Author's Notes - Hey everyone, Silent here! Hope you're all doing well and ready for the next chapter! Some more things need to be addressed and shown but after this chapter, the next one will finally have Izuku back into the spotlight. So enjoy and hope to hear from ya!
SYMBOL
CHAPTER 011 – AFTER THE TRIALS
"That was a lot of fun."
"I know right? I can't wait for more heroics classes."
"Hey, so who do you think did the best?"
"I did."
"Yeah right. You lost so easily."
"Everyone is so strong."
"I wonder if we'll be able to practice new techniques."
"Of course we will."
As the males of both class 1A and 1B changed out of their costumes and back into their school uniforms, multiple conversations were going on between most of them. From talking about the trials they just had, how they did, what they could do to get better, if they wanted to train together, had any exercise plans and much more. Some of them even clicked together without too much trouble and several new friendships began.
Eijiro and Tetsutetsu hit things off immediately with their admiration for all things manly and began comparing whose hardening quirk was better as well as which heroes were manlier than the rest.
Jurota and Tenya appreciated each other's respectable ways and began speaking with one another about their families, their goals and what pushes them.
Fumikage and Shihai learned about each other's rather intense fascination with all things darkness related. That sparked a rather intense discussion about who knew more about the abyss than the other.
Koji, Manga and Kojiro formed a bond between one another thanks to their quieter personalities. Taking their time to communicate allowed them to be comfortable with each other.
Mezo, Mashirao, Rikido, Nirengeki and Hiryu compared their trial outcomes and what they wanted to work on. As a result, they decided to work together to better their fighting styles and physical capabilities.
And though they were good with several others in their classes, the following people in this particular group shared something that they believed was just as important if not more so than their hero careers; the pursuit of beautiful girls. Denki, Hanto, Minoru, Yosetsu, Sen, Kosei and Juzo wasted no time in discussing about who the hottest pro heroines were. They even talked about the girls in their classes.
But not all of them were being friendly. Several individuals however kept to themselves and for mostly different reasons.
Shoto kept quiet and didn't interact with any of the other guys. Even when Kirishima and a few others tried talking to him, he either ignored them or gave them quick responses. He didn't care about making friends with any of them from both classes. Hell, he didn't care about becoming friends with any of the girls from either. Well, he did care about one of them but only because she was the key for what he wanted above all else. As long as she continued with that, he didn't care what she did. As of right now, all he cared about was his freedom and he would do anything to make sure he gets it.
Togaru was still a little upset over his loss against Katsuki. Brooding and using extra force to do things similar to what the bombardier did the previous day, he drew some attention to himself over his actions but he didn't care. It didn't help either that Neito had pushed some of his buttons earlier on about getting payback against Katsuki. Glancing at the loud blonde, Togaru narrowed his eyes before going back to changing. I know how he fights now. And I'm gonna get stronger and better! And when I do, I'll beat his ass like there's no tomorrow!
After egging on Togaru, Neito was keeping silent while observing everyone's behavior with one another. He didn't like that his classmates were being friendly with their rivals in 1A. And the fact that he lost in his trial against one of the biggest assholes he's ever met that belonged in that class made him even angrier. He wanted to show how even though he and his fellow classmates were in class 1B, they were not inferior to those in class 1A for any reason. But he couldn't do that if they were all friendly with one another. Looking at his partner in the trial and then at the loud and brash blonde on the other side of the room, Neito had many thoughts run through his head as he returned to getting changed. I'll make sure everyone learns. No matter what, I will find a way.
Katsuki was busy changing and making comments to others while he did so in his usual manner. Though it wasn't noticeable due to his loud and brash behavior, Katsuki was still feeling a little shaken from what he experienced from the pressure All Might exuded on him. It was at that moment that he realized one of the hidden reasons why he was the Symbol of Peace. His sheer charisma and conviction was so powerful that it brought out a pressure of its own that was enough to make him freeze in his spot and make his heart rate shoot up. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that everyone else felt that too. But, he wasn't mad about experiencing that. Instead, he was grateful because he learned of how the number one should be and opened his eyes to what he needs to be capable of doing. After finishing up getting dressed, he reached inside his locker to grab his backpack.
"Hey, Bakubro!"
Turning to who called him, Katsuki glared at the redhead as he swung his backpack onto his shoulder. "What do you want, Shitty Hair?"
"I found another training partner for us!" replied Eijiro, ignoring the insult while pointing with his thumb to his side towards Tetsutetsu who grinned.
Katsuki narrowed his eyes for a second before relaxing them. "Oh right, you're the metal user. Another shield huh? Well, that'll just mean more target practice for me."
"Practice all you want, you won't get through my defenses," remarked Tetsutetsu. "And since my name's a mouthful, you can call me Tetsu."
"Whatever Metal Head," replied Katsuki as he closed his locker.
"Bakubro, wanna hang out together today?" asked Eijiro. "We can set up a training schedule or something."
"Oh, and I know some people who might be up to spar and practice with us and they're pretty strong too," chimed in Tetsu.
Katsuki thought for a moment. Practicing against other strong people will definitely help me reach the top. Keeping his demeanor calm since he didn't want them to know that he was interested, he looked at the two before shrugging. "I got shit to do but I'm down to hang out for a bit to set something up." Both Eijiro and Tetsu shared mad grins with each other.
"Hey, what are you doing?!"
Tenya's sudden shouting made them and everyone else look at him before following his gaze. Their sight landed on six of their fellow classmates gathered together against the far wall. And the shortest of them had his hands placed against the wall with his body leaned towards it.
"Shut up Iida! You're being too loud!" snapped Minoru with his gaze locked onto taller boy. That surprised Tenya and many others over Minoru's sudden assertiveness. "Don't you know what this is?" he asked. Neither Tenya nor any of the rest answered. "It's a gift from our upper classmen! We can see directly into the girls' locker room with this!" Many of the guys there had shocked expressions form on their face while a few didn't care. "Now be quiet and don't ruin this for me and the others that walk down the same road as me!" Turning back to the wall, Minoru started looking through the hole.
"Mineta, that's something a proper hero shouldn't do!" chastised Tenya while chopping his right arm but did nothing in preventing him from actually doing the act.
Ignoring him, Minoru kept gazing through the peephole. Even when his fellow admirers of the female form told him to move so they could see too, he didn't budge. "Hold on damn it! I just started looking! All those curves! Their perky boobs and round asses! The sexy bras and panties covering all the good stuff! It's a treasure trove of sexiness!" exclaimed Minoru before he started drooling at the sight he was seeing.
His friends couldn't wait anymore and they pushed him away and started looking themselves. Their actions made most of the other guys in the locker room redden from what they were talking about while some were also disappointed in their actions.
"Man, how desperate can you be?"
"I feel bad for the girls."
"Shouldn't we do something?"
"Revelry in the dark."
"Yes, it shall be if the ladies learn of this debauchery."
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Sounds of running water were heard as several girls were taking showers. The rest had already cleaned up and had begun drying themselves after taking quick rinses. Most of them were talking with one another about several things. The heroics class they just had, surprised over how their classmates did, what they need to work on, their sister class and several other things.
"Honestly, it was a pretty good experience."
"Pfft, speak for yourself girl scout. You were one of All Might's faves," replied Setsuna as she sat down on a bench with a towel wrapped around her torso.
Itsuka smirked as she dried her hair. "Well, next time we have a heroics class, focus on that instead of other things." Setsuna responded back by sticking her tongue out at her as she started getting dressed, which only made Itsuka shake her head in amusement. Turning to the black haired girl who was already done changing since she didn't take a shower, Itsuka saw how she was being quieter than normal. "You okay Yui?" she asked, drawing Setsuna's attention to her as well.
Facing her two friends, Yui let out a short sigh. "Disappointed."
Understanding her, her friends gave her small smiles. "We get it but don't feel too down. Probably only one or two from both classes could've given him a challenge," said Itsuka with a slightly annoyed tone.
