Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.
To say Ayame was not distracted during the festival would be a lie. Ever since she had found out that Todoroki Shoto was related to the Number Two Pro Hero, Endeavor, she had been stunned silent. Even Hotaru had noticed her disquiet mood but did not press on, merely glancing at her friend from the corner of her eyes every few minutes while she stayed focus on the field where the rest of the first-year gathered.
To be truthful, even Ayame herself felt a little bit perplexed by her own behavior. She knew other children being related to Pro Heroes was not a surprise. She was related to two (with her mother being an ex-hero). But, she had been surprised that Todoroki was related to Endeavor of all people. Their Quirks were polar opposites: fire and ice. And yet—it felt just like Todoroki with his half and half hair and eyes. They had never seen him use anything but ice and so—the conception of him being related to Endeavor blew her mind.
And—Ayame wondered, why didn't he tell anyone? She often bragged about LullaCry when she was young. Ayame was proud of her mother who—despite being disabled by her Quirk—had made a name for herself and was a respected hero. Ayame loved her family and wanted to be just like them. She wanted to protect and fight and be good—like a hero.
But Todoroki never mentioned anything about himself. He kept his secrets and thoughts to himself, not once sharing with others or even speaking with them. It made her curious and pensive, wondering what other surprise Todoroki may be hiding and if she can get him to open up, too.
"We're not here to play at being friends."
That was right.
He wasn't interested in them as they were of him. Ayame cannot recall a time she had seen Todoroki eat with someone at lunch. All the times they had spoken, it was Ayame that initiated a conversation, first. He was strong by himself and had not relied on anyone during the attack at USJ, during their training exercise, just—in general. Ayame thought he was just a boy who preferred solitude but—his attitude alluded that he just wasn't interested at all.
And for some reason, that hurt.
Even Bakugo had someone willing to call him a friend. Even though that fiery boy was loud and rude, antagonizing nearly everyone he met and was competitive down to his bones, the others still…got along with him. He wasn't actively pushing others away like Todoroki had. Bakugo allowed them be, making a sly remark here and there, but he wasn't as cold as Todoroki.
That was odd even by itself!
And speaking of Bakugo, why was he the one making the player pledge?! Ayame couldn't believe that Bakugo would be the top of his class even with his personality!
Bakugo stalked up the podium with both hands shoved in his pocket, his face schooled down into a frown as he arrived in front of the microphone. The whole stadium quieted down to listen to him and Ayame wondered if Bakugo would even say a proper pledge.
"I pledge—" Bakugo began and Ayame leaned closer to the railing, "That I'll be number one."
Huh?
I KNEW HE'D DO THAT, Class 1-A cried.
"Kacchan, what the heck?!" Ayame gasped from the stand.
Hotaru looked just as stunned and the whole first-year students cried out in anger from the stage. Ayame gaped when even the crowd began laughing and commented on Bakugo's rashness.
"N-ne, Ayame-chan, is Bakugo-san…usually like this?" Hotaru asked quietly from the side.
"Y-yeah…" Ayame answered, watching Iida reprimanding Bakugo while he stepped down the stage without his usual explosive flare. For some reason, as she watched his straight back and calm demeanor leave, Ayame though Bakugo…was a completely changed person. Strong and—almost heroic in his confidence.
She shook her head to throw those thoughts away. Class 1-A sure have a lot of problematic kids, she sighed. Ayame propped one hand up on her cheek, waiting for the first game to start.
"That Bakugo Katsuki kid is quite entertaining," Yuu laughed quietly next to Takarada, "Do you think he will win?"
Takarada almost scoffed at that question. "He's driven himself into a corner."
Ayame heard nothing of the exchange. Takarada and Yuu were sitting just the stand behind her while she was as close to the stage as possible. She hadn't realized the two class representatives would take the time to watch the other competition, too. At least, no one would have guessed they were watching the first-years.
"Now, let's get started right away!" Midnight announced, her voice echoing through the stadium, "The first game is what you'd call a qualifier! Every year, many drink their tears here!"
Ah, Ayame remembered this event very clearly. During last year's qualifier, although she had used her Quirk, it was not enough to secure her a spot to advance to the next game. Ayame had struggled with her summons back then and with the chaotic screams and competition, she wasn't able to show off or focus.
Hopefully, 1-A won't choke up like I had, Ayame thought quietly.
The digital screen stopped rolling and revealed the first game. It was an obstacle course race that would take place outside the stadium. The students would run four kilometers around and, Quirks were allowed to use. Since it's a hero high school where Quirks were free to use, it would be no less for U.A. to approve them for the Sports Festival.
The students gathered in front of the gate, waiting for the lights to go off. With all of the students gathered together, Ayame can barely make out who was who in the crowd. It was already hard to distinguish the hair color of them all.
"Good luck, everyone!" Ayame managed to yell in the end, hoping at least one of Class 1-A students heard her.
Right after, Midnight's voice followed with a loud, "START!"
In a flash, everyone began to run forward. There were screams and yelling from the bottom and Ayame leaned over the railing, trying to catch a glimpse of anyone she knew.
"Okay, here's the play-by-play!" Present Mic echoed the stadium, "Are you ready to do the commentary, Mummy Man?!"
"You're the one who forced me to come."
Ayame's head snapped towards the recording studio where the commentators were, eyes wide and lips parted at the sound of her uncle's voice.
Oji-san…is watching the first-years, too?
There was a small ache in her heart at that thought, eyes lowering to stare at the back of her hands. If the first-year's event were not done by the time it was Ayame's turn then—who would cheer for her—
Ayame slapped her cheeks and shook those thoughts away, focusing back on the race. She's not going to get distracted now!
Yuu glanced over Ayame briefly, one pale eyebrow arched upwards as he looked over Aizawa's direction.
Ice suddenly froze over the cramped tunnel the students were in, spreading out to the floor and expanding under Todoroki's foot as he ran ahead of everyone.
Ayame watched with silent amazement, he's always…so incredible.
"Oh! Go Eijiro-kun! Go Momo-chan!" Ayame saw a few others run ahead, waving wildly even though they could not see her. Bakugo and Aoyama also rushed forward with their Quirks and Ayame was surprised those two were practically flying.
