Hi everyone, happy Memorial Day for those in the U.S. Be sure to make smart decisions today and make sure to social distance. It's improtant to take care of yourselves and those around you.
Anyway, sorry for being so late I was hoping to have this out way earlier but you see my house flooded. So, I've spent all week with my family cleaning up afterwards so I had to put my writing on hold for a few days. Thankfully we didn't get the worst of it but it was still a lot to clean up. Anyway here's Ch.25.
*Important Notes*
1. I am not trying to fulfill a power fantasy so each upgrade, new alien, and abilities must be earned. I'm not going to just hand the characters unlimited and awesome powers just because it's cool. I feel like an earned power is way more impactful then just the characters getting it just because I said they could.
2. I have a set of specific rules that have to be met for Izuku to gain new alien(s) so I will not be dropping in random aliens at random times like they did in the Ben Ten shows. That said I have it all planned out on how, when, and where to introduce each Ben Ten alien.
3. I am keeping descriptions of Izuku's alien vague so you can each envision the version of the alien that you prefer.
4. There will be NO elements or aliens from the rebooted Ben Ten series. I tried to watch it, but it wasn't for me so don't expect anything from there to ever make an appearance.
5. I will not be including OC aliens. At least not until after most if not all the main Ben Ten aliens are in Izuku's Omnitrix. But that is a long ways off.
6. I do not own either My Hero Academia or Ben Ten.
**********(Opening Theme)**********
*Lyric
*Scene
Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh ohh
Izuku slowly walks up a stage as he fades between his alien forms. Below him students look up in anticipation as the crowd cheers.
Instrumental
Izuku makes it to the top of the stage and looks down at his fellow students who look back up at him challengingly.
Itsuka bokura no ue o suresure ni toorisugiteitta ano hikouki o
Izuku flys through the sky on his hoverboard with a smile before running into turbulence and slipping off it
Fushigi na kurai ni oboeteru imi mo nai no ni naze ka
The teenager ends up crashing through a familiar building. A moment later he runs out as Mr. Baumann chases after him with a broom. Inside the store Nezu and Thirteen laugh as they watch the events unfold.
Fugainakute naita hi no yoru ni tada tsuyokunaritai to negatteta
Izuku walks towards class as he's joined by Ochaco and all his friends. They pass by other students such as Hitoshi, Mei, and the 1-B students and a few megawatts as they continue walking.
Sono tame ni hitsuyou na yuuki o sagashimotometeita
Izuku slows down to see Todoroki standing in front of him with a serious expression. Behind him Endeavor glares.
Zankoku na unmei ga sadamatteru to s***
Ochaco meditates as she allows One For All to flow around her as Toshinori looks on. Suddenly Toshinori turns around to look at Izuku in his middle school uniform on the roof.
Sore ga itsu no hi ka boku no mae ni arawareru to s***
Behind Izuku the shadows of his tormentors including Katsuki appear before fading, leaving just Henzu who gives a mock salute.
Tada isshun
Izuku and Henzu are seen laughing together at something.
kono isshun
The two are now standing back to back, Izuku looks sad while Henzu looks angry.
iki ga dekiru nara
Izuku turns to reach out to Henzu who walks away and slowly turns into his mutated form.
Dou demo ii to Omoeta
Izuku a single tear comes down his face before opening his eyes revealing back on the stage as the other students look up at him.
sono kokoro o Instrumental
Slowly a smile appears on his face as the other students give him challenging looks. He returns the challenge by holding his hand out in a 'come and get me' motion
Mou ichido tooku e ike tooku e ike to boku no naka de dare ka ga utau
Izuku runs across the field ducking and dodging other students as they let loose their quirks, such as Mei gliding by in support gear, Shiozaki creating multiple vines, Kendo shattering the ground with her hands and Shinso walking through it all with a cool expression.
Dou shiyou mo nai hodo netsuretsu ni
Ochaco grins as she roars out, all around her gravity begins to distort. Behind her the shadows of the previous wielders appear.
Itsudatte
me o harashita kimi ga nido to kanashimanai you ni waraeru
Heatblast destroys an oncoming glacier, XLR8 races against a certain speedster, Four Arms fights off Dark Shadow, Diamondhead dodges multiple falling rocks only to be consumed in a powerful explosion.
Sonna hiiroo ni naru tame no uta
Izuku runs out of the fire with a determined expression as he runs at all his waiting opponents.
Saraba kakagero Peace Sign
All across the universe multiple aliens look on their screens at the sports festival
Korogatteiku sutoorii o
Izuku grins as he holds the Omnitrix up.
Instrumental
The scene fades out to reveal Izuku in his Hero costume along with the 1-A students as they all head out into battle.
[Illustrated by Drag0n5on]
**********(End Theme)**********
Ch.25 Competition
"Haha, Round One's been amazing!" cheers a pink-colored bipedal Rabbit.
"It sure has gugg." Agrees a strange being in a swamp-green suit with a head that looks like an Anemone.
An alien by the name of Bug-Lite nods. "Same, but I wish some of those fights lasted just a tad longer."
These aliens and more are all gathered together within Mr. Baumann's store. So they can all watch the U.A.'s Sports Festival with friends, neighbors, and their community.
As of now U.A. is taking a short break, playing commercials and ads while the students prepare themselves for their next fights.
Bug-Lite smiles. "That bird guy was extremely efficient, I bet he makes it far."
"No doubt." agrees a red-Hooded alien with green skin and golden body plating.
A purple Sloth alien with a skull-like head and black stripes grins. "I found that Hatsume girl really entertaining."
"So, did I." agrees the Rabbit.
"I don't get what the big deal was, though." Comments the Hooded alien. "Human technology is so primitive."
"Ironic considering how much they love their toys."
Argit, the resident conman, scoffs. "Hey if it's enough to make a quick buck then it's okay in my book." Mainly because Earth technology is so easy to steal and resell.
"I thought that Kendo girl really held her own gugg." continues the Anemone.
It's then the proud owner of this store decides to cut in. "She practices all sorts of fighting styles and she was up against someone who probably learned how to fight from watching TV." Mr. Baumann scowls annoyed by that prediction.
"Yeah probably but that rock guy really had some spirit gugg."
The Sloth cups his chin. "Speaking of spirit, what about that Uraraka girl. She really had the other guy have it."
The Hooded alien nods. "And she was able to escape his Brainwashing… Not too many aliens have that power."
Argit shakes his head with disapproval. "I don't like it. A kid like him has way too much power. I mean imagine what happens when he's older or goes pro?" A hero like him could be bad for business, he'll scare off all his customers!
Rabbit actually agrees with the rat. "If you want to talk about power then Endeavor's kid has that in spades."
"Not just him." Adds Bug-Lite. "What about that Bakugou guy? You know, the one with Explosions."
Most of the aliens can't help but agree, those two boys really are powerful. It's almost scary to think about how strong and potentially deadly both of them can be.
The Rabbit shivers. "Something off about those two…could you imagine if someone like them found out about aliens?"
"Or Endeavor." Adds the Hooded alien. "Something tells me they wouldn't take too kindly to our kind."
"Do you really think so gugg?" asks Anemone.
Mr. Baumann sighs and takes a seat before addressing his customers. "This may seem hypocritical coming from me. But not many other humans are that…open minded. Heck, some kids these days are so self-absorbed thanks to their Quirks that they think the whole world revolves around them." Like that Bakugou brat, every now and then he'd catch the boy when he was younger picking on poor Izuku. "But anything that changes their own world view, is usually met with hostility and rejection." Hence why Bakugou would lash out at Izuku, because the boy went against Bakugou's own petty ideals. "And no one wants someone like the Number Two Hero, someone capable of great destruction, on their tail just for being…different."