"Yeah, don't worry about it Yui. Even I wouldn't be able to do anything against that handsome bastard," said Setsuna without hesitation and loud enough for the girls near them to glance at her.
"Handsome?" Yui tilted her head.
"What, you don't think so?" asked Setsuna.
Yui thought about the ice user for a moment before shaking her head. "Attractive but not for me."
Eyes widening, Setsuna was surprised over what she heard. "Really? How about you?" she asked, turning to the red head.
"He's good looking but I wouldn't say handsome."
"Are you shittin' me?!" questioned Setsuna, giving her two close friends a disbelieving look. "That cold, silent attitude with dual colored eyes and hair with that toned body of his is ironically hot! He makes all the guys in our class look like three outta tens!" Both her friends just shrugged as if to say they didn't really see it that way. "What?! You're crazy!"
"Just cause we don't think he's hot like you doesn't mean we're crazy," stated Itsuka.
Yui nodded in agreement. "Facts."
Setsuna shook her head rapidly. "Bullshit! I'll prove it to you! Hey girls!" Setsuna called out to the other females in the locker rooms that included her classmates and one from their sister class. They all looked at her. "What rating would you give that ice user from class 1A?"
Most of them understood who she was talking about, with the one from class 1A having her eyes widen a bit before looking away. "Who and what you mean?" asked Pony, not understanding completely.
"She means Todoroki-san from class 1A who did his battle trial alone and used his ice quirk. She wants us to rate his attractiveness," explained Reiko while finishing up her shower and Pony let out an 'oh' in understanding. Turning off the water, she wrapped a towel around herself as she spoke. "If we are using the standard one through ten rating and only rating his physical attractiveness, I'll give him an eight."
"Me too!" added Pony excitedly, wanting to join in on an activity with the other girls. "I give eight!"
Glancing at Setsuna, Ibara narrowed her eyes. "This isn't something we should do," interjected Ibara with a frown as she put on her clothes while using her vine like hair to cover herself. She wasn't comfortable changing directly in front of them and she wasn't happy that her classmates were rating another's appearance like this either.
Setsuna however ignored her and faced her new friend. "What about you Komori?"
"Umm…" Kinoko stopped putting on her socks but kept her gaze on her feet. A moment later, she whispered out her answer. "N-Nine."
"Oh, someone's crushing!" teased Setsuna while nudging Kinoko, who turned crimson and hid her face in her hands.
"Stop," commanded Yui while Itsuka smacked Setsuna upside the head.
"Owie! Hey, I didn't say anything bad this time!" whined Setsuna but both her friends gave her glares. "Pfft, whatever." Glancing at the one girl from the other class across from them, she grinned. "I bet…"
Whatever Setsuna was about to say, she trailed off when the locker room door opened and five girls walked inside that drew everyone's attention. The remaining females of class 1A had finally entered the locker room. Four of the five greeted them vocally while the fifth merely nodded at them before heading to her locker since she just wanted to change and go home.
"Hey, you're finally here. We were about to send a search party for ya! Where were you?" asked Setsuna jokingly, making them look at her. She glanced at the black haired girl from their class and caught her frowning a little before looking away from them. Okay, I know something's up and I really wanna know what it is.
"Just taking care of some stuff that popped up last minute," explained Ochaco as she started taking off her costume.
"Yeah, so no worries," added Toru as she did the same.
Setsuna was about to open her mouth when she was elbowed against her side. Looking at who did it, she found Itsuka giving her a hard glare before mouthing the words 'drop it'. Rolling her eyes, Setsuna decided on another approach. "Okay fine, don't tell us. Anyway, we're having a little debate here. Maybe you can help us with it."
"Sure, whatcha got?" asked Mina as she already finished taking off her costume, wrapped a towel around herself and headed to the showers.
"Well, we were giving a rating to one of the guys."
"Oouu, I love these!" stated Mina happily, turning around with a big smile. "Who's up now?"
"Well we just started. And we started with that ice user-"
"Todoroki-san," interjected Reiko with a reminder.
That made the 1A girls do a quick covert glance at Momo to see her reaction that luckily no one caught surprisingly. As she continued getting dressed without saying anything, they looked away.
"Right, Todoroki. Rating of one to ten, handsome level. Well?" asked Setsuna.
"Nine," answered Mina at once before looking at Yaoyorozu again from the corner of her eyes who didn't visibly react to her words. I wonder how she feels about us rating him right in front of her?
"Wow, no hesitation. Does someone have a crush?" teased Setsuna.
Mina laughed. "Nope. I just call it as I see it." Stepping towards the shower, she went inside it, closed the door that hid her torso from view, put the towel over the door and turned on the water.
"See, I told ya," remarked Setsuna with a grin while buttoning up her shirt as she looked at Itsuka who promptly rolled her eyes. "And we haven't even asked everyone yet!" Turning around after she finished buttoning up, she pointed at two of the girls who just arrived and were putting on their uniforms since they had decided to go home and shower. "How about you two?"
Ochaco felt a little embarrassed over being put on the spot suddenly. She thought for a moment if Momo would get mad if she answered too but seeing that she wasn't doing anything about this, decided to play along. I just hope she doesn't take this the wrong way. "Six."
"Same," replied Tsuyu bluntly immediately after her friend without hesitation. If Yaoyorozu hasn't spoken up yet about this, then that means she's either ignoring it or doesn't care because they're together.
"What?! Really?!" Tsuyu just gave a blank look while Ochaco just shrugged and continued on with changing. "Are you shittin' me?!"
"Don't freak out over them," spoke up Mina from the shower, drawing Setsuna's and the other girls' attention. They could see a shit eating grin form on the pink girl's face since the top of the shower stall door only covered her from the bottom of her neck down to her knees. "Ochaco already has a crush on someone else and Tsu doesn't like the cold so Todoroki's out."
"MINA!" Ochaco blushed furiously before hiding her face in her hands since all the girls looked at her curiously while Mina cackled. Forgetting to lift her pinky fingers, Ochaco ended up using her quirk on herself and she started rising into the air.
"She floats," deadpanned Yui. Several giggled at her remark as Tsuyu grabbed Ochaco's foot to bring her friend back down.
"Well, that makes sense I guess. Must be attractive as hell to make her not even take a second look at Mr. Icy Hot," commented Setsuna with a teasing tone that made Ochaco let out a squeak into her hands as she was brought back onto the ground.
A few of the girls smirked over her behavior and the second Ochaco was on the floor again, she released her quirk and turned towards her locker to avoid eye contact with everyone while blushing heavily.
Knowing why she was feeling this way, Tsuyu thought up of something to help her out. "True for me. Cold and me don't mix, kero. And at least Ochaco-chan doesn't have a crush on more than one person…Mina."
"Whaaat?!" blurted out many before looking at the pink girl.
Mina's cheeks turned a noticeable purple from embarrassment. "No, I don't!"
"Then why you blushing, girl?" questioned Setsuna with an evil grin.
"It's from the hot shower I'm taking!" snapped Mina in a high pitch tone of voice.
But nobody believed her. Ibara was thinking how scandalous it is to have feelings for more than one person. Pony and Kinoko were both wondering if they could like more than one person with reddened cheeks. Reiko and Yui didn't think much of it while the rest were thinking several other things. Momo, Ochaco and even Jirou were surprised to hear that and wondered about who the two are. Though they did have some ideas as to who they are. Toru just giggled since she had heard this from Tsuyu already.
"Riiight. So, who are the two? Or is it more than two?" asked Setsuna while moving her eyebrows up and down.
Before Mina could say something to defend herself, Itsuka got involved. "Hey, knock it off. You're starting to cross the line by getting too involved."