"Naïve, Todoroki-san! We've learned from the training exercise!" Yaoyorozu exclaimed.
"You got me with that once. You won't get me again!" Ojiro tapped the ice with his tail.
Amongst the students managing to advance, it was mostly Class 1-A students. Ayame cheered loudly from the side, proud and happy with her kouhais.
"I won't fall for that thrice!"
Even Mineta was able to advance with his Quirk, throwing the purple balls over the ice and bouncing off of them. Ayame wondered if the sudden training exercise Aizawa spurred on them had helped the students.
"I've outwitted you, Todoroki! How pathetic!" Mineta boasted. "Take this! My special attack!"
Mineta was slammed away by the robotic arm before he can finish his attack. Ayame winced for him as he rolled away, the camera panned out to reveal the giant robots they had fought against during the entrance exam and the midterms.
"Obstacles have shown up suddenly!" Present Mic's voice boomed, "Starting with the first barrier: Robo Inferno!"
"From what I remember…" Hotaru spoke up softly, "Those giant robots…were the pointless ones. Many of the students didn't fight against them…"
"They were only used for hero applications, weren't they?" Ayame wondered.
As expected, there were mumbling on the camera from the other students regarding the robots. The camera panned to Todoroki again, his expression turning serious and ice began to form beneath him. His right hand started to sparkle with a thin layer of frost and he leaned down. Suddenly, ice erupted under him and he used the momentum to slide under the robot, freezing the machinery from head to toe.
"W-wow," Hotaru whispered, "H-he's…pretty amazing."
Ayame hummed in response. Todoroki was able to stop the giant robot in one move whereas—Ayame barely remembered standing up against the robot. Even though she was more confident in her Quirk now, she wasn't sure if she can…fight a large-scale battle like him.
"Class 1-A, Todoroki!" Present Mic announced, watching the said boy run between the legs safely. The students tried to follow his lead but the robot collapsed, breaking the ice and its metal parts with it. "He attacked and defended in one hit! How elegant! It's practically unfair!"
"His actions are logical and strategic," Aizawa followed up.
"As expected of someone who got in through recommendations! He'd never fought them before, but those Robo Infernos couldn't get past his elite moves!"
"H-he got in through recommendations?" Ayame was stunned again.
If she remembered, they only took the best of the best out of the bunch! The committee had to factor in their Quirk, intelligence, and hero recommendations to even be considered! She remembered Yume had a hard time getting recommendations and had nearly failed the physical examination while Ayame had to fight in the normal entrance exam. Exactly how elite was Todoroki in order to get all of that?!
"Ne, Noeru, do you think you can win against him?" Yuu asked light-heartedly.
"Of course," came the overconfident reply, "I'll beat anyone necessary to become a hero."
Yuu laughed again, soft and elegant like a prince.
The smoke finally cleared while the rest of the students were wondering how to pass the giant robots. There were confused shouts about students being trapped under the machinery but they didn't have to worry any more when two figures popped up. Ayame recognized the crimson red hair of one students, tapping Hotaru excited as she pointed on the screen.
"That's Eijiro-kun! He has a hardening Quirk!" She briefly explained.
"Tetsutetsu from Class 1-B was also underneath! That's crazy!" Present Mic exclaimed.
"Oh, he's new," Ayame blinked at the steel boy on screen.
"His body can become like steel! He can become the strongest spear, or the strongest shield!"
"Wait—isn't his and Eijiro-kun's Quirk…similar," Ayame sweat dropped.
The camera cut back to Kirishima running and crying on screen, the sparkling tears falling from his tightly squeezed eyes.
"Our Quirks are pretty much the same?! I have a hard enough time standing out as it is!" Kirishima cried.
Ayame laughed loudly at that. "O-oh no, Eijiro-kun! Ganbatte!"
A sudden explosion blasted from the ground and a figure flew above the robots. The HD camera caught the view of Bakugo flying over the giant robots, a crazy smirk split onto his face. Following right behind were Sero and Tokoyami with their Quirks.
"Whoo! Go, Toko-kun, Sero-kun! You're still a jerk but I know you won't fall behind, Kacchan!"
"Ayame-chan, you really…like Class 1-A, huh?" Hotaru smiled.
"Yup!" She grinned, "They're a likeable bunch!"
They watched as other students began to destroy the robots. Ochaka was able to make them float with her Quirk and then fall, smashing them to pieces. Jirou used her earphone jack to disrupt the electronics within. Ojiro's tail was powerful enough to smash the metal and Kaminari electrified them with his lightning.
"But you know… I saw them survive the attack at USJ. At that time…I couldn't protect any of them when it was my responsibility to…" Ayame said softly, eyes focusing on all of the students passing by. The camera landed on Midoriya grabbing a loose metal shield and used the momentum from the other robot to slash the arm off it. "But…I think that incident struck a chord within. They won't hesitate against machines like these!"
Ayame watched in admiration, feeling like a proud mother with her children. Ah, is this what parenthood is like?!
"If you fall, you're out! If you don't wanna fall, then crawl! It's "The Fall"!" Present Mic announced the next obstacle.
"Oh! This one looks a bit tricky," Hotaru gasped.
"Hm…" Ayame tapped her chin, "Would be easy for us though!"
"A lot of different people are working hard for their chance, huh, Eraser Head?" Present Mic said through the speakers.
"What are you idiots stopping for?" Ah, Ayame recognized her uncle's annoyed voice. She smiled, he's cheering for them too!
The screen showed Todoroki again sliding through the rope easily on his right foot. He reached another check point while the other students were trying to catch up from behind. A flying spark appeared from the corner of the screen and the camera zoomed in again to reveal Bakugo, still flying.
"Damn it!" Bakugo released more explosions from his hands, trying to match Todoroki's speed.
"Oh! There's I-Iida-kun!" Hotaru pointed out, nearly standing up from excitement and Ayame glanced at her. Oh my, she rarely sees Hotaru this excited!
"I can't let him see me act uncool!" The microphones picked up Iida's determination.