The whole store goes silent as an underlining of fear and tension washes across the facility. It's sort-of unspoken that everyone here is constantly in immense danger if any one of them is found out to be an alien. As human history has shown, humans often fear what they don't understand. And despite their fascination with inhuman abilities, movies, and Sci-Fi they know for a fact that the moment they are discovered many of those same "fans" will be the first to panic. And of course there is little doubt that many of the pro heroes will feel the same way, that the aliens should be removed.
"And that's why heroes can be such a pain!" Shouts a frustrated Argit.
"Why do you say that gugg?" questions Anemone.
"Principal Nezu or rather Majister Nezu projects the Sports Festival into the cosmos every year, just to do that very thing!" snaps the rat.
The Hooded alien has to admit that Argit has a point there. "Yes, he does that so the universe can understand what they'd be up against if anyone would turn their sights on Earth."
Mr. Baumann gives a curt nod. "And it works! Thanks to this event, Earth is seen as an unpredictable and dangerous target that is better left alone. But for those, such as yourselves, it allows them to seek out opportunities to live out rather quiet lives amongst the humans and heroes."
"True…"
That is the truth, even though there is a huge threat hanging over their heads it is still better than what's out there in the universe. Many of them came here for various reasons either they were escaping war, famine, invasion, or just more personal problems. Or in Argit's case he's been chased off so many planets that this is his last safe haven. But they all have one goal in mind: opportunity. Opportunity to live relatively peaceful lives without worry of having their homes and families ripped apart.
"But it'd be nice not to hide our true nature all the time." comments Bug-Lite.
Mr. Baumann shrugs. "Well, I never said it was a perfect system."
Argit leans back in his seat. "But then again things may change and soon."
The store owner raises an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"Midoriya!" Argit says this like it's the most obvious answer. "He's a kid that can become any of our species while on intergalactic broadcasts, you don't think that will raise some flags?!"
"What are you getting at?"
"All I'm saying is that thanks to the kid's actions, Earth might just have to start adjusting to its new reality." And his survival instincts have never failed this rat. If it becomes worse, he'll jump ship, but if things turn for the better then this rat will be feasting on profits.
Before any of the other aliens could state their own opinions on the matter, the screen lights back up as Present Mic's voice blasts through the speakers.
"Welcome back, all you ravenous Sports Fans!"
The aliens peer up at the screen that's displaying the images of the combatants for the first match of Round Two.
"I know for a fact none of you are satisfied yet with the U.A. Sports Festival!" Shouts the human cockatoo. "But that's okay because we still have much to show ya! Yeah! So, let's get it going, shall we?!"
Cheers ring out from the entire audience.
"Alright, there's no time to delay! Let's begin Round 2 of the Tournament!"
The cheering and screaming of the crowd get even louder, shaking the stadium.
And their cheers only get Present Mic that much more hyped. "He's been on a real hot streak this entire tournament! Making it a giant rollercoaster ride for all the ups, downs, and surprises he's given us. And now he's ready to show us more! Everyone welcome back, Izuku Midoriya!"
If the crowd wasn't in an uproar before then they most certainly are now as they scream and cheer the green-haired boy onto the field.
Izuku shyly tucks his head in trying not to let the audience see his blushing face. "I'm never going to get used to this…"
"But hang on, we have someone who may just be able to give Midoriya a run for his money! He's the jet-black master of the darkness with a powerful fiend at his full command. It's Fumikage Tokoyami!"
More cheers ring out as the crow of Class 1-A enters the stage.
Fumikage Tokoyami steps atop the battlefield, crossing his arms defiantly. "You have journeyed far, but I'm afraid it will end here."
Izuku smirks, in an attempt to hide his nervousness. "Good line, did you rehearse it back in the waiting room?"
Tokoyami snickers, finding Midoriya's taunt rather amusing.
"Alright, alright, alright! I think those two are more than ready to get started. So without a further ado, begin!"
And like that the first match of Round Two has officially begun.
"Dark Shadow!"
"On it, boss!" Dark Shadow flies out of his master's chest.
Izuki grips the Omnitrix just as Dark Shadow pounces upon him, its claw reaching for the Omnitrix.
Izuku, not one to fall for that twice, swings his body around using it to block Dark Shadow's reach.
"You gotta be more original than that!" He slams down on the Omnitrix before Dark Shadow tries to pull off any more tricks.
Dark Shadow reels back as the bright green light flashes giving the transformed Izuku plenty of elbow room.
"And XLR8 is one of my originals!" XLR8 grins, his claws flexing, and his tail coil around his feet.
The crowd cheers excited to see this new and really cool looking transformation.
"Woah! Midoriya's become XLR8! A fast-paced speedster with raptor-like qualities! This guy probably would have been better suited for the Obstacle Race though."
"Trust me I would have used him if I could." grumbles the alien speedster. "But this thing has a mind of its own." He gestures to the Omnitrix faceplate.
Tokoyami nods as Dark Shadow coils around him like a serpent. "Hm, I understand that." He pets Dark Shadow's head before turning his attention back on the lizard. "Now show me your strength."
XLR8 flashes a smile before zipping off. The blue blur immediately makes a beeline for Tokoyami. He stops and smiles up at the birdboy before thrusting his claw at him.
However, before the jab can strike Dark Shadow's coiled body intercepts the strike. Before XLR8 knows it, the shadow fiend is already throwing a slash at him.
The speedster dodges but not before Dark Shadow throws attack after attack with his long reach and sharp claws forcing the Kineceleran to doge and retreat.
"Stop moving!" Dark Shadow roars as he throws his claw down at XLR8.
XLR8 makes a speedy sidestep as the large claw embeds into the dirt. With a clear opening, XLR8 zooms away towards Dark Shadow's master in the hopes to end this quickly. As he races, he thrusts another jab, but Dark Shadow still has his elongated body coiled around Tokoyami. The dark barricade shifts and spirals around Tokoyami, intercepting XLR8's attack. Not one to give up the Kineceleran throws a barrage of speedy jabs but each one is deflected or intercepted before they can even reach the crow-headed teen. But while he was distracted with his attacks, Dark Shadow's main body flies back and slashes at XLR8. The attack lands throwing the Kineceleran away.
Present Mic laughs through the speakers. "Hahaha! I bet he'd finish this quickly, but Tokoyami has other plans! Sorry, XLR8 but you'll have to do better than that if you want to break through Dark Shadow's impenetrable defense!"
The morphed Izuku shakes his head as he pushes himself off the ground. "Okay, not my best moment."
"It's about to get worse!" Dark Shadow slashes down at him.
The Kineceleran zips forward before zooming to the side again as another slash is thrown his way. This goes back and forth for some time before XLR8 decides to try and take out Dark Shadow. He throws a fury of jabs at the shadowy fiend who flies above his head trying to get close, moving from side to side as they engage each other.
Before he knows it, Dark Shadow has his arms stretched and coiled around him, surrounding him in a spiraling veil of darkness. "Nowhere to run now."
His coiled arms begin to close in ready to wrap up the speedy foe in a cocoon of shadows.
XLR8 is rightfully worried, he was built for speed not strength. So if Dark Shadow is able to get his mitts on him, then it'll be all over. He desperately swipes, kicks, and slams against the encroaching spiral but it does little to phase the shadow familiar.
