And now Izuku Fights Accelerator... Enjoy!
Izuku gulped as he stood in place, waiting for the announcer to start the match. If he wasn't nervous before, he was now; facing the inevitability that was Accelerator.
In the world of heroes, All Might was considered the strongest.
In the world of espers, Accelerator was considered the strongest.
Though they were nothing alike, even in terms of their abilities, the held the same title in their respective realms of consideration. Right now, Izuku held All Might's power, but could only use 5% of it; any higher and he stood the possibility of losing control and hurting himself. At the same time however, Accelerator had full access to his full potential.
Or so he thought. Izuku had no idea about that the electrode on his neck was designed to connect to the Misaka-Network to do his calculations, which only stood at roughly 40% his full calculating potential prior to his brain injury, or its 30 minute time limit.
He didn't know it, but if he could last at least 30 minutes against Accelerator, victory was his. At least, it would be as long as Accelerator didn't enter his awakened state.
Ochako watched from the waiting room, appearing worried. She knew firsthand how powerful Accelerator was, and how ineffective direct attacks were. She did her best to teach him the technique and now it was Izuku's time to use it. Her heart thumped in her chest.
It wasn't like before, where she had absolute confidence in Izuku's abilities. Something about feeling Accelerator's power herself put doubt into her heart. That power was frightening; it felt like he could kill her at any moment, and that it was only the terms of the competition that saved her from that fate. And now someone she cared about, possibly even loved, was facing that exact same terrifying ability.
It didn't help at all that various other emotions that were burying her affection for Izuku were suddenly starting to show themselves again.
She clasped her hands together as she watched, the thumping in her chest not slowing down in the slightest. Suddenly, a hand from behind patted her on the head.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Touma asked after getting Ochako's attention. "Something bothering you?"
"K-kyaa!" Ochako shouted, flipping around in a combat stance. Touma involuntarily flinched and backed up. "D-Don't sneak up on me like that!
"Y-you're the one spacing out so much that you weren't paying attention!" Touma shot back. "I had to do that just to snap you out of it!"
"R-really…?" Ochako asked. She then laughed nervously, relaxing her stance. "S-sorry… I'm a little bit wound up…" Ochako rubbed her neck nervously, embarrassed by her sudden outburst. Touma sighed and relaxed himself.
"It's fine… now what's wrong?" Touma asked.
"Well… I'm just worried about Deku… I guess…" Ochako admitted.
"Oh I see… yeah Accelerator can be scary when you first meet him, especially in a fight." Touma said, moving to the window to watch the match himself. "I can't say you have nothing to worry about… but I'm sure Midoriya will do fine. Accelerator won't significantly hurt him in public like this. Even if he does get hurt, it shouldn't be too bad; nothing permanent at least."
"Are you sure?" Ochako asked carefully.
"Yeah I'm sure. Accelerator got roped into this kind of like I did. He wouldn't want to start a witch hunt by causing a major injury to someone." Touma replied.
"I see…" Ochako turned back toward the arena floor, still looking uncomfortable.
"You sure that's all? Kind of seems like something else is eating at you." Touma asked.
"Well… I guess you could say…" Ochako trailed off. "…I'm a little bit jealous."
"Of Midoriya?" Touma asked. Ochako nodded. "Why? You two seem like you get along fairly well if your considering dating." Ochako blushed red for a moment, and then sighed as it faded.
"He's just so strong and determined." Ochako answered. "It's really amazing, but I can't help but be jealous. He keeps striving forward focused on his goal; sometimes I'm so amazed by it I can't help but stand there and watch… even though I want to progress as far as he does. Sometimes I feel like I'm trailing behind him so far that the gap seems impossible to bridge…"
"A little bit of jealousy isn't that bad. It's kind of normal actually." Touma said. Ochako shook her head.