"But things are getting good!" whined Setsuna but her close friend gave her an unusually stern look. She let out a sigh. "Alright, fine." Relenting on that, Setsuna did notice the look of relief on Mina's face and promised herself that she'll find out about her secret later. She then faced the direction where the invisible girl is and saw a floating pair of panties and bra. "Back to the original question. How about you invisigirl? What you think of Todoroki?"
"Invisigirl? I like that! Oh and ten!" exclaimed Toru, making all the girls, including Momo who glanced at her before quickly averting her gaze, look at her with surprised faces that she gave him a perfect score. "He's dreamy with that body of his and that serious, stoic attitude…" Toru let out a delightful shiver that made the girls closest to her take a few steps away. A moment later, a loud sigh was heard from her. "Too bad he's taken…"
"Wait, what?! He's with someone?!" asked Setsuna for herself and her class. At that point, something clicked in her head and she turned to the black haired girl from class 1A. "Hey, Yaoyoyo, is that why you and him were practically glued together? Are you dating?"
Everyone looked at Momo, who froze while in the middle of picking up her backpack. She didn't care that they were rating the one she was engaged to since she had decided to find a way out of it. But she felt many different things inside her and was thinking a mile a minute about what to say and how to act. And she didn't notice how the girls from her class minus one looked at her in slight worry over what she would say and do.
I have no choice. I must play this charade so they don't suspect anything. It's not like they'd believe me anyways with that one here… Taking a moment to compose herself, Momo continued with her actions and put on her backpack. Turning to face the green haired girl, Momo locked her gaze onto hers before she spoke. "Pardon me, but my name is Yaoyorozu." Setsuna chuckled awkwardly while rubbing her neck before apologizing. "And yes, we're together and so I give him a ten," answered Momo. Might as well get ahead of things before others let loose the truth in unflattering ways.
Eyes widening, Setsuna didn't think that she would be so blunt about it and was silenced for the moment. Itsuka however, spoke up. "Oh, I'm so sorry for Set's behavior. She shouldn't be asking our opinion on someone that you're with. That's super rude and I'll make sure that she learns her lesson. Just please forgive her for her stupidity," said Itsuka, grabbing her friend's shoulder and shaking her a bit to emphasize her words while speaking. Setsuna let out an apology again with most of the other girls in the room feeling bad. They too voiced how sorry they were for it.
Momo however shook her head. "It's quite alright. I know its difficult seeing an attractive person and not thinking or commenting about them. No harm done," said Momo, seeing them calm down and several even smiled at her. Is that all it took? Really? I'm surprised things are going well. Maybe I can try to gain some allies instead of doing things on my own? This…Tokage…did come back to check on me…Maybe things could get better and they can help me find a way out? Maybe I just need to try… Deciding to take a chance, Momo continued speaking. "Well, most of us answered. Might as well finish it with everyone. Shiozaki, would you kindly tell us your opinion?"
Ibara was stunned at first to be asked to do that that it took her a moment to respond back with the girls looking at her. "I'm not comfortable giving a number rating on anyone and we shouldn't be judging anyone in that way. Especially if they're already taken. And shouldn't you be more concerned or angry about this?" replied Ibara with concern.
"I don't mind Shiozaki. I know that we're just playing games here," stated Momo with a small smile. Her words made some of the girls glance at her but said nothing.
"Hey, no judgment," chimed in Pony.
"Yea, just your opinion. Nothing wrong there and it's just a little fun," added Mina with a smile.
Ibara was feeling pressured with everyone looking at her and she felt conflicted. It was then that she remembered Father John's words to be a little more open minded and not judge so harshly.
After a moment, she let out a sigh before she said something. "Alright, I won't say a number since I still believe it's disrespectful. I will only state that I believe he is attractive but not for me." Immediately after saying that, Ibara clasped her hands together and started praying out loud as a bright light shined on her. "Please Lord, forgive me for being so weak and falling to temptation to say such things."
"Does that always happen?" asked Ochaco in awe for her classmates.
"Yes," answered Yui simply.
"We d-don't know why b-but we roll with it," explained Kinoko further. Seeing how everyone was getting along better this time allowed her to become comfortable enough to do so while only stuttering a little bit.
The girls from class 1A either nodded or let out 'oh' in understanding and Toru spoke. "Everyone answered so how about we move on to the next guy?"
"Wait, she no answer," said Pony while pointing towards the purple haired girl.
"Hey, that's right! Feisty girl didn't say. So what's your opinion?" asked Setsuna before Itsuka could stop her.
Everyone looked at Kyoka who was facing away from them. She was still feeling awful over what she learned recently from accidently eavesdropping on All Might's voicemail. When her classmates came back for her and tried to console her while asking what happened, she couldn't tell them. She knew that if she told them about what she learned…that it was Izuku Midoriya who should've been in their class but wasn't because he was injured by a villain while protecting a little girl…that they too would feel as horrible as she did. Instead, she made up an excuse of her leg suddenly hurting so much that she couldn't stand it anymore.
When she had calmed down enough, they tried to take her to Recovery Girl but she told them that she wanted to change first. On the way back, she faked needing help for a bit so they wouldn't doubt her and she requested them to keep what happened to themselves. They did without hesitation, stating that they're friends. As sullen as she felt from learning about Midoriya while also feeling guilty for lying to them, she still felt glad that they considered her their friend even after everything that happened.
When they entered the locker room and she heard what they were talking about, Kyoka did her best to ignore it all. She didn't care that they were talking about Shoto and she didn't care if Momo got mad over it. Right now, her mind was on what she learned about her green haired friend.
Until she was signaled out by both Pony and Setsuna, making her stop her thinking. Letting out a quiet sigh, Kyoka felt annoyed. She just wanted to get changed and go home. But it seemed that she wouldn't be able to do that today either without issue. Damn it. I can't have a single day to relax anymore. And I really don't have energy for this. Putting on her uniform's blazer, she grabbed her backpack and turned towards the door. "Sorry, but I don't care for this," she said and started walking towards the locker room exit.
"What, c'mon just play along!" urged Setsuna but Kyoka simply repeated herself while waving her hand goodbye.
"Don't think about it too much, Tokage," interjected Momo, drawing attention to her and they saw the glare on her face directed towards the leaving girl. "Jirou thinks she's better than everyone else and assumes things when she doesn't know everything."
Kyoka stopped right in front of the door and started shaking slightly from anger. Ochaco, Tsuyu, Toru and Mina had a feeling of déjà vu and glanced at one another worriedly. Itsuka, Yui, Reiko, Pony, Ibara, Kinoko and Setsuna all wondered if this would make them have another fight like the one they had right before their battle trials.
Kyoka let out a sigh and spoke without turning around. "You know, there's a lot of things I wanna say to you right now, but something else came up that's far more important to me than arguing with you again. And I'm gonna focus on that instead of tearing you a new one."
Momo clenched her hands into fists as Kyoka raised her hand to grasp the door handle. I will not be made out to be the bad guy again! Especially by the likes of you! "That's right, go ahead and run away! That's what you do right, whenever things get hard for you?! You sprout nonsense and then leave without giving anyone a chance to explain things and make it sound like they're at fault for things they can't and couldn't control! Some hero in training you are!"
Kyoka froze with her hand on the handle. Before any of the girls could say anything, she replied back in a forced calm tone of voice while facing the door. "I only talk about things I know and seen for myself. I gave you a chance to explain but you said nothing so don't blame me because you couldn't talk or think up of a lie to save yourself. If you can't handle the truth, that's not my fault."
"You're talking about truth and lies?! You don't even know what's going on and still you open your big mouth to spread gossip and lies like some attention seeker that causes trouble for everyone else!"
Glancing back, Kyoka glared at Momo. "I know enough and I'm causing trouble?! Of course the high and mighty Yaoyorozu would say that when she was the one who kept me from leaving without opening her damn mouth and it was her and her family who was horrible to the one who saved their daughter's life!"
"So it's okay for you to single people out but if I do it, it's wrong?! And I told you I didn't know! I would never hurt him intentionally! And if I did know, I would've stopped them from doing that!"
