Hello everybody, it is I again with the newest chapter of Legion! I'd like to say thank you so much to everybody who's been a part of this story. As of this moment we've hit 45k views, 572 favorites, 647 followers, and 192 reviews! I think this is my most reviewed update yet!
Sincerely, thank you.
Edeath756: Thank you!
BakerBoy82896: Thank you, it will probably be a while before I start another story, I want to focus on Legion for now.
Guest: I mean, this last chapter made it kind of obvious, no? I do have a different girl for each universe I create though.
Wolves567:No spoilers. You'll get an idea by the Camp though.
Minotaur12: Thanks for joining, I hope you stay with this story.
Demonlover3: One day. One day.
Monkey D. Conan: You're bringing up aspects that I have considered. I don't know exactly how it would come to pass. But it would be interesting to have a Cut Lawquane or a clone that finds a romantic interest in one of the girls.
Blaze1992: He did.
Jjj: Lo siento, pero los clones que murieron estan muertos.
Austin: Okay, I'll see if I can do something about the Polenysian Spa. As for the split thing, I actually have a Hollow quirk idea from Bleach for him. I'll see if I can make a oneshot so that you can see it. You've got plenty of good ideas though.
AnimeFan13579: Hm…you make a good point. I'll see what I can come up with then.
Puppy Leaf Owned: Yep. I have a continued one shot in my other story The Manifold if you want to see it.
Bfghunter2: He's the man!
Iron-slayer-dragon: Thank you! Here's more!
Luckenhaft: That's an awesome image. Thank you for that.
Hunt1103: I'm only partially sorry.
FF-loverHP1: Thank you!
LastPrimaris: He's not gonna be a Krell…Slick though…I don't know how I'm gonna do him.
God of crossovers: Wow, so many reviews! Thank you so much. And yeah, now that I see it, it does seem Australian, any ideas to improve? Also, I did not intend it at all but yes, he did Flintstones the tank.
61394: Yes and thank you. You've given some great ideas and I do have plans for some members to be leaders.
Pally the Second: Here you go!
Again thank you all for your support.
NOTICE:
I would suggest having Samuel Kim's Mandalorian War Chant on standby, you'll know when. (Thanks again edeath756). Also, that Did I forget the melody bass boosted remix meme, if you want, play that when you see the line "Is that it?" from 0:27. I don't know why, it just came to my mind.
This is
Legion: Clash of Wills
"Truth enlightens the mind, but won't always bring happiness to your heart."
"I'm sorry, but with the injuries you both sustained, combined with the complete quirk exhaustion you're suffering. I cannot let you participate in the last round of the Sports Festival." Recovery Girl stated with some sorrow to the two girls in front of her.
Ochako and Shiozaki, both downtrodden, let out sighs of disappointment and nodded sadly.
Ochako had not only continuously used her quirk on the tank, thus severely straining it, she had also been subjected to harsh motions and continued using her quirk on the guns.
Quite simply it had burnt out, and she would need rest before she could use it again.
On the bright side, once her quirk fully recovered, she would find that her quirks limits would have risen, and that she would be much more powerful.
Shiozaki's vine hair, on the other hand, was now in a short pixie cut. Although she could continue if she wanted to, the fact of the matter was that she simply could not. She'd need plenty of fluids and sunlight for her quirk to regrow.
She was also severely dehydrated but that was another matter.
Quite simply, they couldn't go on.
Komori fortunately, had not strained herself as much as them, her quirk having different requirements so she would still be able to continue.
Recovery Girl was still waiting for Izuku to return, and once he did she would give him the tongue lashing of a lifetime.
"Where is that boy?"
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Izuku said as he leaned back against the wall. Truth be told he was tired, and in a bit of pain, but something told him to listen to Todoroki when the boy asked to talk to him in private.
Todoroki remained silent, as if he was gathering his thoughts.
"Look…I'd really like to get some food, and plus I still have to see Recovery Girl, so…if there's something you'd like to talk about, come out with it."
Izuku sighed as Todoroki remained quiet, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths.
He idly paid attention to the whispers in the back of his mind, comparing Todoroki's cold demeanor to Bakugo's boisterous one.
"I was overpowered. So much that I was infuriated and broke my vow."
Izuku closed his eyes.
"Ah, I had a feeling."
'He's still stuck on that, even if it would have probably won him the game, he could have roasted away Shiozaki and Komori's quirks, leaving us open.'
"None of the others saw it, but when you pushed that tank, I could see the power behind it, and when you jumped it buffered the rest of our tanks. You have your clones, and you can supposedly use the strength of a thousand of them, even if apparently limited. One could consider it a downgraded version of All Might."
'Crap. Well, isn't he an observant one? Also, downgraded? Really?'
"All Might has his eye on you, Midoriya, even to the point of using your name."
'Wait, when did he-'
"Midoriya…are you All Might's secret love child or something?"
Izuku blinked once in shock, his face still in disbelief even the Vode stuck in his head were struck silent before a cacophony of laughter erupted in his head.
'SHUT UP!'
They didn't.
Izuku raised his hand to the bridge of his nose and pinched.
'What even is my life?'
But something about Todoroki's question was…earnest. There was definitely something underlying it.
So Izuku would be as honest as possible.
"Sigh…I wish."
"Hm?"
"My…father," Izuku spat the word out like a curse much to Todoroki's surprise, "betrayed my family…I, pfff, I'm a late bloomer I guess you could say. Jango didn't appear until I was ten and he, thinking that I was quirkless, left me and my mom…he's currently in America and does the bare minimum with child support."
Todoroki was taken aback and apologized.
"You didn't know, to answer your question, All Might found me about a year ago and took me under his wing…he saw something in me that reminded him of himself, and well, to be honest. He's the father I never had."
At that a new look entered Todoroki's eyes.
Envy.
"I see…I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories, but it looks like we have something in common with bad fathers."
Izuku raised his brow questioningly, motioning for him to continue.
"Endeavor's my old man. For a hero fan like yourself, you know that he's been stuck at Number Two for forever. If your connection to the Number One is so deep, then I have even more reason to beat you."
"Yo! It's been a while, how about some tea, Endeavor?"
"All Might…"
"I haven't seen you since the press conference ten years ago, I saw you so I thought I'd say hi." All Might continued with his classic grin, further irritating Endeavor.
"I see. Well, you've already done that. Leave me." Endeavor finished abruptly as he continued walking down the stairs.
"Tea? What a joke. I'm going to the restroom. Begone!"
Then that damnable laugh, and All Might was in front of him again.
"Well don't be so cold!" All Might said teasingly, only adding fuel to the fire. "Your son, Young Shoto, did wonderfully without even using half of his power. Is it because he was taught well?"
"Why are you asking?"
"Why, I honestly want to know, as a teacher, I want to provide the best education for my students."
Endeavor snorted.
"Do you think I'd tell you?"
He walked forward, bumping into All Might's shoulder as he continued on his way.
"You're as clueless as usual and it's getting on my nerves."
"Sorry…"
Endeavor stopped once more to continue his tirade.
"Just remember this, I will make that into a hero that will surpass you one day."
'That?'
"That was why I created him."
'Created?'
"What are you…?"
'What exactly have you done?'
Endeavor turned back with a scathing glare.
"He's in his rebellious stage right now, but he will definitely surpass you. I will make sure of it!" He growled as his flames increased in intensity.
He took some satisfaction in having smothered that grin off All Might's face as he walked away.
"My old man has a strong desire to rise in the world. As a hero, he's made a name for himself through overwhelming force, crushing all who stood in his way. But no matter what he did, he could never overcome All Might, the Symbol of Peace."
Izuku paid rapt attention, having a bad feeling as to where this was going.
"Since he couldn't surpass All Might, he moved onto his next plan."
He was hesitant to ask his next question.
"And what was…his next plan?"
Todoroki turned to look at him directly.
"You've heard of Quirk Marriages, right?"
Izuku's blood turned to ice, and he could hear the cries of the clones inside of him.
He knew all too well the term, it was one of the insults/justifications the demagolka used against his mother.
"He didn't…"
"He did, he bought my mother's family, and forced her into marriage, now he's trying to fulfill his own desire by raising me to be a hero to surpass All Might."
A legacy hero, in a way their situations were somewhat similar, but oh so different.
"It's so annoying…I refuse to become that trash's tool!"
He then focused on something else.
"In my memories, my mother is always crying. 'Your left side is unsightly', is what she said as she poured boiling water over my face."
Izuku closed his eyes in sympathy, resting more against the back wall.
"Basically, I want to fight you to show him that I don't need him, I don't need his power. No, I'll reject him completely by winning first place without using it."
There it was, his declaration of intent.
It was odd in a way, how similar their goals were. They both had the desire to surpass All Might, but whereas Todoroki wanted to spite his father, Izuku wanted to inspire hope.
He could see that Todoroki was somebody who had lost all hope of escaping what he perceived to be his destiny, and was trying to do things his own way.
'I wish you were here Jango, your perspective would certainly help now.'
He looked up at the ceiling, idly noticing Todoroki walking away, the latter apologizing for taking his time.
"But still, no matter what, I will rise above you with just my right side."
…
"I'm here because of the people that have believed in me, Todoroki. A lot of sacrifices have been made so that I could get to this point."
All Might, Mom, Jango, the Vode, and most recently, his classmates.
