Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.
Oh no, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!
Yume dashed through the crowd of the third-year stage. Her phone tapped a familiar number and she put the device close to her ear, waiting for the person to pick up. After two more dials, she finally heard the call go through.
"Otou-san! Where are you?" Yume exclaimed before her father can even get a word in.
"I know, I'm sorry! Work ran a little late. I'm heading home to pick up your okaa-san and Suzume now," Hiroshi's voice rang out from the other end.
Yume sighed to glance at the time. Crap, the first event may be over already!
"Why didn't Ayame tell us today was the Sports Festival?! She's usually bad at keeping secrets!" Hiroshi asked again and Yume can hear the pant in her father's voice. He was probably running to catch the train.
"I don't—woah!"
Yume nearly crashed into another body and sidestepped to dodge. She bowed apologetically to the other person but before she can take another step, she was stopped.
"LullaCry?!"
"You're here in U.A.?!"
"H-hello," Yume smiled sheepishly.
Yes, she was one of the heroes requested to supervise U.A. High School during the event. She had not told Ayame since she wanted to surprise her little sister during her tournament. However, Yume was assigned to the third-year's stage instead. Every little break she can get, Yume would be pulling up her phone to watch the live broadcast and yet—she always misses Ayame on screen!
I also don't know why Ayame didn't tell us… Yume wondered in her mind. She had been so excited last year…was she nervous this time?
"Can I have your autograph!?" One of the civilians asked with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Me too!"
"Me three!"
"LullaCry, I love you!"
"LullaCry, can I take a picture with you?!"
Yume sweated and nodded her head to all the requests. She was never great at telling others 'no'. Ayame had often pointed that out too but—would never say the same when she asks for favors.
"Yume? Are you still there?" Hiroshi's voice cut back into her ears.
"I'll meet you at the second stage, otou-san," Yume quickly hung up the phone.
I need to hurry; Yume thought again, I don't want to miss out on Ayame's sports festival again!
Unfortunately, Ayame and Hotaru were only able to stay for one more match until they have to leave for their own matches again. They had laughed quietly when Kaminari was instantly defeated by the vines girl from Class 1-B and after checking the time, Hotaru needed to teleport them back to their own stage.
"Good luck, senpai!" Ochako waved to them.
"We'll be watching on our phones!" Jirou smiled.
Yaoyorozu, Ojiro, Tsuyu, and Kirishima also showed their support. Ayame nearly brought them into a hug but held back. Amongst all the students, Todoroki wasn't here. He had left somewhere after his own stage and Ayame felt a bit sadden to have not seen him. She could still remember his lone back surrounded by the steam and smoke, standing tall yet…alone by himself.
"Come visit when you can!" Ayame waved and immediately, they were teleported away.
They appeared along with the other 30 students that had passed to the final round. Ayame mumbled something incoherent about the dizziness again while Hotaru steadied her with one hand. Slowly, the other students began to gather and Ume returned back onto the stage.
"Welcome back, everyone, to the event you've all been waiting for!" Ume pointed towards the giant screen again to reveal 16 different bracket pairs. "The Tournament Round! The 32 students from the qualifier round have been randomized to fight each other on a one-on-one battle! Your teammate from the last match may be your enemy now!"
The screen randomized the names listed and everyone looked to find their names. Ayame froze; she found hers instantly. She blinked once, then twice, and then rubbed her eyes to make sure she was not imagining the names up top. It wasn't that Ayame was the first match surprised her—but rather—her opponent—!
"…Ayame-chan…!" Hotaru turned to stare at her with vibrant neon eyes, "I…won't hold back!"
Ayame's first opponent…was Hotaru.
"Tch," Takarada glanced at the board. His position on the bracket was second to last. He turned to glance at Yuu to see him composed as always. He was the seventh match. His crystal eyes turned back to the screen where the first match will be, another frown upon his lips before he promptly ignored that stage.
"Now then everyone! The stage has been set! The brackets have been drawn! First match will begin in 5 minutes!" Ume announced again.
Slowly, everyone began to leave the stage. Ayame still felt surprised and frozen from the whole ordeal. Although she knew they would be fighting classmates and fellow hero students soon—she hadn't realized she would be against Hotaru so soon!
"Good luck, you two," Usagi smiled with a small tap to Hotaru.
"Oi, are you going to be okay?" Natsumi nudged Ayame.
"A-ah!" Ayame snapped out of her daze, "I-I—uh—"
"Ayame-chan," Hotaru closed the steps between them. Her hands reached out to grasp Ayame's, a smile on her lips as she looked at the taller girl. "This is your first time in the tournament. You must have worked hard to get here, right? That's why…I don't want you to hold back, too! No matter what, let's give it our all!"
She nearly wanted to cry from Hotaru's consideration. Ayame nodded her head and brought Hotaru into a hug. Although she had been hesitant to fight against her friend, this was a tournament after all. The Sports Festival was where they can truly go all out against each other—to prove to others and each other their abilities. All of them were aiming to be heroes so—there's no time for them to be hesitant!
Yuu glanced at Ayame with a slight smile. This girl…was she going to give up her chance so soon? Ah…that Hotaru-san…such a kind friend. If she hadn't done that, Ayame-san would have definitely hesitated to fight her.
"Yuu, let's go," Takarada snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Mhm."
"A-already?" Midoriya gasped in surprise at the second-year's event. There was a small crowd of students together as they looked on Iida's phone.
"Ayame-senpai…doesn't look confident," Tsuyu noted.
"Uwah…I hope neither will regret it! This is…an important fight!" Ochako said nervously.
Ume announced the two hero students heading onto the stage. On one side was Hotaru, her hair was pulled back into their usual pigtails, neon eyes shining in determination. On the other side was Ayame with her usual braid-bun yet without the same bounce in her step. Even if Hotaru had given her a small pep talk, Ayame was still nervous for the first fight.
"Ready… Start!"
In an instant, Hotaru teleported. Ayame gasped and whirled around right as Hotaru appeared again. The short girl had reached out to grab Ayame but the brunette quickly jumped back to avoid her. She knew what Hotaru wanted to do but—she can't let her be touched by her! Hotaru wanted to throw Ayame out of the ring!
"No one is faster than Class 2-A's Hotaru-san and her Quirk: Teleportation!" Ume had acted like the announcer and continued to commentate, "During the battle royale, Hotaru-san had used the same tactics to run and attack before the opponent can touch her! Will this work again?!"
Think, think, think, Ayame attempted to call upon her summon yet Hotaru's blinding teleportation was throwing her into frenzy. She can barely keep up the rapid teleportation Hotaru was constantly using to predict where she may next appear in order to counter. Ayame barely had time to admire how Hotaru had improved immensely on her Quirk—she can only see the flashes of light surrounding her.