"It's more than that… I…" Ochako took a deep breath. "I'm trying to become a full-fledged hero for my parents sake… they pushed me into it, but I want to help them since they've been struggling… so I want to become a pro hero so I can support them. But each time I see Deku fight… I feel so far behind I can't stand it. I just watch in awe of him constantly pushing forward… and it upsets me. My emotions keep getting in the way…"
"Welcome to the world of adolescence! Where you're constantly comparing yourself to others and feel like you don't matter in the world, Nya!" Tsuchimikado suddenly joined the conversation, wrapping an arm around Ochako.
"…I'm still angry, you know." Ochako warned. Tsuchimikado waved her off.
"Nya! No worries, that was part of your initiation to the crew. Right Kami-yan?" Tsuchimikado said.
"…If you punch him, break a tooth." Touma replied.
"Understood." Ochako said, punching a fist into her open palm.
"Hey, clam down a little bit, I'm trying to help!" Tsuchimikado started. "You're standing with the top dogs in the city and you're feeling inadequate anyway, right?" Tsuchimikado asked.
"…Make your point already." Ochako sighed.
"Well, you may feel like you're so far behind Izuku-chan that becoming a hero feels impossible… but look out there. The reason he isn't twitching up a storm of fear is because of you." Tsuchimikado pointed towards Izuku. "You figured out the trick to fight Accelerator. Sure the number one told you, but he told you because you impressed him with your own ability. And without you doing that, figuring out how exactly to do it, and teaching Izuku-chan how to do it, his chance of victory would be absolute zero. In essence, win or lose, the only reason he stands a chance here at all is you."
"Do you… really think so?" Ochako asked.
"Truth is right in front of you, right? Don't go saying he's astronomically better than you when it's obvious he needs you to progress himself. Probably more than he is willing to admit; he's the kind of guy who really cares about what his friend's think of him." Tsuchimikado said. Ochako smiled a bit.
"…Thanks for that." She turned towards the arena field, the announcer had started to hype up the audience like he usually did before a match. "Honestly, when I asked Deku out… I was kind of hoping that Misaki would have been messing with me… that he'd reject me so I could move on… but when he said yes I was kind of overwhelmed so I went with it… it felt really good but I was constantly questioning if it was the right thing to do for my progress to indulge in my personal fantasy's like that."
"Sounds like you did the right thing to me." Touma said. "Doing stuff for other's sake is fine, but if you're not happy in the end, it really doesn't matter. You'll just end up breaking yourself for it."
"Yeah. If you want to be one of the top pro heroes? Do it; use everything at your disposal to make it happen. Cheat if you have to. But… under no circumstances should you ever have to sacrifice your own happiness for it. You're doing it for your parents, right? Well, they probably pushed you into it because they wanted you to be happy; they'd probably feel like crap if you were miserable for their sake, even if they benefited from it." Tsuchimikado commented. Ochako looked down, thinking.
"Hey; no using parents as a weapon in an argument." Touma said.
"All is fair in love and war!" Tsuchimikado replied.
"Then I'll start using your sister from now on when you start giving me lip." Touma shot back.
"…You stay away from my sister." Tsuchimikado threatened with a sudden seriousness.
"All is fair in love and war, you damn sis-con." Touma imitated Tsuchimikado's voice in mockery. Before the two could come to blows themselves, Ochako suddenly started laughing.
"You two… are quiet the duo, huh?" Ochako looked up with a smile.
"…He save's my ass, and I save his. It's kind of the dynamic we have." Touma said.
"It's true; we are the ultimate unstoppable combination. Though I kick his ass in a fight." Tsuchimikado said.
"Hey…" Touma protested.
"You should see us when Aogami is here! Then our power is absolutely unstopable!" Tsuchimikado added.
"No one deserves seeing that!" Touma shouted. Ochako laughed again.
"…Thanks you two." Ochako said. "I really needed that pep talk."
"Hey, we're all in the magical age of clouded emotions, thoughts, and bad decisions. We got to help each other out or we'll never get out alive!" Tsuchimikado replied.
"Besides… what are friends for?" Touma added. Ochako smiled wide, reveling in the suddenly clarity in both her heart and mind. "Just remember what I said about keeping it PG-13; your emotions might hit a fever pitch when you two are close but try to keep some self-control."