The next scene showed Iida barely balancing on the tightrope, both hands reached outwards for balance and Ayame burst out laughing again. Hotaru looked worried at the other boy attempting not to fall but Ayame laughed even harder at Present Mic's commentary.
"That's so uncool!"
"That guy in the first place is way ahead!" The audience exclaimed in amazement.
"His Quirk is really strong, but his natural athletic ability and judgment are also a cut above everyone else's."
"Of course it is. That's the Flame Hero, Endeavor's son!"
"No wonder! The blood of the guy second only to All Might, huh?"
"There'll be fighting over who gets him as a sidekick!"
Ayame heard the commentaries behind her and silently wondered to herself how everyone knew of Todoroki's heritage. They make it sound like it was only natural for him to be the strongest or something because of who he was related to. Ayame felt...odd by that thought; she disliked seeing others compared because of their Quirks or family relationship. She had experienced all of that first-hand.
It's not as flattering as they would expect… Ayame thought to herself.
"And now, we've quickly arrived at the final barrier! The reality here is…that it's a minefield! It's set up so that you can tell where the mines are if you look carefully!"
"H-hey, Hotaru-chan…was last year's event…this extreme, too?" Since Ayame didn't make it onto last year's Sports Festival, she began to worry for her upcoming one.
Present Mic explained how the destructive power of the mines weren't that strong but even then, both of the girls were staring worriedly on the screen.
"N-not to this extent…"
The students in the back were struggling to avoid the landmines. Some explosions began to set off when they stepped on the wrong ground while Todoroki was avoiding using his ice to allow others a path. He was slowed down due to that reason but suddenly, a loud explosion rang out from a different source. Bakugo flew over the ground with his Quirk, landing right next to a surprised Todoroki.
"Bastard, don't declare war to the wrong person!" He shouted, left hand moved to throw an explosion at Todoroki. Todoroki stepped back to avoid the attack and Ayame gasped, standing up directly to watch the screen.
"And now, we've got someone new in the lead!" Present Mic sounded just as excited. "Rejoice, mass media! It's the kind of development you guys love!"
The camera switched to reveal Iida running through the field before the explosion can set off. Another student with animated vines for hair was following right behind. However, Todoroki and Bakugo continued to fight in the lead while running forward.
"I-Iida-kun may catch up at this point!" Hotaru exclaimed excitedly.
"Those two…" But Ayame was focused on Todoroki and Bakugo, slowly sitting down again as she watched in anticipation. Who's the strongest one between them…?
In everyone's distraction, no one noticed the huge pink explosion in the back until it was too late. The camera zoomed back to focus on the whole field, everyone surprised by the giant explosion from the starting line and—someone flying through?!
"Deku-kun?!" Ayame gasped.
"Was it an accident, or did he do it on purpose?!" Present Mic stood up from his seat, "Class A's Midoriya is in hot pursuit with that blast!"
The camera focused on him when Midoriya flew through on the green armor from the robot before. Ayame couldn't believe he carried that all the way through! And—he's flying past his two classmates!
"Actually, he's taken the lead!"
The crowd broke out into an uproar, the race getting more exciting with the new challenger. Ayame hopped out of her seat again and began to jump up and down, lilac eyes wide and excited for the underdog.
"Deku-kun! You can do it!" Ayame cheered.
A blurry figure flew forward and amidst the smoke, Bakugo's form caught up to Midoriya. Todoroki also ignored the other students behind him, ice forming beneath him as he ran forward in their direction without caring whether it may give the other students a path.
"The two formerly in the lead have stopped trying to slow each other down and are chasing Midoriya! Now that they have a common enemy, they've stopped fighting! The fight's not over yet, though!"
Todoroki and Bakugo reached Midoriya's landing spot. The short boy was still struggling with his landing but, in a split second decision, he slammed the armor down and onto the minefield. Another loud explosion set off under Todoroki and Bakugo while Midoriya ricochet off the armor and tumbled forward. He landed on his feet after one roll and quickly got on his feet to run.
"No way!" Hotaru exclaimed in astonishment.
"Deku-kun…definitely can't be counted out of the competition!" Ayame gasped, he hasn't even used his Quirk yet, either!
"Eraser Head, your class is amazing! What're you teaching them?!" Present Mic commented.
"I didn't do anything. They got each other fired up on their own," Aizawa answered.
"Those three…" Ayame began softly, a small smile merging onto her lips, "Somehow, I can see a rivalry forming."
The camera lost track of the students when they ran into a long tunnel. It was the entrance back into the stadium and—whoever enters first would be the winner! Present Mic had mentioned before no one would know the number amount of students that were able to pass the first stage. But—based on the ones leading so far, Ayame can already see Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo to secure a spot.
"U.A. Sports Festival, first-year stage! Who could've predicted the developments at the beginning or this conclusion?!"
Everyone leaned closer to the edge to see the first person through. Ayame was nearly falling off the railing as she looked in that tunnel, waiting for a head to pop out.
"Right now, the first person back in the stadium is that man…"
Ayame screamed at the sight of familiar moss hair. She began jumping up and down again, nearly drowning Present Mic's speech as she shook Hotaru.
"Midoriya Izuku! Deku-kun is first!" Following close behind was Todoroki and Bakugo, both very close to getting that first place. "Totoro-kun! Kacchan! You guys made it too!"
Ayame continued to cheer despite the earlier 'fight'. After all, she was never the type to stay upset for long. Also, watching the three of them compete had been very, very exciting. She couldn't believe the huge comeback Midoriya made for first place! All she wanted to do was run down there to congratulate them!
The others began to appear through the finish line. Ayame saw Ochako run up to Midoriya afterwards. From the distance, she also saw Iida making it through and many other 1-A students. She waved her hand wildly around, hoping to catch their attention as she congratulated them from the side.
"Oiii! Congratulations!"
Hotaru waved next to her, not bothering to voice out her congrats too since Ayame was as loud as she can be. Midoriya and Ochako glanced over to the 2-A seating area and smiled, waving back to Ayame happily as everyone waited for the final results. There was a small intermission as they waited for everyone else to pass through the gates; until Aoyama finally entered the stage.
"The top 42 made it through to the next round," Midnight announced, "It's unfortunate, but don't worry even if you didn't make it! We've prepared other chances for you to shine. The real competition begins next!"
