Yadiaydiya, I own nothing that Nick or Horikoshi do, let's go!
Respect
Many new things had come to pass in the Beifong household in the past year. New standards, new gym equipment, and the like.
But never, ever, did this come to pass.
"She's going to win the whole thing!"
"That spikey haired kid looks strong though…"
"That guy was flying earlier; she may not see him!"
"But this is Miss Toph we're talking about!"
While Lao and Poppy were completely engrossed in the events of the Sports Festival for the first time ever, the rest of the cleaning, cooking, and gardening staff had crowded around the living room to watch as well. Yu tried to reprimand them as head butler, but he himself couldn't tear himself away from the spectacle as Toph Beifong progressed. Not to mention the two parents were so focused on the screen, they didn't give their staff a second thought!
"I can't believe how far she's come." Lao breathed.
"We did the right thing," Poppy assured her husband "she can handle this. She's Toph after all."
He hummed in agreement. If anybody could win this, she could.
He had no doubts.
xXx
The two finalists were tense as bowstrings on the arena as Present Mic gave their introductions, not that they were listening. If she could, she would be glaring right back at the explosive student. His heartrate was skyrocketing and his hands jolted with small bangs in excitement for the battle. He was strong, fast, had high reflexes, and an indomitable will. Even without his aerial advantage, he would be her toughest opponent ever.
But now wasn't the time to bemoan a challenging fight. If anything, she was just as thrilled, even if she didn't show it. For now. The time for celebrating is for after the match after all.
"READY?"
Bakugo bent his knees and crossed his arms. 'Here he comes!' She raised her arm as the ground started to rumble.
"BEGIIIIIIN!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM "BLAST RUSH TURBO!"
Toph swept her arms down! The ground exploded into blinding dust as Bakugo burst forth with his explosive move, putting his hand right at her face upon approach.
BOOOOOM She ducked! Right in the nick of time, she bent backwards to dodge, raising a boulder in front of her with one leg. She twisted around and sent the projectile at the blond bomber, which he noticed easily.
With expert reflexes, he blasted the rock with tremendous force knocking Toph back. With burns on her arms, she needed a way to combat the fire from his attacks. He rushed her again, left hook this time. Instead of dodging and countering, she simply fell into the ground. Literally.
"QUIT HIDING!" Bakugo raged from the surface, his vision impaired from the dust. He considered firing into the Toph-shaped hole when suddenly…
CRACKPOW
A stone figure burst out of the ground to his left! His reflexes were good; good enough to blast the rocky armor, but not fast enough to avoid being struck by a concrete foot. With a cut on his face, he jumped back with a boom. As the dust started to clear, he saw her. It was her alright, but she was covered head to toe in rock armor. Even her face was covered as she didn't need her eyes to see.
"WHO'S HIDING, BLASTY?" She shouted back. He grinned with utter excitement. This was the fight he was waiting for!
"HAAAAAAAAAAA!"
"HRAAAAAAAA!"
They rushed each other with explosions and a rock slide, pummeling each other without mercy. Bakugo avoided as many hits as he could, but it wasn't long until he started to collect bruises from her rock-covered fists. Toph was hit with every attack he threw at her, but weathered through it with her armor as she constantly reinforced it with every strike, countering as she went. Not to say his explosion didn't do damage at all though, if the stabs of pain were any indication.
Bakugo was having the time of his life, but it was time to win this once and for all! Toph felt his body tense with strain as he went for a fight-ending blow. 'Just like in Uraraka's match!'
DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
The stone armor was blasted apart from the devastating blast! Toph had tried to leave her armor as a decoy but was caught up in the immense force and was thrown back, hitting the concrete hard enough to crater the ground. Was it over?
Nope!
She hopped up and assumed her horse stance. She was covered in scratches, bruises, and bloody cuts; and was grinning madly.
"THAT ALL YOU GOT? COME AT ME, BAKUGO!"
"OH, THAT'S IT! YOU ASKED FOR IT, BEIFONG!" He blasted himself into the air, away from her main senses. He fired himself in circles as he approached, spinning faster and faster for his ultimate move.
Beifong assumed her stance as the earth below shook with power. She didn't feel him anymore, but it didn't matter. From the sounds of the blasts and his voice, she knew exactly where he was.
"HOWITZER…"
"TECTONIC…"
Bakugo shot forward as the earth erupted before him!
"IMPAAAAAAAAACT!"
"FISSUUUUUUUURE!"
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKKKK
The area exploded in earthen shrapnel and dust as the audience took cover from the impact below. A small mountain has erected itself in front of Bakugo's ultimate move, effectively absorbing the devastating blow. A giant crater gouged out the new mountain where Bakugo stood, elevated above the cloud of dust, with Toph nowhere to be seen.
