She's The Man
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone for your opinions and votes. I've thought about your suggestions, and applied them to the plot and feel I've come up with a good layout. I hope you will all look forward to the upcoming battles. I will be focusing primarily on the fights of the main characters while touching briefly on the others, so sorry if it feels like I'm rushing through just a tad.
Chapter 15: Tournament Trouble
Izuku pressed his back to the wall to stay out of sight of his sister and Todoroki. He had overheard the entire conversation, and it had shocked and appalled him at the cruelty in Todoroki's family. It had shocked him further to hear the emotion in his sister's voice. It was rare she showed this soft side of herself to anyone outside of whom she considered family. It was obvious to Deku that Todoroki was special to her, perhaps like a brother, or-
"Deku… there you are!"
"EEEEmmmph!" Izuku put his hands over his mouth to silence his squeaks. He turned to see Bakugo strutting towards him irritably.
"I've been looking all over for you. What was with those faces you were making at- MMMPH!" He grunted when Izuku rushed to rushed to cover his mouth.
"Shhhh…" Izuku pressed a finger to his lips and had irritation spreading over Bakugo's face. He grabbed Izuku's hand squeezing it hard.
"The hell is your problem…"
"Shh, Izumi will hear you… Kacchan! No no no!" Izuku begged in hushed hurried tones, and flailed his arms trying to stop Bakugo from rounding the corner. He knew Kacchan had feelings for Izumi, and didn't want him to get upset over seeing her with another boy.
"Oi!" Bakugo shoved Izuku back with on hand peering around the corner, and irritation further filled his face. "The hell are you doing, this is a school not a love nest."
Izuku groaned, and poked his fingers together. He wanted to point out that he'd done worse things on campus with him, but felt it wasn't the time or place to discuss that kind of thing. "Sorry Izumi. I tried to stop him, but-"
"It's okay, Zuku." Surprisingly calm she slowly pulled from Todoroki and tucked hair behind her ear. "We should probably get back to the cafeteria. I need to apologize to Mineta and Kaminari, and plus I haven't eaten."
"Huh? Apologize?" Izuku blinnked in confusion.
"I had no right to snap at them that way… I overheard an ugly conversation plus I was riled up from the match." she sighed heavily and turned blue. "I don't want to admit it but, I overreacted."
"That's the understatement of the century." Bakugo snarled and Izumi glared at him.
"Watch your mouth, Bakugo, you're lucky Todoroki calmed me down or I'd take you on here and now instead of waiting for the next round."
"Bring it out, half pint." He smirked leaning in. "I'd be more than happy to show you your place."
"Hey come on you guys, let's all try to stay calm and get along okay?" Izuku held up his hands and blinked. "Oh yeah, Todoroki-kun, wasn't there something you wanted to talk about with Izumi and I?"
All eyes turned to Shoto and he fidgeted a bit under the stare.
"Not so much talk, but it can wait." He looked down at Izumi who smiled warmly at him. It was a soft look he hadn't seen since their date, and it warmed him immensely. "I've decided I don't need to know just yet."
Whatever their connection with All Might was, Todoroki thought, it wouldn't stop him from wanting to win. The twins were his competition, and that went for Bakugo as well. The fact that Izuku had frightened him into using his fire just meant he couldn't underestimate the guy any longer.
"Let's go eat."
When they returned to the cafeteria, Izumi was good to her word and she apologized to Mineta and Kaminari. She held out her hand for the uniform, and after eating a quick meal, begrudgingly put it on.
"I'll consider it punishment for overreacting." She decided as she stood next to the rest of the girls in the uniforms. The boys were in fits of excitement and teen hormonal nirvana. However when they went out onto the field, the girls were put into a state of pure embarrassment. They were the only class to be dressed as cheerleaders, aside from the visiting american girls brought in for the recreational games.
"Mineta! Kaminari! You tricked us you perves!" Yaoyorozu shouted in disgust and humiliation. She whimpered and fell to her knees. "Why do I always fall for this, I even used creation to make these outfits."
Uraraka flushed and hid her face behind pompoms and glanced to her right at Izumi who was admiring the orange color. She'd put the length of her hair in a braid, and didn't seem surprised or concerned over the mishap.