"I made a promise that I would stand at the end with my fist raised high. I'm sorry for my Endeavor comment earlier, but the point still stands, Todoroki, if you really want a chance at defeating me, you better come at me with everything you have, because I will."
Both of them merely stared at each other for a bit, before turning away and walking separate directions.
Neither knew of the third that was hidden in the shadows.
"You used both of them again." Recovery Girl stated dryly as Izuku ate his lunch with rapid gusto.
Izuku paused and swallowed before nodding.
"I had no choice."
"Of course you have a choice, this is the Sports Festival, not a life or death fight!"
"They were counting on me."
"That's no-grr!" She tugged at her hair in frustration before sighing.
"We both know what using One For All and Legion at the same time does to you, it's putting undue strain in your body, it almost killed you, if not for the bacta and my healing."
"And this time I didn't summon another army, I merely was summoning ammunition while pushing the tank, the strain on my body was exponentially lower."
"The strain on your body is the problem in the first place. It's almost as if your quirks are killing you!"
…
'I think it might be…' Went the unspoken word between the both of them.
"Look, I had already strained myself during the race, and the tank war necessitated it, but for the fights I'll keep to only using One For All."
And didn't that make him feel like a hypocrite, but at least in this case it was a matter of life or death and not a personal vendetta.
Recovery Girl sighed in exasperation and in deep worry.
"Look Midoriya, I'm worried, in all my years, I've never seen this before, or rather, I've only seen this kind of damage from All Might after his fight, you were bleeding from your mouth in a manner eerily similar to him. You're scarred, and if you keep damaging yourself, it'll get to a point where I can't help you. We got lucky with bacta…I almost had to bury one symbol, don't let me have to bury two."
Ah, now Izuku felt guilty.
"Look Recovery Girl, I thank you for everything you've done for me. You worked tirelessly to treat the remaining Vode from the USJ incident, and have treated them like people. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me as well, but I made a promise, and I can't break it."
She sighed deeply and closed her eyes in exasperation.
"Toshinori really knows how to pick them…alright, but be careful."
"I will, Recovery Girl…can I give you a hug?"
"Sigh…come here."
"NOW THAT LUNCH IS OVER, IT'S FINALLY TIME TO REVEAL THE LAST GAME!"
"But first!" Cody continued for Mic. "Good news for all of you that didn't make it to the finals, this is a Sports Festival, meant for fun and camaraderie, we have plenty of recreational games that everybody can participate in!"
"THAT'S RIGHT, AND WE EVEN BROUGHT IN REAL CHEERLEADERS FROM AMERICA TO LIVEN THINGS UP!"
At that, Cody raised his hand to his helmet, a meaningless gesture, but a habit that he'd gotten for receiving communications.
"Uh, sirs, I'm getting a call from one of the guards, it seems that there's an incident that needs clarification."
After finishing their post with the Tower, Fives and Echo were posted near the entrance to the field, they watched as one by one the cheerleaders from America entered the field and made sure that nobody unauthorized would enter and harass them.
Which is why both of them were struck dumb as the 1-A girls suddenly appeared in cheerleader uniforms.
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa…what are you all doing?" Fives asked.
"Uh, we're part of the cheerleader group, no? We were told that we had to wear these to participate in some kind of cheer battle." Momo asked as they relayed what Mineta and Kaminari had told them during lunch.
The two clones looked at each other questioningly.
"Was that mentioned in the schedule brief?"
"I mean, I knew there were cheerleaders, but not a cheer battle."
They then turned back to the girls who were growing more suspicious.
To be fair, so were they.
"...Let me run it by the Commander, alright? Just to confirm."
"Okay."
Activating his comm he motioned for them to standby.
"This is Fives, I need a direct line to the Commander, have a schedule issue that needs to be confirmed by Eraserhead or Present Mic."
…
"Sir, I've got the 1-A girls here in cheerleader uniforms, they said that they were told to participate in a cheer battle? Requesting confirmation.
…
"From Mineta and Kaminari."
…
"Alright then, thank you, sir. Relay my thanks to Eraserhead and Present Mic please."
…
"Aye aye."
Finishing up he turned to the girls and relayed the message.
"Yeah, you all got tricked."
At that, the girls all started to gripe, Momo in particular was frustrated that she got tricked into one of Mineta's schemes, especially since she used Creation to make the uniforms..
They swore vengeance.
Hagakure still found the uniform cute though.
Still probably wouldn't have sent the right message.
Later, Kaminari and Mineta were back from the field looking for their classmates, wondering where they could be.
"Oh Kaminari~, Mineta~"
A sudden chill went down their spines as they slowly turned to find most of the girls still in their gym uniforms.
"Don't worry guys, it won't hurt…too much."
"Mercy?"
"No."
Their screams of pain were delicious.
As it was, Ochako, who was still exhausted and healing, turned to the clones who helped them.
"Excuse me, Fives, right?"
"Yes?"
"As in, CT-5555? From the USJ?"
"Yes! I am…it's good to see you safe and well, Uraraka."
"You…got your name from what I said?"
"Well…you were right, it was a bunch of fives hehe."
She smiled brightly at the clone before sticking her hand out.
"Call me Ochako, after all, your brother already does."
Fives grinned under his helmet and shook her hand.
'Vod certainly knows how to pick his friends.'
"Excuse me, Fives, do you know who the clone was that saved me at the USJ and carried me up the stairs?" Tsu asked, she had already delivered her literal tongue lashing to Kaminari, although she simply kicked Mineta.
"Hm, if I'm not mistaken that was Echo." He then pointed to the other clone who was standing guard and paying attention to the field.
Said clone was completely surprised by the hug from behind.
"Wha-"
"Thank you, for saving me."
"Oh, you found out about that, huh?"
"Yes, I've been looking for you, my family wants to meet you as well." Tsu said as she let go, the clone turned to her and nervously touched the back of his helmet.
"Oh really? Alright then. Your family should actually be here already, 1-A families got special seats courtesy of Nezu, we can go after the next break if you'd like."
"Thank you."
After that, the girls went back outside to the field, dragging the poor saps who pissed them off.
Tsubaraba, who'd overheard their plan earlier, thanked everything that was holy that he'd had the self restraint to not try it with his class.
"Thanks for letting us know, Cody. If it wasn't for the undoubtedly just punishment those two are getting right now, I'd do it myself." Aizawa said. The man was surprisingly well rested after his short 1-hour nap.
Then again, he'd asked Ponds to stun him.
Hizashi still chuckled thinking about it.
Turning back to the audience he addressed them again.
"HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY, LET'S HAVE SOME FUN WITH THESE RECREATIONAL GAMES!"
"When that's over, 16 competitors from the last round will fight one-on-one to determine this year's Sports Festival champion!"
Midnight then appeared with a box of lots but the news she would bring would be surprising to say the least.
"Now, unfortunately, we are currently two people down. Both Shiozaki and Uraraka were declared medically unfit to continue in the tournament due to injuries and Quirk Exhaustion, talk about going PLUS ULTRA! How about a round of applause for them going so far?"
The crowd roared at Midnight's words and various Pro Heroes were suitably impressed by the girls dedication and hard work, they were surely going to receive a lot of internship offers.
Monoma was quick to seethe, seeing it as a half-failed ploy for Midoriya to gain more fame.
"As such, two students from the next winning team, Team Hatsume, will participate!"
Obviously he had meant for his little girlfriend to pass while leaving Shiozaki and Komori behind in the dust after using them for their hard work.
"As such, Team Hatsume! You were the next team in line, pick two students to move forward!"
The two from 1-B immediately started discussing something with the girl, if anything it looked like she was becoming even more maniacal.
Finally the two slumped and asked to speak with Midnight in private.
Izuku was suddenly terrified as the grin on Midnight's face became more and more sadistic.
"I'LL ALLOW IT!"
The two boys slumped even more and started to shiver, fear piercing the very core of their being.
"Shishida and Kamakiri will move onto the tournament, but in a show of solidarity, will promote some of the equipment of their new support course friend if they fight each other and of course be her very own test subjects in the future. Such youth…IT TURNS ME ON!"
The two were almost weeping, traumatized by the other things the girl had done to their tank.
After all, theirs was the only one to blow up after they left it.
Monoma surprisingly was all for it.
"Take every advantage against 1-A!"
Ah, there it was.
"Now, the brackets have been decided, and these will be the first fights!"
The crowd roared as they saw the screen change.
Midoriya v. Shinso
Monoma v. Komori
Shouji v. Mineta
Kouda v. Todoroki
Shishida v. Kaibara
Kamakiri v. Awase
Yanagi v. Tetsutetsu
Bakugo v. Tsubaraba
The various contestants gave their own challenges to each other, excited to give their all.
Well, to various degrees.
"Midoriya, huh?"
Izuku turned to the purple haired boy next to him, the same one who had made the declaration of war the other day.
Izuku raised his brow, staring deeply at the boy.
"So, what do you say? Let's have a good match?"
Izuku was about to respond when a furry tail wrapped around his mouth.
"Midoriya, don't."
Shinso merely smirked before turning away.
"Ojiro?"
"We need to talk."
Todoroki stared at the screen, he admitted to himself that a part of him hoped to face Midoriya last, as the final challenge to prove himself.
But real life wasn't so dramatic.