"S-shut up! I-I know that!" Ochako blushed red, but she smiled in response anyway.
"Hey! It looks like the announcer is getting ready to start!" Tsuchimikado said. The trio looked back towards the arena field, watching the two contenders closely. Though Ochako was still somewhat worried about Izuku's safety, everything else was clear to her for the first time in a while.
Izuku and her would get out of this competition, and get back home. Then, they'll have plenty of time to sort everything out about herself, about him, and then about each other.
"Alright! Enough waiting around! We just got word that the final security checks are done and we are set to let this fight explode!" The announcer shouted. "Now… it is time! Midoriya Izuku versus the Accelerator! Begin!"
Izuku charged forward and attacked, and his assault was instantly reflected when Accelerator turned on his electrode. The force launched Izuku backward rolling, eventually stopping on his back, lying down on the arena floor.
"…The fuck was that?" Accelerator asked. He narrowed his eyes as Izuku didn't seem to move initially. "…Is this your way of throwing the match or something? What a waste of time."
"…No." Izuku answered, jumping back onto his feet. "I had to feel it, that's all."
"Feel what?"
"Your ability." Izuku answered, looking up. "Your reflection is amazing. Nothing got through… I'm not sure if One for All could break it. But… I've been given this opportunity, and I can't let it go to waste."
"…I've gotten tired of this piece of shit tournament." Accelerator announced, taking his hands out of his pockets. "Here's the deal. This is the one chance I'm going to give you before things get heated; give up. Or else I'm going to kill you." Accelerator grinned and opened up his arms, almost as if he was welcoming the next attack. "But if you want to die, go on… hit me. Use everything you have so I can see the look on your face when it fails!"
Izuku charged again, activate Full Cowl. He jumped into the air, appearing to drop kick Accelerator. But, it fell short, hitting the ground just in front of Accelerator, destroying the pavement and kicking up a cloud of dust that covered the two.
"…Trying to psyche me out huh? That isn't going to work." Accelerator mocked. He heard footsteps coming from his left, but didn't move. Whatever was coming, it would be reflected. Not even an nuclear bomb could piece his ability. This kid beating the number seven didn't matter at all to him; no matter how much kinetic energy he could put out, Accelerator's ability would reflect it.
Izuku got close, and threw a fist. Accelerator looked in Izuku's direction, only to briefly see Izuku's fist stop for a very brief moment, then continue, sparking red, and smash into the side of his face uncontested.
Accelerator flew out of the dust cloud, grinding along the ground until Accelerator smashed his right hand downward, unleashing a shockwave to stop himself. Izuku stood in the dust cloud as it settled in some kind of fighting stance.
"I'm not going to lose here." Izuku announced. "I can't; not when everyone is counting on me! Even if it's against you, the absolute strongest, I won't lose to you!" Izuku stood firm as he shouted. Accelerator's eye's narrowed as he got up to his feet.
"So… that bitch was able to teach you after all." Accelerator said, and then he grinned. "Fine. No more games." Accelerator suddenly shot forward, his hands outstretched, seemingly aiming for Izuku's throat.
'He's attacking… and so fast!' Izuku just narrowly managed to dodge the attack by leaping to the side. He turned toward Accelerator afterward but he was already in the air, diving kicking toward Izuku. He jumped back and Accelerator's foot hit the pavement with surprising force, unleashing a shockwave in all directions, knocking him back. Izuku landed a fair distance away, panting.
He didn't want to admit it, not even to himself, but he was scared out of his mind. The number one esper was actually trying to attack him. In previous matches, Accelerator had more or less barely even attempted combat, and when he did it was completely half-heartedly. This was different. Every attack felt calculated. The force was overwhelming; more than enough to kill a person.
Every attack felt like if they would hit Izuku, his life would end.