The projector pulled up the screen with the games, spinning and spinning as Midnight continued to talk. It finally stopped on a bright yellow slide for the next game.
"Cavalry battle?" Ayame blinked, she doesn't remember this event.
Midnight continued to explain the rules of the game. The students can form teams of two to four people if they wish with one as the rider. It would be the same rules applied as a regular battle but—the point system will be based on the results of the last game.
"Depending on the teams formed, the points will be different each team," Yuu analyzed, "Somehow…I'm sure U.A. will throw an unexpected twist to this, again."
"Hm," Takarada hummed; last year's event was also a simple sports festival game but—with an odd twist to it. It was to pit the students against each other and as always, Takarada had emerged victorious.
The screen revealed the points assigned to the 42 students. It started with 5 points and will continue to add 5 points as it reached the top. However, there was a second of silence as the screen slowly panned over to the 1st place, Midnight's voice echoing in the background.
"…and the first place is assigned…ten million points!"
"T-ten million?!" Ayame screamed, eyes focused on the stunned Midoriya that was shaking within the spot.
"O-oh no…" Hotaru smiled helplessly, "L-looks like Midoriya-kun is going to be targeted."
"From 205 points to ten million—that's such a huge difference!" Ayame compared the second place to first, "A-ahhh, Deku-kun! Don't lose hope!"
"Tch," Takarada crossed his arms, "U.A. is so predictable."
Yuu laughed quietly from the side. "But that is what makes it fun."
Midnight continued to explain the rules of the cavalry battle. "The second event would last for 15 minutes. Each team is worth the total of its members' points and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their forehead. Teams will try to grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can. Stolen headbands must be worn on their neck up. So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is that even if your headband gets stolen, or if your team falls, you're not out!"
"Oh…that's a pretty thorough explanation," Ayame nodded her head.
"This game…it will depend on the team's strategy," Hotaru said, "For Midoriya-kun…it would be best if he ran away."
"Ahhh, Deku-kun," Ayame sighed worriedly.
"You seem to be concerned about him the most, huh?" Hotaru giggled.
"Yeah! He's a good kid!" Ayame was quick to defend, "He's always helpful and a little shy but—look how cute he is! I'm worried Kacchan is gonna tear him to pieces—or Totoro-kun is gonna focus on him! His Quirk won't allow him to immediately fight back so how is sweet little Deku going to survive?!"
Hotaru laughed again and patted Ayame on her back. "Good thing it's a team battle, ne?"
"During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your Quirks. But it's still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose! You'll be removed immediately!" Midnight continued.
"Tch," Bakugo scoffed.
"Now, you have 15 minutes to build your teams. Start!"
"Okay, 15 minute break time for me! I'm going to grab some snacks! How about you, Hotaru-chan?" Ayame stood up to stretch, looking at Hotaru curiously.
"I-I'll stay to save your spot," Hotaru smiled.
Ayame blinked. There wasn't really a need for a spot to save… She noticed Hotaru glancing nervously on stage, eyeing a specific person in general and Ayame decided to keep quiet. With a small giggle, she turned around to leave the booth.
Only to stop immediately at the sight of her class representatives.
"W-what are you guys doing here?!" Ayame gaped at Takarada and Yuu.
Yuu waved kindly while Takarada looked bored. "Is it a crime to be here?"
"W-well no," Ayame whispered to herself, "B-but this is the first-year's stage!"
"Yes, Sasaki. Very observant."
Ayame glared at him but Yuu quickly stepped in to mediate. "We were curious after your praises of them. I can see why you're so excited for the first years."
"Well as you can see," Ayame motioned behind her, "They've proven quite a lot during the first game. I'm sure the second game and the tournament would be just as spectacular!"
"They're definitely faring better than you," Takarada casually commented.
Ayame clenched her fist and stormed up to the stands. She was standing above Takarada's seated form but even then, she could barely glare down at him. This jerk. She's going to do her best in their battles, too!
"Takarada, want to make a little bet? If I win the tournament, you're going to admit I'm better than your stuck-up ass!"
He paused for a second; letting those words roll over his mind and decided to refuse. Takarada stood up to look down on Ayame, yet his father's words echoed in his mind.
"When I win," Takarada paused for one second to let the words linger above her head, "You will demote to 1-A."
"What the hell?!"
"Hey…Noeru, that's a little extreme," Yuu spoke up again.
"At least I'm not forcing her to drop out."
Yuu paused by those words, looking at his friend with a small sigh and decided to say nothing else. It felt like Takarada was just taking his frustrations out on poor Ayame and—she was falling deeply into the bait.
"Whatever!" Ayame gave up, "I'm going to win anyways! I'm not afraid of you!"
Wanting to have the last words in, Ayame turned around and stormed out of the booth.
That stupid class pres! I'll show him!
Fifteen minutes was barely enough time for Ayame to grab an order of takoyaki and two chicken skewers, running back to the 2-A booth in the first-year's stage. When she returned, the class representatives were not there anymore, much to her relief. Hotaru welcomed her back brightly, quickly informing Ayame of the teams formed while she was gone and Ayame offered a skewer and a few takoyaki balls to her friend.
"Ah—we're not late, are we?"
A familiar voice reached their ears and they turned to see two fellow classmates run in. The one that had spoken was Natsumi, crimson eyes meeting lilac and neon ones in greeting. Next to the short girl was Usagi, her grey bunny ears twitching in excitement from all the noise.
"Nope! Just on time!" Ayame welcomed them brightly and motioned to the seats next to her. "I didn't know you guys wanted to watch too!"
"W-we got distracted by the festival," Usagi admitted sheepishly, "Or else we would be here earlier."
"I saw some broadcast outside though," Natsumi brushed her shoulder length white hair back, "I guess 1-A isn't just all talk."
"Of course not!" Ayame boosted, "They're my precious kouhais! I, of course, have helped them with their training, too!"
Hotaru and Usagi giggled.
"Y-you sound like their mother," Hotaru said. Ayame froze; she thought the same thing too!
"Or an eccentric aunt," Natsumi jested playfully.
"H-hey!"