Either way…
'Soon…come, Midoriya. I'll defeat you with this hand.' Todoroki thought to himself.
"Alright everyone! Let's get these recreational games started!"
While a few of the 16 decided to play, the majority took the time to rest and relax, preparing themselves for the festival.
Izuku quickly spoke with Ojiro about the dangers of Shinso's quirk, he'd actually managed to catch their group with it and it left their tank open for a surprise attack.
He suspected that it was what caused a lot of the hero course students to fail.
Izuku would have to speak with them later, to see how they were doing.
Still, with the strain he'd put into his body so far, he needed the rest.
Apparently the Vode had another performance coming up, which really made him question when exactly they had the time to set it all up.
Asking one of his brothers to wake him up in time for the performance, he let himself rest.
-oro, calm do-.
-ot just me!
-uch rage…
-e hides it all, deep within-
-not alone, Ninth.
Izuku
"Izuku!"
Izuku gasped as he sat up straight, panting rapidly. Turning, he saw his brother warily raise his hand.
"You alright, vod?"
"Y-yeah, just…a weird dream."
"It's almost time to start, let's head on out."
"Right."
Heading outside to the field he caught up with his friends, all of which were glad that he had managed to make it to the end, although saddened by their own losses they were consoled by Izuku's words.
"You guys kidding me? All of you gave us a run for our money. Momo, I saw the videos, you made two extra barrels and started to shoot us with triple fire power. Ashido's acid meant that I had to make some really quick turns, plus Tsu's tongue and Sero's tape. Kyoka, you straight up made a round vibrate before it struck us, do you realize how much we were shaking? Then Yuga burned off a lot of vines and mushrooms, and-" Izuku was cut off by his friends who silenced him, all with various degrees of happy embarrassment.
"Thanks, Midoriya."
"Thank you, Prez!"
Various other sounds of thanks rang out from his class, and Izuku felt…happy.
"I am most grateful, Izuku. Although it pains me that we will not be able to have a fight to test our skills, just like with the race, I wish for you to do your best. For all our friends, our hopes lie with you." Tenya finished with a smile.
Izuku rubbed away some tears from his eyes. He was just…so happy that he had made so many friends.
Will they abandon you? Just like the re-
"Izuku."
He turned and faced Ochako, and regret immediately adorned his face. Ochako however, smushed his cheeks and glared into his eyes.
"None of that now, we gave it our all, just cause I can't go any more doesn't mean you get to feel guilty alright."
"Mf-Ochako…" He mumbled from his squished cheeks.
"Alright?!"
"Alright, alright!" He said as he pried her arms away from his face. "Thanks."
"Win this for all of us, alright? Oya!"
He grinned, ignoring the slight blush on his cheeks.
"Oya!"
Then they heard drums starting up again.
Turning, they saw Kyoka's mother on the huge drum, absolutely wailing on the thing.
"I'm sorry Kyoka, but it's super funny just how big that thing is compared to your mom."
"Yeah, I know. People expect it to be my dad's but it's hers and her favorite one at that."
"Also, when did the Vode even set this up with your parents?"
"I have absolutely no idea."
A few other instruments joined as a fast paced tempo was set.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a. Taung!
The clones sung, rapidly and with vigor. The crowd was eating it up, Izuku could even see some of the patrons trying to keep along with the beat, especially children.
Hell, he even saw clones playing with the children as they followed along with the beat.
It brought a special warmth to his heart.
Trumpets blared and the clones began again.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc runi'la solus cet o'r prudii an.
Cymbals and drums as Mrs. Jirou slammed her big drum.
(hu, hu) (hu)
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
(hmm…)
Aruetyc runi'la solus cet o'r.
(ah…)
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
(ooh…)
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc runi'la trattok'o.
(AA…)
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an!
The tempo changed, becoming slightly slower yet more powerful, more meaningful.
Kandosii sa kyr'am ast
Troan teroch jetiise a'den
Duraan vi at ara'nov
Vode an, ka'rta tor
A swelling of trumpets, the rumbling of a gong and more. It seemed as if the very arena was being filled with the energy of the Vode, piercing the hearts of every attendee.
The rapid tempo began again as the clones continued their display.
(hmm…ah…hum…AA…!)
SA KYR'AM NAU TRACYN KAD, VODE AN!
The beat changed once more to a familiar one.
DHA WERDA VERDA A'DEN TRATU
MUSTUFASU KANDOSII ATU!
DUUM MOTIR CA'TRA NAU TRACINYA!
GRA'TUA CUUN HETT SU DRALSHY'A!
DHA WERDA VERDA A'DEN TRATU
(hu, hu, hu, hu)
MUSTUFASU KANDOSII ATU!
(hu, hu, hu, hu)
DUUM MOTIR CA'TRA NAU TRACINYA!
(hu, hu, hu, hu)
GRA'TUA CUUN HETT SU DRALSHY'A!
(hu, hu)
BAL KOTE! DARASUUM KOTE!
(Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.)
JORSO'RAM,
(Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.)
KANDO A TOME
(Aruetyc runi'la solus cet o'r prudii an.)
SA KYR'AM NAU TRACYN KAD, VODE AN!
"GIVE IT UP EVERYBODY FOR THE VODE AND THE JIROU'S, WHAT A GREAT WAY TO KICK THINGS OFF HUH?"
The crowd cheered and many from Class A also cheered alongside them.
"Man Midoriya, your quirk's something else…" Kaminari said before cringing away from Kyoka who smirked at him.
"I'll be honest, kinda intimidating, but really cool. Certainly wouldn't want to be a villain facing that."
…
"Too soon?"
"Way too soon, Ashido."
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Midoriya, I-"
"Ashido."
Ashido gasped as Midoriya stared at her, a sorrowful smile hiding a darkness pooling in his eyes.
"My brothers' sacrifice will not be in vain, you're right. When I'm done, no villain will want to face me."
Those around him felt a sudden chill through their souls, as if something hidden was peaking out.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to go to my waiting room."
As he left, he suddenly stopped and looked back.
"I'm proud of how well all of you have done in the Festival so far. I know it's not the best outcome…but you make the Vode proud…Jango, would be proud."
He then disappeared and his class could only feel guilty.
"Damn it Ashido."
"I'm sorry! I-"
"No use worrying about it now. It is as Midoriya said, for those of us in the fights, let's give it our all. Let's make them proud." Shoji cut in as everybody went back to the stands.
As they walked by, Ashido quickly walked to Ochako.
"Uraraka, you're Midoriya's best friend, do you think he'll forgive me?"
"I think he already has, it's just…" Ochako turned to where she knew he would be only for him to already be gone.
"You brought up some bad memories."
"HEY EVERYBODY! ARE YOU READY!?"
The crowd roared, some of the more…excitable fans even hugging the Vode and swinging around with side hugs.
It was amusing to see to be honest.
Shota was glad that the Vode were getting the chance to interact with the people, it would build up rapport for when they finally did patrols.
"It's been a long and exciting day and it's all come down to this! In one-on-one fights, 16 competitors will give it their all for the title of Sports Festival Champion."
"JUST LIKE IN REAL LIFE, SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA RELY ON YOURSELF EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT A HERO, IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE CAPABLE OF!"
"Today, students will dedicate their hearts, skills, minds, bodies, wisdom and knowledge to show just how far they've gone."
"SO LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"
Izuku breathed in deeply for four seconds, held for four, exhaled for four, and out for four. A trick he'd learned online to calm his rushing heart.
"You know, it's only natural to be nervous."
Izuku perked up at the familiar voice and turned to see his All Might behind him.
"Bui-All Might, what are you doing here?"
"I came to see you, what else?"
Izuku stubbornly shoved down the really nice feelings that he was experiencing right now and desperately tried to hide the smile on his face.
"I've been with your mother and the other families throughout the festival, you certainly know how to change things up, I just about had a heart attack when you destroyed the Ten Million."
Izuku flushed slightly. "Sorry."
"Don't be…I don't want you to think that you have to be a copy of me. In fact, I'm glad that you came up with such a creative solution. Since the race you've been turning this entire thing on its head. Inspiring those around you, taking charge and taking risks."
Izuku felt like he might die of happiness.
"I…I just want you to know that no matter what happens, if you lose this first round or take the gold. I'm proud of you, Izuku. And I know that Jango would be too." Toshinori said as he held onto Izuku's shoulder.
Izuku took a shaky breath, too many things were happening at once and his emotions were still too raw. Everything was still fresh and he half expected for him to snap at this rate.
"I…I was speaking with your mother earlier, she mentioned and taught me some Mando'a…" At this, All Might looked sheepish and slightly embarrassed.
"I'm not the best…but…"
He looked straight into Izuku's eyes and smiled.
"Izuku, Ni kar'tayl gai sa'ad."
Izuku gasped.
The pronunciation was shoddy and broken, but the pure feeling behind it.
'I know your name as my child.'
Izuku gave out a half-sob half-laugh as he was pulled into a hug, a part of him that had felt empty even before Jango was filled up as he clutched Toshinori's suit tightly and let loose tears of happiness.
A light in the recent darkness.
"Thank you, buir."
"Remember, anytime you feel nervous or afraid," Izuku could feel the change in Toshinori's body as he bulked up and looked up at him. "Smile, to trick the fear inside you and continue to inspire others."