"It's over!" Declares Tokoyami from a very safe distance.
XLR8 glares up at his foes. "You know there's always been this one trick I've been wanting to give a whirl at."
XLR8 stands straight up, his tail out and sticks his arms out to the sides. He twists his feet and begins to spin faster and faster in place. Just as the coil begins to tighten Dark Shadow finds himself repelled back as XLR8 spins in place like a top and with his claws outstretched to act as a spinning saw blade.
Like a high-speed top, XLR8 spins and ricochets off of Dark Shadow's arms striking them so hard and fast that he breaks free of its imprisonment.
The rapidly spinning XLR8 isn't done, like a tiny tornado he takes his unique attack straight towards Tokoyami. "Special Move! Beyblade Burst!"
The tiny blue twister clashes against the coiled body of Dark Shadow which is the only thing stopping XLR8 from hitting Tokoyami. XLR8 keeps at it though delivering fast hits back to back in the same location much like a Beyblade.
But it seems Dark Shadow is much more durable than he looks because XLR8 is completely unable to break through. And all too soon the shadowy figure is back and this time he swipes at XLR8 spinning feet. It works, tripping up the speedster who wasn't expecting it, causing him to launch himself away from Tokoyami thanks to the momentum of his spinning.
The dizzy alien raptor shakes and holds his head as he wobbles in place. "Uh, oh man. That was not as fun as it looked."
Seriously everything was just a spinning blur to him like that, and that move's thrown off his own momentum. Dammit, those cartoons always make it look so easy. Maybe he just needs practice, at least he knows he can do it so that's a plus.
"You're so annoying!"
XLR8 zips away before Dark Shadow can reach him, but the shadow familiar of Tokoyami chases after him, lashing out its stretchable claws and arms to take swipes at him.
"It looks like XLR8's new special move just couldn't cut it!" shouts Present Mic. "Too bad for him, but at least we're getting a real show out of this!"
The blue blur continues to zig and zag across the battlefield every now and then he takes a swipe at Tokoyami, but Dark Shadow is too impenetrable. Plus the very same Quirk attacks back at XLR8 forcing him away from its master.
'I knew Tokoyami would be difficult, but I didn't think he would be this prepared.' The sprinting XLR8 ducks just before Dark Shadow swipes at his head. 'Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is a really powerful Quirk. It gives such a crazy offensive and defensive fighting style. If I get close, then Dark Shadow's body will simply block me out until it can attack me directly and then it forces me back and away from Tokoyami.' He jumps avoiding a swipe at his feet before continuing to run around the battlefield. 'His plan is probably to keep me away and wait out for the Omnitrix to time out.' And Izuku will be easy pickings for Tokoyami who actually has a Quirk unlike him.
What Izuku needs is a strategy or a weakness to exploit but nothing comes to mind. He can't attack from the sides, that's already proven to be ineffective. He could try and attack from above but one hit from Dark Shadow would send him flying out of the battlefield and it'll all be over.
XLR8 pivots and avoids getting his head smashed in by Dark Shadow before speeding off again. The morphed Izuku examines his opponent from behind their barricade. He examines his foe from head to toe looking for any openings in his defense, his eyes eventually trail down to Tokoyami's feet.
From behind his visor, XLR8 smiles as a new plan begins to form within his head.
"So far for this match XLR8 has had to switch from offensive tactics to evasion whereas Tokoyami's Quirk has allowed him to maintain a constant defense while remaining on the offensive. I think Midoriya may have just met his match folks! If he doesn't come up with something soon, he'll be out of the running!" Pun intended via Present Mic.
"Keep at it, Dark Shadow!" commands Tokoyami, if he can keep Midoriya at bay and let him run out his clock then they might as well claim victory then and there.
Dark Shadow chases after XLR8 who slides across the field avoiding the fiend before kicking back up and coming to a screeching halt, his feet skidding across the ground kicking up dirt. As he crouches down ready to run, his shiny claws accidentally reflect a bit of sunlight towards Dark Shadow.
The reflected light shines on the fiend's arm making it wince before swooping a bit to the side to avoid it.
The transformed Izuku eyes Dark Shadow curiously, that reflected light was nowhere near the thing's eyes and yet it had such a strange reaction.
He doesn't have much more time to consider it as Dark Shadow lunges towards him.
Acting fast XLR8 leaps up and delivers a fury of jabbing kicks right into the monster's head before swinging his body and slamming his reptilian tail against Dark Shadow, knocking it away giving XLR8 plenty of breathing room.
XLR8 runs as fast as he can around and around the battlefield until he's nothing but a blue blur zipping about in a circle around his opponent and his familiar.
Dark Shadow lunges, throwing his claw in XLR8's path, it strikes XLR8 but he's moving so quickly that the attack is easily repelled.
Dark Shadow backs off shaking off its somewhat aching hand.
With its attack down, XLR8 tightens the circle and begins to encroach on Tokoyami and his partner.
Dark Shadow backs off and coils a bit more around his master who's covering his eyes from the dust that's getting kicked up by the sudden whirlwind that XLR8's generating.
The circle tightens and the wind becomes so great that Tokoyami is actually struggling and pushing against the wind, but he's constantly losing his footing. Soon the whipping wind becomes so great that a mini tornado is generated with Tokoyami caught in the storm's eye.
"Whaa?! This is crazy! XLR8's so fast he actually made a tornado!"
Well sort of, the tornado is nothing enormous; it's only about 15 to 20 feet tall and it's blue in color thanks to the rotating Kineceleran. The twister is moving so fast that those in the audience can feel the wind whip at their faces. Even Midnight braces herself in place so as to not get sucked in.
And just like that the twister is too much for Tokoyami as his feet leave the ground and he's lifted into the air.
Despite being a bird himself he is definitely not used to the sensation of flying. "Midoriya! What sorcery is this?!"
Somehow the sprinting Kineceleran is able to hear him. "Not sorcery! It's a special move I call: Blue Twister!"
Tokoyami's body gets caught up by the whirlwind and soon he's nothing but a weightless piece of debris getting whipped around within the gale.
Tokoyami and Dark Shadow are lifted higher and higher up the mini blue tornado and soon XLR8 redirects his twister carrying along his opponent right for the battlefield's edge. When the small tornado reaches the edge, XLR8 breaks away from his rotation and allows the spinning momentum to throw Tokoyami right out of the arena.
Present Mic cries out from the commentator's booth. "Tokoyami's been thrown right out of the arena! Is it over?!"
Although he's facing certain defeat, Tokoyami is surprisingly composed. "Dark Shadow!"
"I've got you!"
The shadow fiend reaches out and digs its claws into the battlefield. With a proper grip and leverage, Dark Shadow uses his elongated body to swing his joint-master back into the stadium. Tokoyami expertly lands onto the battlefield, he stands back up dusting himself of dirt and dust.
The raven-head crosses his arms before smirking at his stunned classmate. "How easy did you think this was going to be?"
The crowd is in a complete uproar over the upset, they had thought it to be over. That the main leader of the Tournament was already moving on, perhaps he's about to face his end.
Present Mic is cheering just as wildly as the crowd. "Way to go, Tokoyami! Way to keep this fight interesting! But be careful I'm sure XLR8 still has some tricks up his sleeves!"