"Yeah right! You're just saying that to save face! You're nothing but a spoiled brat who thinks she's entitled to whatever the hell she wants! You keep talking shit and try to cover it up with your prim and proper attitude while pointing fingers at everyone else for your failures! I told you this once already but get it through your thick skull! Stop pretending to be something you're not, go live your privileged life Princess and leave us peasants be! We have better things to do than to deal with you elite assholes!"
"Is that so?! Well, I'd rather be an elite asshole than a commoner whose only trait is speaking with profanities and portraying herself as if she's a victim when in reality she's the one causing trouble for everyone else like the selfish, inconsiderate, vulgar, clueless and unfeminine in both looks and behavior trash that you are!"
Complete silence after Momo's final words and every single girl there not involved in the argument didn't know what to do. Except for one. Itsuka decided that things were enough. Stepping forward, she enlarged her hands and clapped them a few times to stop them from arguing again that did the trick.
With everyone's attention on her now, she began speaking. "That's enough! I get it that you two have some…problems… with each other that apparently also involves someone else…but that doesn't excuse your behavior right now! This has gotten really out of hand. We're here at the most prestigious hero school in the nation, if not the world, and you two aren't behaving like future heroes! You've argued with each other several times and nothing's getting fixed! So instead, both of you should just calm down, talk civilly about the problem or if you can't, just don't deal with each other until you can!"
When Itsuka finished chastising them, both Momo and Kyoka felt some shame yet they were still a little angry. But Kyoka did realize something that both Itsuka and Momo said.
The purple haired girl turned to fully face the red head first. "You're right. I'm sorry for how I acted." Without waiting for her to respond, Kyoka turned towards the black haired girl. "And I hate to say this, but you're right Yaoyorozu. I was being selfish. I was only thinking about myself." That surprised Momo that she would say that and the rest glanced at one another, wondering where this was going.
Kyoka turned her gaze towards the other girls from her class. "Asui, Uraraka, Hagakure and Ashido…I wasn't nice to you at all and was suspicious of your motives when you were just trying to be friends with me. I'm sorry for my behavior and if you don't forgive me that's fine. Please excuse me as I have a lot on my mind right now. Bye." Without waiting for a reply, Kyoka gave the four a quick bow before she turned around and quickly headed out of the locker room.
The girls there were all silent for a little while with the sounds of a few showers being the only noise being made. Until Yui stood up, turned towards Momo and spoke. "And you?" she asked in her monotone voice that made everyone look at her first before they looked at the other black haired girl.
Momo tilted her head slightly in confusion. "I'm sorry, what do you mean by that?"
"She apologized. Your turn."
Eyes widening, Momo was shocked that she told her that and it took her a couple seconds to snap out of it. "Excuse me, but I've done nothing wrong! Did you somehow not notice what just happened here?"
"Argument. One apologized. The other didn't," replied Yui without issue.
"I didn't start it!"
"Actually, you kinda did there girl," spoke up Setsuna as she moved to stand beside Yui and leaned against her shoulder with her left elbow.
Feeling something else about to happen, Itsuka decided to nip things in the bud. "Hey, stop it!" she yelled, making them all look at her again. "Yui and Set, you don't need to get involved to try and force things especially when we don't know what's happened. And she'll apologize when she's-"
"Excuse me!" snapped Momo, interrupting Itsuka and became the center of attention again. "I'm not apologizing for anything since I didn't do anything wrong! I was wronged by her and all I did was give her a taste of her own medicine by speaking my mind! And just like you said, none of you know what happened completely so don't assume things and I request that you stop saying such things! So don't act as if you're better!" said the heiress with a frustrated and angry tone.
"Hey, don't talk to girl scout like that! Only I can!" shot Setsuna angrily, while being held back by Itsuka and Yui while telling her to calm down when she took a step forward.
"Oh no…" whined Mina from her shower stall.
"This is shameful," remarked Ibara with a disappointed look on her face.
"Not again…" muttered Toru with worry.
"They're s-scary," whispered Kinoko while standing near her classmates.
Some comments were made by a couple girls that added fuel to the fire with a few even going up to the two arguing girls. Yui and Itsuka were trying to calm down Setsuna while Ochaco and Tsuyu were doing their best to reign in Momo. It kept going back and forth with tensions rising and it didn't look like things would end anytime soon. Both arguing girls took steps towards each other since they had reached their limits. Classmates from both sides held on to them to keep them from fighting.
That is until Setsuna split up her body into a dozen parts, escaping from her friends' holds and flew towards Momo. Seeing that happen, Momo summoned her strength and wrenched free from her classmates. Not having any time to use her quirk to make and use something, Momo swung her open palm towards the incoming angry face.
*SMACK* Momo landed a powerful slap with all the strength she could muster that made her target fall onto her hands and knees on the floor. Looking down to see her adversary, Momo's eyes widened while letting out a shocked gasp. For the one on the floor wasn't the green haired girl from class 1B.
It was the brunette from her own class. Ochaco had stepped in between the two with her hands raised to either side while telling them to stop at the last second to try and prevent them from fighting. But her efforts failed and instead she was the one hit for her attempt to stop things.
"Ochaco!" yelped Tsuyu, Mina and Toru together before the frog like girl shot to her. The other two asked if she was alright while the rest were silent in shock over what just happened.
Her cheek stinging from the slap, Ochaco's eyes watered. She hadn't ever been hit that hard and a part of her realized how strong Momo is. "Ochaco-chan?" When she heard her name, it took her a second until Ochaco raised her gaze to her friends' worried one. "Kero…" Hearing the saddened tone from her friend's voice along with the pain she felt made Ochaco's eyes let out tears but did her best to not start sobbing outright.
Seeing her friend let out tears along with the red hand print on her cheek made Tsuyu hug her. Ochaco returned the embrace and hid her face into her friend's shoulder to help stifle her sobs and not outright cry. Becoming angry, Tsuyu looked at the black haired girl who was still sporting an astonished gaze on her face that didn't do anything to quell her rising temper. "Is this what you wanted?! Are you satisfied now, kero?!" asked Tsuyu with venom in her tone of voice. Without waiting for a reply, she snapped her gaze towards the green haired girl from their sister class. "And what about you?! Are you happy with this outcome?!" No answer from her either and both remained silent due to feeling guilt and shame.
Until Momo couldn't take it anymore and just blurted out an apology. "No…no, it's not! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! This isn't what I wanted!" Not waiting for a reply or anything, Momo practically sprinted out of the locker room while crying. Tears kept falling down her cheeks while she kept thinking of how things couldn't get worse for her as she left.
Nobody stopped her from leaving and Setsuna swallowed the saliva that accumulated in her mouth so she can say something. "I'm sorry too. So sorry…I let my curiosity and anger get the better of me. Please forgive me," she said in a low tone of voice, with her head hung in shame.
Seeing another school day ending on bad terms, the girls of 1A wondered if things were going to continue this way. The girls of 1B felt horrible over what happened but didn't know what to do. When Ochaco calmed down enough to stand back up, all the girls asked how she was. She replied back that she'll be alright in a low voice. Understanding her, they didn't press further.
One from class 1B however decided to ask something else that she and most probably her classmates thought about. "I apologize if this seems to be in bad taste after what just transpired here, but we from class 1B would like to understand what the hostility between the two is from so we may better understand and perhaps aid in preventing things from escalating in the future," stated Reiko in her calm yet slightly monotone voice.
"That's not a bad idea," spoke up Toru, catching everyone's attention and they all turned to the floating school uniform. "First let's get outta here. I need a drink after all this. Let's head to the nearby café shop and we should all talk about it together since it'll take a while."