Letting go, Izuku nodded as All Might went into his signature pose.
"Stand proud."
Izuku wiped away the last of his tears and nodded fiercely.
And for the first time in two weeks, a true, honest smile appeared on his face.
He could hear the crowd roar, and Present Mic's announcements. The fire was roaring and the Vode were chanting.
"Sorry about your suit."
"Don't worry about it. Go show the world that you are here my boy."
"Right."
"AUDIENCE! IT'S THE FINALS YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!"
"From the first corner, prospective hero candidate, and the first General Studies first year to reach the finals in 5 years. Shinso Hitoshi!"
"AND HE FACES THE REIGNING CHAMPION FOR THIS YEAR'S SPORTS FESTIVAL, HE'S BEEN STIRRING UP TROUBLE SINCE THE RACE, FROM THE HERO COURSE, MIDORIYA IZUKU!"
The cheering was much more prominent for Izuku as he walked out the tunnel with a smile and his fist raised high.
The two competitors met in the middle as Present Mic explained the rules.
"I hope that you can show me your determination, Shinso."
Shinso was surprised that somebody spoke with him so easily, he'd have thought that the other boy would have told him his quirk by now.
The look in his eyes said the same.
'Tch, so he does know. This puts a sour taste in my mouth but I have no choice.'
"START!"
"Hope you put up a better fight than your brother!" He spat out quickly before a fist to the gut sent him flying to the edge, just barely missing the boundary.
"You son of a-"
There we go.
Shinso shakily got to his knees as he desperately tried to control his quirk, the pressure on his mind was unbearable, as if Midoriya's central mind was part of a larger network.
Looking around and seeing the eerily still clones, he had a feeling that might be the case.
"W-walk back and get yourself out of bounds."
Izuku turned and did so.
"WHAT'S THIS? MIDORIYA TOUCHED SHINISO AND IS NOW WALKING OUT OF BOUNDS, COULD THIS BE HIS QUIRK? WHAT A STUNNING UPSET!?"
Meanwhile, up in the stands, Aizawa was shaking Cody who had gone silent.
No, not silent. Unresponsive.
The man simply sat there, twitching, as if something else was in control.
Aizawa turned to the Shinso boy, and mentally made a note to recommend him for the Hero course for that capability alone.
'Now the question, is it just those outside? Or inside as well?'
Inside the Mindscape, the clones were somewhat panicking, outside the Storm had settled but it was unnatural, eerie, they were cut off from the rest of the world and desperately tried to reconnect to their vod.
Meanwhile, they were observed.
"Headstrong like you, 5th?"
"Emotional like you, 7th?"
"I can't help it! It was so heartwarming! I get teary eyed just thinking about it now! I'm so happy for Toshinori!"
"Either way, it's time that we show our own support. What say you? Dandy?"
Said clone, who was overseeing the operation, looked at the pale man next to him and nodded.
"Well, it would certainly be appreciated. But can he handle it?"
"To fulfill his dream, he must."
"Oya!" The 7th cried out as One For All surged.
'Stop…moving…I can't let him down…I can't let them down!' Izuku thought as he looked through his eyes, yet was unable to control his body.
He could see Toshinori by the entrance, worried about what was happening.
'I REFUSE! TO FALL HERE! NO MATTER THE COST, I MUST STAND! I HAVE TO BECOME-'
Behind Toshinori, 8 figures, shrouded in darkness, sparks of energy flowing between them as the one feminine figure glowed violet.
'A SYMBOL OF HOPE!'
'VOD!'
One For All surged throughout his entire body, flaring up in a vibrant display of emerald lightning. His muscles contracted and trembled as energy focused into his fingers.
His fingers twitched.
And drew blood.
The sharp sting of pain snapped him out of his mind as wind blew around him, panting in exertion. He looked at his hand and noticed that, while his fingers were red and sore, they weren't that bad. Whatever had happened, at least it hadn't been at a full 100%.
'I can do this!'
He turned back to the student who'd almost made him lose.
Izuku grinned.
'You're gonna have to try harder than that. As it is, I almost lost it because he mentioned Jango, just like the other day.' He thought to himself as he ignored the pang in his heart.
'I-I'm sorry brother, but if I'm going to win this, I'm going to have to forget you for a bit.'
He ignored everything around him, focusing only on his opponent. Even Present Mic's announcement and the crowd's roars, only his opponent mattered.
And the desperation in his eyes.
A desperation he was all too familiar with.
As the boy desperately tried to shout off insults, even bringing up the past, how he must have had a nice life, being born with such a quirk, how it felt like to be ostracized for something out of his control.
Izuku felt empathy,
A quirk with mind control abilities, judging from what Ojiro said and his own experience. It was almost as bad as being quirkless.
He would bring hope to this boy.
But first, he needed to deliver an ass whoopin'.
One For All sprung forth once more as he grabbed the boy by the neck.
'Oklahoma…'
He spun and threw the boy out of bounds.
'SMASH!'
"SHINSO IS THROWN OUT OF BOUNDS, MIDORIYA PULLS THROUGH AND MAKES IT TO THE NEXT ROUND!"
Shinso tried his best to keep his composure, as he was assaulted by his memories of his former school mates, and all those other people that said that he'd be the best kind of villain due to his quirk.
All this to prove them wrong.
And he still failed.
A shadow covered him and he looked to see Midoriya, with his hand extended to him.
"I know what it's like to be ostracized…I didn't get my quirk till I was 10. And the strength aspect of it I didn't fully realize until earlier this year. You've got a good quirk, you could use it for a variety of heroic situations like hostage negotiations, riot control, and conflict de escalation. Now, you've got to continue working for it, and who knows…maybe I'll see you as a hero one day." Izuku said as he held his hand over Shinso.
The latter was trembling before he bowed his head and tried to hide his tears.
"I…I'm sorry about mentioning your brother like that. He must have been pretty important to you." He said as he took Izuku's hand.
"I forgive you, besides, you probably won't be the first person to bring him up in a fight. If I'm to improve as a hero, I need to get better about him." Izuku replied as he picked the taller boy up.
"Hey, raise your fist with me, and smile."
"Wha-?" Shinso was completely unprepared for Izuku to suddenly swing both their hands up, much to the approval of the crowd as they cheered for the both of them.
"AND WHAT A WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF SPORTSMANSHIP AS HE HELPS HIS OPPONENT AND STANDS TALL WITH HIM, FISTS RAISED HIGH!"
Letting go, Shinso thanked Izuku once more before heading back, completely overwhelmed as he started to overhear compliments.
"Whatever his quirk is, the fact that he managed to stop that powerhouse in his tracks, it'd be invaluable in the field."
"UA's sure missing out."
"I'd like to trade my quirk please? It'd certainly have helped in my fight last week."
"See Shinso?" He heard one of his classmates say.
"You did it, man! You rep'd us good!"
Shinso smiled before heading into the darkness of the tunnel and sitting down, the emotional rollercoaster he'd just had being too much.
For the first time in years, he wept. Not out of fear, or pain, or suffering, but from happiness and vindication.
He felt hope.
Aizawa comforted Cody as he took a break, the aftereffects of Shinso's quirk receding.
"You alright?"
"Y-yeah, it was…not the best experience. Felt like I was looking over my own body…no control, nothing."
Aizawa looked out to the stadium and saw the clones on patrol extremely fidgety and sighed deeply.
Unfortunately, he didn't have a way to communicate with them, Cody had been the go between.
That would have to be fixed.
Still, he could contact the other security forces.
"This is Eraserhead to all Pro Heroes on security, increase your patrols for the next thirty minutes, Vode need a break."
"Sir-"
"If you and Ponds can get on my ass about my sleep habits, you bet that I'm going to get you all to take a break. Relay the message. Thirty minutes."
Cody shakily nodded before activating his comm.
"Vode. Cody. Direct message from Eraserhead, take a thirty minute break. Heroes will increase patrols for the duration."
Eraserhead looked out and saw many of the clones slump in relief, a few went back inside to one of the break rooms, some merely sat down and took off their helmets interacting with the people around them.
He hoped that they could find a way to deal with this weakness.
After the festival, he'd have to talk with Shinso.
Cutup and 2010 were also being treated by the heroes near them, the group slightly panicking at their sudden unresponsiveness.
"Phew, that's some quirk, definitely has potential for hero work."
"If it knocked us out it sure is…wonder if we can do some training with it."
"I'm glad to see that you're fine, when I saw you in the middle of your patrol merely standing there…it was worrying." Kamui said as he passed them some water.
"Thanks, we're fine now. It was just…jarring."
"Creepy if you ask me, but it's done now. Glad that vod pulled through. Damn useful quirk though, whatever it is."
"Hey, check it out." Mt. Lady interrupted as she pointed at the screen.
They all saw Izuku and Shinso with their hands held high, the cheering of the crowd spurring them on.
Death Arms chuckled, now that wasn't something he was used to seeing during Sports Festivals.
"Your brother's one of a kind, boys."
"A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR FIRST TWO FIGHTERS! MIDORIYA MOVES ON TO THE NEXT ROUND. NOW, FOR OUR NEXT FIGHT, HE'S THE DARK HORSE OF 1-B, AND HE'S GOT PLENTY OF TRICKS UP HIS SLEEVE, FROM THE HERO COURSE, MONOMA NEITO!"
