I know it's only been a day. I KNOW! But I'm honestly excited to get started, and considering the great support, I just couldn't stop myself. So, here's the new chapter! Also, keep on voting on the poll on my profile, considering it's ex aequo right now.
Warning: Kira's language, Kira's drive and Kira's craziness.
Enjoy!
It was the day of the Sports Festival, at last. People were slowly filling the seats of the arena, impatient for the event to start. Stands of snacks were flood by visitors, and the numerous media were all over the place.
Normally, the stage of the third years would be the one everyone waited for. This year, though, it was the first years who occupied the spotlight. With the well-known Class 1-A from the Villain attack on USJ and the son of the famous Endeavor fighting, one couldn't afford to miss it. Number of Pro Heroes were also present as well. After all, they were to use the opportunity to scout out future Heroes for their Agencies. Maybe even a personal sidekick, who knew?
"I'll take one order of takoyaki, please. And no green seaweed."
"M-Mount Lady!" The love-struck vendor blushed heavily, instantly starting to prepare the Hero's order. "T-that'll be five hundred yen..."
While the woman used her natural charms to make the poor man drop the price a little, Death Arms glanced at the banners hanging to the walls of the arena. On those were written the names of all the kids who would be participating in the event.
"Looking for someone in particular already?" wondered Kamui Wood, curious as to whom could have drawn his fellow Hero's attention of the sort.
"Aa. She's... Oh, there she is." He smirked a little when he found her name. "Suttoki Kira. A real spitfire, that one. Better look out for her."
"Impressed already? You met her before?" The man blinked, surprised at such praises. He then shook his head. "Too bad we're here for security this year. I really wanted to do some scouting too."
Death Arms nodded in agreement while Mount Lady returned to them with her takoyaki, which she ended up getting for free. He honestly was disappointed that he wouldn't see the kid fight, but held no doubt that she'd stand out easily. With her attitude and her Quirk, she would get noticed soon enough.
He did recommend her, after all. He didn't do that for just any random kid.
Good luck, brat.
.
.
"Aw, man!" whined Ashido. "I wanted to wear my costume!"
"To keep everything fair, we can't," answered Ojiro with a shrug.
"Yeah, I mean, some people are really paranoid so they include more or less anything that comes to mind to their costumes," agreed Kirishima, rolling his eyes. "Like four lighters, or a retractable staff, or even rollerblades, why not?"
Everyone instantly snapped their eyes at Kira, who offered a sheepish smile.
"I-I wonder what's the first round going to be…" Sato was shaking a little due to his nervousness.
"No matter what comes, we have no choice but to deal with it," replied Tokoyami, crossing his arms.
"Aa," agreed Shoji.
"Everyone!" Iida suddenly slammed the door open, startling them. "Are you ready? We will be entering soon!"
Instantly, the air tensed. All knew that, in a few minutes, a life-changing event was about to start. They started fidgeting in place, no longer speaking.
Kira felt restless, excitement winning her over little by little.
"Midoriya."
The boy turned to Todoroki, who was now facing them with a blank expression. Everyone started listening, wondering what all this was about.
"What is it, Todoroki-kun?" inquired Kira. "Something wrong?"
"Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than you," the boy ignored her, eyes fixated on the green-haired teen.
Well, way to be blunt, the ginger sweatdropped.
"However… All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?" Aw, fuck. He's figuring it out already? "I'm not trying to pry about that. But, I'm going to beat you."
Tensed silence ensued, until Kaminari whistled lowly.
"Ooh? Is the strongest in the class making a declaration of war?" he mused.
"Oi, oi, oi," Kirishima however tried to intervene, stepping between the two. "Why are you picking a fight all of sudden? Not now, we're about to start!"
"We're not here to play at being friends," Todoroki shrugged him off, turning on his heels to walk away. "So what does it matter?"