XLR8 crouches down like a raptor that's ready to pounce in a moment's notice. He really thought he had it made with that last move. 'And knowing Tokoyami, it definitely won't work a second time. I need a new plan…a new means of attack…'
He raises his claw to cup his chin but as he raises it, he accidently reflects some light back at Dark Shadow who winces again when the reflected light shines onto its shadowy body.
The morphed Izuku picks up on that strange reaction. 'Wait…' He thinks back to how Dark Shadow reacted before: when the Omnitrix flashed green or when he shined light at it before on accident. 'I need to test it.'
He adjusts his claw and another reflection of light shines on Dark Shadow and this time the light strikes its head.
"Gah!" Dark Shadow reels back as if it got stabbed in the eye.
Tokoyami's eyes bulge wide with worry for a moment. "Dark Shadow?"
XLR8 internally gasps. 'No way.'
He shines light at it again and Dark Shadow yelps like he got burned.
'Seriously?!' XLR8 grins. 'His weakness is light?! Huh, I probably could have guessed that sooner.'
Tokoyami doesn't like that grin on his opponent's face. "End him!"
"Raaah!" The dark familiar races towards the blue raptor.
XLR8 zips away zigzagging across the field as Dark Shadow lashes out at him with a barrage of attacks. None of them land as XLR8 makes sharp pivots and changes directions.
'Alright, I know his weakness but now I need a way to exploit it.' XLR8 pivots and continues to speed away before Dark Shadow can grab him.
As he runs XLR8 glances down at his shiny metallic-like claws as a lightbulb goes off in his head. He ducks as Dark Shadow takes another swing at him.
"You cannot keep this up for much longer." taunts Tokoyami from behind his coiled barricade. "Surrender, there is no hope for victory."
The sprinting XLR8 comes to a halt and smirks. "I have a better idea." He adjusts both his claws, shining light onto Dark Shadow who reels back a bit as it gives a sharp yelp.
The reaction makes the alien smile before he zips off again making zig zagging motions all across the battlefield moving far too quickly for Dark Shadow to catch him. As the Kineceleran zips around he tries to find the best angles to reflect light from and redirect it at his opponent.
Each time light is reflected at Dark Shadow it winces and reels back as if it's getting stabbed from multiple directions. All the while the shadow begins to shrink in size by a few centimeters.
Tokoyami actually expresses an emotion, worry. "Dark Shadow, are you alright?!"
"Gah! It's the light!"
"Curses." Tokoyami scowls. 'It appears Midoriya discovered our weakness, we need to act, or we will certainly meet our demise.'
Tokoyami throws his hand forward. "Go, attack with all your might!"
Dark Shadow soars into action. "I'll give it my best shot!" It doesn't make it far as more light is shone its way making it halt as it loses a bit more power. "Dammit!"
Now that he's figured out the right angles, XLR8 begins to run around in a large blurry circle around Tokoyami and Dark Shadow as light glimmers off his claws.
"What is this?!" shouts Tokoyami as Dark Shadow retreats and coils around him, ready to protect its master. "You've already tried this trick once before! It won't work a second time."
The circling XLR8 is able to respond despite moving at such a high speed. "I know that! That's why I'm putting my own spin on things."
The frustrated Dark Shadow roars out. "What the hell are you talking about, dammit?!"
The glimmering lights increase in intensity and flickering, becoming even more consistent.
XLR8 chuckles. "Here, I'll enlighten you on the situation."
XLR8 kicks off even faster and now that he's got the right angles down packed there is little anyone can do to stop him. The blue blurry circle solidifies due to XLR8 moving so fast that he actually catches up to his after images giving the circle a more solid look and color, but as such the glimmering flickering reflected-sunlight have become so consistent that a beam of light trails alongside the inner circle, essentially making a ring of light.
"Special move! Halo Run!"
The reflected light shines like spotlights onto Dark Shadow and Tokoyami from all directions. Tokoyami is blinded by the reflected light and attempts to shield his eyes. Dark Shadow wheezes as it begins to shrink in size like a blade of grass losing all of its nutrients and water.
Tokoyami can only watch in horror as his barricade shrinks in size and Dark Shadow begins to slowly retreat back into his body, uncoiling the shadow shield.
"Oh, no! What's happening to Dark Shadow?! It's like he's wilting away."
XLR8 keeps Halo Run up, the light constantly on his opponent.
"Dark Shadow…" Tokoyami gazes down as Dark Shadow's tiny head sticks out from his midsection.
It looks up at its master and whimpers like it's lost the will to fight.
With his own Quirk out of commission there is no point in waiting for the inevitable. "I…surrender."
Midnight throws her hand into the air. "It's over! Midoriya will move on to the semi-finals!"
The entire stadium cheers in response.
Upon hearing the end of the fight, XLR8 finally begins to slow down, ending his Halo Run. He zips in front of his defeated opponent as Dark Shadow finally begins to return to its normal size.
Tokoyami sighs, accepting his loss. "How'd you know? Did my teammates say something?"
XLR8 tilts his head. "Teammates?" Oh, he means Bakugou and the others, figures they probably would have known. "Na it was the way Dark Shadow reacted when light reflected on it. It gave me a 'bright' idea." He chuckles at his lighthearted joke.
Tokoyami shows no reaction to the joke: either he didn't get it, or he doesn't care for it. "Well, it appears you have earned this victory." He offers up his hand in congratulations.
Of course the morphed Izuku takes it. "Thanks, you really did give me a run for my money."
The audience applaud both of their efforts, appreciating the display of sportsmanship.
"Nice show you guys!" claps Present Mic. "Wow, I wasn't sure how'd that go for a while."
XLR8 releases Tokoyami's hand just as the Omnitrix times out.
The bright red flash makes Dark Shadow yelp out in surprise. "Ah, the light! It burns!"
Tokoyami glares back at Izuku as if he was trying to show off his victory.
Izuku smiles sheepishly. "Hehe, sorry…"
"Five minutes now?" Tokoyami gazes down at Izuku's Omnitrix which has just flashed from red to green.
"Yeah, I think my recharge time sped up." Izuku holds up the Omnitrix as they both continue to make their way back to the viewing box. 'So, it wasn't the lifeguard mode that kicked in earlier. I guess the Omnitrix went through some sort of upgrade or something.'
Although this is great news it's somewhat somber: like it's a reminder of how very little he actually knows about this strange alien device.
"Hey well done you two." greets Mezo Shoji as they both return to the viewing box.
"T-thanks!" shouts a slightly embarrassed Izuku, who is still not used to all the praise and cheers he's been receiving all day.
Denki Kaminari winces in his seat grabbing at his ears "Ah! Keep down please…"
His ears are encased in specially made earmuffs that'll allow him to rest his ears. Although the ears are healed up, they are just a bit sensitive right now.
"Ah! Sorry!"
Kaminari winces again, grabbing at his aching eardrums.
"Ops…" whispers Izuku after making such a blunder. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine." replies Kyoka Jiro without a hint of remorse.
"Yeah but-"
"He's fine." she repeats. "He's just letting his lesson sink in." She turns to eye the electrical boy. "Right?"
A flash of trepidation crosses Kaminari's face as he rapidly nods his head. He solemnly swears to not pull anything of the sort again.
Meanwhile, Tokoyami takes a seat as he does Tsuyu Asui addresses him. "You did really well out there. I actually thought you would beat him."
Tokoyami sighs. "As did I but this just goes to show you how quickly battles can shift sides."
Hanta Sero leans forward, welcoming himself into the conversation. "So, light's your weakness huh?" In retrospect that should have been obvious.