Monoma practically strutted as he headed towards the stadium.
"AND HIS OPPONENT, SHE'S MADE HER MARK SINCE THE TANK WAR, ADMIRABLY DEFENDING HER TANK TO THE LAST. ALSO FROM HERO COURSE 1-B, OUR VERY OWN MUSHROOM PRINCESS, KOMORI KINOKO!"
Said girl blushed at the reference but made her way to the stadium.
"You will fall for your treachery Komori!"
"Oh my g-are you still on about that, Monoma?"
"Fighters, start!" Midnight cried with a flourish of her whip.
Monoma could be arrogant, prideful, and more than likely had an inferiority complex.
But he was good at countering quirks.
And he knew that range was required against Komori.
Razor sharp scales popped up over his arms and started to shred the mushrooms as he fired them like a gatling gun at her, Komori tried her best to get close, but the piercing ability of the scales quickly set her on the backfoot. That, combined with her previous quirk use and exhaustion from the Tank war meant that this battle was slowly going in Monoma's favor.
Komori took one step.
And lost.
"Komori is out of bounds! Monoma is the winner!"
"Ah phooey, and just when I was all shroomed up."
"OUR NEXT FIGHTERS, BOTH FROM CLASS A. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER CASE OF DAVID V. GOLIATH, IN ONE CORNER, WE HAVE THE SILENT GIANT HIMSELF, SHOJI MEZOU! AND IN THE OTHER CORNER, READY TO FACE THE TITAN, MINETA MINORU!"
"I barely got an intro."
"Sorry about this, Mineta."
"START!"
The fight surprisingly, wasn't as one sided as one thought it would be. In his panic, Mineta launched a multitude of balls all over the place, forcing Shoji to dodge. Even his extra limbs had been hit by the barrage and he was forced to rip some off.
It wasn't the most pleasant experience for the audience to say the least.
It also served to absolutely terrify Mineta.
It didn't last for too much longer after that.
Mineta had secured himself to a ball as Shoji finally managed to grab the boy by his feet and started to pull.
The ball stretched to its utter limits as Shoji used his considerable strength on the shorter boy.
It was obvious that something would have to give.
That something surprisingly enough, was the concrete that the ball was connected to. With a surprised scream from both of them, Mineta went in a full arc as Shoji accidentally slammed him into the ground headfirst.
"Oops."
"Mineta is unconscious, Shoji wins!"
…
"Medic!"
"AFTER THAT…INTERESTING DISPLAY, GIVE IT UP FOR OUR CONTESTANTS! YEAH!"
Two clone medics were carrying Mineta away on a stretcher after applying a bacta patch on his head. Shoji sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before heading back to the stands.
"ALRIGHT! LET'S MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ROUND!
"ALSO BOTH FROM CLASS A, FIRST UP, THE ADORABLE ANIMAL LOVER HIMSELF, KOUDA KOJI! AND HIS OPPONENT, THE ICY PRINCE OF U.A AND THE SON OF THE NUMBER TWO HERO, ENDEAVOR! TODOROKI SHOTO!"
Both contestants were silent.
"Ok…start!"
It was over in an instant.
The entire stadium was covered in shadows as a glacier appeared out of nowhere.
"K-k-k-kouda, c-can you c-continue?" Midnight asked, half covered in ice and shivering.
Kouda barely managed a 'no'.
"Kouda is immobilized. Todoroki wins!"
"Sorry…I went overboard. I was angry."
Izuku frowned as he worked through the shivers, his mood from earlier dropping as he remembered what his clones told him about Todoroki's ice.
What he had done.
What he refused to do.
But still, the amount of anger in his eyes was familiar. He wondered what caused such a reaction.
Earlier
"You're in my way." Shoto said as he glared balefully at Endeavor.
"You're acting disgracefully, Shoto."
Shoto merely ignored him and continued walking.
"If you used your left side, you would have had an overwhelming victory at the obstacle course and the tank war."
Todoroki kept walking.
"And of course, you could have avoided that shameful display at the USJ."
Todoroki froze.
"How do you-?"
"Nezu showed members of the Top 50 who are here today the recordings of the USJ so that we could better understand the Vode."
"Y-you see the clones as sentient?"
"Of course." Endeavor scoffed as he got off the wall he was leaning on.
"I've met my fair share of sentient quirks throughout my career. I remember this one hero from America who's quirk manifested itself as a little girl who would turn into his guns. When she was killed, for lack of a better word, he died soon after from the heartbreak."
Todoroki didn't know what to think but his words were bringing up the guilt he had been feeling earlier.
"Your ice helped stop Nomu in its tracks only momentarily, but if you had used your fire then you could have overwhelmed its regeneration factor as they laid fire on it. Instead, chunks of ice crush them, and they were forced to incapacitate you, leading to more deaths on their part."
"Shut up…"
"You know, you say that you wish to be nothing like me, yet I find that we are very similar."
"I am NOTHING like you!"
Endeavor merely snorted with a chuckle.
"We're more alike than you care to admit, Shoto. We both have the blood of innocents on our hands because we did nothing."
The air got considerably cooler, but it was buffeted by Endeavor's flames.
"Stop this childish rebellion already. You have a duty to surpass All Might, you're different from your siblings, you are the greatest masterpiece but you hold yourself back and it costs yourself and others."
Shoto stubbornly continued to walk.
"Bastard, is that all you can say? I'll prove you wrong, I'll show them that I don't need your power in a fight, that I can win with just Mom's power!"
Endeavor merely scoffed.
"That might work for today, but as you already know…"
Todoroki reached the exit.
"There are limits to that power."
"Don't worry about it!" The crowd yelled as the clones carried Kouda away for treatment.
As Todoroki melted away the ice with his left hand, Izuku also couldn't help but see something else behind all that raw anger.
Sadness.
The comparison was…eye opening to say the least.
Izuku was reminded of his earlier conversation with All Might.
Earlier
"Definitely got me worried for a second there, my boy. " Toshinori said as Izuku got his fingers healed by Recovery Girl. The latter was actually somewhat satisfied, the damage being only to the outer layers of his skin and capillaries.
Izuku briefly flicked One For All as she kissed him causing the both of them to start.
"Midoriya?"
"Theory I had, thought that if I activated it while you used your quirk on me it would negate the energy drain. It worked!"
Smack!
"Ow!" He yelled as he clutched his shin.
"Doesn't mean that you can try out untested medical practices, bad enough after the whole bacta incident, even with how well it works." Recovery Girl snarked after hitting him with her cane.
"Either way, back to the matter at hand. I let my rage get the better of me, again!"
"And like I said earlier, Izuku. This is only natural, especially for someone of your age and especially in our profession. What matters is that you control it, like you did when you broke free of Shinso's control."
"No, that wasn't it…"
"Hm?" Toshinori gestured for him to continue.
"I was afraid, but more than that…I didn't want to disappoint you, especially after what you'd just said. More than that, I wanted to prove myself, to become…hope. Then, in the shadows of the entrance where you were, I saw these…figures…they were shadowy and started to glow. One of them even looked like you but another started to glow brighter than the others…she became violet."
"She?"
"Do you have any clue, buir?"
Toshinori softly sighed as he sat down.
"Yes…they're called the vestiges, they're remnants of the past users of One For All, they've appeared to me in the past, most recently during the USJ incident." Toshinori explained.
"The USJ?"
"I…I don't think I mentioned this before. But…I think One For All connected us, at the moment of Jango's death. I felt it all, your fear, your pain, your suffering. It was…humbling to say the least. I blacked out and saw the vestiges…surrounding you."
"Oh…I'm sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry for, my boy," All Might said before grabbing his chin in thought. "You said that you saw a feminine figure glow violet?"
"Yes, do you think that it might be…?"
"Nana? I want to believe so, Izuku. It'd be nice to have that confirmation, to know that she's watching over you as she did me." He said with a somber smile.
"Yeah…"
"If anything, this tells us that your control over One For All is growing, and that you're capable of handling more. I'm glad, keep going at it alright?" He said before hugging Izuku again.
"Right." Izuku replied as he returned the hug.
"Just be careful sonny, I really don't want you to make this a habit." Recovery Girl said as he started to leave.
"No promises!" He called out as he jogged down the hall.
"That boy…" She grumbled before the room became silent once more.
"He said that you were there too." She said after a moment's silence.
"I know…that's good."
"ALRIGHT EVERYBODY, ON TO THE NEXT HALF OF THE FIRST ROUND. COMING FROM CLASS 1-B, IT'S THE BEAST OF THE APOCALYPSE HIMSELF, SHISHIDA JUROTA! AND HIS OPPONENT, ALSO FROM 1-B, HE'S A PIERCING CYCLONE OF TERROR, KAIBARA SEN!"
"I resent that apocalypse remark."
"All in good fun, right Shishida?"
"START!"
With a roar Shishida charged, Beast bulked him up as he reached Kaibara at unrealistic speeds. Kaibara's Gyrate turned his body into a living drill as he dodged the best he could and dug his arms into his opponent's fur, drilling into the tough flesh.
It became a game of cat and mouse as Shishida would attack with large swipes and Kaibara would use his quirk to make unnaturally fast bends and spins to dodge before counter attacking.
Shishida however, proved to have far greater stamina and pretty good predator instincts. Constantly on top of the smaller boy, he eventually managed to swipe him, sending him to the ground and pounced on the boy.