"BOTH FINALISTS ATTACKED WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT, BUT ONLY ONE IS VISIBLE! IS IT OVER?"
The crowd waited for the smoke to clear.
…
…
The dust settled…
"...cough...cough…"
There Toph stood, at the edge of the arena. She was in terrible shape, coughing blood as she wobbled in place.
But she was standing.
"...cough...I'm not...cough...not done yet!" She took a shaky step. Then another one.
Bakugo stared at his crazed opponent. This chick...was gutsy. "Not dead yet, huh?" he called down.
She took a couple breaths before answering. "Not a...chance!" She took a firmer stance, unyielding. "Push me out yourself, if you dare!"
The audience wasn't too sure about this. She was clearly injured! Could she really go on like this? Bakugo didn't have such reservations, they knew that. Were the two teachers down there going to call it or what? One hero was grinning ear to ear. 'You crazy bitch. You've really got what it takes, huh?'
If she was being honest with herself, Toph wasn't sure how much longer she could do this. She talked big, but she was in pain all over, possibly some cracked ribs in there. But if she could pull this off, it was over.
Bakugo jumped down with a blast to meet her. "Let's finish this, Beifong!"
She smiled. "Let's."
Bakugo landed feet-first onto the ground to fight.
And sunk.
"GAAH! WHAT THE HELL!"
Toph had pulled off one final move, calculating where he would land based on how he jumped from the higher ground and turning that ground into quicksand! Bakugo was now waist deep in the hardened concrete!
"RAAAAHH! LIKE THIS WILL HOLD ME!" He readied a blast but sank even deeper with his hands up.
"I think it will. You're out of steam, aren't you? Your arms are shaking."
His eyes widened. 'Shit! She could feel that?!' He grunted against his restraints, even considered exploding his way out, but he had no leverage from his position in the ground and his hands weren't aimed right.
"I'm out of steam too, though. I knew there was only one thing left to...do…" She started to stumble.
"HELL NO! DON'T YOU DARE FALL OVER! I'LL DIG OUT OF THIS! DON'T YOU DARE CALL IT! I'M NOT...DONE...yet…" A pink gas swept in, knocking him out cold as Toph collapsed from exhaustion.
Midnight walked over to check on the smaller girl and the unconscious boy. Toph was thoroughly beaten and bloody while Bakugo would be conscious, but effectively immobilized.
…
"We declare this match...a draw! The winner is up to debate here and will be discussed by our judges as these two recover. Med-bots!"
Medical robots carried Toph away on a stretcher as Cementoss lifted Bakugo from the ground to be carried as well.
From the stands, their friends were in shock from the entire display.
"That was...epic!" Sero exclaimed.
"Crazy!" Kaminari yelled.
"I'm going to check on her!" Momo said sharply as she rose. "Me too!" Uraraka got up too.
Midoriya was completely shell shocked from the display from the two of them, his friend and former friend.
'I hope you two are ok.'
xXx
beep...beep...beep…
Bakugo stirred from his sleep at bit. His arms hurt like a bitch, as did the rest of his body.
'The hell? Where...am I…"
He shot up!
"BEIFONG!"
BONK
"OW! THE FUCK?"
"Language, young man!" An old woman scolded him with her cane raised. "Don't be so loud! Not that she'd awaken, however."
"Hah? What do ya mean…" He looked over to the other bed; it was her.
"You really did a number on each other out there." Recovery Girl explained. "You have plenty of energy left, so your healing didn't take quite as long. She, on the other hand, will need more time to recover her energy."
Toph was wrapped nearly all over in bandages: from her legs, arm, even parts of her head. She also wore a sling for a dislocated shoulder.
Bakugo looked carefully, as if his gaze might injure her more. 'Is she...ok? Wait, I don't care...do I?' He looked her over more.
"...shit."
BONK
"OW! OK OK, GOT IT!" He rubbed his head with annoyance. 'Almost as bad as the old hag.'
"Right then," the Youthful Heroine continued "I'll get you both in enough condition to walk to attend the ceremony then you'll come right back here. Understood?"
"Yeah…" He had only one question on his mind. "Who won?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Who won?! Did she…"
BONK
"OW! What was that for?!"
"Stop yelling in a Medbay! You both tied. It's being decided as we speak."
"Tied? But I was stuck!"
"And she was knocked out. Like I said, it's being decided. Have a lollipop."
"I don't want some dumb-" plop
"There you are! Do rest a bit before trying to walk, you have to wait until she's ready anyway." She gathered her equipment. "Do try to relax, dearie."
As she left, Bakugo fumed in his medical bed. He was tired, not that he'd admit it. He might've pulled the lollipop out, but it was good.