What do I do—?! I don't want to hurt Hotaru-chan—I can't lose either!
"Ayame-senpai is getting pushed back!" Kirishima gasped. Even though Hotaru had barely made contact with Ayame, she was forced to run away towards the edge of the ring.
"Got you!"
A small hand grabbed onto Ayame's wrist and suddenly, they both disappeared. In a flash, Ayame was flying through midair. She gasped; lilac eyes widen at angry neon ones at the strength Hotaru displayed.
What is—?!
"If you're not going to be serious—then don't regret losing!" Hotaru yelled.
Ayame flinched. Smoke emitted from her body again in a speedy manner, dark tendrils intertwining to create her faithful ookami midair for Ayame to ride on. The wolf landed on the arena effortlessly, the smoky tendrils still haven't dissipated as Ayame slowly looked at Hotaru.
Her friend was—glaring at her. It startled Ayame so bad she almost fell off the summon. Hotaru was her sweet friend, a caring yet meek classmate. This was the first time Hotaru was seriously—fighting against Ayame. All of their spar from before never amounted to this.
"Are you going to just end your tournament here?!"
Ayame smiled helplessly.
"Sorry, Hotaru-chan," she apologized regardless, "I'll get serious now."
Why was she hesitating anyways? Because Hotaru was her friend? Ayame hesitated because she didn't want to fight her? Even though Hotaru had wanted an even fight—Ayame still held back. What was the point of her bet with Takarada—with her outburst with Todoroki—all of it—what was the point in that if she couldn't even fight her friend seriously?
The ookami charged forward and Hotaru flickered away again. Immediately, Ayame hopped off the wolf as soon as Hotaru appeared behind her with a kick. The smoky trails split into two and Ayame moved her hands towards the smoke, reconstructing the ookami into two smaller wolves instead. Hotaru gasped; she doesn't remember Ayame to create multiple creatures!
Hotaru attempted to teleport again but one of the wolves latched onto her leg. There was a strange biting sensation on her calf as she looked at the shadowy wolf attached to her. Ayame emitted more smoke from her body, eyes focused on the second wolf as the smoke tendrils enlarged the second summon. It began to charge towards Hotaru and in a last minute decision, Hotaru flashed away with the wolf still biting her leg.
She appeared on the opposite side of Ayame, sweating and panting with one hand held onto her head and the other hand trying to shake off the wolf. Hotaru can feel the aftereffects of her Quirk; over-teleporting will result in dizziness as Ayame had faced before. Her vision began to double yet Ayame did not give her any time to rest, commanding the second wolf to charge towards her again.
"Combine!"
The wolf charging towards Hotaru reverted back into the smoky wisps and darted towards the second wolf. The ookami was changed into one again as a giant wolf, snapping its jaws on Hotaru and lifting her from the ground. Ayame pointed to the edge of the stage and instantly, the wolf ran towards the edge.
"Let…go!" Hotaru grunted and punched the wolf.
The wolf threw her off stage, releasing her from his jaws and Hotaru moved her hand towards the stage. Her freckles flickered in the same neon glow again yet—Hotaru did not disappear. She fell flat on her face outside the lines.
"Hotaru-san is out of bounds," Ume announced with a barely concealed shocked tone, "Sasaki Ayame-san advances to the next round!"
Cheers erupted from the stadium and the wolf disappeared. Ayame gasped and ran towards Hotaru's still body.
"Hotaru-chan!"
The girl's finger twitched and painfully lifted her head, neon eyes staring right at lilac ones. Ayame carefully helped Hotaru up and the shorter girl laughed, patting Ayame and stunning her even more.
"Ah, Ayame-chan! I knew you got stronger!" Hotaru rubbed her nose, "You—you were great!"
Ayame blinked; stunned that Hotaru was so…cheery. Not that she was hoping Hotaru would be sad but—
"I…wouldn't have won…without your encouragement," Ayame realized, "You—helped me—Hotaru-chan—I—thank you…"
Hotaru giggled again and tapped Ayame's shoulder. "I knew you could do it all along." She stretched out her sore muscles and turned around to walk away, "I'm going to make a trip to Recovery Girl! I think your ookami got stronger…too! It tore open a part of my skin!"
Ayame looked down to see Hotaru's ripped pants. She gasped, not realizing the wolf had sunken the teeth in so deep and moved to help Hotaru. However, the shorter girl quickly sidestepped her and patted Ayame forward.
"You have to look out for this year's match. Everyone has gotten stronger, too," her neon eyes were serious against lilac ones, glancing in the 2-A's booth direction. "You…have to keep advancing, Ayame-chan!"
Ayame followed Hotaru's gaze and saw their classmates' stares on them. However, her attention was on crystal eyes and icy blue ones. From the looks of it, nearly all of their classmates also didn't believe Ayame would be the one to win the stage.
"Ayame wasn't in the tournament last year, right? How did she beat Hotaru this time?!"
"Oh, Yuu-kun was her partner in the battle royale!"
"That makes more sense then."
"She got lucky!"
"Are you guys, idiots?" Natsumi scoffed at them.
"What the hell?!"
"Ayame-san has changed," Yuu vouched for her, one icy eye glanced towards the classmates with a slight smile. "She just might trip you up if you're not careful."
"Y-Yuu-kun, that's not funny," one of them laughed.
Yuu merely hummed and turned his attention back onto the stage. Takarada was staring fiercely on the brunette, ignoring his fellow classmates in favor to see Ayame turn up to look at them just as passionately.
"Let's see how far you can get, Sasaki."
Hotaru limped her way towards the nurse's office. She hadn't expected the wolf's bite to cut that deep into her body. During the battle, she had been running on adrenaline to even realize the pain. Now that Hotaru was out of the tournament, she could feel every step aching within her calf.
I can't teleport either… Hotaru frowned; I really…overdid it this time…
"Hotaru-senpai!"
She flinched from the familiar voice, turning towards the tall blue haired boy to have run over. Iida looked surprised to see her in her battle worn state and rushed over. Hotaru resisted the urge to fidget under his gaze and looked down.
"H-hello, Iida-kun…!"
"Are you alright?!" His voice was in the state of shock yet fretful, surveying Hotaru's small appearance from left and right before finally locating her injury. "I didn't realize Ayame-senpai's Quirk cause such damage! I will help you to Recovery Girl!"
"N-no! I-i-it's okay!" Hotaru tried to wave off yet Iida did not accept the answer.
"Nonsense! It is along the way for me, too!" He laughed wholeheartedly and offered one arm for Hotaru to lean on. "Your fight was spectacular, senpai! Everyone really admired your courage to support Ayame-senpai even in the middle of your battle!"