"Todoroki-kun," Izuku then cut in, fists tightening. "I don't know what you're thinking when you say you'll beat me, but of course you're better than me. I think you're more capable then most people… Looking at it objectively…" He took a small breath. "However, everyone… The students from the other courses are aiming for the top with everything they've got! I-I can't afford to fall behind. And so… I'll be going for it with everything I have, too."
"… Aa."
"Aw, how sweet!" Kira was suddenly up and slinging an arm over Izuku's shoulders, startling the poor boy. "Already got a rival, eh? Though I gotta admit, Todoroki-kun, I feel kind of offended. If you start underestimating me, or everyone else for that matter… Well, let's just say that you might end up burnt by your casualness. We wouldn't want that, now, would we?"
While it was sweet and all to see Izuku forming a rivalry of his own, she didn't like to have her strength so easily questioned, or ignored.
To everyone's surprise, Todoroki's lips twitched upward for half-a-second, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "Of course."
"Great!" she beamed at him. "Now let's go, guys! Let's get this show on the road!"
Her cheerfulness was contagious, and her classmates started cheering along.
"Hai!"
.
.
The fiery teen could barely contain her excitement. As they stepped onto the field and the cheers of the visitors thundered all around, her heart started beating faster.
This is it. After all this time, the Sport Festival is about to start.
"The U.A. Sports Festival! The huge battle where fledgling Heroes sharpen their swords once a year! Anyway, these are the guys, right? The miraculous new stars who overcame enemy attacks with their hearts of steel! Hero Course, Class 1-A, right!?"
"Sure, let's make even more enemies by painting a target on our backs," muttered Kira.
"You have no place to complain, you're the one who edged them on in the first place!" Kirishima whacked her behind the head.
"Hey, not my fault it they're so goddamn susceptible!"
"Not helping!"
"They haven't been getting as much airtime, but this class is also full of talent! Hero Course, Class 1-B! And next up, General Studies Classes C, D and E! Then comes in Support Course Classes F, G and H! And finally here's Business Course Classes I, J and K! All of U.A.'s first years are here now!"
Kira could see the many glares directed her way. Hell, she could feel them. She simply ignored them, though. If they couldn't get over that little altercation from a month ago, then they weren't worth much more than that.
I'm getting too sure of myself. I wasn't so hot either a few days earlier. Don't let your guard down, girl! You've worked too hard to get here today.
She easily spot the purple-haired boy from general studies, and also the hotheaded one from Class 1-B. They both seemed rather determined to make it to the finals.
Good. I don't want to hold myself back.
"Now, students!" then exclaimed Midnight, standing on the stage. "It is time for the player pledge! Representing the students is Bakugo Katsuki from Class 1-A!"
Confused murmurs followed as the bomber slowly started making his way towards the stage, expression aloof.
"What? It's Kacchan?"
"He ended up in first place in the exams, remember?" Kira scowled a little at the memory.
"Tche," scoffed suddenly a girl, farther away. She had apparently overhead. "In the Hero Course."
"Ah ah, right…" Damn, someone's moody.
"She seems to hate us," sweatdropped Mineta.
"Gee, wonder why," Kirishima glared at the ginger, though amusement shone in his eyes despite all.
"Will you drop it already? It's been a fucking month!" she protested.
"Quiet!" then snapped Midnight, drawing back everyone's attention. "Let your representative speak!"
They all fell silent at that. Those of Class 1-A –meaning all those who actually knew Bakugo- tensed a little in anticipation. Would he do a normal pledge? No chance, it was the mad bomber. He'd more than probably provoke everyone just because he could.
Better brace ourselves for the hell that's about to start, Kira was smiling, though.
"I pledge… that I'll be number one."
Instantly, heavy protests from the students echoed as they cursed at him and shook their fists, obviously not appreciating to be pushed aside so easily.
"Stop messing around!"
"Stop being so full of yourself!"
"Damn you, Class A!"
"You sludge bastard!" Can't believe people still remember that one.
"Why are you doing something so disgraceful!?" scolded Iida, livid.
"At least become a nice bouncy step for me to jump off of," retorted flatly the blond.