…
'Eh, I'll throw it out later.' He looked at Beifong again. She was sleeping soundly, not at all looking like she had during their fight. He found himself looking a bit longer than he intended and turned away.
'Dumb bitch, just wouldn't stay down.'
…
'Still…"
THAT ALL YOU GOT? COME AT ME, BAKUGO!
Don't you dare disrespect me by holding back.
'Gah! She's just some extra! Like it matters! No matter what, I'll be number one!'
…
…
He stole another glance before drifting off.
…
…
'…SHIT.'
xXx
'Ooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww…'
Toph tried to move her arm, but couldn't for some reason. She felt with her other hand.
'A sling? That bad, huh?' She felt around. No rock or mineral to sense with, she couldn't see around herself. That said, she had a pretty good idea of where she was.
"'Mornin' sunshine."
"...Blasty?"
"Yeah. They're deciding the winner soon. Can ya walk?"
"Only, ow, only one way to find out…" She sat up and put her feet on the tile. Medbay. Beds. Friends in the hallway.
"I think so."
"Good, hurry up Bat."
"Shut up, Sparky Two."
"The fuck did you call-"
"TOPH!" She was suddenly enveloped in a hug. Two hugs.
"Akk! Yaomomo? Uraraka?"
"You were amazing out there!"
"Yeah! That something Fissure? Amazing!"
"Oh...thanks guys…" Bakugo huffed and turned away from the sweet scene. "Whatever, let's go already!" He hopped up and out of the room.
It was Momo's turn to huff. "How rude of him! Don't worry Toph, there's no rush.."
"No, it's ok." Toph stood up. She was a bit shaky, but she was standing. "I'm excited too."
xXx
"HEY EVERYBODY, IT'S PRESENT MIC HERE! WE'RE HERE TO TELL YOU THE RESULTS FROM THE FINAL MATCH! DUE TO THE FACT SHE IMMOBILIZED HER OPPONENT BEFORE BEING KNOCKED OUT, WE DECLARE THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE...TOPH BEIFONG!"
Fireworks erupted as the crowd roared in celebration. The rest of the classes were out on the field as three podiums rose from the ground, showing the winners. Todoroki and Tokoyami shared the 3rd place spot, standing stoically. 2nd place belonged to Bakugo, who was glaring murderously in random directions at his loss. Though he had grudging respect for the winner, it wasn't happening again. And of course, Toph was standing at first place, egging on the crowd as best as she could despite her injuries.
Midnight shasheyed onto the field. "And now for the Awards Ceremony!"
"AHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" If the crowd was ramped up before, they went absolutely nuts as a bellowing laugh echoed through the field. The Number One Hero jumped down from the top of the stadium.
"Introducing, All Might!"
"I AM HEEEERRRREEEE!"
…
…
"Ahh, stole your thunder didn't I?"Toph snickered as All Might recovered.
"HAHAHA! YES, I AM HERE, WITH THE MEDALS!" He walked over to the 3rd place podium. "FUMIKAGE TOKOYAMI, CONGRATULATIONS FOR COMING SO FAR IN THE TOURNAMENT!" All Might announced as he pulled out a 3rd Place Medal and placed it around his neck. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll work even harder next time." Tokoyami replied. All Might turned off his mic. "Remember, you won't always be able to rely on your quirk to win. Work around those weaknesses, and you will prevail."
"Thank you, All Might-Sensei."
He turned his mic back on. "ALSO IN 3RD PLACE, SHOTO TODOROKI!" He turned to the boy, who lowered his head to accept the medal. "You seem different, young Todoroki."
"Yes, though I'm not sure if that's good or bad right now."
All Might considered his words. "Hmm, change is often like that. More often than not, it's up to you to decide what that change is and what it means to you. Though I am unclear on the circumstances, I know you'll do what's best when the time comes."
"...got it."
The Number One Hero moved on to the 2nd Place podium, where a fuming Bakugo stood. "WELL NOW, IN 2ND PLACE, WE HAVE KATSUKI BAKUGO!" Switching off his mic once more and leaned forward. "Young Bakugo. I know that second place was not where you wanted, but you performed marvelously in the end! And…" he leaned in closer "…I personally have found that having someone to challenge you will help you grow even stronger yourself. Wouldn't you agree?"
Bakugo took in his words, looking to the middle podium. "…I guess." He looked back to All Might, his eyes set. "I'll crush them and become Number One!"
"AHAHAHA! That's the spirit, young Bakugo! Congratulations!" He placed the second place medal and moved on to the middle.