Finding no reason not to do that, they all decided to do just that. The girls from class 1B wanted to learn the facts while the ones from 1A thought it was a good idea and they just wanted a change of pace to things. And so, after they all finished up showering and changing into their school uniforms, they left together in one large group. While making their way through the campus, they kept relatively quiet but some called to notify their parents that they'll be home late due to hanging out with friends. Once finished with that, they continued on their way towards the nearby café shop…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Okay, so let me get this straight; a guy who looks to be around our age helped out or saved five of you who are Yaoyorozu, Jirou, Uraraka, Ashido and Asui. And you all think it was the same person because that guy shares the same descriptions, which is green hair and freckles. And Yaoyorozu and Jirou are at each other's throats because Yaoyorozu's mom was cruel to that guy and she did nothing to stop her mother?"
The group of girls from class 1A and 1B arrived at the nearby café shop and took seats together at the far corner of the shop. After they all ordered and received their chosen drinks, the girls of 1A began explaining while keeping things general without going into too much detail for the time being. When they finished explaining, silence enveloped their group for a bit. Until Itsuka decided to verify everything and asked her question.
"Pretty much," replied Tsuyu bluntly.
"Damn. Talk about complicated," muttered Itsuka.
"Yeah, it is. We don't know the details of what happened then, but we thought we could maybe get the two to cool off a bit and try talking things out. But that didn't work at all," revealed Toru sadly.
"Hold up though," spoke up Setsuna, making them all look at her. She started twirling the straw around her drink's cup as she spoke. "Why would they fight and argue over someone they barely know? Yeah sure, he helped them out and he might be cute, or kind or whatever. And her mom might've been a bitch to him. But still, they don't know him and he's not around so why bother with all this drama?"
Glancing at one another, the girls of 1A faced them and shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe something else happened that they're not telling us because like we said, we don't know all the info," suggested Toru.
"What she said. But trust me girl," started Mina with her eyes twinkling and a grin forming on her face. Throwing her arm around Ochaco's neck, she pulled her closer making the brunette yelp at the sudden action. "This guy is different. And if you don't believe me, you should just ask Ochaco here…"
"Mina!" whined Ochaco while her face reddened.
Setsuna understood at that moment. "Oh, I see. Is her crush the one who helped her out?" Receiving an elbow to her side courtesy of Itsuka, Setsuna ignored it while keeping her rather predatory look on the brunette.
"I-It's not a c-crush!" said Ochaco, denying their allegations though her reddened face betrayed her.
"Don't worry Ochaco, Mina's just trying to shift attention away from her so no one realizes she's crushing on him too," said Tsuyu bluntly.
"Whaaa?!"
Mina's pink cheeks turned purple from her blushing at everyone's gaze on her but she wouldn't go down without a fight. "N-No, I'm not and even if I was, so what? Is there anything wrong in having a crush on someone who saves you and is good looking?! Plus, I bet even Tsu has a crush on him!"
"Never met him so I can't develop a crush on someone I never met, kero," countered Tsuyu.
Mina had a confused expression form on her face for a second before she remembered. "Oh, that's right! Your sister met him."
Tsuyu nodded but then tilted her head and placed a finger against her cheek. "I think my little sister might have a kiddie crush on him though."
"Isn't she a little young?" questioned Ibara with worry and finally speaking up. She had remained silent for the most part as she just wanted to listen in and observe for the time being to learn more about how others socialize. Though there were a few times she wanted to chastise them for their use of certain words. But she remembered Father John's words to not be too hasty and have some fun when she called to ask permission to go with them. Even when Ibara was irritated due to Setsuna's behavior unlike with some of the other's antics, she didn't comment on them since she believed it wasn't the right time.
Tsuyu shook her head. "No, it's more like admiration or something. She'll get over it. Kids are like that."
"True," stated Yui with a nod, remembering her admiring crushes on some pros when she was a child but got over it as she grew up.
"Hmm…still…what you said doesn't really make me think that this guy's all that," commented Setsuna, leaning her head against her raised palm with her elbow on the table while still playing with her straw. "And it's kinda weird how he crossed paths with you guys but none from our class."
"Huh, that is weird. Maybe just coincidence?" Some shrugs were given as answers. "Anyway, I haven't met him myself, but he actually does sound interesting," remarked Toru. She took a sip of her latte before continuing. "From how my friends act and the details they haven't mentioned to you yet, he's gotta be both strong and somewhat cute. Helping and saving them without asking for anything in return, he's got a good heart it seems. Plus, he tied for the top score in the entrance exams!"
"Wait, what?!" came Setsuna's stupefied response.
"Impressive," remarked Yui, thinking of how strong this guy could be.
"Really?" asked Itsuka, gaining some interest now since he could possibly be another good sparring partner like her other friends. "So how come we haven't seen him at UA?" she asked but the girls of class 1A shrugged again.
Kinoko however realized something then and spoke her mind. "M-Maybe he's the missing shroom from your c-class since you only have nineteen right now?"
Eyes widening, the girls of class 1A looked at each other while blurting out the same thing; "Why didn't we think of that?!"
Seeing that made the girls of class 1B become amused over their simultaneous reaction and they let out chuckles and giggles. "Most often, the simplest answers evade us. Especially when one is burdened with multiple different worries and concerns at the same time," stated Reiko.
"That make sense," remarked Ochaco.
"True," agreed Tsuyu. "He did tell my little sister that he's going to UA."
Mina's eyes widened suddenly as something clicked in her head. "Wait, wait, wait! Hold up! Remember what All Might told us?!" she asked the group somewhat loudly but didn't wait for them to answer. "He said that the one who was supposed to be in our class got involved with a horrible villain and got hurt!"
"No, you don't think…" Ochaco trailed off as she and many of the girls in the group became filled with concern and sadness. Even if some of them didn't know him that well or not at all in some of their cases, they felt bad that someone got hurt because of a villain.
Silence for a short while until Reiko spoke up again. "Though I too feel sullen over this new bit of information that may very well be true, we shouldn't allow it to hinder us for long. All Might did mention that he's recovering in the hospital. Whether or not our future first year classmate is this green haired savior, we will come to know in due time."
"What she say?" asked Pony. She was having a hard time understanding things but didn't want to ask what was going on all the time unless she really needed help.
"She was saying that we shouldn't be too sad because All Might said he's healing at the hospital and we'll find out soon enough who he is," explained Itsuka .
"Oh, okay! Thanks!"
"Excuse me," started Ibara, getting everyone's attention. "I was wondering…what is the name of this young man who you seem to hold in high regard?" asked the religious girl towards the 1A girls.
"Izuku Midoriya," answered Toru at once.
"Deku?!"
Turning their heads towards the direction of the new voice, they were surprised to find four of their male classmates there. Katsuki Bakugo, Eijiro Kirishima, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu and Jurota Shishida who was invited along by the metal user, had entered the café shop to grab a drink after hanging out at the local arcade while coming up with a training schedule. And after hearing the name of the person who he despised, Katsuki turned towards the girls while blurting out his nickname.
"Oh, it's you," remarked Mina with narrowed eyes. She glanced at her childhood friend who smiled slightly but she returned her gaze back to the blonde with narrowed eyes. "What do you want?" she asked with an annoyed tone. She missed the fading smile from her childhood friend as well as the understanding look dawning on Setsuna's face.
"Shut up Pinky," retorted Katsuki without care, making Mina glare and cross her arms. Eijiro looked at Katsuki over that but didn't say anything about it. Before anyone else could say anything, he continued. "I don't wanna hear you blabbering on again. But I wanna know why the hell are you talking about a worthless and quirkless, cheating loser like Deku?!" he asked them with a growl.
"Cheating?"
"Worthless?"
"Deku?"
"Quirkless?"
"Loser?"
The girls repeated his words and looked at one another before looking at him again. "We're not talking about someone named 'Deku'. We're talking about…" started Setsuna, trying to remember his name.
"Izuku Midoriya," supplied Reiko.
"Yeah, him. Thanks."
"And that's not cool. Why are you calling someone all those mean things?" asked Itsuka seriously.