"Izumi-chan, you knew didn't you? You knew they made it up."
"I'm surprised you guys believed them, what with Mineta's reputation and all." She bounced a little, her boobs surprisingly supported in the outfit.
"So why did you decide to wear them with the rest of us?" Tsuyu questioned curiously.
"I overreacted and threatened Mineta and Kaminari because of my bad mood. I felt this was a good way to make it up to them and give myself a sort of punishment.
"You could have at least told the rest of us," Jiro groaned hugging her chest embarrassed.
"Don't feel too bad," Izumi turned around smiling and waving to the cameras. "At least we look good, and we're getting a lot of attention."
"That's the spirit!" Hagakure clapped her pompoms and waved around ecstatically. "Who cares if it's a set up! We can't let things get tense around here! It's fine! Let's do this!"
"You are actually enjoying this, aren't you Toru-chan?" Tsuyu smiled.
Izuku smiled at his sister, he was glad to see she was at least getting along with some of the other girls, Uraraka glanced over to him waving and smiling cutely. He blushed but waved back, only to get smacked in the back of the head by Bakugo.
"Stop flirting with the ditz."
"Eh?! I wasn't flirting, I was wavoohhhmmph." His words muffled as Bakugo squeezed his cheeks together pursing his lips.
"You've gonna give that airhead the wrong idea if you're this openly friendly with her. You're mine, not hers, make that clear to her or I will."
"Hmm? Kacchan… could it be you're… jealous? Owowowowowow!" Izuku winced as Bakugo squeezed harder.
"I'm not jealous, I'm just protecting what's mine! You got that?"
"Got it! I got it!" he pulled away and rubbed his cheek… but secretly flustered and smiled. He was Kacchan's… why did that possessive and careless phrase make him so stupidly happy?
"Whoa, Midoriya!" Tetsutetsu came over flushed and excited at seeing this feminine side to his crush. "What's with the outfit?"
"Eh, I lost a bet." She said carelessly and smiled at him. "You like it? Wanna try it on?"
"Huh!? No no no, i'm good, eh heh…" He rubbed the back of his head. "It looks way better on you."
"You really think so?" She smiled friendly. "Also you should call me Izumi. It may get a little confusing what with my brther and all." She told him and had his heart doing a happy dance.
"Yeah? Okay, Izumi!" He laughed and stepped closer. "You know, after the festival we should-"
"Izumi!" Todoroki came up, casually he hoped, and set a hand on her shoulder. "It's time to lineup with our classes." He eyed Tetsutetsu, the look he was giving him showing he was marking his territory. "Your brother and everyone are all waiting."
"Hey we were talking!" Tetsutetsu snarled. Just who did this guy think he was.
"Now you're done, excuse us." He wrapped an arm possessively around Izumi's shoulders and pulled her along with the rest of class 1A.
"That bastard…" Tetsutetsu clenched his fist, his aura on fire. "I'll show him."
"Todoroki-kun..." Izumi winged an eyebrow, and turned her head up to him. "What was that for?"
"Just making sure he doesn't get any bright ideas." He claimed and slowly released her. "I don't want anyone to make advances towards you until I've had the chance to do so myself."
"You didn't think that just maybe I want him to make advances towards me?" Her smile was slow and confident.
"No, I didn't, but that's not the point." He stuffed his left hand in his pocket.
"What is the point?"
"I thought I made that clear before… during class and right before the cavalry battle." He took her chin in his right hand and lifted her head so their eyes met fully. He wanted to make sure she heard him loud and clear this time. "I like you, Izumi. I want to date you. I think it would be fun."
"You've yet to grasp the true concept of fun." She took his hand and lowered it. "So I'm not sure if that's a good idea."
"You're the one that can teach me the concept. I want the chance to continue that lesson, and to learn more about you. I'm attracted to you, and I feel the relationship would be mutually beneficial."
"Mutually beneficial…" Izumi had to laugh a bit. "You're a strange guy, Todoroki-kun." She sighed. "Alright, I'll think about it."
"Good, I look forward to hearing your answer." he turned his back to her and walked to his spot, a smile on his face.