"HOW OVERCONFIDENT CAN YOU GET!?" That was the boy from Class B. "I'll crush you!"
Kira couldn't stop herself. She tried, really, but she just couldn't.
"Pff… ah ah ah ah ah!"
Her laughing fit gained many, many glares, and also many more confused expressions. Her friends just stared at her in disbelief and mild worry.
"That's Bakugo for you, guys!" she grinned, slamming her fist into her palm. "Yosh, I'm all fired up! I'll kick your ass, Spikey, just you wait!"
He snorted. "Try all you want, Carrot. You're no match."
"Say that when you're handed the silver medal."
"Bitch."
"Jerk."
They were both grinning madly, though.
Amazing, Izuku watched everything happen with awe. They're having a civil conversation!
It was time to cut to the chase, though. The Sports Festival was about to start, after all.
"Now, let's get started right away!" exclaimed Midnight. "The first game is what you'd call a qualifier! Every year, many drink their tears here! Now, here is the fateful first game! This year, it's…"
Everyone watched as, on the screen, the name 'OBSTACLE RACE' appeared.
"This! All eleven classes will participate in this race. The course will be the outer circumference of this stadium- about four kilometers! Our school's selling point is freedom and so…" A somewhat vicious glint danced in her eyes. "As long as you stay on the course, it doesn't matter what you do! Now, take your places everyone!"
A free-for-all. Everything is permitted, every trick is allowed. It'll be everyone for themselves in this trial.
All students quickly gathered at the sole exit, the starting line of the race. Kira instantly glared at the tunnel. It was narrow, everyone would get stuck after a few seconds.
Wait behind, then go above.
She lingered behind the group, crouching and slowly gathering her energy, her limbs quickly warming up. One of her strongest point was her stamina, she'd use it to her advantage. Her Quirk would be used to deal with the obstacles, and she'd enhance her speed for five seconds every minute.
"Three!"
Ren…
"Two!"
You better watch this…
"One!"
'Cause I'm about to burn the stage.
"START!"
Instantly, Kira blocked out the useless noise of the crowd and Present Mic's animation. She waited two more seconds, before she too started to run. As planned, all of the students were now stuck in the tunnel, struggling and shoving those around to try and pass through.
Idiots!
She propelled herself and started jumping from wall to wall so as to pass above everyone. As she did so, a cold wind picked up. Suddenly understanding what was about to happen, the girl gave one last burst of energy and somehow managed to escape the tunnel. A second later, ice burst outside and started freezing the wall and ground, along with all of the students still inside.
Harsh, Todoroki-kun, she rose back to her feet as the boy passed her without another glance. But fair. He's not holding back, so I won't either!
As she propelled herself forward once again, she narrowed her eyes. Before her were now Todoroki, but also Bakugo, Kirishima, Yaoyorozu and… Aoyama?
Nu-uh, not happening!
She accelerated the pace. As she moved even faster, she realized that many more people had been able to dodge Todoroki's trap than first thought. Annoyed and amused at the same time, she kept on running. Most knew what her Quirk was like, so using it right now would give away what little she could actually do.
As long as I qualify. I need to keep that move a secret for a while longer. However, I can't just settle for a last place either. If I want to leave my mark… then it starts now.
Her sports clothes had been adapted to resist to the heat her body could produce, but she had never tested its full limits.
Let's just hope it'll hold!
Her body getting hotter and hotter, the people around and ahead started to blur along with her surroundings as she picked up her pace even more. Her former plan of using her stamina would have to adapt to the situation at hand: her classmates had become much stronger than anticipated.
She stopped just in time to avoid getting hit by a gigantic robot. The heat instantly dying down as she suddenly came to a stop, she realized that Mineta had been the one who activated the first obstacle.
Poor guy. Surprised he made it this far, though.
She fell into stance, ready to defend herself as more robots came out. They were the same that had been used during the Entrance Exams, the faux Villains.
"Why am I not surprised… But no matter!"