The three other girls laughed at the pout on Ayame's face before quietly settling down. After all, the event was about to begin. They won't have time to laugh and joke like this once it begins and—Ayame silently thought to herself, we may be enemies after.
Present Mic began to count down with the timer. From what they can see, there were about 12 teams formed for the cavalry battle. All of them nearly have a team of four but there were a few two-person and three-person teams.
Ayame found Todoroki's red and white hair easily now that there were fewer students around. He was obviously the rider for his group of Yayorozu, Kaminari, and Iida?! She blinked; why was Iida on his team? Wouldn't he be with Midoriya's team?
She looked over to where Midoriya was and found Ochako and Tokoyami to be his teammates. There was also that eccentric pink haired girl from the obstacle race to support him on the side.
"Why is Iida-kun on another team?" Ayame wandered out loud.
"I-I-I don't know," Hotaru answered softly, "T-they did approach him but…I-I couldn't hear why…he rejected them."
"Hmm…" Ayame patted Hotaru's back, "It's okay, I'm sure they're not fighting."
"Eh? I-I wasn't thinking anything along that line!"
"Hey, it's starting," Natsumi pointed below and everyone turned their attention back on stage.
As soon as it began, all of the teams aimed for Midoriya's. And, as expected, Midoriya began to fly away. There was a jetpack attached to him from behind and Hotaru had quickly explained it was the support class pink-haired student, Hatsume Mei, whom gave it to him.
Even in midair, Jirou used her earphone jack to chase behind him. However, Dark Shadow was a tad quickly and intercepted within a flash.
"Ahh, that Dark Shadow sure is strong!" Ayame cheered, "Everyone! You can do it!"
"S-so he's the one you mentioned before with a shadow living within him," Usagi noted, "T-they're all so strong…"
"Now then, even though barely two minutes have passed since we've started; it's already turned into a free-for-all! Fights over the headbands breaking out all over! Ignoring the ten million points and going for second to fourth places isn't bad, either!" Present Mic commentated.
"Second to fourth…" Natsumi repeated that phase, "So there may only be four out of twelve teams to pass. The smarter ones would try to secure that position instead of chasing that wild ten million around."
"Ahh, how exciting!" Ayame giggled and ate another takoyaki ball, watching the event unfold right before her eyes.
Two teams were aiming for Midoriya again. One consisted of Class 1-B members she does not recognize while another was—just Shoji? No—she heard the maniacal laughter within to recognize it as Mineta and a long pink tongue darting out from Shoji's back to realize it was Tsuyu.
"Team Mineta makes use of the overwhelming difference in their sizes! They're like a tank!" Present Mic announced Mineta's attack of purple balls and frog tongue. Midoriya was barely able to dodge the onslaught of attack and tried to use the jetpack again even with a damage boot.
A large explosion shot off from the ground again and the familiar ash blonde blur flew towards Midoriya. Bakugo aimed his fist towards the boy, trying to grab the headband but Dark Shadow quickly defended. Ayame winced for the shadow for blocking the attack, noticing the painful cry it let out and remembering the weakness Tokoyami had told her before.
"Dark Shadow won't do well against Kacchan…" Ayame sighed. "But on another note—is that allowed?! Is that still counted as a rider?! He basically flew off the cavalry!"
Sero quickly used his tape to catch Bakugo and rewind him back on their team of Kirishima, Sero, and Ashido. Ayame noticed that Sero was proficient in fishing his teammates, giggling to herself at how he had saved her with the same tactic too.
"It's a technicality, so it's okay!" Midnight answered everyone's question regarding Bakugo's strategy. "It wouldn't have been if he'd touched the ground, though!"
"It's been seven minutes! Here are the current rankings up on the screen!"
"W-wow, time flew by fast," Hotaru said.
Everyone turned to the screen displaying the team ranking. A stunned silence followed the crowd and—even Present Mic when they realized half of the team had zero points. They gaped on the screen, wondering if it was a technical error but…
"Other than Midoriya, Class A isn't doing so well…" Present Mic lost his usual flare to comment hesitantly.
"W-wait—Team Bakugo?!" Ayame pointed to the 7th team, "Kacchan lost his points?!"
A blonde rider stole the headband right from Bakugo's eyes. They turned towards the two teams standing still as they discussed amongst themselves. Ayame nearly discarded her food to lean over, wanting to hear what they say.
"Before we get Deku…let's kill all these guys!"
Ayame sweated. "O-out of the whole conversation…"
"T-that's the only part…we heard?" Usagi finished nervously.
"That Bakugo kid is quite funny," Natsumi laughed.
"Hah?! You call that funny?!" Ayame gaped at her.
"Less than half the time is left now!" Present Mic's enthusiasm returned tenfold, "The cavalry battle is about to enter the second half! In this unexpected rise of Class B, who will wear the ten million points in the end?!"
Once again, the majority of the groups turned their attention to Midoriya. Not only was Todoroki aiming for him but, four other teams in total were running towards Midoriya. Suddenly, lightning sparks began to bolt from Todoroki's team, everyone's attention turned towards Kaminari's powerful attack.
But, even seeing cannot defend against his omnipotent electricity. Dark Shadow suffered a huge blow from the lightning while Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, and Iida had blocked it with an insulation she made. Todoroki froze the conductor spear from Yaoyorozu's body and spread to the other team's legs, keeping them in place.
"Todoroki took care of that crowd of teams in an instant!"
"Haah…it seems no matter what he does, it's impressive," Natsumi sighed.
"Mhmm," Ayame hummed quietly. Hotaru glanced at the brunette. For some reason, Ayame was not as energetic whenever Todoroki was involved.
"He froze them after Kaminari's shock stopped them… I guess it should be expected but he took into account of how a lot of people avoided it in the obstacle course."
"Ah, oji-san is commenting for once," Ayame looked towards the sound room.
"I-I'm still surprised you're related to Aizawa-sensei…" Hotaru glanced at Ayame again; she never told anyone about that.
"A-aha yeah," Ayame rubbed the back of her head, "It's not much though. He still treat me the same as everyone else!"
"Team Midoriya has nowhere left to go!"