Desperately trying to spin out, Kaibara ultimately was unable to shake Shishida off and was forced to submit.
"Kaibara has submitted. Shishida wins!"
By the time the next match started, the clones were back on patrol and Cody was back to helping out in the announcer's box.
He'd actually been relaying some of the comments that the clones were picking up from the pros in the stands for the teachers to deliver to their students. Aizawa had mentioned that it would be good for the students to understand what the pros saw and expected of them before applying for their internships.
"AND HERE WE GO! WITH OUR NEXT MATCH, SLICING AND DICING, IT'S KAMAKIRI TOGARU, AND HIS OPPONENT, THE UNCONVENTIONAL TRAP ARTIST HIMSELF AWASE YOSETSU! BOTH FROM CLASS 1-B! YEAH!"
"I'm fired up, Awase!"
"Me too! Let's rock, Kamakiri!"
"Start!"
Truth be told, although the two were very hyped up, the fight lasted only for a few minutes. Kamkiri's blades, although dulled, still posed a great danger to Awase. The latter gave it his all however, and even managed to weld two of his opponent's blades together, keeping his arms stuck in an x shape.
He soon regretted that however when Kamakiri knocked him down and pinned him with the x over his throat.
"Uh, I yield?"
"Good fight!"
"Awase yields! Kamakiri moves on!"
Cody wrote down notes that he was getting from the clones down in the stands, obviously Kamakiri seen as a good fighter class but he could have some potential with rescue by cutting through debris, those blades had slashed through concrete like a hot knife through butter.
Awase was already getting potential offers from rescue heroes who would love to have a quirk that could help with structural stability during earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters.
Aizawa merely nodded before saying that he would pass the information on to Vlad King later.
"AND HERE WE GO! OUR SECOND TO LAST FIGHT FOR THE FIRST ROUND! BOTH FROM 1-B, SHE'S THE SPOOKY HORROR OF THE NIGHT, YANAGI REIKO! AND ON THE OTHER END, HE'S THE STEEL SHIELD AND SPEAR, TETSUTETSU TETSUTETSU!"
"...Let us commence."
"LET'S GO!"
"Start!"
Although Tetsutetsu was a walking force of steel, Yanagi proved her resourcefulness by not letting him get close, tripping him, pulling him, basically all kinds of inconveniences that were slowly irritating him.
Now, Tetsutetsu was a manly man, and that meant that he didn't like the idea of hitting a girl with his quirk on.
Even if she was annoying the ever loving crap out of him.
And he may still be sour when she also scared the piss out of him during their battle trials.
They became very good friends however.
So what is a well meaning himbo to do against his emotionless goth friend?
Simple. Physical affection.
He ducked, keeping his center of gravity low and rushed her, her quirk having less effect on him now.
And absolutely wrapped her in an enormous hug, keeping her arms pinned and rendering her quirk practically useless without affecting herself.
"T-tetsutetsu!" She squealed, her face actually flushing.
"Sorry 'bout this Yanagi! But I plan to win!"
"L-let me go!" She started to squirm and throw him around but his steel body was too much weight for her.
"Nope! You know, I've never seen you break your composure like this, it's actually kind of cute!"
That utter dumbass.
"You!"
Plop!
"Haha! I won!" He said as he planted her outside of bounds surprisingly in a very soft manner.
"Yanagi is out of bounds! Tetsutetsu wins!"
Tetsutetsu cheered as the crowd applauded his victory and then turned to a still red Yanagi.
"Hehe, no hard feelings, right Yanagi?"
"You…"
She then reached out and grabbed his ear before dragging him off to the stands.
"Ow! Ow! Y-yanagi! I'm sorry, ok! I didn't mean to make you lose your spooky composure!"
"You're taking responsibility. A Horror motion picture marathon should suffice."
"H-hey, come on, Yanagi! Yanagi? Yanagi!" He shrieked as he was dragged into the darkness.
Midnight grinned teasingly as she watched them disappear, her instincts flaring. So much material for her next class with them!
"And what a stunning match of endurance for our fighters! Yanagi did her best, but eventually Tetsutetsu managed to get close and embrace his victory. Hahaha."
Inside the stadium, Yanagi flushed even more as she continued to doll out Tetsutetsu's current punishment.
Over in the announcer's box, Ponds had actually taken over for Cody as he focused on the matches and offering his own thoughts. He didn't expect that being an announcer would be so fun.
"AND NOW, THE FINAL FIGHT FOR THE FIRST SET, FROM 1-A, IT'S THE BOMBING KING HIMSELF, BAKUGO KATSUKI! AND HIS OPPONENT, 1-B'S OWN AIR BENDER, TSUBARABA KOSEI!"
"Get out of my way, extra."
"Geez, you really are an ass. Why couldn't I fight that Midoriya guy? At least he's somewhat respectful."
Needless to say, that was a poor choice of words.
"Don't compare me…"
"Start!"
"TO DEKU!"
BOOM!
"KUH!"
Bakugo gasped as he slammed face first into a wall of air, his rage increasing as he saw his opponent's smirking face.
"Wow, you really look stupid slamming into air right now, like a bug on a windshield."
Bakugo's pupils narrowed.
"Don't you dare…LOOK DOWN ON ME EITHER!"
KABOOOOM!"
The resulting explosion shattered the solid air shield and sent Tsubaraba flying out of the stage.
"Tsubaraba is out of bounds! Bakugo wins!"
As the crowd roared, he turned to them and raised his own fist in victory.
"AND IN AN EXPLOSIVE FINISHER, BAKUGO FINISHES UP THE FIRST ROUND OF FIGHTS! AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S GUNNING FOR MIDORIYA'S SPOT WITH THAT FIST OF HIS! LET'S TALLY IT UP TO SEE THE QUARTER FINALS!"
Midoriya v. Monoma
Todoroki v. Shoji
Kamakiri v. Shishida
Bakugo v. Tetsutetsu
"YEAH! I'M ALL PUMPED UP, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? LET'S TAKE A QUICK BREAK, ALRIGHT?"
Izuku did his breathing exercises, settling his rattling nerves. Although, in this case, he wasn't so much nervous as annoyed and slightly angry.
His next fight was against the boy who'd insulted Jango and the Vode, and although he believed Aizawa that Vlad King had spoken to his class it didn't really do much for his own nerves.
He'd almost lost once already because of his anger, he couldn't let it happen again.
Knock knock
"Enter."
"Hey, Izuku."
"Ochako…how are you?"
"I'm feeling better, Izuku. I actually spoke with my parents recently, they were super proud of how I did. Wish I could have fought but hey, it is what it is." She said as she sat across from his chair.
"I'm glad." He said before looking down at the table.
She reached out and touched his hand, the contact making him slightly flush red, but he still relished in it.
"Hey, you ok?"
"I…I don't know. I guess I'm mostly tired, been having nightmares recently."
"The USJ?"
He nodded and hummed.
She started stroking his knuckles, idly tracing over the scars that wrapped around them.
"These scars…"
"They're surface level, according to Recovery Girl. When I overcharged Legion, the energy flow surged throughout my entire body, mass producing clones and opening the gate for them to exit. But it also caused damage to my body. I'm glad though, and I kind of wish it was more…every time I look in a mirror…" He cut himself off as he started to shake.
"You see him."
"I-I thought that…the scars would help. But they're just reminders." He gasped out with his head bowed.
She got up and walked over to his side, taking his head and hugging it to her abdomen, trailing her hands down his scalp.
"It's gonna be okay."
"I'm still so angry." He muttered as he clutched the back of her uniform.
"I know."
"I've already talked to a bunch of people, my mom, Hound Dog, All Might, Aizawa…but I'm still so angry."
"I know…that's fine. Nobody expects you to get over this or forget this so quickly. I…I miss him too. The both of you are the reason I'm here, back when we worked together against the Zero Pointer…the rescue points I got from saving you both helped get me in. I miss his little comments and jokes…how he was so like you yet so different." She murmured as she held him.
Who saves the heroes when they need saving?
Those who stand with them.
Izuku shuddered as he rested his head against her, taking comfort in her ministrations.
"Hehe, you remember when he called All Might a pedo to his face in class?"
"Che…he was calling him that for months."
"You know, you never did tell us how you met All Might."
The light in the room turned green, signaling that it was time for him to go.
"You know what, after the festival, I guess I can tell you about how I met him. You and the others." He said as he pulled away from her, already missing the comfort.
He rose from his chair and wiped his face from what few tears he'd let go.
"And maybe you can tell us the story behind that Kansai accent?"
"Shush." She rebutted, flushing slightly.
"THANKS FOR WAITING EVERYBODY! THE FIRST MATCH OF THE QUARTER FINALS IS UNDERWAY AND WE'RE KICKING THINGS OFF WITH A BANG!"
"STARTING US OFF, HE'S QUICKLY BECOME THE FAN FAVORITE, STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT THROUGHOUT EVERY CHALLENGE GIVEN SO FAR! IT'S MIDORIYA!"
The crowd cheered alongside the Vode who pumped their fists as they chanted.
"Vod, vod, vod, vod, vod!"
"AND HIS CHALLENGER! THE DARK HORSE OF UA, WILL HE USURP THE KING'S PLACE? OR FALL BEFORE HIS MIGHT? SHOW US WHAT YOU CAN DO, MONOMA!"