Her blush settled down yet what replaced it was a sudden insecurity. Hotaru had tried so hard to push away the disappointment she felt at her lost and yet—she knew Ayame deserved the win.
"Ayame-chan…had always been the one supporting me," Hotaru confessed softly, "But there was always something holding her back. I didn't—want to see my friend regret because she was up against me."
"Hi! I'm Sasaki Ayame! I guess we're going to be seat neighbors, huh?"
Young Hotaru froze from the strikingly tall girl that had greeted her. Silky, tan hair and beautiful lilac eyes returned her curious gaze.
"Y-you could be a model, ya know!"
Ayame blinked at the sudden compliment and laughed, clapping her hands together shyly and grinned at the short girl.
"Wow—thanks! You're so cute, too!"
"Ayame-chan is very social and is not timid like me…I really admire her but…I know, she's always holding back," Hotaru smiled sadly.
"My favorite hero has to be All Might! But, LullaCry is definitely second! She's the best onee-san ever!"
"My sister? O-oh! I guess we do look alike! A-ah…no, I don't have the same Quirk…"
"I'm really happy…she is starting to see her real strength…! B-but…I wished…I was stronger, too!"
Hotaru resisted the tears from her eyes, looking towards the ground to hide her emotional outburst. Once she started talking, all of her emotions began to spill out at once. A small part of Hotaru had envied Ayame; Ayame was who she wanted to be.
Outgoing and friendly; the person everyone would go to when they were excited to share something—because Ayame would be just as excited. The only person who truly disliked Ayame was Takarada but—he was not counted in Hotaru's mind when all of Class 2-A enjoyed spending time with Ayame. She was unafraid to speak her mind and stand up to the challenges herself. Ayame was always there to support Hotaru when she would be too shy to speak up and Ayame was always there to cheer for her.
"I think…you're strong too, Hotaru-senpai."
She snapped her head upwards to stare at Iida with bewildered eyes. The taller boy stopped walking to smile at her, encouraging and strong as he patted her head.
"In a competition like this, not many would risk their victory to help their friend. You did a very brave thing, Hotaru-senpai. That's why—you should be proud and continue to cheer for Ayame-senpai—because she was only able to fight back because of you!"
Iida looked so serious with his words of encouragement that it gave Hotaru the confidence to believe him. It felt like hearing someone as strong and resolute as Iida say it gave a completely different meaning. Hotaru thought she could believe anything Iida say as long as he continued to be unwavering with his decisions and words.
"Thank you, Iida-kun," Hotaru wiped away the tears, "I will definitely—continue to support Ayame-chan, too!"
After the fight with Hotaru, Ayame stayed behind the second-years to watch the matches. All in all, she was not as nervous to face her future opponents since she was not as close to them like Hotaru. Rather, Ayame was quite focused when it was Yuu's turn.
As expected, Yuu gave an outstanding performance. It must have been because they were partners that Ayame paid special attention to him.
Yuu's opponent was someone with a physical Quirk. Well, not that it mattered much. Yuu must have replenished his fluids within the break because as soon as it began—he created a floating lake onstage. He was basically…overpowering his opponent in one simple move and—washed him off stage.
The cheers from the fans were endless. Ayame watched how Yuu evaporated the water effortlessly and gave a dazzling smile to the crowd. Takarada looked absolutely bored as always, as if he expected this result. And then—Yuu turned to 2-A's booth.
He gave a small wave yet Ayame thought Yuu was…taunting them. As if he was the strongest in class with how easily he can overpower someone. Ayame thought back to his odd smirk and wide eyes and wonder, why she was thinking so much about Yuu.
And again, when Ayame turned back to look at Yuu, his gentle smile resurfaced. She really wondered if it was her fatigue playing with her mind at all the times she wondered about Yuu.
With a shake of her head, Ayame got up from her seat to leave.
"Oi, Ayame! Where are you going?" Nao asked from his chair, leaning back to look at her over his shoulders.
"I'm going to support my kouhai," Ayame waved behind her.
"Ah, that Ayame…is seriously too relaxed…"
"Her match is starting soon."
"Aww," Ayame cooed and turned around to her classmates, "Are you worried about me?"
"Bug off," Natsumi tapped her head and hurried her out the booth, "It wouldn't be interesting if you forfeited the match."
The brunette stuck out her tongue and ran off, heading towards the first-years stage again. Based on the live broadcast from her phone, the most brutal match was starting soon. Ayame had watched the other students fight from the phone but—she wanted to personally be there to cheer for Ochako.
Against Bakugo… Ayame shuddered. Hopefully, Ochako-chan has a plan.
"Oh, Ayame-san left?" Yuu returned back to the booth right after the brunette disappeared. He smiled at his classmates congratulating him and took the usual seat next to Takarada.
"She should just stay in 1-A," Takarada frowned and stood up. "I'm going to the waiting room."
"You don't want to watch?" Yuu arched an eyebrow.
"It's the same as last year," Takarada glanced to the bracket on the big screen, "I'll beat whoever makes it onto the final," he paused, turning one crystal eye to glance at his smiling friend. "Don't hold back this time."
Yuu hummed and watched Takarada leave.
"S-senpai! Are you sure you should be here?!" Kirishima gaped at the brunette.
"Why shouldn't I?!" Ayame pouted, lilac eyes scanning over the booth and cannot find the familiar red and white hair. Instead, she saw a small figure with dark hair sitting at the corner, eyes widening more at her friend. "Hotaru-chan! There you are!"
Hotaru looked up and smiled, waving next to Iida and Ayame paused. A slow smile emerged on her lips at the sight and she giggled to herself, casually hopping up to the two and taking a seat next to Midoriya.
"B-but your match…" Midoriya trailed off to glance at the brunette.
"It's fine," Ayame waved her hand, "I wanted to see Ochako-chan's match. I'm worried about her and Kacchan."
"That's definitely a match to be worried about," Kaminari said nervously.
"The eighth and final match of the first round!" Present Mic boomed over the speakers and continued to announce the two students for this match.
"Midoriya-kun," Iida turned to the green haired boy, "What was the strategy you were going to tell Uraraka-kun earlier for her to use against Bakugo-kun?"
"It wasn't much really," Midoriya flipped through the battered notebook.
Ayame glanced down to see the page with Bakugo on it. As always, the boy had numerous detailed info he could think of regarding the person and Quirk on the two pages. Ayame wondered why the notebook was so tattered; there were scorch marks on many pages.