Todoroki-kun's about to do something… She crouched, and Izuku instantly realized what craziness she was about to indulge in.
"W-wait, Kicchan!"
Now!
Ignoring Izuku's worried call, she dashed forward. At the same moment, Todoroki used his Quirk to go on the offensive, freezing the one blocking their path. Kira had already passed between its legs, though, not waiting for the procedure to finish. After all, its not like the boy's Quirk would have affected her.
She could hear Todoroki's steps behind her. Grinning to herself, she accelerated the pace. Those few seconds of lead could be put to good use.
"Todoroki from Class A! He attacked and defended with one hit! Amazing, he's the first one- No, wait! Would you look at that? Suttoki from Class A used her classmate's diversion as her own to make her way through!"
On the screens, they could now see through the icy fog a ginger mane. Then, the fiery teen burst through, her step unfaltering. Just behind her was the icy-hot boy.
"A clear show of cleverness from Suttoki! Is it me or has she ended up in the lead without showing any of her moves yet!? Awesome!"
"GET THEM, SIS!" cheered Ren loudly. "SHOW THEM WHAT YOU'VE GOT!"
Todoroki narrowed his eyes at the ginger just ahead of him. It wasn't by much, but he'd have to remedy to the situation, and fast. However, his Quirk would be useless against her at the moment. The goal wasn't to fight, and she was practically immuned to his ice.
She suddenly slowed her pace, though he understood why when the second obstacle of the course came into view.
They both stop at the edge of a ravine. It was large, way too much for it to be crossed in one go. They'd have to use the wires linking different pillars to cross. The two of them exchanged a glance, before darting into opposites directions.
Don't be afraid to fall, the girl kept her eyes ahead of her as she reached the first wire. If it does happen, you can still use that move to go back up.
She was much less faster, though. Todoroki was already through halfway. Cursing under her breath, she threw all precautions to the wind and started running onto the wires. Thanks to the training she had undergone with All Might, her balance had greatly improved. As long as she kept her steps certain, then she'd get through.
Behind, loud exclamations could be heard. It would seem the rest of the students had finally passed the first barrier. Refusing to loose her lead anymore than she already had, Kira decided move things a little.
Grabbing the lighter hidden in her boot, she pulled out a flame and, using it as an accelerator, started jumping from pillar to pillar. She had been allowed to take one, much to her surprise, considering that she couldn't use her Quirk to its full potential if she didn't. She had had loads of papers to sign, getting a formal autorisation and all, but it was worth it. However, if she lost it, then she wasn't allowed to get another one. She had been hoping to keep it hidden a little longer, but what mattered now was to get ahead.
As she stepped onto the firm ground on the other side of the ravine, Bakugo suddenly passed above her head, literally flying thanks to his explosions.
"Argh, damn it!" She started running again.
She didn't mind getting second or third place if it ever ended up like that. Really, she didn't! But she refused to loose to Bakugo, of all people.
No fucking way!
As she started gaining back her earlier pace progressively, Present Mic announced that the first place had already reached the third barrier.
A landmine, really!?
No matter, I can get through.
As she arrived, Todoroki was already well advanced. However, that particular obstacle put those in the lead in a bad position, since it forced them to slow down. Just ahead of her, Bakugo ignored the odds and simply used his Quirk to fly over the minefield.
I can't do the same, I don't have enough control for that. If I time my Quirk and the explosions, though…
Narrowing her eyes, she finally came to a stop and kicked a rock onto one of the hidden mines. It exploded a heartbeat later, loud and flashy, as promised.
I can work with that.
With no further hesitation, she jumped onto the nearest mine.
"Would you look at that!? We have a new first place! Rejoice, mass media, 'cause it's the kind of development you guys love! And- wait, Suttoki seems back in business as well! B-but what is she planning? Wait, is she- NO WAY!"
Everyone gasped as the girl jumped onto the mine next to her.
"KIRA!" Ren jumped to his feet, going pale.