"Not bad. Let's keep going!" Accelerator shouted, cackling like a jackal. Two massive whirlwinds erupted from Accelerator's back, appearing more like miniature tornados, and raced toward Izuku from across the ring. Izuku sped forward, just narrowly dodging the attack, running straight for Accelerator. He stomped the ground, breaking apart a large section of the ring and causing several chunks of concrete to fly into the air, only to be shot towards Izuku when Accelerator touched them. Izuku did his best to dodge, but was hit several times. However, he continued his rapid march toward the number one.
When he got close, Accelerator flung his arm across horizontally, attempting to slam it into Izuku. He ducked however, and using the technique Ochako taught him, uppercut Accelerator, knocking him up into the air just a little. Using the opportunity, Izuku active Full Cowl again.
"5% Detroit Smash!" Izuku shouted. Once again using the technique, Izuku smashed his fist into Accelerator's stomach, launching him out of the ring. However, before Accelerator could hit the wall, he unleashed four whirlwinds that erupted form his back, the force of their appearance canceling out the momentum. He outright flew back toward Izuku, clawing at him with his fingers, but Izuku just barely managed to dodge.
Izuku managed to jump back, but one of Accelerator's whirlwinds slammed into him, throwing him into the air. Before Izuku could recover, Accelerator was above him, and slammed an elbow into Izuku's back. The force was amped up exponentially, knocking Izuku into the ground almost instantly. Accelerator came back down and slammed his foot into Izuku's back, pushing him deeper into the concrete floor with a loud crash. Accelerator then flew backward and landed a fair distance away.
Izuku didn't move; his body partially buried in the pieces of concrete. Accelerator clicked his teeth.
"Too bad. I was actually starting to have a little bit of fun. Oh well." Accelerator started to walk away. He stopped when he heard the sound of moving rocks hitting the cement. "…You should stay down. If you can walk after your spine taking hits like that, it's time to consider yourself lucky and withdraw."
"I… can't give up here…!" Izuku said, slowly pushing himself to his feet.
"I'll kill you. You realize that right?" Accelerator turned to face Izuku. "I stopped fooling round a while ago. If you keep pushing this, I will kill you. Even if I don't want to, your body won't be able to take it." Izuku gritted his teeth, but it slowly turned into a smile as he stared down Accelerator.
"Go ahead and try." Izuku replied. He stood ready, his eyes filled with determination. Accelerator's face twisted in annoyance.
"You're making a big mistake." Accelerator threatened.
"Isn't the first… and it won't be the last." Izuku replied confidently.
"Smug bastard…!" Accelerator rushed Izuku in a flash, attempting to drive his hand into Izuku's chest. He met Accelerator's attack with an upward punch, sending Accelerator's hand upward, and then used his other to sock Accelerator in the face, forcing him back. The number one stomped the ground, sending up a piece of concrete and launched it at Izuku. He held out his arms across his body to block it, and the concrete shattered when it hit him, forcing him back. Accelerator rushed and promptly slammed a punch of his own into Izuku's stomach, launching him back and forcing him to cough. He landed on his feet but his body was shaking as it reeled from the assault.
"Damn…!" Izuku cursed under his breath. "After all that big talk it'd look really bad to lose here, huh…"
"That's right…" Accelerator replied. "But look on the bright side' you managed to hurt me. Not just hit me; but actually managed to hurt this body of mine. That alone is quite the achievement that many people in this city wish they could perform. Bravo. But I'm afraid it's time for this to end."
"…You're right." Izuku smiled again. "You know, I've learned something in this competition…"
"Oh? What's that?" Accelerator asked.
"You're greatest opponent… will never be the person who opposes you." Izuku said simply, looking up. "It will always be your own weakness. That will be a person's greatest enemy."
"Nice philosophy, but that doesn't exactly help you here, does it?" Accelerator commented.
"Of course it does… I'm about to blow my own weakness out of the water, even if this body of mine breaks because of it!" Izuku clenched his right fist as he got into a stance. "Come on, I'm going to use everything I got! Let's end this!"
"Famous last words." Accelerator stated. He shot towards Izuku, appearing in front of him almost instantly. Accelerator aimed to drive his hand into Izuku's chest, but he slammed his left hand into Accelerator's arm, knocking it aside. Accelerator then when for a more traditional punch, aiming straight for Izuku's head. In this instance, Izuku made the choice to meet Accelerator's attack with his own, throwing a bright red glowing fist forward.