"I know right?" questions Mina Ashido before she turns to Izuku. "But how'd you do that light thing?"
Yuga Aoyama is very interested to hear the answer too. "Wé wé, I had no idea you could sparkle as much as moi!"
Izuku sits down and is more than happy to explain. "I was reflecting sunlight off XLR8's claws and I guess I was moving so fast and reflecting so much light that it became super bright."
In the background one Momo Yaoyorozu remains silent, quietly simmering in feelings of dejection and shame. 'Light, huh… And such a creative use of your skills.' If she had known…she could have done so much more. She could have generated a freaking spotlight, flares, flash bangs, anything at all! And yet…she didn't. 'I couldn't even act. I wasn't fast enough like Midoriya nor was I able to analyze my opponent like he did… I was completely incompetent.' How can she be a hero if she hesitates? How can she fight if she has to stop and plan out each move? How?
At the same time, Izuku wraps up his explanation leaving some of his classmates in amazement.
Jiro blinks up at Izuku. "Wow, I never heard of anyone weaponizing the sunlight you reflect off your phone." She grabs at her head as if frustrated about the enigma that is Izuku Midoriya. "Man, not only do you have an amazing Quirk, but your mind is like dangerously scary. You might just win this all."
"I hope so." smiles the greenette.
"Now hang on a second, loser!" shouts an outraged Katsuki Bakugou. "I'm going to win this whole thing! So, watch me!"
Many of his classmates are quick to refute the mad bomber whereas Izuku simply laughs him off.
He peers around the viewing box noticing how a few of his classmates are missing. "Hey, where's Uraraka?"
"Hm?" Shoji didn't quite catch that.
Ibara Shiozaki of Class 1-B did, however. "She's in the waiting room, she'll be fighting Kendo after this next match."
Her hair has completely grown back after being burned away by Bakugou's Explosion. And Izuku is glad to see that it didn't affect her negatively, her temperament really is the opposite of Bakugou's.
Anyway speaking of the next match.
"The second match of Round Two!" yells Present Mic.
"Huh, perfect timing I guess."
"Both come from hero families, making this a battle of elites!"
Down on the battlefield both of the fighters are already in position.
"We have another speedster on our hands, but with a bit more of a kick it's Tenya Iida!"
Tenya's fist clenches from his sides, he's up against a tough opponent and it doesn't help that he feels a bit out done here because of Midoriya's showboating as a speedster himself. But he is the younger brother of the Turbo Hero: Ingenium! He will make his brother proud and move on to the semi-finals.
"He's up against a powerful opponent who has a pension for his cryokinetic side, Shoto Todoroki!"
Todoroki remains silent, he's calmed down considerably since his last bout, but it seems like he's still off his game.
But Iida has other plans. 'I can't negate his attacks. Plus if he uses his flames, even though he said he wouldn't, he'd be even more dangerous if I went against that.' He's determined to win despite the odds. 'Focus.'
"Start!"
Todoroki reacts first firing off a trail of ice that bursts out piercing icicles.
Iida easily evades the attack, sprinting to the left. He may not be able to reach the same speeds as XLR8 but he's still a lot faster than any normal human. 'He's not wasting any time.'
Iida swerves towards Todoroki making a beeline toward him.
The dual-haired teen plants his right hand to the side and launches another trail of ice that races forward to intercept Iida's path.
Iida plants his feet, skidding across against the ground, he pivots his body around and fires up his engines which thrust him back the way he came avoiding the ice.
"Iida's been surrounded!"
Iida stops finding himself trapped between two barricades of ice. The only way to freedom is through the creator of the ice himself.
The dual-haired teen doesn't let up as he fires off another trail of ice straight for the Engine Quirked fighter.
"Todoroki's going in for the win already!"
Iida isn't ready to let it end yet, he squats down revving up his Engines and just as the ice is about to reach him, he kicks himself into the air, leaping up and over the ice.
The standing long jump worked masterfully as Todoroki glared up at Iida who's leaping in the air just above his head.
While in midair, Iida swings his leg forward. "Recipro…Burst!" His Engines fire out blue flames as they roar into Todoroki's ears and with great power his kick rockets forward.
Todoroki drops down just in the nick of time, the kick swooping past his head by a hair, if it had landed, he definitely would have been in some real trouble.
'I have ten seconds before my engines stall!' Iida lands and then flips himself backwards into the air with his Engines still roaring with blue flames. 'Which means I have to win this right now!'
This kick connects, smashing down on Todoroki like a hammer slamming him into the battlefield.
"Look at that speed!"
Class 1-A gasp in surprise along with the rest of the stadium: someone was actually able to land a hit on Todoroki of all people. That's no small feat especially in this event.
Sero gasps. "That was a heavy hit."
Kaminari is just as astonished. "I didn't know he could kick like that."
Izuku is in agreement. "Not even XLR8 has that type of strength."
While still on the ground, Todoroki covers the ground in front of him with a sheet of ice in an attempt to halt Iida's movements.
Unfortunately for him, Iida predicted the attack and had already jumped back into the air, evading it. As he lands the speedster grips the back of Todoroki's shirt and immediately sprints away dragging the stunned boy behind him like a doll stuck to the side of a speeding sports car.
'Eight seconds left.' He rockets towards the edge of the battlefield. 'I've got this.' He's almost there just a few more seconds. 'I'll throw him out of bounds. Before he can-'
Something's wrong, very wrong. His legs…they won't move; his Engines stalled…early.
Iida hesitantly peers back at his leg, he was so close and a part of him hopes he doesn't see what he thinks happened to him. "My muffler's blocked!" The mufflers of his Engines are encased in a thick layer of ice. "When did you-?"
Todoroki grips Iida's arm and ice immediately begins to crawl its way up his flesh. "When you kicked me." He replies as the ice continues to flow upward on Iida's body. "I've only been showing off ranged attacks today. You forgot I could do precision moves, too, didn't you?"
Well it doesn't matter what his answer is, because it's over. Iida is completely encased in a tomb of ice with only his head sticking out. Even as the speedster struggles within his imprisonment trying to break free, his will won't allow him to give up yet.
The scarred teen holds the side of his head as he stands back up. "I was trying to dodge your Recipro, but it was too fast to avoid, even for me."
Midnight is happy to call an end to this match. "Iida has been immobilized. Todoroki advances!"
The stadium cheer as Present Mic announces the win. "Todoroki moves on to the semi-finals where he'll be up against our previous winner, Izuku Midoriya!"
Todoroki gazes up at the viewing box where Izuku sits watching the battlefield with a bit of trepidation in his eyes. 'You're next Midoriya, and I'll show that bastard just how strong my ice really is.'
"Poor Iida…" frowns Izuku as he watches his friend struggle within the ice.
He thinks back to Tenya's own dream, to be like his brother, Ingenium, a hero that's efficient and reliant. He can bet that Iida was hoping to make his brother proud. And if Izuku's heard right about Ingenium then there's no doubt that he is proud of his younger brother despite the loss.
Iida continues to struggle in place but eventually even he knows it's futile. "I'm sorry, brother."
Hopefully, Iida was still able to make his dear brother proud despite the loss, assuming he's even watching right now.
Meanwhile, Ochaco Uraraka watches from the TV within the waiting room.
A shiver runs down her spine as she watches Iida slump in defeat within his tomb of ice. "Todoroki's…so strong and…he has so much more control over his Quirk than I do."
