Chapter 9: The Start of the Sports Festival
"Excuse me, sir?" Silencer said as he stepped out of the shadows. "It appears they are still planning on going through with the UA Sports Festival".
"They are? Hmmm. So, they have decided to brave the unknown. I suppose that means, we will need to have a move of our own made".
"Sir?"
"Encountering that person was unexpected, and the bomb failed. Furthermore, my brainwashing was broken. Its extremely bothersome...but, I think there is someone who can bring us to the state we require. There is some risk, but...that person should do the job just fine".
"And what of the one who disappeared partway through...Azaken-kun?"
"That brat...he might act insane, childish, stupid, but dont be fooled. Somewhere in there is a mind with an insane level of intelligence. Making a move against him would be foolish, and who knows. He might act in a way that we can take advantage of, though we should be careful not to meddle too much. He is a good ally to have, but a dangerous enemy also".
"You think he will in some way mess with the sports arena?"
"He bowed out earlier then he planned, which means he has not used all of that built up childish whim he had. Without a doubt, in some way, he will mess with the Sports Festival".
Azaken giggled in delight as he plopped down on the couch, wearing just a white T shirt and orange boxers. He was watching the TV, and could not help but shake with excitement over what he was watching.
"Did you see this, Yurei?" he called out with joy. "They are still doing the Sports Festival! How interesting!"
As he said that, a young woman stepped out of the shadows, wearing an inky black yukata with patterns of Red Spider Lilies at the hems, and with her brown hair let down. She had a mask at her side, which she would always wear when going outside. But with Azaken, when it was just the two of them relaxing here at their hideout, or "home", they were far more casual with each other, as if they were siblings or dating or even married.
Yurei was also a well known Villain name, often appearing along with Azaken. Although she was known for sometimes doing good, her methods and willingness to do anything to do what she believes is "right" has labeled her more of a villain then a vigilante. But because of that, Azaken found her interesting, and even sympathetic, and decided to help her. She has been known for acts of terrorism, but also for acts of heroism. The same could be said of Azaken as well, as rather then being a symbol of evil, he is a symbol of uncontrolled desires and following ones whim. He might support a villain organization to destroy the idea of order, but he also might destroy them if he thinks they are just annoying and wasteful.
As such, the two greatly understand each other.
"You left the bath rather early, Azaken-sama" she mentioned with a sigh. "I had to clean up everything".
"Sorry, sorry" he said casually, as he watched the TV. "But I remembered the news was on, and wanted to see the result. Besides, we cleaned each other up well and had a nice soak. And I told you, dont use that -sama with me, just Azaken-chan is fine".
In truth, Yurei did have a major crush on Azaken. To most, they just saw Azaken as someone who might blow up a subway car one day, destroy a bank another day, and take down a hero the next. But Yurei saw the truth, she understood Azaken's true desires. He was broken by someone, by many people. People who should have been his family, like she was. He detests order, especially if it removes the freedom of others. He is drawn to targets of high society, or those that oppress. He might be a bit of a psychopath, and a sociopath, but he is not without emotions and feelings.
And so, she sat down next to him. Azaken himself was somewhat dense to these feelings. He knew Yurei liked him, that she appreciated him and understood him, but he did not know the levels, nor did he inquire about them. He enjoyed the relationship they had, working togehter, living together, committing an act of terror one moment and then coming home and taking a bath together the next.
"Here" she said, pulling Azaken over and letting him rest on her lap and giving him a lap pillow. "Now, how about you get all that energy out so you can fall asleep tonight, and tell me your plan for the Sports Festival. It was enough for you to get partially dressed for tomorrow, after all".
"Its going to be great, you will love it! You see..."
And so, he went over his grand plan with her.
"Good morning everyone!" Kotari-sensei announced, as they were standing in their gym uniforms in a field. "Do you know why you are here?"
"Because you like to be outside, and Titan-sensei is helping set up the arena for the Sports Festival tomorrow?"