Katsuki growled at that. "It's the same person. And we called him 'Deku' because it stands for 'defenseless Izuku'. He can't do shit because he's been nothing but a worthless, useless and quirkless loser all his life."
"But how can that be true if he tied with you on the entrance exam?" questioned Toru in confusion.
"Because he must have cheated somehow!" snapped Katsuki angrily, making the girls lean away from him and the guys looked at him worriedly. "There's no way someone like him could've passed the exam, let alone tie me for first place! He can't do anything because like I said, he's nothing but a quirkless, cheating loser who's worthless and useless!"
"You're wrong."
Snapping his attention to the brunette from his class, Katsuki was surprised that she spoke up. Though he felt another feeling slightly spring up inside, he pushed that aside, his anger controlling him. "And how the hell am I wrong Round Face?!" he asked through gritted teeth. A small part in the back of his mind realized what he did with his naming but his anger prevented him from realizing it fully.
Did he just call her fat?! Thought almost all of the ones there. The only one who didn't was Pony who didn't understand him completely.
Is he calling me fat?! Feeling insulted and peeved but wanting to put him in his place, Ochaco looked Katsuki dead in the eye and answered him back with a serious and noticeably angry tone of voice. "Because he saved me from being crushed underneath the zero pointer by jumping to its head and destroying it with one punch!"
The ones who didn't know the full details of her ordeal had their eyes widen in shock. Seeing their stunned looks, the ones who already knew of what happened to Ochaco during the exam grinned in amusement.
"So manly!" said both Eijiro and Tetsu together after a few seconds of silence. And that seemed to snap the others out of their states too.
"Wow!"
"He did that?!"
"So cool!"
"Okay, I get it now."
Seeing them ignoring him and complimenting that loser of all things made his blood boil. Growling through gritted teeth, Katsuki turned on his heel and headed towards the exit. He shrugged off Eijiro's hand when he grabbed his shoulder and attempted to stop him. He was so annoyed, frustrated and angry that he even forgot to order his drink. And he was wondering why the hell he was feeling something else that was bothering him, as small as it was.
After Katsuki stepped away, the pink girl turned to her childhood friend. "Kiri, why do you deal with an ass like him?" asked Mina with a frown
"Sorry, he's a little rough around the edges, but he's still cool," replied Eijiro while rubbing the back of his head while giving a small smile. "He'll be a good training partner too!"
"Sounds more like an egotistical asshole," blurted out Setsuna while crossing her arms.
"Though I don't condone the use of such language, I have to agree with what she said," spoke up Ibara, making the recommended student look at her in surprise. "I too find his behavior to be awful."
"He's not all bad," said Tetsu while smiling weakly.
"Not you too Tetsu," remarked Itsuka with a frown.
Tetsu started waving his hands in front of him. "Hey, cut me some slack! But seriously, he's not. He's just very…well, he's…"
"Angry, rude and scary?" chimed in Kinoko, making some of them chuckle.
"Shishida, why you go with him?" asked Pony. She thought that the gentlemanly beast man wouldn't like that sort of behavior.
"Though I too do not appreciate his deplorable behavior, I cannot deny that he's a powerful combatant and that I may become stronger by training with him," explained Jurota with a tone that suggested that he wasn't completely happy with the decision.
"One can still be powerful and not be a jerk. You'd do better to find someone like that to train with instead," countered Itsuka wisely.
Unable to say anything to that, the guys remained silent. Until Eijiro mentioned they should probably head out and go find Katsuki. Bidding the girls goodnight, they then left.
Mina let out a sigh as she looked down at her lap. "Damn it, Kiri, why do you hang out with someone like that?" she muttered under her breath but it was still heard.
"I take it he's your other crush?" asked Setsuna with a teasing glint in her eye.
Snapping her gaze to Setsuna's, Mina blushed again while stammering. "W-What, n-no…I just…we're just childhood f-friends!"
Setsuna started cackling until Itsuka chopped her head with Yui saying 'stop'. "Ow! Okay, I'll behave!" Massaging her head, the green haired girl turned towards the brunette. "So that's how he saved you huh? I get it now. Hell, I'd have a crush on him too if I were in your shoes. And I'd probably defend him in front of others, just like you did," said Setsuna with a grin.
"I…I…" stuttered Ochaco for a couple seconds with her pink chinks reddening even more. Seeing the smirks on Setsuna's and several other girls' faces, she became even more embarrassed. She curled up on her seat, hid her face within her arms and legs while whining for them to stop that made them giggle.
"You said you'd behave," chastised Itsuka.
"Lies," commented Yui as the red head delivered another hit onto the green haired girl's head.
"Owie!"
The girls from both classes looked amused but one spoke up suddenly. "As I understood things, it would seem that this Izuku Midoriya is a fine young man. Perhaps if we are fortunate enough, he is the one who will join us later on. And perhaps some of us may cross paths with him again in the future. But until then, would you mind telling us in detail how he helped each of you in your time of need instead of just general?" asked Reiko.
Mina, Ochaco and Tsuyu didn't mind at all and took turns to tell their respective stories with as much detail as they could about what happened. Though Mina didn't reveal all of what happened to her personally and Tsuyu could only relay what her sister told her. After sharing their stories and talking about that with the sister class, they then started talking about other things. Interests, hobbies, goals, their quirks, coming up with training plans to get stronger and more.
Only when Ibara mentioned that it was beginning to get dark, did they decide to call it a night. Agreeing to that, they got ready to leave. After exchanging numbers and vowing to keep in touch with another as well as train together too, they headed out of the café. Walking a short distance together, they then separated as some got picked up while the rest walked to the station or their homes.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Hey, you doing alright?"
Kyoka raised her gaze from her meal on the table towards her mother. "Yeah…I'm fine…"
Mika raised an eyebrow at that. "Is that so? Then why haven't you eaten your dinner?"
"I'm taking my time," answered Kyoka as she went back to her meal. She started poking at the edges of the rice and beef cutlet with her utensil.
Glancing at her husband, Mika used her facial expressions to convey to him to get involved. Taking the hint, Kyotoku thought for a moment before saying something. "So, how's UA so far? You didn't get into detail yesterday when you came home."
"It's fine," said Kyoka without looking up at him but she did tighten the grip on her utensil as a few images flashed in her mind's eye.
"C'mon Kyoka. You've wanted to go to UA for so long and you're finally there and all you're gonna say is that it's fine?" asked Mika.
Kyoka remained silent with her gaze on her half eaten food. She kept thinking whether she should say anything to her parents and whether or not they'll be any help to her in dealing with any of it.
Before she could come to a decision, Kyotoku spoke up. "Kyoka, your mother and I are worried. Normally you're a peppy little spitfire. It's rare for you to be like this."
"He's right honey," started Mika when her husband finished. "We wanna know what's going on. You know you can talk to us about anything."
"I know, I know," said Kyoka while still unable to look at her parents. She let out a sigh. "It's just…so much happened in just a few days and I don't know what to think, how to act or what to do."
Sharing looks of worry, both Mika and Kyotoku wondered just what could have happened to make their daughter behave like this. It was rare for her to be like this since they had taught her to be confident and hold her head high no matter what.
They turned their sight back onto their daughter and Mika asked her a question. "Did something happen at UA?" Kyoka didn't answer until several seconds later by nodding while still looking at her plate.
Kyotoku asked the next question. "Was UA not what you expected? Was your teacher mean?"
Kyoka shook her head. "Not really and…it's just…"
"Did someone hurt you?"
"No. Well, not really. I…"
"Did someone touch you inappropriately?"
"No! Most were nice and…"
"What do you mean most?! You tell me right now who touched you and I swear I'll make them pay because no one touches my daughter!"
"WILL YOU STOP TALKING?! NO ONE TOUCHED ME LIKE THAT!"