"100% Detroit Smash!" The attacks collided. Izuku's capability to use the technique to bypass Accelerator's reflection held true, the overwhelming force launching Accelerator out of the ring again. Once again, Izuku's arm did not break, but once again a massive pain shot up through his entire arm, almost paralyzing in intensity alone. Accelerator flew back and slammed into a wall, using his ability to negate the impact and causing the wall to shatter, but the damage was done.
Accelerator's own arm seemed to be fine, a bit extremely sore from the impact, possibly his own offensive force dampening the inflicted damage, but the deed was done. The moment he hit that wall, he had lost the tournament. Accelerator wanted to look angry, but couldn't seem to bring himself to that. He didn't want to be part of the tournament anyway, so in a sense Izuku did him a favor.
Plus… he just found himself a new interesting opponent.
"And with that, it is proven that those at the top of the mountain can be defeated! Izuku Midoriya advances to the final round!" The announcer shouted. Izuku barely had time to be excited before his exhaustion and Injuries caught up with him, and he fell forward, unconscious.
-A Short Time Later, Waiting Room-
"Huh… what…?" Izuku tried to sit up, but female hands pushed him back down gently.
"Sit still Deku." Ochako said. He seemed to be lying down on the floor with a few pillows and blankets under him. The room seemed to have is arrangement changed, as several tables were around him, and various objects were placed meticulously across the tables and floors. When he looked around, he saw Index seeming preforming the rearrangement.
"Index…? Huh…?" Izuku was confused.
"She was watching the tournament. She managed to sneak her way inside without many people noticing." Touma answered.
"I saw your fight; I figured you might be hurt really badly." Index said as she continued to rearrange things. "So I came down to try and help with some healing magic, since you're a friend of Touma's."
"Healing magic…?" Izuku asked.
"Yes, I'm making the important points of a circle around you to act as a channeling point." Index said. "I don't have mana myself… but I can instruct others how to perform it and assist with the ritual."
"I see… who will be casting it then?" Izuku asked.
"I… volunteered." Ochako said, scratching her cheek. "I've… never done magic before… and we don't know how a Quirk user will react to it… but I'm sure it will be fine!"
"I don't recall Quirk users being restricted when it comes to magic… though this will be the first time it is done that I can recall." Index said. "If things start to look bad, we will stop immediately."
"I see…" Izuku turned toward Ochako. "Are… you sure?" Ochako nodded.
"Of course!" She said. "Besides… if this works out… I might invest some more time with magic! Give myself a special edge in the hero-ing world!"
"A hero who uses a quirk and magic… remind me not to get you mad…" Izuku laughed a little. Ochako smiled wide.
"…You sure this magic stuff is going to work?" Kirishima asked.
"No idea. Midoriya tried to explain it to us… all we can do is trust him and this Index girl I suppose." Katsuki clicked his teeth.
"Personally, I think it's a load of- hey!" Katsuki suddenly shouted when Index abruptly threw a can of something at him. Index looked back with an annoyed glare then went back to work.
"Guess… we shouldn't question it?" Momo commented. Katsuki made the can explode with his quirk in a fit of anger.
"I stopped questioning it during World War Three…" Mikoto stated simply.
"So… I'm guessing that there was a delay again…?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah… you guys kind of wreaked the place. Accelerator destroyed one of the walls so that needs replaced too.
"…Where is Accelerator?" Izuku asked.
"I asked him if he wanted to be healed…" Index started. "He just said no and refused to talk to me after that. After a while he left."
"He probably went home…" Touma said. "He doesn't like the general public anyway."
"Makes sense…" Izuku said, before letting own a yawn. He suddenly felt very sleepy.
"You can rest of you want. The spell shouldn't disturb you." Index said, putting her finishing touches in place.
Izuku simply nodded, barely thinking about his victory. The lack of sleep from the night before finally caught up with him as he laid himself back down and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.