"AND IN FIRST PLACE, THE WINNER OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL, TOPH BEIFONG! CONGRATULATIONS!" Toph bowed her head to accept the golden medal, still dressed head to toe in bandages. "Excellent performance, young Beifong. You have made leaps and bounds since you first arrived here, though hopefully this is the height of your injuries as a hero. AHAHAHA! I know you'll soar to even greater heights in your career at UA!"
"Thanks, but it could've been Blasty standing here too. I'm just glad I wasn't underestimated." She gestured to her eyes.
"Believe it or not, I know exactly what you mean. Judging from those bandages, I'd say you got what you asked for, eh? Again, congratulations!" With that, he turned on his mic and swept towards the audience. "THERE YOU HAVE IT! I GIVE YOU: THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR'S SPORTS FESTIVAL! WHILE THESE FOUR INDIVIDUALS PERFORMED MARVELOUSLY, ANY ONE OF YOU MIGHT HAVE TAKEN THE TOP SPOT! BE PROUD OF YOUR GROWTH AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR FUTURE HERE AT UA! EVERONE SAY IT WITH ME! ONE, TWO, THREE!"
"PLUS ULTRA!"
"THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK!"
…
…
"EEEHHHHHHH!? YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO SAY 'PLUS ULTRA', ALL MIGHT!"
"HUH? WELL I JUST THOUGHT EVERYONE WORKED SO HARD IS ALL…"
xXx
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! SHE WON SHE WON SHE WONSHEWONSHEWONSHEWON-"
Poppy jumped from the couch and hugged everyone around her in a 5 foot radius. It was surprising, but everyone was celebrating, so they didn't care much.
Lao had been staring at the screen ever since Toph appeared. His little girl was seriously injured from that horrific fight! Despite that, she was clearly grinning ear to ear for her win. Not to mention all the internship offers that winning first place came with.
…
'You're really growing into quite the hero, Toph.'
xXx
Some time after the Sports Festival…
ring ring…ring ring…ring ring…click
"Hello, Ms. Usagiyami. I assume no internships this year as well, yes?"
"HA! Such little faith! How are you, Siku?"
"The agency is well, though it would be nice if you showed up every once in a while…"
"Details, details. Anyway, I'll have you know that we are taking an intern! In your face!"
"Really? Rumi, you have next to no sidekicks whatsoever. You have never taken one before."
"So what? You think I can't do it?"
"It's not that. It's just, what changed?"
…
"…I guess I saw myself out there, on the battlefield."
…
"You sure about her?"
"Hey! You don't know you I'm talking about!"
"Mmm, yes I do."
"Look, I have my reasons. Just get it done, ok?"
"Fine. I'll send the offer and get the paperwork ready. You actually need to show up for the signatures, though."
"HAH? Just send it to my house!"
"You'll have to show up for your intern anyway! Just get here!"
"Ugh, fine!"
click
xXx
The long weekend had arrived, as UA students were given time off to recover from the Sports Festival. Each student had four days to do absolutely nothing.
Which was what Toph did. As soon as everyone was done congratulating her for winning, she immediately plopped down, face first, on the couch and remained there until dinner. She was mostly healed by Recovery Girl and was in good condition but was utterly exhausted from the fight and the healing. After a dinner of excited talking and recounting the televised event, Toph went to bed early at 8:28 and slept until 10:04 the next morning.
Aizawa-Sensei gathered the class to explain after the Festival. Apparently when they get back, they'll be reviewing their internship offers to spend a week working under a Pro-Hero and training. Picking the right hero will depend on the individual students' needs and skills. You can either go somewhere that fits your strengths or somewhere that challenges your weaknesses. While covering weak points is important, she did enough of that training with Aizawa-Sensei. She wanted a place that really fit. Of course, all that depended on what offers she has, but as the 1st Place Winner, surely she has a ton of offers!
For once, she found that she was leading the class alone, as Iida was nowhere in sight. When she asked Midoriya about it, apparently his older brother, Ingenium, was hurt by a villain in Hosu city and had to leave. It was all over the news apparently, the infamous Hero Killer. With 24 victims, both dead and gravely injured, he was a top priority for the Heroes to capture. Kill, if necessary.
bzzz bzzz bzzz…bzzz bzzz bzzz…
"Mff?" Toph felt around for her phone. "Time?"
"It is 10:05 in the morning."
"Crap…five more minutes…zzzzzz…"
…
…
creak
"Good morning, Toph!"
"Ugh…mom? I got like…four more minutes…go 'way…"
"Hmm, that's a shame. It seems some friends of yours came to collect you."
"Huhwhut?" She sat up. "Who? Sugar Queen?"
"No, she's skiing with her family, remember?"
"Oh right…yawn…" She got out of bed, sensing their visitors. "Oh! Wait, how did they…" She started for the bedroom door.
"Ack! Wait, young lady! You're in your nightie!"