She gazes down at her hands, clenching them into fists. "But…I've been working hard too. And if I want to win then I can't afford to hesitate, and I need to playthings smart. I'll use all of my skills, smarts, and power to my full advantage."
She'll show that she's here, here for them, and here to stay. No matter what the Sports Festival throws at her,
"Alright." She shoots out of her seat. "It's my turn."
"Aright, folks! Now that the ice has been cleared let's move onto our next line up of competitors!" As Present Mic announces the match, the jumbotrons flash two images of the female fighters.
"We're pinning two teammates against each other for this match. They're both fierce woman warriors with fiery spirits! It's Ochaco Uraraka from Class 1-A!"
Ochaco grips her knuckles and wrists loosening them up for the upcoming fight. 'I'm going to have to rely on Zero-Gravity here. One For All is too unstable right now and if I screw it up, I'll be at a major disadvantage especially if I miss.' And if she loses an arm or hand to the pain then Kendo will have an easier time defeating her.
"Versus! Class 1-B's Itsuka Kendo!"
Itsuka Kendo smiles at Ochaco from across the starting positions. "No hard feelings when you lose, alright?"
Ochaco scowls. " I was about to say the same thing."
Kendo frowns, not expecting such a serious expression, but after a moment to consider it she smiles. 'She's serious. Alright, no messing around then.' She readies her stance. "Give me everything you got."
If Ochaco is going to give this her all then she's for sure going to do that same.
"Begin!"
Both of the girls kick off, charging straight for each other ready to deliver the first strikes of the match.
Kendo lashes out first, throwing her fist forward.
While still in motion Ochaco falls to her knees, sliding past Kendo's fist just as it enlarges, it just barely breezes past her face.
Ochaco ends up behind Kendo, where she leaps forward with her hand extended to float the orange-haired girl into the air.
Unfortunately for Ochaco, Kendo predicted such a move and twists her body around with her other hand extended out. Her hand expands and slams against the side of Ochaco's head.
"Gah!" The brunette grunts as she's tossed to the side, she lands face down on the ground with a hard thud.
Before the gravity girl can make a move, Kendo is already over her. She slams down her enlarged hands on top of Ochaco's back, pinning her in place. and pins Ochaco in place.
"Ow, that's smart!" shouts Present Mic. "I bet Uraraka's feeling that. She started off well, but it appears Kendo's training has given her the upper hand! Is it the end for Uraraka?"
The martial artist grins down at her foe. "I thought I told you to give me everything you got?"
Ochaco groans and glares at Kendo. "We're just…starting!"
Unlike with Kirishima who was pinned down on his back by this exact move, Ochaco is on her belly and so she is actually able to place her hands in stable locations giving her a much-needed boost. Although Kendo tries to keep her down, Ochaco is able to push her large hand up just enough to launch herself forward and away from Kendo's grasp.
"She's free!"
Ochaco doesn't waste any time, she turns right around and pounces at the member of Class 1-B. "Rahhh!" Her fist connects with the side of Kendo's face.
Kendo spins back in a daze but she quickly stabilizes herself, even so she's in such a daze after that strike to the head that Ochaco has another opportunity to attack.
"I'll beat you!" Ochaco, in heat of the moment, throws another punch.
Kendo smirks as she expertly blocks the incoming swing with her arm. "Is that so?"
Before Ochaco can so much as gasp in surprise, the wind is knocked out of her as Kendo drives her fist into Ochaco's gut. As it connects her hand expands and thrusts Ochaco back with greater force.
Despite the pain and her aching abdomen, Ochaco runs straight back into the fight with no hesitation. She is not going to let a bit of bruising keep her down and prevent her from achieving victory. She'll beat Kendo and her next opponent with the same ferocity all so she can achieve her dream.
Kendo remains still and allows Ochaco to get close before she throws a sideways chop her way. Ochaco once again slides across the ground to avoid it, however, this time she kicks her leg out and sweeps the martial artist's legs right from under her.
With her opponent down, Ochaco pounces atop of her, landing on Kendo's abdomen Ochaco delivers a barrage of punches to Kendo's head and upper body. "I will win!"
Kendo grunts and groans from the strikes even as she is able to use her free arms to block the hard punches. 'She's really unrelenting…good then I can really earn this win.'
She's also noted that Ochaco is essentially running off pure adrenaline right about now, especially after all these hard hits they've been exchanging. The gravity girl isn't thinking straight otherwise she'd have used her Zero-Gravity Quirk by now. She's just running off instinct and the will to fight on.
"Holy cow! After taking a beating, Uraraka is now the one giving it! What a slugfest!"
Ochaco continues to throw punch after punch, eventually she rears her fist a little too far back and that gives Kendo plenty of time to react. Ochaco throws her knuckles forward but the expert fighter of the match grabs her wrist, stopping the strike from landing. Kendo then pulls Ochaco's fist and uses her leg to kick Ochaco off and over her.
The brunette lands on the ground with a thud, groaning as both her and Kendo get back up on their feet. Both stagger in place with scuff marks as they both turn to face each other, raising their fist as they square off once again.
Ochaco has her fists out in front of her, after a few calming breaths she looks down at her hands before releasing her fists opening them up and remembering her Zero-Gravity Quirk. 'Guess I was way too into the fight.' She flexes her fingers. 'I need to get in close if I want to float her up and push her out off the field.'
She runs forward, her hands at her sides and ready to connect with Kendo when she makes her own move. Ochaco keeps her eyes on Kendo's hands, the expandable hands that can boost her physical attacks. Ochaco watches as the hands ready to defend their owner as their opponent is upon them.
The brunette lashes out her open hand, keeping her focus on Kendo's hands in case they make a move, but before her hand can so much as touch a hair of Kendo's head, her own feet are swept from under her as Kendo delivers a sweeping kick.
As Ochaco falls, Kendo swings her body around, building momentum that she uses to deliver a karate kick right into Ochaco's side, knocking her away.
As Ochaco tumbles across the ground she realizes her mistake: she was too focused on Kendo's Quirk and had forgotten that this girl has trained her entire body to fight, not just her hands.
"It appears Kendo has the advantage once again!" Present Mic turns to his co-host. "Been awhile since you've said anything. Thoughts?"
Aizawa reluctantly takes the mic. "Kendo has spent years honing her craft whereas Uraraka is basing her techniques off past experiences. Both are reliable sources of fighting but a good combination of both is what's needed to succeed."
Ochaco pushes herself up, glaring at Kendo as she presses her hands together. 'If I can't get in close then I'll attack from afar!' She's going to try and pull off a Zero-Gravity Field, which should float Kendo up and make it easier for the gravity wielder to send her out of bounds.
Kendo picks up on the change and recalls what her team leader did during the Cavalry Battle. So with the wisdom that Ochaco has to concentrate to use Zero-Gravity Field, Kendo goes on the offensive.
Just as Zero-Gravity and One For All are building up, a strike to Ochaco's head breaks her focus and the technique dissipates. Ochaco tries to focus and unleash her Quirk but Kendo is not making it easy. Kendo continues with the assault throwing chops, jabs, and kicks that keep Ochaco unfocused and unbalanced. Every strike that lands with precise aim and honed strength ensuring each hit delivers affliction to Ochaco.
"It's not looking good for Class 1-A's resident golden girl. How will she get through this?!"
Ochaco stumbles backwards, barely keeping herself upright as Kendo uppercuts her in the gut, grabs her head and pushes her back some more. With all of this trauma and motion she can't focus on One For All or get a hand on Kendo to use Zero-Gravity. And her opponent is not going easy on her, if this keeps up, she'll either be so exhausted and pained that she can't move or get thrown out of the battlefield herself.