Kyoka stood up all of a sudden while screaming that silenced both her parents who were giving her wide eyed looks of shock at what she just did. The purple haired teenager felt her heart rate increasing and she was shaking slightly from her anger and frustration.
Mike noticed that and tried to calm her daughter down. "Kyoka, honey, we believe you and it's okay. Just tell us what happened. We can't help you if you don't tell us anything."
"And what am I supposed to say?!" shot Kyoka, unable to hold back her frustrations anymore and just let go. She let out everything that was on her mind. "That my homeroom teacher's a hard ass who threatened us with expulsion if we don't do well enough? That everyone else in my class is so much better than me in every possible way? That I ended up getting into fights with that rich client's daughter? That I pushed away possible friendships with the girls in my class because of my behavior? That I was humiliated during lunch and my battle trial today? That Midoriya, the one who helped us, also helped out many other girls in my class who are so much prettier than me? That I found out by accident that he was supposed to be in my class but ended up getting sent to the hospital because he was hurt by a horrible villain when he tried to protect a small girl? That I can't stop thinking about him even though I barely know him at all? Is that it? Is that what I'm supposed to say?!" Finishing up with her rant, Kyoka remained standing and tears rapidly fell down her cheeks while breathing heavily.
Absolute silence reigned except for the young woman's heavy breathing. Both parents were absolutely astonished over what their daughter just revealed. And it wasn't anything small or a couple things. It was many things and they were all big things. No wonder their daughter wasn't behaving like she normally would.
Snapping out of it, Mika got off her seat and hurried to her. She wrapped up her daughter in a hug who hugged her back and started sobbing outright. "Sssh, it's okay sweetie. Just let it all out and then we'll talk about it. Okay?" Kyoka seemed to take it to heart and started crying a little harder over her words.
Kyotoku felt like someone just stabbed him in his heart at seeing his daughter cry. Getting up, he joined in on the hug, embracing both his wife and daughter with his long arms. "It's okay. We're here and we'll do whatever we can to help. Just let it out first and we'll go from there." Kyoka appreciated that and continued crying. He stayed like that for a bit before removing himself from the hug when Kyoka's sobs lessened. He told them that he'll get some tea for them since it'll help calm them all down. Mika decided to lead her daughter to the couch as Kyotoku headed into the kitchen.
While getting the tea ready, Kyotoku thought about how he rarely sees Kyoka crying. But in just two days at UA, something happened and something changed her. And he was boiling inside with his anger rising from it but controlled himself since he didn't want to blow up in front of her since it probably wouldn't help. He may be a softie most of the time, but when it came to his daughter…
As he waited for the tea to get ready, he thought about what he just learned. So much stuff happened to her in just a few days! What the hell?! I swear, as God as my witness, I will find out what happened and who made her be so depressed! And the fact that she mentioned that boy…I bet this all has to do with that Midoriya kid!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It's been a good few hours now that Momo was home and she spent every minute of it alone in her room. The instant she arrived, she bolted to her room and locked her door before flinging herself onto her enormous bed. Crying the entire time, she didn't want anyone to see her like this. Not the maids. Not the butlers. Not the other staff. And definitely not her parents.
Because she knew that none of them would be able to help her. And two of them would just brush off her problems and tell her that they were trivial and not worth it. Even when a few of the mansion staff came to the door, she just sent them away while saying she's not hungry and didn't want to be disturbed.
While she stayed there all alone and crying her eyes out, Momo wondered just how and why everything just went downhill so fast. She was looking forward to finally attending UA University. She hoped that she'd be able to live as a normal young adult for at least a few years before having to go along with what her parents decided. It was one of her dreams to experience that.
But no, she wouldn't have that opportunity anymore because it was all lost to her now. She was stuck with no way out. Her earlier beliefs from just yesterday that she'd find a way out of her predicaments now felt like a distant dream.
And the worst thing about it all was that it was all her fault too.
Momo knew that and there was nothing to make her change her mind. She couldn't defend herself. She couldn't come up with anything to say. She couldn't make the other girls rally to her side. She couldn't control her emotions or behavior like she used to in the past. She ended up actually hitting another girl out of anger and frustration. And she didn't even strike the one who had angered her. Instead, she ended up hurting one of the girls from her class who actually tried to be at least a little friendly with her.
When she realized that she had hit Ochaco instead of Setsuna, Momo felt her stomach churn as if poisoned. She felt so horrible and the rather angry look that Tsuyu gave her frightened her and made her realize how colossal her mistake was. That because of her emotional actions, her last chance to maybe make some friends and maybe explain things and maybe get a chance to receive help to escape her predicaments was now gone. Momo kept thinking about all of it while feeling depressed and letting out tears with her lying down on her bed.
Until sudden, rather hard and loud knocking was heard from her door that made her sit up on her bed at once. "I said I'm not hungry," stated Momo in as calm a voice as she could.
"I know Ms. Yaoyorozu, but you have a visitor."
Momo titled her head at that, confused as to who would come visit her at this time but wasn't in the mood to go greet them. "Tell them I'm busy."
"I'm sorry miss but your Mother insisted since it's your betrothed and his father waiting for you in the main dining area."
Momo's eyes widened and she let out a gasp. "W-What?!" Why are they here?! I wasn't told anything about this! I don't want to see them right now but if I don't go join them, then they'll think something's wrong! "T-Tell them I'll be there in a few minutes!" ordered Momo as she got off the bed and hurried to fix her appearance.
"As you say."
Moving as fast as she could, Momo fixed her hair, applied some minor make up after wiping clean the tear marks and changed out of her school uniform that she was still in. Wearing a pink button down blouse with a black skirt that reached her knees, Momo made sure there was nothing out of the ordinary as far as her appearance went. Satisfied, she headed out of her room and went towards the dining area.
Reaching the dining area, Momo heard them talking before she entered and she felt nervous due to the tones that they were speaking with. What's going on? Curiosity getting the better of her, Momo didn't wait or try to eavesdrop. Instead, she stepped inside while greeting them. "Hello there. Please pardon my tardiness as I was not expecting company today. How are you doing?"
Mrs. Yaoyorozu, Endeavor and Shoto all turned towards Momo with different expressions. Her mother looked like she was nervous. The number two hero looked like he was annoyed. And her classmate looked like he always did with his usual neutral expression.
"Ah, Momo dear, please come join us," started Mrs. Yaoyorozu, planning on taking control back in the conversation she was just having. "We're about to have some tea and…"
"That won't be necessary," interrupted Endeavor, silencing the woman who looked like she was forced to eat something spoiled. "We didn't come here for a formal visit. There's something I wanted to ask. After speaking with Shoto about today's battle trials, he let me know about your trial as well."
Momo became nervous over his words but did her best to remain calm as she replied back. "Umm, yes. I had my battle trial today as did the rest of our class and our sister class of 1B. I did my best and everyone did really well. Especially your son."
"I don't care about class 1B and I know Shoto did well. I trained him since he could walk. I know he has almost no equal around his age and probably most pros wouldn't come close either. Now if only he would use all of his potential…" said Endeavor, dismissing Momo's statements without care and trailing off with a slight glare at his son who ignored him. Deciding to move on, Endeavor stood up and seemed to fill the dining area with his size and fire even though the area could probably fit at least fifty people comfortably. "What I want to know is why the daughter of the esteemed Yaoyorozu family who is supposed to marry my son lost her battle trial?" asked Endeavor with a sharp tone of voice.
Momo felt a very cold chill go down her spine at his words. Glancing at her mother for a split second, Momo was still able to see the expression on her face that seemed to scream at her to hurry up and explain herself. Facing Endeavor, Momo did her best to explain while trying to remain as calm as possible. "I-I…"
Momo stammered a bit before stopping as she noticed both her mother and Endeavor narrow their eyes at her. Clearing her throat, she began explaining. "I did the best that I could. I had a plan consisting of door and window shock charges and several other things. But my partner in the trial unfortunately was not listening to me and wasted time doing her own thing. And our opponents that we were facing seemed to have a good relationship since they were able to work flawlessly together and their quirks complimented each other very well. They were able to take out my teammate rather quickly since her quirk is better suited to support roles and I was left alone trying to come up with another plan to pull off on my own but I was unable to due to the relentless assault I was facing."