"Nope! That is already done! As for why Titan-sensei is not here, its because he is instead helping beef up security! He did already explain to you why we are doing this right?"
"Yeah...umm, Kotari-sensei?" Fetch replied, raising her hand.
"Yes, Fetch-chan?"
"Isn't it going to look unfair if you are only teaching our class? Like your biased to A over B?"
"Ahhh, its okay its okay. I used one of my Quirks, Dopple, to teach all of the classes involved right now, while the other teachers handle all the other work!"
Then it was Minerva who raised her hand.
"Yes Minerva?"
"...so, are you just pushing all the paperwork and bothersome stuff onto them, in exchange for you getting to teach all the classes?"
"Ah...well...its more fair this way, and it lets all the teachers with all their variety of opinions handle everything!"
"Are we ever going to see Titan-sensei again?"
"You saw him this morning!"
After that, Samuel sheepishly raised his hand, nervous about speaking up a little given his outburst the other day.
"Sir...by any chance...were you just nervous that after that huge reveal to us, that you were scared that we might not like you after learning you were All For One's son?"
Kotari-sensei coughed a little as that question came out.
"Ermm...well, of course not! I was not worried at all!"
He totally was!
"Anyways, so everyone understands how the Sports Festival works right, how big it will be? We expect there to be around four events, give or take one, depending on the results! You would be surprised how weird they can get! We one time had a sixty person tie for the first event! Anyways, the first event this time around is the only one I can reveal, which will be a race. And the final event is always going to be a one on one tournament! However, the events in the middle? Who knows! Additionally, a lot of people tend to only remember that its UA students that are involved, but that is not true. Ever since the Great War, and the loss of several school districts and buildings, Pro Heroes are allowed to home school their own kids, or anyone who they believe has talent, so the kids around us like that will also be competing in the Sports Festival. Because of that, remember to be respectful, kind, and...show them the spirit of UA! Go Beyond!"
""""""""PLUS ULTRA!""""""""
"Plus Ultra, dear!" an female voice called out, causing everyone to look to the side. Running across the grass towards them, was an unbelievably attractive woman holding a picnic basket in her hands. At first, no one knew what to think, until she ran past the class, and kissed Kotari-sensei on the lips for a moment before giving him a bento box. "You forgot your bento this morning after all of our...late night activities, dear".
"Ahh..." he replied, momentaily blushing before turning to the class. "I suppose an introduction is in order. Class, this is my wife, Yumi Katori. Yumi, this is my class, Class 1-A".
"Awww, it would have been funny if you had introduced me as your oneechan instead...we could have messed with them a little..." she said, embracing Kotari-sensei. "Or maybe, like last night...mother and son..."
"Please dont give the class weird ideas" Kotari sighed. "Sorry everyone, but my wife is a bit of a prankster and teaser".
However, when he looked up, a third of the class had red faces, a third of them had fainted, and a third of them had nosebleeds. And practically all the boys, and some girls, were giving his wife lustful looks.
"Are you sure you want to think like that around me?" Kotari-sensei jokingly threatened, though some were not sure if it was really jokingly. "Now, thank you dear, and class, lets continue".
With that, he also explained other things, like about how Pro Hero agencies will be watching, and this could affect the internships they would be offered after the Sports Festival. He also reminded them that they could not use their Hero Suits, but rather only their gym uniforms for the Sports Festival.
However, everyone was particularly psyched up for the upcoming Sports Festival, and got to work training for it. And so before they knew it, it was time for the Sports Festival to begin, with various people making their moves in the shadows.
"Wow...this really is a big turnout..." Deru mentioned, as he stood within a huge crowd of people.
"...there are so many people watching us..." Karu concluded, as he examined each of them.
The two of them were technically enemies for this, but they had decided that for at least the first event, they would work as a team.
Still, all the classes were reving their engines so to speak, ready to go and start the first event of the sports festival, the race. They were a bit nevous though, but they were determined.