They turned back to the battle on hand. Rows of ice had surrounded Midoriya during Ayame's distraction. His team was forced on the edge of the stage with ice surrounding him on both sides. In front, Todoroki's team was blocking their escape.
"Oi, does that kid have the same Quirk as Bakugo?" Natsumi pointed.
"Huh?"
Ayame turned her attention back to Bakugo's side. The other blonde's hand was sizzling with smoke as Bakugo's would. Bakugo quickly retaliate his attack, another smoke and explosion clouded the two teams. But when the smoke cleared, the other boy looked just as strong as Kirishima.
"W-wait—this isn't right…" Ayame knew Class 1-A's Quirk and there's a very low chance the other class would have the exact same ones!
"It's a copy Quirk," Natsumi realized, "He touched them before copying their Quirks."
"Ahh! Another troublesome opponent!" Ayame sighed, "Kacchan! Don't give up!"
A splash of white goo attacked Bakugo's team and cemented Kirishima on place. Another Class 1-B team ran forward to chase after their classmates, leaving Bakugo behind with them unable to move. From her distance, Ayame could see the twisted grin on Bakugo's face and she couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry for him.
"Kacchan! You can't lose!" Ayame cheered loudly.
"One minute left!"
"Wha?! Already?!" Usagi and Hotaru gasped.
"Todoroki made it so he'd have the ten million to himself to seize in an instant! At least, that's what I thought five minutes ago! But unbelievable, Midoriya's been able to keep away in that cramped space for five minutes!"
"Woah, seriously?!" Ayame turned back to Midoriya. It was so hard to keep track of all the teams!
"I-Iida-kun…is preparing something," Hotaru said softly.
"Huh? How do you know?" Ayame glanced at her friend yet turned her attention back to Iida.
The other boy was slightly hunched over, the engine in his leg roared loudly and suddenly—they disappeared. Wait no—that's not right—Iida was so fast that—it looked like he disappeared! He forced his team to go forward before Midoriya can defend and—Todoroki took his headband!
"Iida-kun!" Hotaru cheered.
"W-wha—Deku-kun!" Ayame gasped in surprise.
"What happened? So fast! So fast!" Even Present Mic was surprised, "Iida, if you could accelerate that fast then show us in the prelims!"
"T-there must be drawback after," Hotaru said softly, "Or else…he wouldn't have used it…"
"Deku-kun! You guys can do it! You won't be last!" Ayame yelled again; he's at zero points! There's no way he can lose after all of this!
"Team Bakugo seizes two headbands and move to third place!"
"Haah?! Again?!" Ayame whirled back to look at Bakugo, eyes spinning in circles. "There's so much going on!"
Team Bakugo continued to chase after Monoma. He seemed to be yelling to his teammates about something. Ayame gripped the railing tightly to lean over to watch. Sero launched his tape in front of the other team, purposely missing while Ashido laid down a puddle of acid for them to slide on. Bakugo's hand exploded behind them and launched them forward.
The other team defended with the solid air but Bakugo was stronger. With one powerful stroke, he smashed through the barrier and grabbed onto the remaining two headbands. Ayame cheered loudly for him.
"Bakugo is merciless! If he's gonna do it, he's gonna be thorough! He's, you know, a perfectionist!"
"Perfectionist?!" Ayame laughed, "No way! They just provoked the worst person ever! Kacchan won't let anyone beat him!"
"Now, there are only seconds left!"
Team Todoroki was the one now with ten million points but it looked as though they could not move after Iida's sudden burst of speed. Everyone turned back to the two teams still fighting, Ochako urging everyone on to run forward.
Midoriya's veins on his hand began to glow the same, bright pink color Ayame had seen before. She leaned over the railing again, wanting to see what the last minute of the competition will be like. She doesn't want to see Midoriya's team lose but also—she wanted Todoroki's team to have a good standing!
And suddenly, Todoroki's left hand burst in flames.
Ayame gaped and nearly fell off if it wasn't for Hotaru and Natsumi to stabilize her. But she couldn't thank her friends yet—not when—Todoroki—has a second Quirk?! Her lilac eyes widen dramatically and her mind was a jumbled mess when she remembered the shocking truth she had learned today.
He's really…Endeavor's son…
Midoriya's glowing hand moved to Todoroki and with a quick swipe, Todoroki's left hand was pushed backwards from the force and the flames extinguished. He looked just as shocked by the sudden movement and in his distraction, Midoriya moved to grab the headbands around his neck.
"I got it," Midoriya gasped, "I got it!"
Ayame screamed after her shock had passed. "Deku-kun!"
"With just eleven seconds left, there's an angry retrieval here, too!"
But wait—the scoreboard above only showed Team Midoriya with 70 points. Natsumi pointed the low number to the rest of the girls and they turned back to the two teams below. Team Midoriya looked just as shocked by the wrong headband. Todoroki looked distracted, clutching his left arm in confusion and distraught.
"Oh no! Team Midoriya didn't retrieve the ten million points!" Present Mic screamed. "Time's just about up! Start the countdown!"
"Tokoyami-kun!"
"Kaminari!"
Dark Shadow moved to attack the other team but Todoroki quickly covered them with the insulation. Another electric discharged was released from Kaminari but it was weaker this time, scaring off Dark Shadow from the light.
"Damn Deku!"
Bakugo flew out of nowhere to join the battle, his teammates chasing after him. Ayame looked between the three teams; they're fighting down till the last second!
"Uraraka-san!"
"Got it!"
Iida's engine stalled and Yaoyorozu quickly created a spear for Todoroki. Bakugo noticed the attack on the other team and moved in Todoroki's direction.
"Half-and-half Bastard!"
Everyone watched in anticipation between the three teams. Ayame knew those three would end up being rivals but—this was just too much! The tension was eating her up and—this was just a cavalry battle!
"Time's up!"
Bakugo fall flat on his face.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"That's the end of the second round, the cavalry battle!"
"I can't believe it! They were so close!" Ayame screamed, "Deku-kun! Kacchan! Are you guys alright?!"
Her screams were drowned out by the crowd but even then, they both looked frustrated. Ayame turned her attention to Todoroki, hesitantly opening her mouth to call out to him but—said nothing in the end.