After Momo finished explaining things, it was quiet in the dining room for what seemed like ages. Until Endeavor began speaking. "Hmph, no wonder you lost. Having unnecessary baggage weigh you down while trying to overcome a team that has chemistry is difficult. However, I will not tolerate any more losses from you in the future. I will not have my son marry a weak girl for the offspring will be weak as well. Am I understood?"
"Y-Yes sir!" replied Momo quickly out of fear as she bowed at the waist to him. Thanks to her fear, she completely missed his remark about offspring that would've made her blush and possibly retort to it.
"Hmph." Endeavor turned towards the older woman. "I have something to speak with you in private while Shoto wants to speak with your daughter and then we shall take our leave."
"Of course, I know you're very busy Endeavor-san," replied Mrs. Yaoyorozu as she stood up and gestured towards a nearby door. "Please, right this way. We can speak privately in my husband's office."
"Now that you mention it, where is he?"
"I do apologize but he hasn't returned yet from his usual monthly inspections he does at headquarters."
"I see. No matter. You can relay to him when he comes home."
"Of course. Here we are. Please enter."
When the two entered the office and closed the door, Momo gave Shoto a small smile when he turned to look at her. "Hello Todoroki. I take it he questioned about today?"
"Yes," answered Shoto in his same monotone tone of voice. "He knew battle trials were today. Don't know how and I don't care to know."
Momo nodded slightly. "I see. Well, I assume he was happy and proud to hear you doing the best out of everyone," she said kindly.
"He didn't care. He knew I'd win. He wanted to know about yours," remarked Shoto bluntly.
Momo's smile faded away. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"Doesn't matter as I don't care," interrupted Shoto that silenced her. "But when he asked, I told him to ask you personally in case you wanted to not go into detail about what really happened."
Momo let out a small gasp. She couldn't believe it. Momo thought that Shoto would've told his father everything. Hearing him say that surprised her but also made her feel grateful. Though she wanted out of this arrangement, she didn't want to look bad. Letting out a sigh filled with relief, Momo smiled at Shoto. "Thank you. That was kind and respectful of you to do that. And I…"
"Don't misunderstand me," interrupted Shoto again, stopping Momo from continuing and making her give him a confused look. "I didn't tell him anything because it works out better this way."
"What do you mean?" asked Momo with confusion.
"You don't need to know the details. Just know this; you need to do better and you need to show that you're the potential that he wanted and still wants."
"I'm sorry but I don't understand. And I really did do the best that I could. And…"
"That's not enough," snapped Shoto suddenly and Momo was shocked from him showing some emotion. "You will do better and you'll prove that you still have potential. Got it?"
Momo's shock was replaced with fear from his icy tone. But then anger filled her over his behavior and in her own home no less. "Pardon me, but I don't think I deserve you speaking and interacting with me like this. I believe it would be for the best for us to part for today and I will see you tomorrow."
Momo turned to leave the dining area and began walking. She made it to the entrance way when her arm was grabbed and she was made to turn around forcefully to face him while pushed up against the doorway wall. "What are you do-"
Momo was prevented from finishing her anger filled question when Shoto slammed his right palm against the wall beside her head. She could feel the frost building in his hand and arm but what made her start shivering slightly was not the cold from his quirk but rather the glare on his face. Though she had read many romance novels with a similar scene happening in them, she didn't feel any romantic feelings build within her. Instead she felt fear growing inside her from his aggressive and scary behavior along with the icy look in his eyes.
"Don't walk away from me," started Shoto in a rather intimidating tone of voice with his eyes locked onto Momo's. "You wanted this, so you better do what you have to in order to keep this engagement going. It took him a long time to find someone who fits his criteria and I won't wait for him to find another. I won't waste this opportunity to finally become free."
"F-Free?" repeated Momo fearfully in a whisper.
Shoto narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth. He didn't mean to say that. "Don't worry about it," he growled. "Just do as I say or things will get a lot more complicated. And that's putting it lightly. Understand?" Momo was prevented from answering when they heard Endeavor calling for him that they were leaving. Shoto gave a warning look to the black haired girl before he turned away and left.
Momo felt so many different things whirling around inside as she watched Shoto leave before becoming lost in many thoughts. Thoughts about him speaking so much. Thoughts about him practically ordering her to do as he said. Thoughts about him saying he doesn't want to lose this opportunity to becoming free. She was so lost in her thoughts while standing there frozen that she didn't notice her mother coming back into the dining area and heading towards her after seeing their visitors off.
Walking up to her daughter, Mrs. Yaoyorozu felt profound anger. Anger over her treatment by the number two hero. Anger over feeling powerless. Anger over what she had to promise. And anger over her daughter's behavior and actions. All that anger that she was feeling led her to make a quick decision.
So as soon as she reached Momo, she delivered a sharp slap against her daughter's cheek that made her stumble and cry out from it. "Is this what you wanted?!" she asked angrily.
"W-What…did I-I do? What w-was that for?!" cried Momo while holding her stinging cheek.
"Because of your horrible performance, I had to practically beg to keep the engagement going!"
"I never asked you to! And I tried my best! And maybe we should call it off!"
Her mother's eyes practically bulged from their sockets over Momo's words. "How dare you! Do you even know what it means to cross Endeavor? Just him alone with his connections can bury us!" Mrs. Yaoyorozu took in a breath before continuing with barely contained rage coating her words. "What you did wasn't enough! You have an amazing quirk and you've been training all your life so use them, damn it! The future of the Yaoyorozu family name is on the line here! So enough of your naivety, your excuses and everything else! Do what you were born and trained to do! Do your damn duties by getting married, connect our families and elevate the family name! And I don't care if you just become a breeding tool for them in the end! If you can't uphold your end of things, then don't consider yourself a Yaoyorozu anymore and get the hell out of this house!" Without waiting for a reply, Mrs. Yaoyorozu turned around, went towards the office and slammed the door shut behind her.
Momo couldn't believe what just happened. Frozen with her hand still against her cheek, the young heiress didn't know what to think or do over what her mother just said to her. Until her brain seemed to finally process what just occurred and she reacted then. Her eyes let loose rapid tears, her heart was pounding in her ears and before she knew it, she was practically sprinting towards her room. Entering it, she closed her room door and locked it before practically throwing herself onto her bed once more.
Crying for a long time, Momo had many thoughts go through her head and felt such despair that no mere words could've described it. She couldn't believe it and had absolutely no idea what to do anymore. With that realization, the small bit of hope that she still had even with knowing how much she messed up at UA these past two days, was snuffed out and her heart broke.
As sadness crept in and despair filled her, poor Momo kept thinking about how she has no more options available to her and how she was now stuck in this horrible nightmare with no way out…
Author's Notes - Yeah, so, a lot of stuff happened. I know many of you are probably annoyed/pissed about what's happening, but unfortunately, things have led to this. I do want to hear your thoughts and comments so remember to review, fav and follow!
Also, the next chapter, chapter 12, is already up for pa tre on members! I'd really appreciate it if you can become a member and if not, that's fine. You'll just have to wait longer to read. To become a member, just add /silentplayermc03 to the end of pa tre on's website.
Writing for the first chapter of "Tale of the Forsaken" is halfway done. Editing has continued for "The Blue Spirit" and almost done with a few chapters, which I'll try to post up all together. My original story has the maps done for the rough drafts and now tweaking them some. So there's a lot of work that I'm doing and working on multiple projects at the same time because apparently my brain is wired that way.
Hope all is well, that I hear from you all and take care!
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The Blue Spirit
Tale of the Forsaken
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