She needs to break through Kendo's onslaught, but how? The only way is to use All Might's Quirk, but she can't thanks to Kendo, she needs to focus! Or maybe not…she shouldn't focus; she needs to just let One For All flow on its own. She keeps forgetting that, but it's easier said than done. Well now's as good a time as any to give it a go, and even if it cripples her at the very least, she'll give herself a fighting chance.
Ochaco breathes in and out even as another kick connects with her side, if anything the kick pushes her will forward and One For All begins to flow through Ochaco's arm radiating a pink heavenly light.
Kendo swings her hand back and over to deliver a hard chop but Ochaco's charged up arm intercepts it and brings the attack to an immediate halt.
Ochaco's eyes glow with determination and One For All as her leg that's also been supercharged glows brightly. "Yahh!" Ochaco throws her foot forward, kicking Kendo away in a blast of wind and debris.
The martial artist rolls across the battlefield, moving so fast that she'll be kicked right off the field. But not one to allow this to end so soon, Kendo expands her hands and claws her fingers into the ground. Her fingers scrape against the cement before she comes to a halt just a few feet away from the edge.
Kendo pushes herself back up, groaning as her hands shrink back to normal. "That hurt."
Ochaco breathes heavily as One For All dissipates. Her arm and leg aren't broken or swollen, but they are strained, almost numb. She's almost unable to move them, at least at first but they are definitely strained and will definitely slow her down.
Present Mic is grinning wildly from the commentator's booth. "Both fighters are battered, bruised, and tired but neither of their wills have given in yet. They'll continue until the other's spirit breaks first!"
Kendo, who is the only one that's actually able to move right now, charges straight for the weakened gravity user.
Ochaco scowls preparing herself for the attack. 'Not yet.'
"Rahh!" Kendo releases a battle cry as she continues her charge.
'Not yet.'
"Prepare to lose!"
'Now!' Ochaco slams her hands together and releases a burst of her Zero-Gravity Field that explodes out and envelops the entire battlefield.
Kendo, with precise timing, leaps forward and tackles Ochaco, flinging them both into the air where they float and spin in the air. Because of her own will Ochaco is able to keep the Zero-Gravity Field going. Although it has considerably shrunk and is smaller than the battlefield itself.
"And once again there's Uraraka's signature Zero-Gravity Field!" proclaims the booming pro hero. "But that's just a medium to show us an all-out midair wrestling match!"
"Oh, it's so exciting!" screams Midnight.
The two competitors grapple and wrestle in the air, pushing and gripping at each other trying to get the other to give up first.
"I'm not going to lose this!" Ochaco holds her focus as she delivers a punch to Kendo's face.
While they continue to spin in the air, Kendo snarls and throws her own. "Neither will I!" Bam! Her punch lands but Ochaco keeps her grip on Kendo's preventing herself from flying away.
This goes back and forth with each one delivering attack after attack while defending with sheer unyielding determination. This continues until Ochaco finally takes note of how dangerously close they are to the edge of the battlefield.
With the best possible timing, Ochaco releases the Zero-Gravity Field, making it burst apart and throwing the two of them back towards the Earth.
Both Kendo and Ochaco collapse onto the ground, landing beside each other; breathing heavily as they both lose their breaths. Before their lungs can even refill or before they can even get themselves off the ground, the two are back to throwing jabs, kicks, and punches at each other.
But Kendo clearly has the upper hand as she is able to land more chops and kicks against Ochaco by twisting her body around to deliver swift hits. Ochaco does her best to defend herself, grabbing Kendo's limbs and redirecting them before they can land.
Kendo, the fastest of the two at the moment, gets back up first. "Rahh!" Her hand enlarges as she begins to throw it downward, intending to smash Ochaco into the ground.
All Might's successor instinctively rolls out of the way just as the fist smashes into the ground. Acting quickly, Ochaco slaps her hand against Kendo's large hand.
Kendo gasps as she feels her body become weightless and begin to float upward.
Ochaco jumps up, intending to throw her opponent out of the arena.
"Oh, no you don't!" Kendo spins her body backwards and delivers a powerful roundhouse kick and lands onto Ochaco's head.
Kendo is pushed upward as Ochaco is knocked onto the ground with a throbbing headache.
Despite the pain and her pounding mind, Ochaco reels up as One For All charges within her hand.
"Rahh! She jumps up and throws her fist forward, her attack can in no way reach her opponent, but as the punch is thrust forward a powerful gale of wind is generated and collides with Kendo.
Kendo is sent spiraling out of control until she's flown right out of the arena from the opposite end, a sudden cement wall via Cementoss stops Kendo from flying away any further. Although the wall did not provide her a soft stop.
The chief umpire, Midnight, cracks her whip into the air. "It's over! Ochaco will move on to the semi-finals!"
As the crowd roars in delight, Ochaco finally allows herself a moment to rest, falling back onto her butt as she tries to calm her racing heart. "That was intense, uh." Hopefully her next match won't be as intense, at least she hopes so.
Ochaco winces as she grips her hand. "Ow!"
Her hand's swollen with pain, looks like she used too much power with that last attack. Speaking of which, she had no idea she could do that. Sure she generates a whirlwind when she broke free of Shinso's Brainwashing, but this was different. She didn't even consider using that gale to attack before. 'I wonder what else I can do.'
The stadium continues to applaud as the fighters stagger back to the middle of the field.
Midnight is happy to congratulate the two. "Well done on a fabulous and enticing match, girls! I wish you both luck in the future and I hope you both carry the same intensity in your future endeavors!"
The crowd cheers as the two battered girls stand before each other.
Ochaco would offer a hand to shake, but her's feel like it's on fire so she'll pass on that. "You…were really something…out there."
Kendo nods, she's covered in scuff marks and scratches, but she's standing a bit taller than Ochaco who actually walked away with more injuries. "I can say that same for you, although I wish the outcome was different."
Ochaco frowns. "It almost was, you're a really skilled fighter. I kinda…wish I had some training like you…"
Kendo is silent for a moment before a thought crosses her mind. "Would you like me to teach you some moves?"
Ochaco's eyes go wide as her head pops up. "Huh?!"
"What I mean is, you're good but you don't have a definite way of fighting. I think it'd benefit you if you learned some real fighting techniques." The martial artist grabs at the back of her head. "Plus, you'd make for a really good sparring partner."
Ochaco's face lights up, this is probably the best news she could have gotten right now. "That'd be great! I promise to take it seriously and learn all that I can!"
Kendo chuckles at Ochaco's sudden enthusiasm. "Great, but keep in mind I'll be training hard too for next time."
Ochaco beams. "Of course."
"So, tired." Whines the gravity manipulator of Class 1-A as she makes her way back to the viewing box after being stuck in the Nurses' Room for so long.
She shakes her head, ridding herself of the exhaustion. "No, I can't get lazy now! I still have another fight ahead of me. I can't afford to let myself become drained." Huh, maybe she should grab an energy drink and a quick snack before the semi-finals begin.
She can see the entrance of the viewing box, and soon she'll be back with her friends and classmates.
"Bakugou's vicious attacks are unstoppable!"
Ochaco enters and takes note of how nobody has noticed her reentry, their eyes are too focused on the fight taking place back on the battlefield.
Things are not looking good for Jiro, she's completely defenseless against Bakugou's Explosions.