That was when they felt a strange pressence behind them, and quickly turned around to grab it.
"Ah ah! Im not doing anything strange, I promise!" a blonde haired boy said. Although not quite as short as them, he certainly was shorter then the average.
"Sorry...I guess we are just a bit tense..."
"...yeah, sorry about that".
"Ah, its oaky. Sorry, I just noticed you were twins, so I was curious if you had experienced the Twinning Phenomenon".
As Deru was about to speak, Karu silenced him.
"What are you doing here...Azaken".
The boy's eyes narrowed as he leaned in.
"What? You think I am that terrorist? How could you..."
"Give it up, Azaken-chan" a female voice said, as she came in wearing a mask. Even though all equipment shouldn't have been allowed, somehow she was able to sneak in like that. "Its clear by their eyes they wont be fooled".
"Awww...how did you know?"
"You are using a Quirk that interferes with memories. We suspected a fellow student might sabotage us, so we have had Inversion on since the start".
"Ahh, I see. You are preventing mental mannipulate by inverting any EM waves or such. Clever. Well, first off...Its Azaken-chan! And secondly, don't worry, I am not planning on doing any exploding of the crowds or such. I was tempted too, I have some built up energy after being interrupted, but I decided I have two options. The first was blow up stuff randomly, and the second was to use that energy and participate in the UA Sports Festival myself!"
"...what?"
"...seriously?"
"Hehehe. Yep! Ah, don't worry! I dont want anyone to let me win or anything though, that would be no fun".
"Hold on, why would we..." Deru started, but Karu stopped him.
"You heard him right? He said he had two options. Basically, he is saying if he cant fully participate in the Sports Festival, if we turn him in or kick him out, he will commit an act of terrorism instead".
"Ooooh, you catch on quickly! Indeed, that is what will happen! However, as I said, I wont make you let me win. If you want me out of the Sports Festival so badly, without me going with the alternative...then just beat me in it".
"I am guessing you already have the bombs or such in place, in case you got discovered?"
"Indeed!"
"...fine then".
"Karu?!"
"Heroes have to save lives right? If we prioritize capturing him over the lives of possible innocents, we wouldn't be heroes. And if we tell anyone and make them act, that would do the same thing".
"Very good! Very good! I knew you were a bright one Karu!" Azaken said as he started to skip off. "Oh, and my name right now is Ken, by the way! And this is my sister, Aza!"
And just like that, the two walked off.
"Are we seriously letting them do this?"
"Do you know what they look like for other people? We were able to recognize them, but inversely..."
"We don't know what their disguises are. Those names are probably legit though".
"Maybe, but in order to get in here, they had to have used a Pro Heroes name. If we do this badly, the reputation of a pro hero would plummet. And things are already fragile enough".
"...so, we let him play?" Deru asked as they made it to the starting line.
"Sort of. Eventually Kotari-sensei will catch on right? We will leave it up to him".
"Makes sense..."
And as that conversation concluded, the announcers began to announce.
"HELLO EVERYONE!" Titan-sensei's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "Today, we will start the Sports Festival! Here are my fellow voice comentators, one of the kids in the Junior Program we created, Yuu-kun!"
"Hey everyone! I am speaking on TV! Deru-niichan! Beat em all!"
"Yuu?!"
"And in the other corner, we have someone you will all know, all remember, all enjoy having around! Its the Pro Hero, Party House!"
Party House! Quirk: Fireworks! This massive hero has a bunch of fireworks launchers in his back! They can be filled with all sorts of payloads too, from normal fireworks, to fire suppression, to candy dispersal, to heavy explosive! Its a great quirk with a lot of features!
"Are you kids ready to party?!"
"""""""YEAH!""""""""
"THEN LETS DO THIS! ON YOUR MARKS..." Party House Shouted.
"GET SET!" Yuu shouted at full volume.