From the stands, Endeavor saw the interaction and had to scowl. Their closeness rubbed him the wrong way. He'd been impressed with the girl's spunk, but was appalled her lack of discipline. His son, though rebellious, knew what his task was. Sooner or later that boy would come to comprehend just what he was created for, and fall into place. No temperamental teenage girl was going to stop that.
All Might too was concerned about the closeness between Todoroki and Izumi. Not because of things like responsibilities, and duties and all that… but because he was a father, concerned that his little girl was being noticed by boys. She was a young woman, coming into her feminine powers, and with her quirk it lead to unwanted attention and hordes of people vying for hers. Izuku would have his own problems once he came into his own, but they weren't as concerning to him.
Unable to help himself he pulled a picture from his suit pocket and eyed it. The twins smiled back at him, a pair of toddlers holding each other's hands, wearing All Might sleepers and identical smiles. Inko had sent him this picture along with a dozen others he kept tucked away for personal pleasure. He'd missed out on so much… he wondered if he was doing the right thing by letting them become heroes. Then remembered how serious and fierce they had stood before him, pledging they'd be on top.
"Izumi, Izuku… do you best. Papa is rooting for you."
The students were gathered together for the lots to be drawn. Each member of the participating teams would draw a number which set them into their slot for the one on one fights. It was a battle tournament, pure and simple. Izumi grinned wide and cracked her knuckles.
"Perfect, just our style, right Izuku?" Izumi glanced over and he nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's definitely to our benefit… but remember we have to be careful. We can't use too much force or we're likely to really hurt someone." Izuku pointed out.
"Pffft, these guys can handle it…" She looked around at the group. "Well… for the most part anyway. We can't take it easy on them just because we don't want them to get hurt. This is a competition and we promised dad we'd come out on top."
"Right… and everyone else is gonna be giving it their all so we have to as well." Izuku nodded and bunched his fists. He heard his name being called and he jogged up the steps to draw his
number… and tried not to grimace when he saw the big fat 1 on the slip of paper. Didn't it just figure he'd get stuck going first?
The rest of the lots were drawn, and the battles were decided.
Battle 1
Izuku Vs. Shiozaki
Battle 2
Sero Vs. Kirishima
Battle 3
Todoroki Vs. Tetsutetsu
Battle 4
Iida Vs. Mavis
Battle 5
Izumi Vs. Yaoyorozu
Battle 6
Tokoyami Vs. Ashido
Battle 7
Kaminari Vs. Awase
Battle 8
Bakugo Vs. Uraraka
Izuku frowned at the board, his body tense at lineup, particularly when he saw Bakugo's battle. Kacchan was already antagonized by Uraraka's actions concerning him, but now for it to be put on display for everyone to see.
"That fight's not gonna be pretty." Izuku grumbled and Izumi had to nod in agreement.
"Yaoyorozu huh? Looks like I'm up against the top of the class at the very start." She glanced in Yao's direction… and wondered why the girl looked so nervous. She glanced over further and smiled at Mavis holding up a fist for him to match with a bump. "Hey, congrats on making it this far."
"Thanks Izumi-chan. My babies have shined so far, but now it's time to make them positively sparkle!" He held his heart and sighed hopefully. "In my battle with Iida I plan on showing the true perfection that is my babies."
Izumi laughed.
"I'm sure you will, but try not to explode anything this time, okay?"
"Not to worry, I've only chosen the best of the best. I've tested them time and again, and made the necessary modifications for improvement." He assured.
"I hope so, I'd hate for the teachers to have to peel Iida off the stage floor."
"This is perfect!" Tetsutetsu grinned. "I get to show that pretty boy what for… Shiozaki's right, the gods are smiling on us right now."
"I wouldn't get too excited, Tetsutetsu," Awase sighed. "After all he's the son of Endeavor and I heard he got in on recommendations just like Juzo."
"Pfft, whatever, Nothing he can throw at me is gonna stop me from beating that pretty face of his in, in true manly style!" He turned steel and beat his iron fists together. "This is gonna be a battle of men, and of heart." His face suddenly turned friendly and happy. "Oi Izumi! Be sure to cheer for me okay!?"
"Uh, okay…" maybe Todoroki was right. Maybe she shouldn't have given Tetsutetsu any ideas. "Maybe Bakugo and Uraraka won't be the only ugly fight."