The explosion followed, everyone expecting her to be blown away. However, as the smoke cleared, all could see that she had used her fire and the shock of the explosion to fly through the minefield. She landed onto another mine, though it seemed calculated, and effectuated the exact same stunt.
Soon enough, she gained a steady pace and started closing in onto the two boys now literally fighting for the lead.
"Believe it or not, people, but Suttoki is still going strong! Could she have a chance to get ahead again!?"
Ren let out a shaky breath, falling back onto his seat.
His sister was going to be the death of him, seriously.
Kira grinned as Todoroki and Bakugo suddenly appeared, just a few meters before her. They were still exchanging weak blows to try and surpass the other.
"Passing through!" she exclaimed, flying above their heads.
As she landed, though, a gigantic explosion happened in the back. The shock and the sudden wind made her stumble, but she managed to stay on her feet. However, just like the two boys now behind her, she couldn't move.
"I-IZUKU!?"
The boy had stolen her idea, using a scrap of metal from the robots from earlier to use as some sort of rocket.
By the time she snapped out of it, the green-haired boy had gotten in the lead.
Fuck! Move!
Shaking her head violently, she forced her legs to move. Her best friend had gotten way, way ahead of her and the rest now. Behind her were now pursuing Todoroki and Bakugo, but she'd be damned if she let them surpass her again.
"Incredible! Suttoki is moving again, hot on Midoriya's heels, and Todoroki and Bakugo stopped fighting to chase after them! What a turn of event!"
Kira finally caught up to him, but so did the other two. As the three ended up running with their elbows almost touching, Midoriya suddenly caught his fall by using the two boys as bouncing steps and hitting the mines hidden before them.
The following explosion blew them away, but sent Midoriya crashing forward. He somehow landed back onto his feet, and kept on running.
After another second, Kira came out from the fog, not slowing down. The explosion had been a minor setback, but she had been free to move as she pleased to handle it, contrarily to Todoroki and Bakugo.
Izuku's too far ahead, I won't be able to catch up… unless I use the last of my speed in a single burst. I'll have to do this right, though.
She slowed her pace somewhat, ignoring as the two boys suddenly dashed ahead of her. She kept focusing ahead while she gathered the energy in her legs and feet. Then, as the four of them entered the tunnel leading back inside stadium, she released everything.
The sudden burst of energy sent her flying through the tunnel. Literally. Passing by two very stunned teenagers, she however had no time to rejoice: the speed was too much for her to handle. Izuku barely made it back inside first when she violently collided into him, sending the both of them crashing in the dirt. They made a few barrels before finally stopping, the both of them panting harshly and lying on their backs on the ground.
"K-Kicchan… why…?"
"S-sorry…"
"Amazing, amazing! Midoriya Izuku gets first place, people! Yeah! And what a spectacular entry for second place, Suttoki Kira! Then they're all coming one after the other! We'll make a list of the official results in a few moments but for now, good work everyone!"
As more and more students started coming in, Kira let out a raspy laugh. The sudden burst of energy had drained her completely. She'd be back into shape after a few minutes but for now, she'd stay down.
"Y-you were amazing… Izuku…" she panted out, unable to hide her proud smile. "F-first place, uh? Guess you really… really are taking this seriously… after all…"
"I-I told… I told you, didn't I?" he replied, wheezing a little. "I-I'm very grateful for this s-stamina… stamina training you and All Might put… put me through, though…"
"Ah! I bet… I bet you are…"
The ginger wasn't frustrated. In fact, she was pretty damn happy. Not only did she get second place, but her best friend was first –something Izuku really deserved, if you asked her- and, more of all, she hadn't revealed any of moves during the first task.
Second Place? I can deal with that.
For now, of course. I too am aiming for the top, after all.
.
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"The first game of the first-year stage is finally over. Now, take a look at the results!"