"I'm not a king…" Izuku muttered to himself, slightly embarrassed at the insinuation.
"Today you will fall, you 1-A glory hog!"
Izuku merely stared hard while breathing deeply, unwilling to get into a battle of words with the boy.
"What, no words this time?"
"Yeah…sorry about breaking your nose."
"Keh, what?"
"Start!"
Emerald lightning flared as Izuku rushed the boy who barely put up an air shield in time. The shield instantly shattered and Monoma was sent flying back, but Izuku didn't capitulate due to his shock.
"That quirk…it belongs to the other boy, and you showed a projectile quirk against Komori." Izuku analyzed as he then dodged said projectiles.
"I can only assume that these projectiles belong to one of your classmates then. Perhaps…"
Izuku leapt towards the boy, who let out another shield. Using it as leverage he leapt up and brought his fists onto the boys hastily raised guard.
"As I suspected…"
Cracked iron covered the boy's skin.
"A Copy."
"You…" Monoma growled before he smirked. "You shouldn't have gotten so close." With a flourish he kneed Izuku in the gut after grabbing his arm, the force making him grunt.
It was far less force than intended however.
"What?" Monoma gasped.
'His quirk is a stored-type! His clones aren't instant and neither is that energy!'
"Is that it?" Monoma gasped again as he saw Izuku's shadowed eye, the pupil shining brightly in the darkness.
"I'm disappointed." He said as he returned the knee to the gut, making Monoma vomit and let go of Izuku's arm as he was sent flying back.
Monoma shakily got to his hands and knees as he retched.
"I'm sorry about breaking your nose, that's true. But you still insulted my brother, so I'm kind of obliged to beat your ass. As it is, next time you challenge someone, make sure you can back it up."
Monoma clicked his teeth and snarled.
"Bastard."
He then fired off the scales once more only for Izuku to already be next to him.
"Next time, don't insult the dead."
The crook of his elbow caught into Monoma's neck as he tried to face him. Izuku quickly spun into a small tornado and flung him out of bounds.
"Oklahoma Smash!"
"Hah…I admit, that was very cathartic."
"Monoma is out of bounds, Midoriya wins!"
Izuku went over to the other boy to see if he needed help and to offer his hand in sportsmanship.
Unfortunately, he was unconscious.
"Oh well. Medic!"
Two clones quickly came by to provide assistance, and as they left Izuku once more faced the crowd and raised his fist while also pulling up Monoma's unconscious hand.
It was more amusing than anything but it was the thought that counted.
"AND MIDORIYA CONTINUES HIS WINNING STREAK ANSWERING BAKUGO'S CHALLENGE WITH HIS OWN, LET'S SEE IF THEY BOTH CAN MAKE IT TO THE FINALS!"
"WOW, THESE FIGHTS ARE GOING BY QUICK! BUT WE STILL GOT PLENTY MORE TO GO! RISING UP FROM CLASS A, HE'S FROZEN THE COMPETITION IN HIS WAKE, TODOROKI VERSUS, THE MAN OF A HUNDRED ARMS HIMSELF, SHOJI!
'Could I make a hundred arms?'
"Let's go, Todoroki."
"Hm."
"START!"
Todoroki immediately started with an ice wave and Shoji dodged as he moved around, using his height and strength to jump over the ice and slam his fists on Todoroki.
Todoroki grunted as he hit the ground brutally, but managed to grab Shoji's leg and freeze him completely.
"Tch, dammit, I forgot you could do that." Shoji grunted from his icy prison.
"Shoji is immobilized, Todoroki wins!"
Todoroki grunted as he melted the ice off of Shoji, but as Izuku observed him, he noticed two things.
One, the ice was significantly slower in reaching Shoji.
Two, Todoroki's right side was extremely stiff, as if it was partially frozen.
"AND TODOROKI BARRELS THROUGH THE COMPETITION AGAIN, BUT LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR THE BOTH OF THEM!"
Izuku's eyes narrowed as he saw what exactly Todoroki was doing to himself.
He had a plan now.
"ALRIGHT, WE'RE HALFWAY DONE WITH THE QUARTER FINALS NOW, OUR NEXT FIGHT, THEY WERE TEAMMATES IN THE LAST CHALLENGE, BUT NOW THEY FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO MOVE ON, IT'S SHISHIDA VERSUS KAMAKIRI!"
Said two however, were in quite the predicament.
Both of them had various support items on their bodies, which after a quick recap from Midnight about their little deal with Hatsume, was quickly approved.
Said girl was now also on the field, and was promoting her 'babies'.
Also approved by Midnight.
"Start!"
Shishida immediately went on the offensive and pounced on Kamakiri, his swipe however was blocked by a sudden shield that popped out of Kamakiri's arms.
"What the-"
"Welcome everybody, to Hatsune Industries' presentation, I'm Hatsune Mei, CEO and for all you support companies out there, enjoy the show!"
"Hatsune, what even is thiiiiiissss!" Kamakiri yelled at thrusters popped up under his legs and propelled him away from Shishida.
"You won't get away from me, Kamakiri!"
"It's not me!"
It was then Shishida's turn to be surprised as from his hips two barrels came out and started firing taser rounds.
"What the-Shishida!?"
"Not me either!"
Kamakiri was fortunately saved as his arms were forced together and the shield popped up again, only double the size.
Shishida's barrels then changed and became grappling hooks that launched behind Kamakiri before feeling in, sending Shishida towards his opponent at blinding speeds.
"WHOOOOAAAA!"
Kamakiri became intimately acquainted with the limits of his body as he was wrenched backwards into a 90 degree bend, his blades instinctively coming out to support him.
Shishida flew over him and landed on all fours, special gauntlets becoming claws over his hands and feet providing more traction and gouging deep marks into the concrete.
The two of them as one leapt at each other.
Neither were in complete control. Puppets to the girl who was marketing them.
It was humiliating yet also somehow exhilarating. If the girl wasn't so insane they would honestly consider a lot of the support items that she had made for them.
For example, Kamakiri's boosters helped turn him into a literal tornado of blades, cutting deeply into Shishida's fur and drawing blood.
Shishida's gauntlets provided more power, traction, and cutting force, the claws strong enough to even break Kamakiri's blades.
All in all, it was a very riveting fight.
Shishida's injuries however were more intensive and due to his fur he was becoming more overheated and dehydrated.
So in the end, he bowed out.
"Shishida surrenders! Kamakiri wins!"
"And that's the end of my presentation!"
Surprisingly, after the equipment was removed it did not explode.
"Well I can't market my finished products if they explode, that's all taken care of in the production stage."
"ALRIGHT EVERYBODY! WE'RE HERE AT THE END OF THE QUARTER FINALS! LET'S ROCK IT! COMING UP IT'S 1-A'S EXPLOSIVE WRECKER, BAKUGO! VERSUS! MANLY AND PASSIONATE STEEL, TETSUTETSU!"
"All right!"
"Che, let's see if you're better than your buddy, discount hardening!"
"Discount hardening!?"
"START!"
Bakugo immediately let out an enormous explosion, covering half the stage in smoke and ash.
"MY FIST!"
"KUH!" Bakugo spat out blood as the iron fist smashed into his face.
"I'VE HAD STRONGER FROM THAT MOP HEAD CLASS PRESIDENT OF YOURS!"
Bakugo growled at the insult but was cut off as he took a knee to the gut.
Managing to get some space, he started to barrage the other boy with a series of explosions, but they didn't do too much in terms of damage much to Bakugo's increasing frustration.
Tetsutetsu's increased weight meant that the force behind the explosions didn't move him and due to his metal skin, the heat barely affected him.
"Come on! All that talk!" Punch.
"And this is all you got!" SLAM!
Bakugo growled as he launched himself backwards, his body battered and bruised and his rage hitting an all time peak.
"SHUT UP AND DIE!"
KABOOOOOM
The explosion rattled the stadium itself, and Bakugo clutched his arm as it screamed in pain.
Looking out, he saw Tetsutetsu at the end of a large trench from where he'd dug his hands into the ground. He was unconscious, with his metal quirk finally deactivated.
"Tetsutetsu is unconscious! Bakugo wins!"
Bakugo faced Midoriya, and mockingly raised his fist once more.
Izuku merely narrowed his eyes, and went back inside to the waiting rooms.
"AND BAKUGO FINISHES THE QUARTER FINALS BY DIRECTLY CHALLENGING MIDORIYA! IT'S CERTAINLY UPPING THE ANTICIPATION! WILL THEY MEET EACH OTHER IN THE END OR WILL THEY FALL IN THE SEMI FINALS!? WE'LL FIND OUT SOON AFTER THIS NEXT BREAK!"
Izuku stayed inside his room for the time that he had, meditating and trying to keep his emotions in check. It was in moments like these that he could better listen to the whispers of the Vode inside him, and focus on everything in between.
Todoroki was an entire can of worms, and a large part of him wanted to make him use his fire, because everybody so far had given their all to make it to this point and Todoroki spat on that by half assing everything and expecting to win.
He sympathized and even empathized with him.
But it was no excuse for the lives that would be in danger were he to go into the field.
And the lives already lost.
"Forgive me Todoroki, but either you use your fire, or you will be broken."