"GOOOOOOO!" Titan-sensei finished, and so the race began.
"Now!"
Suddenly, many of the students jumped into the air immediately, many of which were from 1-A. That was because of Yuki, who ended up freezing the entire ground with everyone stuck in it. And yet, not only Class A, but others expected it as well, although he skated across the ice to get a speed boost.
"Lets do this, Body Morph!" Azaken shouted as Yurei jumped into his arms Princess Carry style, and his legs seemed to become springs, bouncing past all of the ice and heading forward at stop speed.
"Now, lets do this!"
"Gravity Inversion!"
Suddenly, gravity in the entire area seemed to be inverted for everyone, as Karu touched himself and his brother and Inverted their specific gravity back to normal. Everyone lost their footing and started floating up, while they rushed ahead. And yet...
"Sorry boys, but this one is mine!" Haruto announced! Haruto. Quirk: Freefall. Can can determine the gravity and what direction it will go at for himself and anything he touches! As its specific to gravity, his own Quirk overrides Deru and Karu's inversion unless they can touch him, but the moment they let go it would be back to overriding.
"Don't forget about me!" Samuel shouted. Quirk: Smoke! He can absorb smoke and embers, and hten use the mto attack and enhance himself! He can also turn into smoke! However, only if he has his power charged up can he use those abilities! He goes great with Fire Quirk users!
"And I wont make this easy either!" Yaro shouted. Quirk: Mutagen Spawn. He can create mutagens from his body that he builds up, and then uses to create creatures! For some reason, he always seems to mimic Zerg Swarm, possibly since a strong mental image is needed!
"I wont let you win either!" Toshi shouted. Quirk: Lightforge. He can create weapons and such from hardlight, and control them remotely and make them fly in the air and such! A very powerful Quirk!
"Haa...haaa...wait up...you guys..." Jiro said. Quirk: Flexibility! He can grab hold of everything, and bend and stretch its atomic structure into a new form! Anything he does is permenant, which caused him to destroy a few phones and one laptop on accident as a kid! However, using his Quirk takes energy, especially if its consistantly, so...he isnt doing too well here!
"Damn...I wont let you get away!" Minerva said, rushing by him while standing on top of a giant toy robot. Quirk: Toy Weapon! She can turn any toy into weapon that she can use! Such as the toy robot she is currently riding on! Incidentally, because her Quirk requires those specific objects, she applied ot the school to have her stash available to her, and they accepted!
"Yeah! This time, a girl is going to win!" Utako shouted, rushing forward and giving a huge clap, creating a shockwave that disoriented a lot of runners. Quirk: Amp! She can amplify the sound created by anything she has contact with, including herself!
"Blaze on!" Meiko added, as she flew by many of the contestants. Quirk: Matchstick! She can light herself on fire and control the flames in combat! She must have a source of fire to light herself with, but thankfully there were others nearby with Fire Quirks! She also has learned how to fly using her flames it seems!
And as that happened, Haru and Bisca also rushed past, in their demonified forms, overcoming the inverted gravity and rushing to victory. Quirk: Demon. Yes, they can both turn into demons. Each quirk is a bit different from the other though! Dont be scared though, because they are indeed heroes!
"Wait...could that be...it is! Its one of the homeschooled students, aside from Ken and Aza! Its...Tora Midoriya! The son of the great hero we all know and love, Izuku Midoriya! SOme people were worried at the beginning because he showed no signs of having a Quirk, but eventually he showed he did have one!"
"No way! Izuku's son?!"
"Seriously?!"
"Thats insane!"
And as that was said, the boy in question leapt out, moving fast enough to defy the inverted gravity and the ice and make it through.
Kotari-sensei however adjusted his glasses, and examined the boy closely.
Tora Midoriya. Quirk: One For All.
"Huh...well, it is an understandable choice. ANd I would trust you to make a great one anyways regarding this, Deku".
And so, the Sports Festival had officially begun!