On the screens then appeared the face of Izuku, along with his first rank. Followed suit Kira's grinning face, who was making a peace sign and the number 2. Then appeared Todoroki in third, and Bakugo in fourth. In fifth was a girl from Class B with vines for hair, Shiozaki. Honenuki, Iida, Tokoyami were close behind, and it kept going until it reached the forty-second student, a certain Hatsume Mei.
"The top forty-two made it through!" announced Midnight. "It's unfortunate, but don't worry even if you didn't make it! We've prepared other chances for you to shine. Now, the real competition begins next! The press cavalry will be all over it! Give it your all! Now, then, here is the second game. I already know what it is, but what could it be? What could it be?"
She really likes torturing the students, sweatdropped Kira.
"I just said it, and now here it is… the Cavalry Battle!"
Shit. A team event? That means everyone in the team has to pass, right? Kira wasn't good when it came to teaming up.
"Allow me to explain," Midnight pursued. "The participants can form teams of two to four people, as they wish. It's basically the same as a regular cavalry battle, but the one thing that's different is… based on the results of the last game, each person has been assigned a point value. The points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom! So, forty-second place gets five points, forty-first gets ten points, and so on and so on… until the first place, which point value is… ten million!"
Suddenly, Kira felt very happy not to have landed in first place.
Poor Izuku… But wait. Doesn't that mean I'm worth more points than anyone else after him?
"Aa! It's survival of the fittest, with a chance for those a the bottom to overthrow the top! Those at the top will always suffer more. You'll hear this many times as you attend U.A.! This is what 'Plus Ultra' means." She then grinned, pointing at the green-haired boy. "As you all now understand, Midoriya Izuku, who attained first place in the qualifier, is worth ten million points! Now, then, I shall explain the rest of the rules. The time limit is fifteen minutes! Each team is worth the total of its members' points, and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their foreheads. Teams will try to grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So, the more you steal and the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is that even if your headband gets stolen, or if your team falls, you're not out!"
Kira rubbed her chin, deep in thoughts. It meant there would always be at least ten teams on the field, and so constant danger. But then again, that meant that only the teams with the most points, at the end, would pass to the next round of the games.
You have to defend and attack at the same time…
"During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your Quirks. However! It is still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose. You'll be removed immediately! And now… you have fifteen minutes to make your teams! Start!"
I would team up with Izuku but, on the other hand, I really want to try and get those ten millions… Or do I? What's really important is the fighting part that comes afterward… Then again, who'd want to work with me? I'm worth two-hundred and five points, that's bound to get unwanted attention.
But maybe…
A grin stretched Kira's lips as an idea slowly formed in her mind.
It's crazy!
It's so crazy… that it might very well work.
.
.
"Raise those battle cries, people! Open wide your eyes, because twelve cavalry teams are lined up on the field! It's time for U.A.'s bloody battle! Light the signal fire, and- wait. WAIT! I can't- I can't believe it! Are you seeing what I'm seeing, people!? Midoriya Izuku… Suttoki Kira… Todoroki Shoto… Bakugo Katsuki… the four students in the lead, the four first places… have formed a TEAM! I can't believe my eyes! The four apparent strongest have made an alliance for the second round of today's festival! Their team is worth ten million and six hundred points!"
"I can't believe you got me into this, Carrot."
"I can't believe I accepted this."
"I can't believe you thought of this, Kicchan."
"I can't believe it even worked, morons. Give me a break!"
Izuku tightened the headband around his forehead. Bakugo, acting as the left horse, was scowling very angrily. All could see he was still pondering over whether or not it was a good idea. Shoto, the middle horse, held a blank face. And Kira, the right horse, still couldn't understand exactly how she had convinced them all to work together.
Well, Izuku had been fairly easy to convince. He was desperate for teammates, after all. Todoroki and Bakugo had taken much more efforts, but she easily shut them up when pointing out that this game wasn't what they were all aiming for. They all wanted to fight each other in the finals, and the only way for this plan to work was for all of them to pass through the second round.
And maybe, just maybe, she used a little of guilt-tripping and blackmailing too. Kind of dirty, but who cares? She got what she wanted, in the end.