"Kacchan's strong. In a real close combat fight, he has almost no openings and the more he moves, the more he sweats, making his Explosion Quirk stronger. He can use the blasts from his explosions to move around in the air…"
She began to sweat inwardly. Ayame…really got lucky with her match against Bakugo! No wonder he's so mad… In any normal circumstances, Ayame's Quirk shouldn't have won against his…
"Deku-kun," Ayame interrupted his explanation and he turned to her with wide eyes, "How do you know so much about Kacchan's Quirk?"
"O-oh!" Midoriya shrunk within himself a little, "W-we're childhood f-friends…"
Ayame blinked. "Huh?! Y-you and—him?!" She stood up to point down at Bakugo on stage.
"Y-yeah," Midoriya answered.
Wait, now that she thought about it, it does make sense. Midoriya and Bakugo has…cute nicknames for each other. Bakugo also seemed especially…tyrannical towards Midoriya.
"Eighth match, start!"
Everyone focused on the match as soon as it began. Ochako ran forward with her body low to the ground, both hands reaching down. Midoriya had explained for her chance to win, she needed to get as close to Bakugo as possible and set him afloat. It sounded easier said than done when suddenly, Bakugo swung his right arm. His wide range of explosion was set ablaze right in front of Ochako and Ayame let out a shocked cry the same time as the other two boys did.
"Ochako-chan!"
"Even though you're fighting a girl, you have no mercy, do you, Bakugo-chan?" Tsuyu said.
Smoke filled the stadium again, blocking many of their view from the match. Bakugo was standing facing the smoke before quickly turning around with another explosion aimed to his right. The smoke cleared to reveal him pushing the blue jersey and—Ochako appearing right behind him!
"Oh! She made her jacket float and sent it over there?! She did it in an instant, too!"
Flame and rubble exploded under Bakugo again when he swung his arm behind him. Ayame gulped, she was seriously…lucky to have run away from him. Bakugo's reaction time and power was just…too overwhelming! But now—Ochako was the one fighting him and she's sorely taking the hits bluntly.
"With Uraraka not being able to activate her Quirk unless she touches him, she's at a disadvantage with Bakugo's reflexes," Kaminari commented.
Ochako didn't give up. She continued to run into Bakugo again and again, taking each hit straight on while flying meters away. Ayame gripped the railing to lean over to watch. It really seemed like…Bakugo wanted to kill Ochako!
"Ah, I can't watch!" Jirou covered her eyes.
The fight continued. Ayame bit her lips as she watched on, unable to say anything. Even though Ochako kept getting blasted away, she didn't give up.
"If you're not going to be serious—then don't regret losing!"
Ayame startled at the memory and glanced at Hotaru next to her. The girl was clutching her hands together while watching Ochako too; all of them stunned silent from Bakugo's one-sided fight.
Hotaru was right. If no one was serious in the tournament then—they can only blame themselves for losing. This one-time event they had the privilege to participate in U.A. for was what Ayame was dreamt of for years.
And, she's not the only one.
Many students like her—regardless of their year—were fighting their best to showcase their moves. Ochako had worked hard to reach where she was now. That was why—Ochako continued to get up and fight—not once stopping as long as he body can move.
But…does he have to go to this extent? Ayame sighed and looked away from the match to stare at above.
Ayame paused, blinking at the…mass of rubbles floating above the stage. There were jeers and protests around the arena for them to stop the match for poor Ochako and yet, she wasn't paying attention to that. Ayame looked up, then down to the match, then up again as the realization and idea slowly formed in her mind.
Aizawa's sudden voice cut off any complaints from the stadium. Ayame blinked and turned towards her uncle's voice as he continued to reprimand the audience.
"Bakugo is being careful because he's acknowledged the strength of his opponent who has made it this far. It's because he's doing everything he can do win that he can't go easy on her or let his guard down," Aizawa defended.
"Oji-san…"
Her uncle had articulately shut up any protests while defending both of the students. Ochako was not as weak as she appeared and Bakugo wasn't the bully everyone made him out to be. Both were fighting and defending against each other like a real match.
"It can't be helped from where Bakugo is, but it's embarrassing for a pro in the stands to start booing without noticing," a male voice drifted from 1-B's side. "She kept her body low as she advanced, concentrating Bakugo's attack on the ground, storing up weapons. And then, she narrowed his field of vision with relentless attacks to keep him from noticing."
Well, Ayame didn't have time to admire the boy that had explained the situation to them. Instead, everyone finally took notice of Ochako's plan to look at the hundreds of rubbles floating above Bakugo. Their classmates looked on worriedly at Ochako's plan.
She's reaching her limit…
"I'm gonna win!" Ochako yelled.
She tapped her fingers together and immediately, the rocks fell straight back down.
"A meteor shower!?"
"She had a desperate plan like that up her sleeve?" Midoriya cried and stood up to watch.
While the rocks were falling, Ochako ran. Ayame joined Midoriya as both of them leaned over the railing to watch the match. Even though this wasn't her fight, Ayame felt just as anxious for Ochako's plan! She was risking everything for this!
"Go, Ochako-chan!" Ayame cheered.
Bakugo wasn't focused on the brunette, however. His crimson eyes were faced upwards towards the rubble and slowly, his left hand crackled. It sparked in a familiar manner of his Quirk and right before Ochako reached him, a large explosion erupted from his hand. She was blown back from the shockwave and all the debris—scattered.
"No…way…" Ayame gaped.
"B-Bakugo delivers a satisfying explosion! He blasts boldly through Uraraka's secret plan!"
"I-is 'satisfying' the right word…" Hotaru mumbled.
And yet…Ochako still stood up. The girl was shaking as she stood up while Bakugo had a wild grin on his face and began to run towards her. Ochako clenched her fists and turned around to face the blonde.
"Wait—no—!" Ayame didn't want to watch but—she also can't look away!
Because before Ochako can even take a step, she collapsed. Even then, Ochako didn't give up. With all the strength she could muster, Ochako crawled.
"Ochako-chan!"
Ayame spun around and ran away from the booth. A few others turned to gasp at her but Ayame ignored them. Watching such a pitiful display was really tugging on Ayame's heartstrings. Ochako had become a friend for Ayame and—seeing her so desperate for a win proved exactly how far the students were willing to push themselves.
But is it really worth it?
Ayame stopped running and looked up. Before her stood the tall half-and-half boy. His mismatched eyes scanned her over once then focusing back onto the screen before him for the outcome of the battle.
"Todo—"
She couldn't finish his name when he turned around to walk away. Ayame's fist clenched together, lilac eyes sharpening more at his broad back. An image of the same back—surrounded by steam and ice—floated in her mind as the sensation of sadness and loneliness painted that scene.
Yes, it's worth it. Hotaru-chan had made it clear that everyone was giving their best shot for the Sports Festival. Last year—I couldn't do anything but—! I swear, this year—I'm going to change! Everyone is desperate to prove their worth…and so am I!