"It's ok, I know them!" She ran downstairs and to the front door before her mother could protest further. She opened the door…
"Hi Bei! Ooh, nice pajamas! Stylish!" It was Ashido and Hagakure!
"Hey guys. You did you know where I live?"
"Yaomomo told us!" Toru answered. "She also told us you had nothing to do this weekend!"
Toph crossed her arms. "Not true! I'm training!"
"Girl, you look like you just woke up!"
"…what's your point?"
"Not important!" Ashido interrupted "Can we come in?"
"Yeah, yeah, come on in. Y'all eat yet?"
"Nope!"
"Hmm, we should fix that later."
As they entered, her two classmates took in the absolute mansion of a house within. "Wow, Toph! You're like, set for life!" Hagakure said.
"That's what they say, but really my parents are. Speaking of which…" She pointed to her Mom as she came downstairs. "That's my mother. Mom, this is Mina and Toru from UA."
"Ah! It's a pleasure to meet you both! Shall I have lunch prepared?"
"Sure, if you guys want that is." Toph asked. The two couldn't agree faster.
xXx
"ahhhhhhhhh…that hit the spot…"
"Yeeeaaaaahh…hic…"
After Toph had gotten dressed, the three of them sat down for lunch. Never had either girl been exposed to such fine home cooking; from the wait staff to the food, everything was super fancy. Toph had no reaction, as this was the norm, but Toru and Mina were in heaven as they gorged on fresh Sashimi and Unagi.
"I feel like I'm in a 5-Star Restaurant!" Mina sighed.
"Really?" Toph asked "I mean, they're used to cooking this way for visitors, I guess."
"AH! YOU'RE USED TO THIS? Inconceivable…"
"Hey, was that English?" Toru piped up "I don't think that word means what you think it means."
"Eh? You sure?"
"Anyway," Toph interrupted "you said something about plans for today right?"
Mina straightened up. "Yep! Us and some other classmates are going to an arcade today in town! You should come with!"
"Uh, I'm not really sure I'd enjoy most games at an arcade, Horns."
"Yeah, but they have games that don't involve screens! Like bumper cars! And uh…"
"And Skee Ball!" Toru chimed in. "And there's a clothing store nearby!"
"Yeah!"
Toph had never heard of Skee Ball and clothes shopping was never her thing. However…
"Who else is going?"
"Kaminari, Kirishima, and uh…I think Sero? Oh! And Jirou right?"
"Yeah, we're grabbing her next!"
Toph considered their offer. "…can I bring a friend?"
"Yeah! Who?"
"I'll tell you in a minute, tell me more about this 'Bumper Cars' first."
Mina gave a Cheshire grin. "Oh, you'll love that one…"
xXx
A couple hours later…at the mall…
Outside the Arcade stood two UA students, one of them tapping their foot.
"How much longer do we have to wait?" Kaminari asked "Surely we can just go in?"
Sero shook his head. "Nah, it's better to wait. Besides, Mina's group is almost here. Kirishima's on his way too."
"Ugh, fine. Oh, nevermind! There's Mina! Over here!" he called.
"Hey guys!" Mina called back.
"How'd you find us so quickly?"
"Boo."
"AAHH!" Kaminari jumped at the sound next to him, only to find Toph.
"I could find you anywhere Sparky 1."
"Ha, got it! Wait, Sparky 1?"
"Not important. Also, I brought a friend."
"Who you callin' a friend?! I don't know why I'm with you extras!"
"Then why did you come at all? Dingus."
"Fuckwad."
"Dipshit."
Among the four girls was Bakugo, who was peeved at coming at all even though he agreed to come in a heartbeat. Though he didn't know everyone else would be here too. The others stared as the two exchanged insults.
"Uhh...do you guys need a room?" Kaminari ventured.
They both whipped their heads around.
"THE FUCK THAT'S SUPPOSED TO MEAN, DUNCEFACE/BOLTS FOR BRAINS?"
"AAH! NOTHING! Jeez…"
xXx
"Dun-Duuuuun! New high score: 17,890!"
"YEAH!" Mina yelled "That's how it's done! You ok, Jirou?"
"Ha...ha...yeah, just a...ha...second…" Jirou panted as she stepped off the "Dance Dance Revolution" machine while Hagakure cheered them on. Kirishima, Sero, and Kaminari were playing Skee-ball nearby.
"So, who do you guys think will get internship offers?" Sero asked.
"The top scorers for sure. Maybe some of the 3rd rounders, hopefully." Kirishima answered. "Hope I can intern with someone manly, like Fourth Kind or somebody."
"Yeah," Kaminari chimed in "I'd be ok with anyone, but someone who can help me with control would be good. Gotta get a handle on my power."