But it worked. They actually accepted.
I never thought they'd accept! Seriously, what the ever loving-
"I will kill you, Carrot," spat Bakugo, just next her. "I swear to God, you'll pay for ever having that idea once we're done here."
"Well one way or another, as long as we pass to the next round, then all's good," she shrugged, rolling her shoulders. Izuku was kind of heavy, after all. "Todoroki-kun, what teams do you suggest we watch out for?"
The dual-haired boy sighed, knowing it was too late to back out anyway. What was he supposed to say when the girl not-so-subtly brought up that time where he tried to attack her during rescue training? He did owe her, kind of.
"The team ahead of us, composed of Iida, Tokoyami, Kirishima and Hanta."
The ginger looked ahead. Tokoyami was on top, with Iida acting as the main horse, Kirishima for the left horse, and Hanta as the right horse. Speed, strength, protection, long range; that was what defined their team.
"You better hang on tight, Izuku!" warned the girl.
"Yosh, all teams are made! I'm not going to ask if you're ready or not! Now let's go, counting down to the brutal battle royal! Three!"
"I'll have your head, Carrot!"
"Two!"
"I'm expecting a worthy match after this," Todoroki gritted his teeth.
"One!"
"I-I'm counting on you guys!" Midoriya was scared for his life, seriously.
"Start!"
"Let's go!"
Instantly, all of the students started running towards their little group. Not wasting a second, Todoroki made a wall of ice rise between them and the rest of the teams.
"We should just fucking knock them all out," Katsuki gritted his teeth. "We can't just stay still!"
"Wait!" ordered Izuku, eyes narrowed on the walls of ice. "Just wait a little more…"
The blond cursed under his breath, but stayed still. Kira tensed, gathering her flames and building up the heat.
"A little more…" The three students bent their knees, awaiting the signal. "Just wait…" The ice suddenly cracked. "Now!"
"Takeoff!"
In a synchronized movement, both Katsuki and Kira activated their Quirks, sending the whole group flying above the wall of ice as it burst into pieces under them. The girl grinned a little as she realized their strategy had worked. As planned, all of the cavalry groups had gathered around the ice wall to try and break through first, thus forming a barricade all around them. By using the moment between the explosion of the wall and the reaction time of the groups, they had easily passed that barricade.
"Landing!" called the girl.
She stopped her flames as Todoroki formed an ice slide under their feet, their team simply sliding back to safe ground, at a safe distance from the different groups that only then realized the trap.
"Great, now what?" Katsuki wanted to strangle someone, he really did. Hopefully the damn ginger. "They'll be after us for the whole time!"
"No, they won't," however answered Todoroki, eyes narrowed. "Look."
"Uh?"
Effectively, the barricade of teams had broken up and, now, all teams were attacking each other. After all, they couldn't simply focus on getting Izuku's headband, or else they'd risk getting stuck with the one they had at the moment, which obviously wasn't the best option for most of them.
"Incoming!" warned Izuku.
Obviously, Tokoyami's team wasn't about to give up so easily.
"Run or fight?" asked Kira, readying for both.
"Let's take them on!" exclaimed Katsuki, itching for a fight.
"R-right. Let's go!" agreed Izuku. "Todoroki-kun, be ready!"
"Aa."
They too started running towards the team. As soon as they were close enough, Todoroki covered the ground in ice. Instantly, Iida lost his footing, and was forced to focus on keeping his balance rather than his speed. Katsuki sent an array of explosions around them to act as a diversion, while Kira used her flames to stop Dark Shadow from getting any closer to Izuku. Tokoyami instantly retracted his Quirk, knowing it to be weakened by light.
Both teams ended up having to move away so as to avoid collision, and Kira cheered as the enemy group slid farther away thanks to Todoroki's ice.
Her joy was of short notice, though, as she noticed a growing shadow on the ground. Eyes widening, she shot a look above their heads, and cursed.
"Above!"