I-I'll go talk to him after… Ayame thought as an excuse.
"Now, let's take a look at the top four teams right away!" Present Mic brought everyone's attention onto the score board.
First Place: Team Todoroki
Second Place: Team Bakugo
Third Place: Team Shinso
Ayame blinked at the third team. Wait—who's Team Shinso? She glanced at the third team consisting of Ojiro, Aoyama, and two boys she does not recognize. One was a Class 1-B student while the other boy with fluffy purple hair…wasn't he in the general department?
"I barely noticed them…" Usagi said quietly.
"Uh huh…" Ayame agreed; she was more focused on the three rivaled teams than others.
Fourth Place: Team Midoriya
Ayame turned back with a gasp and yelled. "Deku-kun! You guys did it! Toko-kun! Great job!"
Ochako took notice of her upperclassman's support and turned with a huge wave. Midoriya looked absolutely shaken by the results and bawled, tears gushing out of his eyes like a fountain. Ayame laughed loudly again but felt proud and emotional for them.
"These four teams…will advance…to the final round!"
"Yayy!" Ayame waved wildly, "Good job, you guys! Kacchan! Thanks for the entertainment! And To—"
Ayame stopped herself mid-sentence, slapping a hand over her mouth and began to sweat. It was almost natural for her to cheer for the other boy too yet—thinking about Todoroki was giving her a slight panic. She doesn't know how to talk to him normally again!
What if he hated that nickname?! Is that why he dislikes me—oh no I'm an idiot! It's much easier dealing with Kacchan since he says what's on his mind but—I don't know what Totoro—Todoroki—what he's thinking of!
In her mental panic, Ayame did not notice heterochromia eyes glancing at her once, before quickly looking away.
"Wow, Endeavor's kid is pretty amazing, huh?!"
"He was second in the race but—look how well he snatched that ten million point away!"
"Amazing!"
"As expected of his son!"
Ayame turned to the audience with a slight frown. It wasn't that she's upset with their praises but—why couldn't they say it without any comparison? Why must they compare their parents or sibling together—and not—
"Wow, Yume! A perfect score again! As expected of my daughter!"
"Yume-san was the perfect U.A. role model, you know. Are you going to follow her footsteps?"
"S-sasaki-san! C-can we get an autograph from LullaCry?!"
"I guess your sister is the pride of the family, huh?"
"What about you?"
Ayame clenched her fists and turned around.
"I'm going to go congratulate them! I'll see you guys later!" Ayame called behind her.
"Oi! Don't forget we're starting soon!" Natsumi yelled back.
"I know!"
In a flash, Ayame left the booth. Hotaru sighed in the disappearing girl's direction and Usagi patted Hotaru's back reassuringly.
"Let's get ready, Hotaru-chan."
Natsumi sighed. "That Ayame, always running off on her own."
In the end, Ayame decided to congratulate Todoroki too. It would be more awkward to avoid him so—she must see him at least once!
She had an idea on where the students may be leaving the stadium from and decided to go see all of them. Present Mic had said there would be a one hour break for lunch before the tournament officially begins for the first-years.
"Oii! You guys! Congrats!"
"Senpai!"
Ayame laughed at the dazed look on Kaminari's face, giving him a little pat on the back before hopping to the girls.
"You guys did so well!" She cheered, "Don't be too frustrated, okay?"
"Ahh, it's so hard not to feel that way," Jirou sighed and rubbed her neck, "We lost our headband right from the beginning."
"Cheer up, Jirou-san," Yaoyorozu smiled, "There are still other festivities planned for us!"
"Mhmm!" Ayame nodded her head. "Oh, right, Iida-kun! Why were you on Team Todoroki?"
"I wanted to challenge myself…and Midoriya-kun," Iida answered honestly, "Since the entrance exam… he had been continuously surpassing me. That was why—he is also my rival! I saved that special move just for him!"
Ayame blinked at his charge but smiled regardless, happy that this 'three-way' rival somehow turned into four. It seemed that what Aizawa said before was true. The classmates are challenging against each other and getting worked up all on their own. Seeing their classmates being strong was encouragement for them to not be left behind!
"Keep it up, Iida-kun!" Ayame cheered.
"By the way, senpai," Ochako turned to Ayame curiously, "When does your event start?"
Ayame grabbed the phone from her pocket to check the time, "In less than 15 minutes! Oh no—I wanted to see Deku-kun or Todoroki-kun before I leave—wait, where are they?"
Ochako peered at Ayame with her wide, brown eyes, silently wondering the change of name for their silent classmate. Her upperclassman had called him by the 'Totoro' nickname for so long that it was more of a shock to hear her say his real name. Ochako wondered if what Todoroki had said to Ayame before bothered her.
"Todoroki-san left with Midoriya-san as soon as the event finished," Yaoyorozu answered, "I did not see where they were headed."
"Hmm…" Ayame tapped her chin, "I'm going to try looking for them!"
"But what about your event?!" Jirou gasped.
"Don't worry! I'll make it on time!" Ayame gave a peace sign.
"Ayame-senpai! We'll cheer for you too!" Ochako said resolutely.
"Yes! You have encouraged us for ours—so we will try to stay as long as we can, too!" Iida agreed.
"Okay!" Ayame grinned, "I'll show you how strong I am!"
Todoroki Shoto was the boy born with everything.
He was related to the Number Two Pro Hero, Endeavor. He had two, unique Quirks that people could only dream of having. He was intelligent and steadfast; a tactician, and leader. Todoroki Shoto had what Midoriya wanted to be as a child.
At least, on the surface, that was what Midoriya believed.
But he grew up in a world vastly different from Midoriya. Quirk marriages, overbearing father, scarred by his own mother… Todoroki Shoto's sole purpose of being born—was to carry on Endeavor's will to surpass All Might. He was becoming a hero but not for the same reasons as Midoriya.
If their end goal was the same, why was their path so different?
The world he talked about was so different that honestly, I was scared. I thought about how it could be so different for us even if we were aiming for the same thing.
"No matter what you are to All Might, I will rise above you with just my right side. Sorry for wasting your time."