"Everyone!"
Todoroki paused, glancing behind him to watch his upperclassman slowly walk up.
"Everyone—is doing their best in the tournament!"
Ayame…really need to stop talking before she thinks. Seeing him walk away had made something click within her; Ayame was reminded of that lonely back. She couldn't feel the same anger regardless and instead—wanted to call out to him—to remind him that she was here too.
"So I hope—you will also fight with no regrets," Ayame finished with resolute eyes. She brushed past him and began to run again, heading towards Recovery Girl's office.
By the time Ayame had reached the nurse's office, Ochako was already healed up. Ayame had opened the door quietly but it was still enough to attract Ochako's attention to the visitor. The younger girl smiled brightly in greeting and hopped off the bed.
"Senpai!" Ochako greeted with a slight surprise, "Are you injured, too?"
"N-no, I—uh—you—Ochako-chan?!" Ayame blinked in response. "You're…okay?"
"Yup!" Ochako pumped her fists up together, "Recovery Girl did a great job!"
"If you're fine then hurry long," Recovery Girl shooed them away, "I have other patients to attend."
"O-oh!"
They both hurried out the door to let the other students in. Ayame quietly walked besides Ochako, glancing at the shorter girl with strange glances. Ochako caught onto the frequent glimpses and laughed again, turning to her upperclassman with wide brown eyes.
"What is it, senpai?"
"N-nothing!" Ayame quickly replied, "I-I was just—um—you're—okay!"
She had absolutely no idea how to react with Ochako. Sure, Ayame had run ahead with the intention on comforting the girl but—she looks completely fine! Ayame wondered if she was too hasty in leaving…
"Yeah," Ochako rubbed the back of her head, "I guess I already knew Bakugo-kun was…really strong. I just thought—I'd do better."
Her mood dropped at that remark, causing Ayame to nearly freak out for bringing it up in the first place. Of course Ochako would be disappointed to have lost; Ayame could still remember her desperate struggle just minutes ago.
"Why…were you trying…so hard?" She couldn't help but ask.
"The same reason why everyone is a student here," Ochako said softly, "To be a hero…! I…I wanted to do enough—to stand out so—I can be scouted by pro heroes so in the future—I can earn enough money to take my papa and mama to Hawaii."
Ochako paused and blushed, looking away from her upperclassman to stare at the floor. Ah, how embarrassing, she thought, to have such a dream while trying to be a hero! In the end, everything returned back to needing money.
"A-ah—it's just a simple d-dream so please don't—"
Ochako couldn't continue when Ayame suddenly brought a hand to her head. The taller girl rubbed her short brunette hair with a smile, encouraging and kind as she pinched Ochako's cheek.
"It's a pure dream, Ochako-chan!" Ayame giggled at the red mark left on Ochako's cheek when she pulled away. "You did well. I'm sure many pro heroes are interested in your Quirk!"
Ochako rubbed her red cheek and blushed, smiling even more and nodded her head. The two were walking in the arena's direction yet the shorter girl paused, stopping right by the waiting room for player one.
"I-I'm sorry, senpai. Thank you for checking up on me! B-but…I would like a few more minutes alone," Ochako smiled nervously.
"Oh," Ayame blinked again and slowly nodded her head. With a small smile, she sent Ochako into the waiting room and left.
Ochako-chan…is trying to look strong but…she's frustrated… Ayame's smile dropped as she walked back to the stadium. This Sports Festival…I'm seeing so many different sides of everyone.
Ochako's desperation to win… Hotaru's angry yet supportive remark. Ayame had seen many different sides of her friends and…
Todoroki-kun's 'declaration'… Yuu-kun's strange smiles…
Wait, Ayame paused; didn't Yuu-kun mention something about Takarada? What was it—
A flaming body nearly collided into her. Ayame startled, snapping out of her thoughts to see a large man walk around the corner. Streams of flames circled his upper torso over a navy blue suit and—sharp turquoise eyes glanced down in her direction.
"LullaCry?"
Ayame blinked, lips parting to see…Endeavor of all people—behind the stage!
"No…you're not her," Endeavor scanned over her gym uniform and tied up brown hair.
"E-Endeavor…!" Dozens of thoughts were running through Ayame's mind as she stared at the Number Two Hero. She reached around her pockets for a booklet and pen, muttering to herself, "A-autograph! I-I want to ask for an autograph—crap why don't I carry any pen or paper with me?! O-oh! Did onee-chan work with Endeavor before—was that why he said her name—?"
"So you're the little sister," Endeavor hummed, they do look eerily similar.
His voice cut off Ayame's mumbling and she turned to him with a smile.
"Yes, I will be the future hero; Ayaminari! Quirk: Imagination!" Ayame introduced her hero name with a small salute.
"'Imagination'?" Endeavor repeated, "The Dream Quirk does not run in the family?"
Ayame felt the familiar twitch in her heart and kept the smile up on her face. "No, only Yume-nee was the one to inherit our mother's Quirk."
"Shame."
She ignored the slight remark and the smile lessened again. No wonder Todoroki was so cold and quiet; his father was just the same.
"I heard your son is Todoroki Shoto-kun from Class 1-A? I happen to be a teacher's assistant to that class. Since the beginning, I can see Todoroki-kun to be very powerful and amazing," Ayame attempted at small talk.
This was her first time meeting the Flame Hero face to face. The fact that he was also the father to one of the strongest 1-A student makes it even more amazing. Ayame wondered if she may learn more about Todoroki as well—
A pair of mismatched eyes flashed before her mind. Todoroki's abrupt call of her name reminded her of their…distant relationship.
"You know Shoto?" That caught Endeavor's attention, but just barely.
"Yes!" Ayame smiled again but it was polite and simple. "He has an outstanding Quirk control over his ice and his flames—"
"I won't give my old man the satisfaction of seeing my left side."
Ayame quickly bit her tongue. She wasn't sure of the reason why Todoroki had hidden that fact from the rest of the class—or why he disliked his father's Quirk so she couldn't continue to ramble. Ayame really shouldn't butt herself in other people's business.
"Hm," Endeavor thought nothing of it. "He's in his teenage rebellion phase now. He will use his flames if he wants to win this little tournament."
She didn't know how to respond. It was Todoroki's choice on his Quirk to use but why did Endeavor sound so…condescending? Ayame knew nothing of their family but—shouldn't Endeavor be more…encouraging for Todoroki's first sports festival?
"Todoroki-kun is doing his best," Ayame defended, "It's up to him whether he uses both Quirks or not."
"What a waste," Endeavor's eyes sharpened, his frown deepening, "He was created for the sole purpose of inheriting both Quirks."
Ayame froze.
"Created…?"