Reacting instantly, Todoroki formed a dome of ice around them. However, it was blasted to pieces by Yaoyorozu's arm-canon. Gritting her teeth, Kira used her flames to forcefully move their group away, nearly sending all of them to the ground. The dangerous manoeuver however allowed them to escape the attack, and their opponents landed a few meters away.
Yaoyorozu had the headband tied around her forehead, with Ashido acting as the middle horse, Uraraka as the left one and a pink-haired girl with weird glasses as the right one. They had used Uraraka's anti-gravity to make all of the team members weightless, and then used the girl's inventions to direct them in the air.
"Shoot! We missed our surprise attack!" Uraraka clenched her fists.
"We can still take them on!" assured Ashido. "Let's go!"
"W-wait!" Yaoyorozu tried to stop her, but it was too late.
The pink girl propelled the whole group ahead thanks to her acid. Hatsume Mei, the pink-haired girl, helped out by activating one of her inventions to gain even more speed. Uraraka used her Quirk again to make them go faster.
"They're coming back!" exclaimed Kira.
"Tokoyami too!" warned Todoroki, glancing behind them.
"Oi, Carrot!" snapped Katsuki. "Get ready to jump!"
"Jump- oh. Oh!" Her eyes widened in understanding, and she prepared herself. "Izuku, give the signal!"
"H-hai!"
Both teams started closing in, going faster and faster. Being on top, Izuku could clearly see when they would be in range of their own team. Tensing a little, he took a short breath.
"Takeoff!"
Instantly, the bomber and the pyromaniac activated their Quirks, sending the whole team in the air once again. As Todoroki took care of the landing, Kira glanced back to the two teams.
As hoped, they had collided due to their speed. Both teams had fallen to the ground, though no one seemed actually hurt.
She then blinked, realizing something. "Wait, why aren't we on the ground yet?"
"No way! I-I can't believe this! These kids of Class A are simply hilarious! Never has it been said that one needed to stay on the ground, and they have exploited this loophole to the best of their abilities! Look at this, just look at THIS!"
They were on an ice platform, so to speak. Many, many meters above ground, held in the air by a single pillar of ice.
They were basically untouchable.
"So what, we're staying up there for… nine more minutes?" blinked the fiery teen.
Katsuki grunted in defeat, Izuku chuckled sheepishly, and Todoroki simply shrugged. She chuckled at that, shaking her head.
"This is the worst cavalry battle ever."
"You put the strongest students all in one team, what did you expect?" snorted Katsuki, glancing at the still fighting teams below.
"… am I dreaming?" gasped the ginger. "Or did Spikey just said strongest students, with an s? So what, the grand Bakugo finally admits that others can be strong? The gasp! Hey, you okay? Do you have a fever or anything? Or are you dying?"
"You might be stronger than those flies, but you're still an annoying pest, Carrot!" snapped back the blond.
"Oh, he's fine," she sighed in false relief. "Nevermind."
"Damn bitch…"
Izuku laughed nervously, and Todoroki simply kept silent.
After another minute or so, though, the platform started shaking. Apparently, one of the teams wanted them to come back down, and was attacking the pillar. Obviously not in the mood, the dual-haired boy slammed his foot down, and there was a wave of cold.
"What'd you do?" wondered Kira, curious.
"Reinforced the pillar. No one's breaking through."
"Oh, okay."
Needless to say… the last seven minutes of the cavalry battle were pretty boring.
I'm not sorry. I'm really, really not. In fact, I find it all pretty hilarious. Think about it: Kira's kind of insane, Izuku's desperate, Shoto is too sweet for his own good and so blackmail works too well on him, and Katsuki's actually pretty brilliant. Of course they'd agree to team up. This was the "only" way for them to make sure they would ALL pass and end up fighting each other.
For those who might not remember: any student was allowed to have material (like Hatsume or Aoyama) as long as they asked for a formal permission before the festival.
Don't forget to keep on voting, and I hope you enjoyed the first part of the Sports Festival!
Plus Ultra!