"Eh? Uraraka?" Bakugo scowled at the board with mixed feelings. On one hand he was happy to be able to put the little tart in her place… on the other he wasn't sure how he felt about openly beating on a girl. He wasn't entirely sure just how good she was. Their brief match in the villain vs. heroes bid had been less that satisfying. He eyed her coldly, saw her face go pale and had to smirk.
"Try not to die too early in the game, ne round face?"
"Round Face?" Uraraka blinked and pouted walking away from him. "So mean…"
"Kacchan…" Izuku whispered in hush tones as he came in close to him. "About your match…"
"If you're going to ask me to go easy on her, you can forget it. We're all here to be heroes, and if she wants to match up to the rest of us she has to fight with more than just her looks." Bakugo grunted and immediately shut down Izuku's requests.
"I suppose you're right."
"Think of it this way." Bakugo glanced down at him. "Would you want me to go easy on you?"
"Hmm?" Izuku looked up in surprise… after a brief moment he shook his head and smiled. "No, I'd want you to come at me with everything."
"Humph," he smiled and gave him a light karate chop on the head. "I plan on giving round face the exact same courtesy."
"Yeah!" Izuku rubbed his head and nodded smiling. "Do your best!"
Do your best… huh? Izuku rubbed his chest and stomach feeling the butterflies dance inside. He was so nervous. Standing in the wing of the field preparing to be announced, Izuku could feel his lack of experience toy with his confidence. He'd never fought against an actual person before. In all the times he'd attempted to save someone he'd done it without actually using his quirk. It was the main reason he always came home beaten and bruised, and why his grandfather had gotten lectures rather than punishments about his upbringing.
Izumi had the advantage of not only knowing everyone's quirk, but of having a taste of it during classes. He was sure she would do well, and only hoped to be able to match it.
"Hey…" Speak of the devil Izumi, and surprisingly All Might, walked up to him in the tunnel. "You okay, Zuku?"
"Yeah, just nervous is all." He swallowed hard and turned fully to them. "I don't want to let you guys down."
"You could never let me down, Zuku." Izumi smiled at him and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Besides you're gonna do great, I can feel it."
"She's right, kid. You've got all it takes to succeed." All Might nodded his head from behind Izumi. "Now you just have to have the confidence to do it."
"You're right… I know I can do it. I'm just worried if I'm ready for it. You passed One for All down to Izumi and I… it's powerful, and it's thrilling… but it's also terrifying. What if I don't control it enough? What if I hurt someone more than I mean to? What if-"
"What if the sky falls and the oceans dry up," All Might groaned. "For crying out loud Mr. Prince of Nonsense, Izumi and I have complete faith in you, so you need to have faith in yourself." He placed his hands on his son's shoulders. "I was a lot like you when I was younger, and there's something my mother used to say when I'd worry like this."
"Our grandmother? Was she a hero too?"
"Yes, but that's a story for another day. What I will tell you is a lesson she made sure to beat into my head every chance she got…" he cleared his throat. "Be not afraid of greatness… some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. No matter which one you are, you can't let fear stop you from fulfilling the full potential of that greatness."
"Dad…" Izuku's eyes glittered with admiration and a new found confidence.
"Remember Kiddo, it's the times when you're afraid, or worried, that you have to smile through it." All Might slowly bulked up, grinning wide to prove a point. "Smile through adversity."
"Mmm!" Izuku grinned and Izumi matched it looking up at their dad.
"Good advice. Sounds like our grandmother was a wise lady," Izumi grinned. "Wish we could have met her."
"Yeah, me too. You would have liked her. In fact she reminds me a lot of you Izumi." He ruffled her hair. "She had a temper too…"
"Audience! The finals you've all been waiting for is finally starting!" Present Mic's voice sang through the speakers.
"That's your cue, Izuku. Dad and I will be right here cheering you on." Izumi hugged him tight. "Do us and yourself proud."
"Mmm, I will." He hugged her back and gave a thumbs up to All might. "Wish me luck!"
~Ask Briry~
Briry: yay! First round fights are about to begin. What do you guys think of the line up? Who do you think will make it to the next round? Keep reading to find out!
Next Chapter: First Round Frustrations