"Yes," Endeavor answered with indifference. "He will be stronger than All Might."
Her head spun with the sudden information. The blank indifference and cold apathy—stunned Ayame. This—he—Endeavor—was he really Todoroki's father? Who the hell referred to their children as 'creation'?!
What…the hell?!
Endeavor went to walk around Ayame, eyes scanning over her body for another figure. "Now, where is Midoriya Izuku. I would like to have a word with him."
"No wonder Todoroki-kun is so cold."
The man glanced down at her, turquoise eyes sharpening in Ayame's direction. There was no smile on her face anymore, her hands clenched tightly together into fists. Slowly, Ayame lifted her head, lilac eyes hardened into a glare.
"If—he had you for a father—no wonder he's rebelling…!"
Ayame just felt so—angry on his behalf. She knew Endeavor was not the kindest person around but—Ayame didn't expect him to freely prattle around about his 'creation'! And for the reason of surpassing All Might, too! Just—what the hell?!
"Todoroki Shoto is his own person!" Ayame nearly shouted, "He's not—a 'creation'! And—in the future—he will surpass All Might but not because of you!"
She spun on her heels to leave, cheeks red in anger from that—preposterous adult! No wonder Todoroki was so cold and distant. No wonder he was so adamant about his goals! Because of Endeavor—because of such a father…!
"You," Endeavor called after her lowly, "Who are you to say that?"
Ayame turned her head to glare at him.
"Sasaki Ayame! Sister of the hero, LullaCry, and daughter of the ex-hero, Nightmare!" She turned back around to stare straight ahead. "Hero name: Ayaminari! Remember it!"
She stormed off after that remark, still fuming and upset. Ayame just—felt so overwhelmed by all these emotions and was angered so much in just one day!
"I can't believe I wanted an autograph!"
Ayame rounded the corner and saw a startled short boy. Midoriya looked nervous and flustered, his eyes widen even more at the sight of her and Ayame immediately recognized him.
"Oh, Deku-kun, good, you're here," Ayame grabbed onto his wrist and pulled him along, "You're up against Todoroki-kun now, right?"
Midoriya followed Ayame with hasty steps. He didn't have time to register a blush or anything—his mind reeling from the conversation he accidentally overheard. He knew his upperclassman was kind and expressive but—that outburst towards the Number Two Hero Endeavor—was really—just too much!
Senpai…really has no fear…!
Ayame knew nothing of Midoriya's dilemma. Her pale lips were still pulled back into a frown, mind replaying the conversations with Todoroki—with Endeavor—all of the puzzles slowly clicking together in her mind at the information she learned. Yes, she had wanted to understand Todoroki better but—this was more than what she expected!
Endeavor is really—a bonehead! But—his son is just as bad!
"Deku-kun," they stopped in the hallway leading towards the stage. Ayame released his wrist and Midoriya turned to look at her, wondering about her sudden change in mood. "Can you do me a favor?"
"What…is it?" He asked hesitantly.
"Can you beat up Todoroki-kun for me?"
"H-hah?!"
"I think…I can understand why he's like that," Ayame frowned, "But his judgment is being clouded over by his father. So—that's why—I want you to—literally—beat some sense into him!"
Midoriya looked at Ayame with wide eyes. Did she really—ask him that?!
"I-I'm sorry!" Ayame quickly apologized by the bewildered look on his face. "It's really outrageous—I know—and you're also fighting for your own reasons in the tournament but he really—pissed me off! I wish I could be the one to do it but I'm not a first-year and—"
"S-senpai!" Midoriya grabbed onto her shoulder to snap her out of her ranting, smiling reassuringly on the flustered look on her face. "I-I will do my best. I can't…guarantee anything but—I also, want to win!"
"Deku-kun…"
Ayame paused to stare at him before engulfing him into a hug, grinning the whole time. She could feel him freeze under her arms and Ayame quickly let him go, giggling at his blushing expression.
"I'll be cheering for you!" She patted him to enter the stage, waving as Ayame turned around to return back to the booth. "Good luck, Deku-kun! Don't hurt yourself too much!"
Midoriya smiled and waved 'bye' to Ayame, watching her disappear back upstairs. He faced the entrance again and inhaled, releasing the breath through his lips to focus on the upcoming fight.
Todoroki has his own complications to go through. With a father like Endeavor…it's a wonder how he doesn't…hate All Might because of it. It may have been a conversation Midoriya had not meant to overhear but, he was glad he did. In the end, Endeavor did not find him as he wanted but—Ayame ended up being the one to retort him.
A small smile appeared on his lips at that thought.
Ayame-senpai…really cares for us, Midoriya thought and took a step forward, so I will do what she requested. I also…wanted to fight Todoroki-kun!
Ayame met up with Kirishima on their way back to the stage. Both of them were running a bit late; Kirishima due to this recent visit to Recovery Girl, and Ayame with getting side tracked. She had heard the announcement for the fight to begin and she really needed to watch Todoroki and Midoriya fight!
"C'mon, Eijiro-kun! We're going to be late!"
They rounded the corner to enter 1-A's booth. There were sounds of shattering and clashing below and quickly, they ran forward. Kirishima stopped at the sound of Kaminari congratulating him for advancing and he boosted his win to face Bakugo next round.
But his response…
"I'll kill you."
Ayame shook her head and arrived next to Hotaru. The short girl had her phone on; the screen feed from the second-year was playing on it. Currently, they were on the 14th match. One more and it'll be Takarada's turn.
"What's the status now?"
"M-Midoriya-kun has injured 5 fingers currently," Hotaru said, "Todoroki-kun has been fighting with ice but Midoriya-kun has negated each time."
Ayame frowned as she took the seat next to them, staring at the two boys on stage.
"Quirks are physical abilities, too." Bakugo started, "They must also have some kind of limit."
Her ears perked up at his explanation. Ayame turned around to look at Bakugo. "What's your limit, Kacchan?"
"None of your business," he glared.
"If I think about it like that, I guess that makes sense…" Kirishima also focused back on the match, "Then, against the instant-killer Todoroki, Midoriya wants…"
"An endurance match?" Ayame mumbled.
Todoroki sent ice over to Midoriya's side again and the other boy countered, breaking all of his fingers on the right hand. Ayame cringed and wanted to look away but—Todoroki was already on the move. He ran forward with ice forming under him into a bridge.
"Todoroki doesn't recoil from Midoriya's power and gets in close!" Present Mic said.
Midoriya aimed his left hand and fired.
"That's his broken finger already!" Ayame noticed, these 1-A kids…they're all so daring!
The ice under Todoroki shattered but the boy was unharmed. He jumped up and pulled his right hand back, punching straight down at Midoriya. Luckily, Midoriya evaded at the right time and the ground underneath Todoroki spiked up in ice.
