it even matters. But thanks to you I finally feel I can make this decision on my own." Todoroki finishes with a bow.
Izuku wants to say something but the only thing he can think of is "You're Welcome." He glances at Ace and notices that the other fire user is hovering near Todoroki, Izuku smiles "Did you get to talk to Ace?"
Todoroki and Ace both blush "Yea, I wanted to ask you something else. It's a bit personal though"
"What is it, if its too personal I'll tell you." Izuku says reassuring the other boy.
Again Todoroki looks down at his left hand "As you can imagine I don't know what good soulmates look like. When I was talking to Ace, he asked me what I wanted; I'm not sure. So I guess um my question is you and Bakugo are soulmates, right? What is it like?"
Izuku looks at Ace and sees the guilty look he is faced with 'that explains how Todoroki found out'. "Um it's a little personal and it's not just me Kacchan needs to be ok telling you." Izuku looks at Katsuki.
Katsuki huffs he doesn't like talking about his feeling for the nerd but if this helps Icy hot and Matchstick well fine. "Whatever"
"I'm not sure our relationship will help you Todoroki, I have know Kacchan since we were 3, known we were soulmates since we were five. We have always just done what feels natural. We protect each other, we comfort each other, we laugh together, we do everything together." Katsuki starts blushing and sputtering "Shuddup Nerd!" he tries to hide his heated face behind his hands. Izuku laughs bright and happily, Katsuki gulps that laugh does things to him.
Todoroki looks between the two soulmates he notices the way even though Katsuki looks embarrassed face a blushing mess; he can see the soft smile tugging at the corner of his mouth and his eyes twinkling in awe as if Izuku's laugh is the most beautiful sound he has ever heard. While watching the boys now and going over all their interactions in class with this new information he thinks he gets it. "I see" Todoroki voice is soft.
Hearing Todoroki speak seems to snap the two boys out of their own little world. Izuku clears his throat "But even then, it still takes work with out being completely open about your feelings and just assuming that you know everything about the other can backfire. The last match of the Sports Festival was proof of that. I assumed that Kacchan was ok after the USJ Incident and that he would be ok with my injuries because I can heal them. I learned that he was not over the USJ incident and my actions today hurt him." He looks at Katsuki a miserable look on his face "I'm so sorry Kacchan"
Katsuki holds the distressed boy in a hug "I know Nerd. You also promised you would do everything you can to come back to me. As long as that doesn't change, I think I can forgive you."
"I want that." Todoroki wistfully says, not realizing he spoke out loud. Ace looks at him in shock; huh he guesses he didn't go unheard. He turns to Ace "I understand what you mean now by everything. I want that too."
Ace smiles "I can give you that." He looks down cheeks pinkening "Umm can I maybe umm never mind, It's too soon." Todoroki doesn't know what came over him, but he leans into Ace and sighs just a little happily. Ace takes a chance and puts his arm around the other boy, when he is not pushed away immediately he tightens his hold just a little bit.
I got the idea for the closing ceremony from SensiblyTainted's story Unto the Breach. I needed a reason for Katsuki to be in chains, for the League to have a reason to Kidnap him later. I think I changed it enough to make it mine but the over all idea wasn't mine and I give credit to them for the idea. Also the fight between Izuku and Katsuki was practically based on their Ground beta fight but the emotions and words are different. Thank you to everyone how has left kudos and comments on the story I really appreciate it.
Next Chapter will have our boys back in school and choosing hero names I am open to ideas for hero names thought I have some picked out already.
Until Next time:
Kats 1X