Todoroki began to walk away, leaving Midoriya with the aftermath of his cold intimidation. Even when his mismatched eyes were not glaring at him, Midoriya still felt his inside twist around nervously by his sheer power and force.
If this were a comic, he'd be the main character… That was the kind of back story he had.
Midoriya clenched his fists.
Compared to that, what can I say?
"I—!" He chased after him, "I have always been supported by others. That was the case earlier, too. I am here because of the people who have supported me. All Might…I want to be like him. In order to do that, I have to be strong enough to become number one. My motivation might seem trivial compared to yours, but I can't lose, either."
Todoroki turned to glance at him, waiting for Midoriya to finish.
"I have to live up to the hopes of those who supported me. That declaration of war you gave earlier—I'll return that. I will beat you, too!"
Todoroki said nothing in return and walked away.
Midoriya watched his back leave, determined and willful. Even if his ambitions were not as complex as Todoroki's, their will to become number one was the same. Todoroki may be pushing everyone away just to focus on his goal whereas Midoriya had relied on everyone to reach where he was now. But, he wants to continue to push further, go beyond his limits.
And…
Off in the distance, a girl hopped over to the half-and-half boy. Her light brown hair was pulled back in the usual braided bun, lilac eyes shining in excitement with the usual smile. She greeted Todoroki with the same fervor as before and walked alongside him.
If this was a comic book…wouldn't Ayame-senpai become the light for him?
Midoriya was stunned by his own thoughts, dark eyes staring at the backs of Todoroki and Ayame.
"To-to-ro-do-roki-kun!"
Ayame nearly slapped herself. In her flustered dilemma of calling out to the boy's name, she became a stuttering mess instead! She put the smile back onto her face, hoping he would not catch onto her mistake.
Todoroki regarded Ayame with the same blank look. It had done nothing to quell Ayame's nerves as she continued to walk with him, knowing it was what he didn't want her to do.
"Y-you were amazing out there!" She cursed herself for stuttering, "You must have trained hard, right? Was it Endeavor who—"
"Sasaki-senpai," Todoroki cut her off abruptly and there was a glare within his heterochromia eyes in her direction. Ayame resisted the flinch from his cold tone, thinking that she had said the wrong thing again.
"I'm sorry!" Ayame quickly apologized, "I-I know, it's none of my business and I don't think before I speak but I honestly—wanted to congratulate you!"
Todoroki continued to frown yet he made no indication to speak again. Ayame walked next to him, pursing her lips to try and—think—as to not offend him again. Based on the reaction he had when she mentioned his father, Ayame had a suspicion they don't get along.
"I know—nothing I say will change your mind," Ayame began, calmer this time as she glanced at him, "But you worked well—with your teammates during the cavalry battle. Even if you don't want to, I think—you'll want to work with the rest of your classmates, too!"
T-this may be a better strategy, right? Ayame hoped, glancing at the quiet boy nervously.
"I don't understand why you're trying so hard," Todoroki finally said, eyes returning Ayame's nervous glances. He stopped walking at this time and Ayame followed, waiting for him to continue. "So I'll make it clear to you. My goal is to surpass All Might with only my right side; nothing else matters beyond that."
He brushed past Ayame again, cold and distant as always.
"I won't give my old man the satisfaction of seeing my left side." He turned to glance at her with one, cold grey eye, "You wouldn't understand what it's like to be related to a Pro Hero like him."
A simpleton; that was all Todoroki could see Ayame as. She had the loving, caring family he had always envied. Her sister had personally come to see her after USJ. Every time Ayame spoke of her sisters, there was a proud and loved sparkle in her eyes.
Only children who had grown up in a loving home would be as naive and cheery like her. Ayame was the complete opposite of Shoto. He had his warmth ripped away from him since young and could only rely on the cold his mother left behind.
"Hah?"
Ayame looked at him with parted lips.
Was he serious?
"You—pompous brat!"
Ayame had enough, rushing forward to grab his shoulder and spun him around. Once again, she was silently thankful they were around the same heights as she met heterochromia eyes straight on with lilac eyes.
"Stop thinking with your one-track mind for a second and listen! I know you hate your father and don't want to use the same Quirk as him! I know you must hate being compared to him! But if you actually think for one moment I'm not constantly compared to Yume-nee then you're wrong! I also hate the whispers behind my back, the mindless comments to my face, and I hate how I don't have the same Quirk as her! You think I don't understand what it's like to be related to a Pro Hero?!"
For once, Todoroki was stunned silent. He resisted the urge to move back from her outburst, standing his ground and meeting her gaze straight on. Ayame looked red from her confession but it wasn't from embarrassment. She was still so angry—angry and upset that he wouldn't give them a chance.
"Your circumstances and mine are different," Todoroki managed to reply, narrowing his eyes on her. "You're only frustrated with your inability to separate yourself from your sister."
"Then watch me!" Ayame grabbed his collar roughly, "I'll prove to you—that I'm more than what anyone says! I'll prove to you that I'm different than what you or anyone else believes me to be!"
Ayame let him go with a huff and turned around to walk away. She paused to glance behind her, one fist raised up angrily at him.
"The second-years are starting in 5 minutes. I'll show you that people can change—starting with me! Just watch me!"
A/N:
For someone that has to prepare for a wedding in one week, I sure stress-write a lot.
Okay so I know this was only the first-year's side of the story now but Ayame needed to be there to see their improvement. It's a lot of filler this chapter so I tried to make it longer with the ending but, the next chapter will focus heavily on the second-year's game.
Takarada and Todoroki are still such jerks but, it won't be for long…hopefully! Ayame is a little hot-headed and doesn't think when she speaks so she will definitely regret what she said to Todoroki in the end. But for now, let's just enjoy the upcoming battles!
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedbacks last chapter! It really made me feel so motivated and happy to write! I know it would be too much to ask for every chapter but I appreciate all and any review you may take the time to write out for me.
Also, thank you Rynxenvy and Momochan77 for letting me use your cutie OCs! I'm still accepting them for now for the sports festival!
Once again, check out PrivateCardy (Instagram) for AyameShoto art!
Thank you again! And, share your thoughts with me! Reviews are much loved!