But—while Midoriya was still in midair, Todoroki formed an ice barrage to chase after him. The ice creep up on Midoriya's red shoes, trapping him within and an ice wall formed behind Todoroki. Another strong shockwave swept through the arena of ice and wind, blinding everyone from the stage momentarily and Ayame stood up.
I said to try and win but—not break all your bones!
"Why are all of you guys so reckless?!" Ayame turned to look at Ochako too. The short brunette blushed and looked away while sweating.
The ice and wind cleared. Everyone saw Midoriya still standing but Todoroki was stopped by his wall of ice. When he stood up, they could see frosty patches covering various parts of his right side.
Just like before… Ayame realized. But…if he used his flames—wouldn't that counter it?
But…that's not what he wants.
"Todoroki keeps attacking with overwhelming power! Here comes the finishing ice attack!"
Another wave of ice appeared behind Todoroki to shoot forward. Midoriya was immobile, his left hand broken and injured while the right fingers were all broken.
"Deku-kun…!" Ayame—really didn't want to watch!
But instead of seeing Midoriya fly off the stage as everyone expected, another attack of wind erupted from his fingers and the ice was blown back. Everyone was shocked by his counterattack and Todoroki was nearly pushed out of the stage if not for the ice blocking him.
"H-he's using his broken finger!" Hotaru cried and covered her eyes with her hand.
"That idiot!" Ayame pounded the railing.
"Why are you going so far?" Todoroki glared.
"You're trembling, Todoroki-kun," Midoriya shakily raised his injured fingers. "Quirks are physical abilities too… There's a limit to how much cold your body can take, isn't there? And isn't that something you could solve by using the heat from your left side?"
And yet—he wasn't using it. Todoroki was purposely putting a handicap on himself because of his own torment.
"I think…I can understand why he's like that but his judgment is being clouded over by his father. So—that's why—I want you to—literally—beat some sense into him!"
"Everyone's fighting with everything they've got…to win and get closer to their dream…to become number one." Midoriya struggled to stay, his hand shaking from the overbearing pain of broken bones.
Ochako's desperation fight from earlier. Shinso's anger at his Quirk disadvantage. Everyone was doing their best in this festival and even their senpai had come to their stage to watch. Midoriya wasn't about to disappoint them!
"You want to win with just half of your strength?! You haven't put a single scratch on me yet, you know!" Midoriya clenched his hand, "Come at me with everything you've got!"
"Midoriya…" Todoroki frowned, "What are you planning? 'Everything I've got?' Did my damn old man buy you off or something?" The thought of that was enough for Todoroki to continue. "Now I'm angry!"
Todoroki ran forward and Ayame leaned over to watch. He's not using his ice?
They were engaging in close combat instead. Todoroki jumped with one hand aimed backwards but there was a stagger of movement from him when he looked at Midoriya. Midoriya bent down and with his right hand, punched Todoroki in the stomach.
"A solid hit!"
Ice formed over Midoriya's broken left hand right before Todoroki flew away. He screamed from the pain, splashes of blood leaked from Midoriya's broken fingers and Hotaru hid her eyes again. Ayame gripped the railing so hard her knuckles began to turn white yet—no one was looking away.
"He got a hit on Todoroki!"
"Even though Midoriya looks way more beat up...I can't believe he went on the offensive here!"
Ice formed again from Todoroki's foot but it wasn't a large scale attack like before. Midoriya easily jumped away but Todoroki closed in within that gap. A weaker shockwave hit Todoroki again when Midoriya tried to put some distance between them, both boys hitting the leftover ice on the stage.
"No, no, no—Deku-kun, don't—"
Ayame wanted to scream. Neither was giving up on this fight. Again, she could see the desperation from Midoriya as he forced the purple fingers to be folded back. She couldn't imagine the type of pain Midoriya was going through as he continued to break his fingers again.
"I-I didn't mean to do it like this," Ayame whimpered softly, lilac eyes forced on the two boys dancing around each other with ice and punches.
"Why are you going so far?" Todoroki struggled to stay standing.
Midoriya ran forward.
"Because I want to live up to everyone's expectations… I want to be able to smile...and respond to them… To be a cool hero… That's what I want to be!"
Todoroki froze.
Midoriya landed another hit to his stomach.
"That's why—everyone's giving it their all!" Todoroki slid to a stop and Midoriya slowly stumbled forward.
"Everyone—is doing their best in the tournament! So I hope—you will also fight with no regrets!"
"There's no way I can know all of your circumstances or your resolve. But for you to become number one without giving it your all—to completely reject your father… Right now, I think you should stop screwing around!" Midoriya yelled.
Five year old Shoto threw up his last meal. The sound of his father's voice echoed the room, scornful and scolding as Shoto attempted to catch his breath. Off to the side, he could feel the warmth of his mother leaning over to hold him, talking back to Endeavor but was strictly reprimanded. A 'thud' fell lowly nearby and Shoto saw his mother slapped away.
"I don't wanna, okaa-san," little Shoto cried into his mother's embrace, "I... I… I don't want to be like otou-san! I don't want to become someone who bullies you, okaa-san!"
"But you want to be a hero, don't you?" A soft voice reached his ears and a gentle hand caressed his head. "It's okay for you to be one. As long as you have a future you feel strongly about."
"I'll surpass you!"
Midoriya punched Todoroki again, sending him flying away.
"Don't look at that, Shoto," Endeavor dragged young Shoto away from his siblings, "They're from a different world than you."
"Mom, I think I'm going crazy. I can't take this anymore… Every day, the children seem to become more and more like him… Shoto's… That child's left side sometimes looks very unsightly to me… I can't raise him anymore… I feel like I shouldn't..."
The sound of the kettle whistling grew louder.
"Good grief, this is an important time, too…"
"Where's okaa-san?"
"Oh, she injured you, so I put her in a hospital."
"It's your fault." Shoto glared at his father, tears streaming down his face, "You're the one who made okaa-san…"
"I will reject...my old man's power…"
"Todoroki Shoto is his own person!"
Midoriya gritted his teeth. "It's your power, isn't it?!"
"Yes, that's right. Children inherit Quirks from their parents," All Might said in the interview, "But the really important thing is not that connection, but recognizing your own flesh and blood—recognizing yourself. That's what I mean when I say: I am here!"
Before I knew it, I had forgotten…
Todoroki shakily stood up, eyes wide against Midoriya's trembling form.
"You don't have to be a prisoner of your own blood. It's okay for you to become who you want to be."
Hot air washed over the audience and a blazing fire erupted from the stage. Ayame stood back to avoid the heat, and failing, but her eyes were wide on the burning form.