Seeing his cue he left for the stadium and ran into someone else.
"Endeavor."
"Ah, I've been looking for you. I must admit, you have a wonderful quirk, a good amount of speed and strength. You inspired quite a few of your classmates as well, and seem to be a natural born leader, even if you tend to emulate All Might."
"I see…excuse me, but I must go."
"It is my Shoto's duty to surpass All Might, but he's in a rebellious stage right now, and your brothers paid the price for that at the USJ. For that I apologize."
'He knows about the USJ!? He acknowledges the Vode?'
"However, your match with him should be an instructive test bed. You've even managed to force him to use his fire, for however short it was during the second challenge. Please, don't disgrace yourself in your match with your anger."
…
"I…"
"That is all I wanted to say. I apologize for bothering you right before your match." Endeavor finished before walking away.
"I…am not All Might."
"That's obvi-"
"That's obvious, right? Well…Todoroki isn't you either." Izuku finished before moving along.
Todoroki's words filled his mind, and all the emotions he'd suppressed so far were coming right back up.
Including some unwanted memories.
"USELESS WOMAN!"
"Not my child!"
"Worthless whore with a worthless quirk!"
"Bakugo's nickname is apt for you, Deku."
"Todoroki tried to attack the Nomu with ice, it simply kept breaking it and the chunks killed some of our brothers. When they told him to use his fire, he merely replied that 'in combat, he would never use it.' We were finally forced to stun him."
"Raatin aliit."
"IT'S COME TO THIS FOLKS, THE FIRST OF OUR SEMI FINALS! HE'S TAKEN FIRST IN EVERY EVENT SO FAR, AND HAS STOOD WITH HIS FIST RAISED HIGH! IT'S MIDORIYA!"
The crowd roared, the fan favorite had arrived.
"KOTE! KOTE! VOD! KOTE!"
"AND HIS OPPONENT, HE'S BEEN STEADILY RISING TO THE TOP, AS EXPECTED OF THE SON OF THE NUMBER TWO HERO! LITERALLY FREEZING THE COMPETITION IN THEIR TRACKS, GIVE IT UP FOR TODOROKI!"
"Midoriya…"
"I expect you to give it your all, Todoroki."
Todoroki merely narrowed his eyes.
"START!"
Immediately, ice surged forward, intent on encasing Midoriya.
"Smash." He whispered.
PFOOM!
The ice stopped, as if paused in time before it shattered and was swept backwards.
Todoroki grunted in surprise as he was pushed backwards by gale force winds, only his quick thinking allowed him to create ice to guard his back and prevent him from being pushed out of bounds.
'This power, he didn't have this level of strength before!'
The crowd cried out, many of the heroes were also unprepared for the icy wind.
"What is this?" Todoroki asked as the winds died down.
He looked desperately for Midoriya, only to find him gone.
"Where?"
"Like I said, you'll need a lot more than that." Izuku said from right next to his right side, fist already at the ready.
"SMASH!"
And that's it for today, I know, I know. Cliffhangers, I hate them too, but I felt that this would be a good spot to up the anticipation and end the chapter without disrupting the congruence of previous chapters, I mean, this is already at 12k words and that's without omakes and reviews.
Special thank you to 61394 for inspiring the conversation between Endeavor and Todoroki.
And now, some Omakes!
OMAKE 1: DAILY LIFE WITH THE CLONES
Ponds was doing his patrol with the Vode during the festival when he decided to check the announcer's box. Apparently Present Mic and Cody were at lunch.
Inside, he found Aizawa in his sleeping bag, who was desperately trying to sleep.
"Uh, sir?"
"...Yes?"
"You alright?"
"Can't sleep."
…
"Want some help?"
"How?"
…
"I could stun you?"
…
…
…
"Do it."
PTEW!
"Zzzzzzzz…"
It was the best sleep of his life in years.
Omake 2: Kyofu pt. 3
Once again, Kyofu was alone, merely remaining in silence.
And once again that silence was disturbed.
"Bakugo…"
"D-Midoriya."
Kyofu turned slightly at the aborted name.
"Both those names belong to the dead. You should know…you killed them."
"I…I know…I'm sorry." He whispered.
At that Kyofu turned fully and marched to the door that separated them, his fury palpable in the air.
"It is far, far, too late for apologies, Bakugo. He was there, waiting for you to save him."
"Save me, kaachan!"
"Save yourself, Deku! I got villains to kill!"
"And you left him to burn."
"I hate you!"
Bakugo merely looked away, unwilling to look at him in shame and regret.
"...Why do you say 'him'?"
"Because in the end, you were right. Midoriya Izuku was weak. I destroyed him."
…
"Where…where is she?" Katsuki asked after a moment of silence.
"What does it matter to you?"
"I made a promise…to bring her back home. To the others."
"Then that will be another promise that you have broken. She is dead." Kyofu declared but paused as Katsuki shook his head.
"No, I don't think so."
"And, why not?"
"Because she was Izuku's friend, and Izuku wouldn't do that to a friend." Katsuki boldly declared only for Kyofu to laugh.
"Have I not tried to kill you multiple times? I know that you hide the scar I gave you as I pierced your abdomen with my blade."
"You and I both know that we haven't been friends in a long time."
…
Kyofu merely turned away.
And Katsuki walked back defeated.
"In my fortress…in Mustufasu. Deep in the lower levels, she lies undisturbed in a deep sleep."
…
"Thank you."
"It is not for you."
"I know."
Omake 3: The One Who is Many - Sort of Opposite for An Ancient Quirk
"So, All Might has arrived." Shigaraki said with glee as they stood in the center of the USJ.
"Surrender villains! You are beaten!"
"Ah ah ah, not without first showing you our special character. Kurogiri?"
Said man nodded as a portal opened up, and a boy came out in chains. He was malnourished, and trembling, and heavily, heavily scarred.
Emerald eyes looked at All Might's in fear.
"It's you…What have you done!?"
"What did we do? I should ask you that, All Might. After all, you drove him into our arms. What was it you said? A quirkless person can't be a hero?"
"No…"
"Well don't worry, we fixed that." Shigaraki said with a sadistic laugh.
"A-all Might…" The boy groaned desperately.
"Kurogiri, set the stage. Then get us out of here."
It started slowly, but the boy twitched, shuddering and retching as he fell to his knees, All Might heading to his side as music of all things started to play with chanting in the background.
Bo dai sat-ta e han-nya ha ra / fu i shiki shiki soku ze ku soku ze / ko ku chu mu shiki mu ju so gyo
"I always did like playing the ost's."
Bo dai sat-ta e han-nya ha ra / mu mu myo yaku mu mu myo ha ra / mu mu myo yaku mu mu myo jin nai
"What did you do to him!?" He demanded angrily.
"You'll see soon enough, I only wish that I could be here to enjoy it. He's just too volatile."
The boy started to shiver violently and his body started to twitch and bulge.
"Goodbye, All Might." He said as they disappeared.
"All Might…run! Please! I…I don't…I don't-"
"All Might!" He heard the students yell out as they arrived.
"What the-the hell are you doing here, DEKU!"
A sudden surge of energy erupted from the boy, knocking them all back.
"Everybody stand back! The villains did something to him!"
The boy screamed in pure agony and All Might's heart broke at the sound.
The music and chanting kept repeating, from where he didn't know.
The boy's body started to split apart, blood drenched the ground as golden scales began to appear, wings violently tore from his back and his face shifted horrendously as his arms began to deform and become something else.
He started to grow in size and all of them took a step back as he started to dwarf them.
His arms practically broke apart as his hands became bony, and elongated, only now were they realizing that it was because they were turning into heads and twin tails erupted from his spine.
Izuku's main head finally became silent as the transformation finished, golden lighting surging around the new creature before them.
The three heads stared menacingly at the group before them, crimson eyes full of hatred. As one their heads rose and their wings spread as they screamed into the heavens. The very roof of the USJ collapsed all around them.
"Behold…" They all heard.
REEEEEARAURAURAURAURGH!
"Ghidorah."
And that's it. Thank you all once again for your support, I'll have the next chapter up soon! Please review, tell me what I could do better, tell me your ideas, thoughts, omakes, etc.
Also, yes, I have no idea where the whole Tetsutetsu/Yanagi thing came from but I'm rolling with it.
Also I have an idea in mind to add to the story, I'll put up a poll to see what you all think.
Lyrics for the song. (Modified) GRA'TUA CUUN
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still. Fallen!
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still.
Every last traitorous soul shall kneel in our shadow.
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still.
Every last traitorous soul shall kneel.
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still.
Every last traitorous soul shall fall.
Forged like the saber of One For All, Brothers All!
KA'RTA TOR
As ruthless as Death itself,
The pitiless face of The Hero's wrath,
Let us look down on all who are before us.
Brothers all, one heart of justice.
FORGED LIKE THE SWORD IN ONE FOR ALL, BROTHERS ALL!
DHA WERDA VERDA
We are the rage of The Warriors who Fell.
The first noble sons of Mustufasu.
Let all those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still.
The gauntlet of Mustufasu strikes without mercy.
We are the rage of The Warriors who Fell,
The first noble sons of Mustufasu.
Let all those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our vengeance burns brighter still.
And glory, eternal glory,
We shall bear its weight together.
Forged like the saber of One For All, Brothers all.
One indomitable heart, Brothers all.