"Makes sense, there have to be lots of heroes that focus on control right?" Sero replied.
"Hopefully."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the arcade…
"HEEYAAA!" BANG
"YOU IDIOT! YOU CAN'T SEE SHIT!"
"SO WHAT? I CAN STILL HIT YOU!"
Bakugo and Toph were currently having the time of their lives ramming into each other in the bumper cars ring. The battle was so intense, the other kids had to evacuate once they got fired up. Once they were finished, they were given 75 tokens each and politely asked not to return. They protested some, but 150 tokens between them was hard to argue with.
"Bullshit." Bakugo grunted as they left. "What's next, gray eyes?"
"What eyes?"
"Gray. Like…fuckin', nevermind."
Toph thought for a second and put a hand on the wall. "Well, Hard Boy, Sparky, and Tape are duking it out on a rifle game, but that's no fun for me. And Horns, So-Not-Invisible, and Ears are looking for us, presumably to drag me clothes shopping, which isn't my thing either." She shifted her hand and smirked evilly. "Perfect. Tell me Blasty, do you like punching machines?"
Bakugo's palms sizzled at the thought. "Best idea I've heard all day!"
xXx
"Ugh, where is she?" Ashido cried "We found the boys but Toph's not at the bumper cars!"
"Bakugo's not here either." Toru suggested slyly "Do you think-"
"Nononononono stop that!" Jirou yelled, covering her sensitive ears. "I'd try listening for them, but there are too many people. Maybe-"
"DIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!"
…
…
"Welp, didn't need my quirk for that." The girls rushed over to find both of them.
And a smoking punching machine.
"Not bad, Blasty!"
"HA! I'd like to see you try topping that!"
"Alllllrighty, Explodo-bitch." She loudly cracked her knuckles and stepped towards the machine. The thing was rated for strength-enhancement quirks, but it had probably never felt an explosion before. "Watch and learn from the master!"
"The master of what, knocking into shit?"
"Fuck off!"
The trio watched as the two went back and forth, slinging loud insults without mercy. Judging from the smile, Toph sure was having fun.
But alas, nothing lasts for long. Especially when managers exist.
"Excuse me, sir. This is the third machine you've managed to wreck since you've been here. I must ask you to leave now."
"HAH? Don't tell me what to do old ma-"
"WILL DO!" Mina interrupted quickly "Will do! Don't worry about it! We were about to go, right girls?"
"Uh…yeah! Totally!"
"Aww, but the dance machine…"
Frankly, Mina agreed with Hagakure there, but this was her favorite game spot! She's not getting kicked out. Not today, or any other day. But someone, two someones, were not on the same page.
"I haven't punched the thing yet!" Toph protested.
"The machine's out of commission anyway, miss."
"Oi! I ain't leavin' just cause some crusty old-"
"Hey Bakubro!"
Bakugo was being hugged/pushed out of the area, which took a team of heroes-in-training to accomplish. "I hear the food courts got the spiciest curry in town!" Kirishima yelled.
"Oi! Don't get in the way-did you say the spiciest?"
"That's what he said!" Sero grunted as he pushed.
"Fuckin' bullshit! I know the spiciest in town and this ain't it! Let go of me, fuckers!"
"Guess you'll have to find out, huh?"
"Fuckin'…you idiots!"
xXx
Somewhere…in a hospital…
Shoto Todoroki paid the shocked receptionist no mind as he walked through the halls of the mental ward. This is clearly where the 'calmer' residents were being cared for, if the lack of yelling and crying was any indication. While he was glad she was well and cared for, he was getting her out of here one day. No matter what.
Little did he know that another man was having similar thoughts elsewhere, but we'll get to that another time.
Regardless, he had to see for himself. 'If I'm going to be the hero I want to be, then I need this. I need to see her.' He stopped in front the door. It had a name tape.
"Rei Todoroki"
He took a deep breath before sliding the door open.
The room was…simple to say the least. Little to no decoration filled the empty room, but there was a bed, a closet, and a desk. A desk, where a white haired woman was gazing out the window, having not noticed the disturbance. Shoto slid the door shut softly. 'This is it.'
…
…
"…Mom."
Rei tilted her head at the noise and looked behind her. Was it…no. It wasn't him. It was…
Tears began to well as her son approached with care. "Mom," he choked "it's me."
…
…
Shoto shuffled back. "I'm sorry if…"
"SHOTO!" The two-toned boy was tackled by the warmest hug a mother could give. Years of hurt, sadness, and resentment melted away from Shoto's frozen form. Tears spilled from the normally stoic boy. "I-I'm so, so sorry, Mom. I should have visited, I should've-"
"Stop, Sho." His mother wept. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you needed me most."