"He's...using his flames…"
"Even though you want to win…"
Midoriya's eyes widen as the ice melted from Todoroki's right side.
"To help your enemy… Which one of us is screwing around now?" Todoroki began to gain feelings back on his frozen arm and feet, the fire burning up his left sleeve from his hand. "I want...to be a hero, too!"
There was a wild smile on both of their lips, taking the challenge head on.
"Shoooootooooooooo!"
Endeavor's shout alarmed the audience nearby. He stomped his way to the railing, his lips pulled back into a crazy grin as he continued to praise him. Even Ayame and the 1-A booth can hear his shouts of…support.
"It all starts from here! With my blood, you will surpass me… You will fulfill my desire!"
Ayame stood up and nearly went over to him. Even now—that was all he could think about?
"Endeavor suddenly shouts encouragement?" Present Mic said hesitantly, "Such a doting father…"
Ayame frowned and sat back down. Right now, there were more exciting matters on hand. Todoroki's sudden blazing self and...Midoriya...how was he going to counter this?
"Why are you smiling?" Todoroki stared at the green haired boy, "With those injuries… In this situation… You're crazy… Don't blame me for what happens next."
Todoroki stomped his foot, ice bursting from under his right feet and expanding. Midoriya also circulated his power to his legs, readying a stance to counter the half-and-half boy. No one paid attention to Cementoss or Midnight trying to stop the fight. Todoroki sent a large scale ice attack—the same size as the first appearance—towards Midoriya. Midoriya jumped to close the gap, ignoring the mountain of ice behind him and Todoroki brought back his flaming fist.
"No way, no way—what the hell are they doing?!" Their classmates cried.
They're not going to stop!
An explosion rang out through the arena, blasting through the cement the teacher has tried to stop them with. Rubble and shockwave attacked the audience as they raised their hands to cover the debris.
"What the heck?!" Mineta cried.
"What happened?" Yaoyorozu closed one of her eyes.
Ayame coughed when smoke filled the stadium.
"What the heck is up with your class?" Present Mic groaned.
"The air that had been cooled thoroughly was suddenly heated up and expanded," Aizawa explained.
"That's what created this explosion…? Just how hot was that?!"
It took a couple more seconds before it finally cleared, everyone inching forward to look at the result of the battle. Present Mic was asking who had won the match while Midnight barely stood up from the impact, her mask discarded.
The first body the people could see…was a head of moss hair. The fog had cleared away from him and Midoriya was standing up but—not for long. He…passed out…right along the wall.
"M-Midoriya-kun is out of bounds…" Midnight announced.
Ayame quickly turned back to the stage. There, she saw a lone figure standing amidst the fog and rubble. He was breathing heavily as he looked at Midoriya's collapsed form; the left side of his shirt was burned completely—held up by two flimsy strings.
"Todoroki-kun advances to the third round!"
"Deku-kun!"
Crap, Ayame got up from her seat to run away from the booth.
"A-Ayame-chan! Y-your match!" Hotaru called out after her.
"I know!" Ayame glanced back, "I'll get to it soon!"
Right now, she could only focus on Midoriya's broken body and Todoroki's amazing powers. She knew right now, Todoroki would still not acknowledge her. All the times she had tried to reason with him, he brushed her off. So instead, Ayame decided to check on Midoriya first.
After all, I asked him a ridiculous favor…but Deku-kun—did you have to go this far too?!
She slammed the door open to the nurse's office again, ignoring the other two adults in the room to run towards Midoriya on the bed. He had regained consciousness already but his face was twisted in pain. His eyes opened to see Ayame stop beside his bed, her hands clenching the bed sheets tightly and—were those—tears in her eyes?
"Deku-kun!" Ayame bowed her head lowly, "I'm so, so, so, sorry! I shouldn't have asked that of you—why did you push yourself so hard—are you okay?! R-Recovery Girl can heal you—right?"
"I'm seeing you quite a lot lately," Recovery Girl shook her head at Ayame, "You mustn't overwhelm the patient."
"S-sorry!"
"Senpai…" Midoriya whispered and Ayame turned to give her full attention to him. "Why are you here?"
"To apologize," Ayame looked down guiltily, "I'm really sorry, Deku-kun. I'm so—sorry—I asked for a selfish request and you—I—"
Ayame couldn't finish and her eyes landed on the multiple bandages wrapped around his arms. Even parts of his pants were ripped and his left leg was put into a cast. She could barely image the unbearable pain Midoriya must have felt now with all of his broken bones—with the result of the match.
"You…don't have to apologize," Midoriya tried to smile and yet—it looked feeble and weak in her mind when Ayame peeked at him. "I…also wanted to beat Todoroki-kun. It wasn't because of you—that I put myself in this state. Before…Todoroki-kun looked so sad that I meddled when I didn't need to…"
Todoroki's lone back… Ayame understood what Midoriya meant.
"Senpai…is always trying so hard for us, too. I didn't…want to let you down, too."
"Deku-kun," Ayame bit back a sob and shook her head. "I'm proud of you, okay? I'm super-duper proud of you! So don't worry, I'll take it from here now! I'll finish what we started!"
"A-Ayame-senpai…"
"Deku-kun!"
"Midoriya-kun!"
"Midoriya-chan!"
Many voices echoed the room when the door burst open again. Ayame turned around to see Hotaru, Ochako, Iida, Tsuyu, and Mineta rushing into the room. Their loud shouts of 'are you okay' and worried concerns were directed towards the bedridden boy. Ayame finally took the time to breathe and stepped back, freezing even more at the sight of the skinny blonde skeleton man wearing a dark grey suit.
"O-oh, I-I didn't see you there, sensei," Ayame bowed hastily.
"I-It's okay," Toshinari gave a weak smile.
"A-Ayame-chan!" Hotaru ran up to her and grabbed her hand. "Your match! We have to go now!"
"H-huh?!" Ayame gasped and turned to her kouhais, "Take care—Deku-kun! Everyone, we'll be back soon!"
Hotaru activated her Quirk and in a flash, both of them disappeared.
A/N:
I got married! I'll upload pictures later when I receive them but thank you so much for the many blessings!
Ayame's hot head strikes again but you know what, I love it. I love her able to lash out at others and her recklessness because she will definitely regret it later. She's not a perfect good person either but she does have a soft spot for her kouhais.
This focuses more on the first years because I want to get their matches out of the way first. The second years will have their time to shine again next chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it! I really love the reviews lately and appreciate all of them!
Reviews are much appreciated! I tend to read them at least three times a week—loool
PS. SOMEONE MADE AN YOUTUBE VID OF MY COMIC SO PLEASE GO CHECK IT OUT! I will link on my Tumblr (toomuchpineapples) THANK YOU QQ