"I never blamed you for that." Shoto said between tears. "Not even once."
"But I did, Sho. I still do." She cried. They remained like this for a while, hugging like they hadn't hugged in years. Which they hadn't. After a while, they sat down. "So," Rei sniffed "tell me everything."
So he did. He told her everything. Every little thing from the time she left. How Natsuo and Fuyumi stepped up in their own way after she left. How he stopped using his left side for so long. How he joined UA and made new friends. Friends who told him it was ok to use his fire, that it was his power to use. How he fought in the Sports Festival, mentioning two individuals in particular. Fighting Midoriya and using his flames to win. Not using them against Beifong and getting Third. All the while, Rei listened. She listened to her son talk energetically about his classmates and friends. Some of them seemed a little rough around the edges, but that was alright.
"And now we're getting internships as soon as the weekend's over. That pretty much covers it, I think." Shoto finished.
"I see. You seem to really love your friends, Shoto. I'd like to meet them one day. Even this 'Bakugo' character."
"I'm not sure about him, Mom." Shoto laughed. He laughed.
"So, you do you want to intern with?"
…
"I'm…not sure. I know I'll get offers, but do I have a choice? If that old man…"
"Shoto Todoroki." She stopped him with half-hearted sternness. "Of course you have a choice. You do and always will. Where do you want to go?"
Shoto thought for a moment. "…I want to learn to control my flames. If I'm going to use them, I can't just fling them everywhere like in the Festival. But the old man is the best fire user around. That's what I mean by no choice."
"Hmm," Rei sipped at some warm tea. "He may be powerful, maybe the best fire user there is, but you're not looking hard enough."
"What do you mean? I mean, I know Uncle Iroh, but he's travelling I think."
"Is he? I'd love to check on him and little Zuko sometime. I suppose he's not so little anymore though…"
"And who?"
She shook herself. "Not important. What is important is finding the best at fire control, not necessarily the best fire user."
Shoto furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
Rei just smiled. "Enji had to learn from somebody, didn't he Sho?"
xXx
This was a bad idea.
An awful idea. Just a real stink-bomb of an idea that she insisted on because she could.
"Take the Subway, I said. I'll be fine I said. Fuck!"
Toph had learned what the subway exactly from Mina and was enamored by the idea. An underground maze of trains? Awesome! It took all kinds of convincing her parents to be allowed to take the Subway to school today.
And boy did she regret it. The train itself had weird plastic flooring and she couldn't read any of the dan signs. She could tell where UA was every time she took a train and was getting closer, but the real nuisance was none other than her loving public.
"Hello! You must be Toph Beifong!"
"Amazing job at the Sports Festival! Do you need any help?"
"Are you really blind? I can't tell."
"My mommy says you're crazy."
"Well done! Good luck!"
She couldn't leave the public transit soon enough. She finally got off her stop and practically ran to UA, rain be damned. And she wasn't the only one.
"Good morning Beifong-san!"
"Hey Sonic!" She ran alongside him. "We're not late are we?"
"Of course not! As Class Representatives, we must be at least 15 minutes early, don't you agree?"
"That's good! I tried the subway today, wasn't sure if I was going to make it." The two ran inside and hung their rain gear.
"So Iida." She began as she hung her coat. "About your brother…"
"I assure you he is well. Thank you for asking, Beifong-san." Iida cut her off. With an unseen smile he responded kindly. "I'll be alright, let's focus on our studies today."
Toph frowned deeply. Grieving people did tend to lie about being alright. Nevertheless, something about him made her…uneasy. "Well…as long as you're sure."
xXx
Aizawa looked over a case file on his way to class. 24 victims, all Pro-Heroes. Hasn't been spotted once sans a blurry photo. 'Not much to go on, seems to be sticking to Hosu for now. They usually have a pattern. I'll send my critique after class. Speaking of which…
He came through the door. "'Mornin'."
"GOOD MORNING, AIZAWA-SENSEI!"
"Your bandages are off!" Midoriya yelled.
"Yes, that is the point of a bandage, Midoriya. No time for chitchat though, it's time to discuss your internship offers. I'll display them here." The rankings lit up, with Momo reading them to Toph.
Shoto Todoroki: 137
Katsuki Bakugo: 117
Toph Beifong: 68
Momo Yaoyorozu: 64
Fumikage Tokoyami: 61
Tenya Iida: 42
Ochaco Uraraka: 34
Eijiro Kirishima: 12
"What? Beifong won the whole thing but got third in votes?" Jirou questioned.
"You don't think it's cause she's blind do y-" Kaminari was stabbed in the ear by a ear jack. "Don't be rude! What's wrong with you!"
Toph was subdued by the news. 'So, I win the entire thing but they don't want me still?'
"Normally they're more spread out, but it is what it is." Aizawa explained. "Regardless of your number of offers, you will all be going on internships. But there's one thing you need before that." The class tensed at the ominous tone.
…
…
"…You all need codenames."
"ALL RIGHT!"
zing
A quick erasure shut them up quick. "Choosing the right hero name is incredibly important for your image as a Pro-Hero. For an underground hero like me, less so. But it's good otherwise, just don't pick a bad one or-"
"…or you'll have hell to pay later!" Some of the boys gasped excitedly. 'It's Midnight!'
"Your hero name is your identity when you become a Pro and shouldn't be taken lightly. You should try to pick your name based on the kind of hero you want to be. For instance, 'All Might'." Midnight explained. Aizawa had swiftly started his nap as she took over.
"Now then, I'll be the final approval for any names! Here are some whiteboards, come up front whenever you're ready!"
Toph sweat a little. 'We're doing this now?"
xXx
A lone figure stood over Hosu with disgust. Not for the people below, but the fakes that roamed the streets looking for fame and fortune. He knew his next target, but careful planning was often of the essence for Stain, the Hero Killer.
He was brooding alone when he suddenly aimed his sword behind himself. "Whoever you are, you have no idea who you're messing with."
"Actually I do, Stain: Hero Killer." A form of black and purple mist had formed behind him. "We simply have a proposition for you, if you are willing to listen for a bit."
And that's it for Chapter 11! Hope the fated battle was worth the wait, everyone! Bakugo and Toph are just about even I'd say in combat ability and power combined, but they fight way differently. Really fun to write.
A certain connection is becoming something more finally. I was tipping towards a MidoriToph at first, but ultimately decided otherwise. Toph didn't like Aang that way and the same would be true for Midoriya. Not to mention, Bakugo doesn't really have a clear ATLA counterpart, at least for me. And he and Toph fit so well so I went for it.
Some of you might have ascertained the identity of Toph's new teacher, as to the fact that I name dropped her. She's just a strong fit for Toph and her attitude is scary similar. Time for some Close Quarters Combat!
Tracking down your antisocial friend to drag them to an Arcade is such a Mina thing to do and I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. Although, I had someone help me with that particular part as I am not as experienced with female get-togethers, I was worried it would be inauthentic coming from me, a dude.
Shoto's part was hard to write for the sheer fact of how sad/happy it is. I just…I wanted more than what the show gave us in that scene.
Toph takin' the subway. I thought about having her do this while potentially running away, but it never happened. So, she did it out of stubbornness. Lucky her. Iida's going through it, y'all know what happens now.
And now for the reviews!
To harlequin320
Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. You weren't negative at all, no worries! Hope you enjoyed!
To Otakufreak1799
Thank you! The storyline for Zuko/Iroh is really coming together, just you wait!
To Kaioo
Yeah, we'll get to the whole matching scar thing eventually (once I figure it out myself that is).
I appreciate you saying that, I ended up going with my gut on this one for shipping. Thank for the support!
To AnimeLuver1492
Oh, I only wish he was! It really felt as if he was talking and I was just transcribing Iroh's words of wisdom. I'm he came through ok. The quote derives a little from Aang, actually, from the Southern Raiders episode. Still wisdom.
Family tree is a bit weird right now, I admit lol. Dabi and Azula took time to figure out, but I think I got it. Let's just say the family just got a whole lot bigger.
Bird head: too good to ignore.
For SHAME upon the Iida family! FOR SHAME! LOLOL
You're exactly right about Toph and Bakugo. She's not one to go out of her way to offend, but you better not freakin' tread on her.
She can't sense Earth that's not connected to the ground after it already left the ground. Meaning she can sense her own attacks she lifts up and any other earth she detects if she locks on before it leaves the ground. Regardless, she can still control earth she can't sense, hence the Calvary Battle. If a rock is flying towards her, she can stop it even if she can't see it.
To D3lph0xL0v3r
Family tree is still to come, it is rather complex lol. Glad you like it!
Azula is a good counter to the lie detection, but fighting skill remains to be seen. You'll see!
Hero names are still to come, but I hope you like who she's interning with!
To guest
Tricked is worse, no question.
To Kobk
Yes, but I am too lol.
To Yrmbe
You'll see ;)
I'll edit more for that, thanks! Can't be too careful.
Dark Shadow would've been…rough. Not certain how she would manage it if at all. Match-ups are everything sometimes.
To Sebecca
Yeah, totally slipped my mind there.
Toph did exactly what she said she would after all. Hope you enjoyed the fight!
To TuiTume
Memories, indeed.
To Uno
Thank you!
To Kaore Ryu
Not all characters will make it in, I'm afraid. But enough will :P