Bakugou throws explosive punch after explosive punch, forcing Jiro back in an attempt to evade the blasts, but Bakugou is faster and many of his attacks land.
Before they know it, Bakugou cups his hands together and thrusts them forward. "Die!" He releases a combined explosive beam that fires into Jiro and blasts her right out of the arena with a trail of heat, ash, and debris.
And with one move the final match of Round Two is already over and Midnight's announcement isn't actually needed but a welcomed confirmation. "Jiro is out and Bakugou will continue to the semi-finals!"
Even though he won with ease, that fact actually pisses off the ash-blonde. 'Dammit! I want a really fucking challenge!' Literally everyone else but him has had an epic and well-earned fight, but him!
He glares up at the viewing box. 'You better bring your A-game, Roundface. Because I'll kill you and then win this whole stupid competition!'
As Bakugou stomps off the battlefield before he can give his respects to his opponent, Izuku watches his ex-friend from within the waiting room.
He decided to get here early even though there's going to be a thirty-minute break before the start of the semi-finals. He just needs a minute to gather his thoughts. After all he's going up against Todoroki, who's had it out for him since the start of the Sports Festival. Also, there's the boy's past to consider, it doesn't sit right in Izuku's stomach that Todoroki's had to go through so much. And now…now he's about to go into the fight knowing what it means for the dual-Quirked teenager.
No doubt it will not be an easy match, Todoroki's going to throw everything he can at him just to prove to him and his old man that he can be a hero without his flames. But…is that really possible? Can one be a hero if they don't use their full power?
To Izuku only one answer comes to mind: No, they can't. A hero's job is to save and protect others, but if a hero willingly handicaps themselves for such a petite reason…then why bother becoming a hero? If he wanted to spit his father's wishes, why even join U.A.? Wouldn't the ultimate slap to the face for Endeavor be his own son turn his back on heroism and seek out a normal life?
Then again, there's got to be more to it. Clearly Todoroki wants to be a hero, a great one at that, but he'll never accomplish that, not while he holds himself back. Because as of right now Izuku is not Todoroki's worst enemy, but himself and his spitefulness.
And Izuku will show him, will help him, to realize what it means to be a hero. Just you wait and see.
How It Should Have Ended
"Alright, alright, alright! I think those two are more than ready to get started. So without a further ado, begin!" shouts Present Mic.
And like that the first match of Round Two has officially begun.
Tokoyami shouts into the air. "Dark Shadow!"
"On it, boss!" Dark Shadow flies out of his master's chest.
Izuki grips the Omnitrix just as Dark Shadow pounces upon him, its claw reaching for the Omnitrix.
Izuku, not one to fall for that twice, swings his body around using it to block Dark Shadow's reach.
"You gotta be more original than that!" He slams down on the Omnitrix before Dark Shadow tries to pull off any more tricks.
Dark Shadow reels back as the bright green light flashes giving the transformed Izuku plenty of elbow room.
"And XLR8 is-wait bzz!" Buzzshock peers down at his miniscule stature. "Aw, man. I wanted speed not a tiny night light!"
"Ha ha ha! Midoriya's become Buzzshock! A tiny battery with the ability to zap his opponents like a taser gun."
Buzzshock grabs his head. "Come on Omnitrix bzz. Tokoyami's Dark Shadow can defend against my electricity bzz. How is Buzzshock supposed to do anything bzz?"
Tokoyami's eyes giveaway a hint of trepidation. "Dark Shadow!"
"I've got him!" Dark Shadow lunges at the morphed Izuku.
"Ah!" In a panic the little Nosedeenian lashes out, firing off a beam of bright electricity.
The beam isn't that powerful, but it sparks against Dark Shadow's black exterior.
The fiend reels back in pain. "Yahhh!" His stature becomes noticeably smaller.
"What tha bzz?" Peering at his stubby hands, Buzzshock fires off another ray of electricity.
Dark Shadow attempts to evade it but the bright light makes it wince.
Buzzshock blinks before putting two and two together. "No way bzz. Is your weakness actually…light bzz?"
Tokoyami can't bother to look the morphed Izuku in the eyes.
The tiny menace grins before soaring up towards Dark Shadow as he builds up the electricity inside of him. And when it's just enough, the Nosedeenian discharges the electricity across the field.
The electrical wave shocks both Dark Shadow and its master, and thanks to the light generated Dark Shadow shrinks to about the same size as Buzzshock.
"Hehe, it's nice not being the only little guy bzz."
Tokoyami peers down at his weakened familiar before peering back up at his opponent. He is unfamiliar with this form and judging from what he's seen, it does not have a limit like that of Kaminari. In other words, he's basically fighting Midoriya without a Quirk. And so with all this to consider there's only one real choice.
"I surrender."
And so that was Ch.25 Competition, did you like it? Was it worth the wait? I sure hope it was. Well I'm hoping to be on time with Ch.26 which is the long awaited Izuku vs. Todoroki match up. I already have it all planned out on how I want it to go so just please be patient and we will get right into it.
*So many of you assumed that I would be using Buzzshock or Feedback to fight against Tokoyami. I decided against that because Izuku is actually unaware of Tokoyami's weakness in this version. The only reason he knew about it in canon was because Tokoyami himself told him about it. So in this universe Izuku had a different strategy in mind to take on Tokoyami, and that was to be faster than him which failed.
*The HISHE/Omaki served to also explain that the fight between Buzzshock and Dark Shadow would have been considerably boring in comparison to what we got.
*Also I chose XLR8 because he has not been able to take part in a real battle yet and so I thought it was long overdue. And hence why I inserted him into this fight.
*In case you missed it, Izuku's Omnitrix has had a little upgrade. It can now recharge in five minutes rather than ten minutes. That said it is still the same original design as that of the original Omnitrix.
*Ochaco vs. Bakugou will be a separate chapter (Ch.27) for itself.
*Finally, these next two fight will have some higher stakes and are the ones I am most looking forward to.
Responses to "Guest" reviewers for Ch.24:
Aztec 13: This chapter is awesome with each of the matches the best ones were Ochaco vs Shinso, there both shows off their fighting skills with Ochaco learning a moves from her past adventures, now the rest of the matches were fun to read especially one with Jiro and Kaminari with Jiro giving Kaminari a piece of her mind after the whole cheerleader trick. All might mentioning Avatar last Airbender wow nice reference, can't wait for the next chapter please continue.
CreateGunner1209: I'm happy you enjoyed Ch.24 and left such a nice review. There was a lot I liked about the last chapter and I'm glad you enjoyed it too. I thought the fight between Jiro and Kaminari was hilarious. And finally I always saw OFA as sort of the Avatar of this universe so I went with it.
Atom king: This is an other awesome chapter, so the match at the beginning of the chapter is lida vs Mei and play out the same with Mei using lida to show her inventions, the match after theirs is Ochaco and Shinso both showing the skills that both have learned, now when Ochaco was under mind control from Shinso what broke her from the mind control was seeing the past holders of one for all from there it became a good old fashioned fight between Ochaco and Shinso, I agree with Eraserhead that people like Shinso with powers that aren't physical don't get a chance to join the heroes class, now I want Shinso become a plumber even more that way he can be hero, anyway after the match Izuku and Ochaco gave Shinso a pep talk that he can still be hero but I thought Izuku would be immune to Shinso powers since he's buzzshock when he talk to him, since in ultimate alien Ben whenever he's a alien he's immune to dagon mind control and Zs'Skayr's possession?
Now the two matches after Ochaco and Shinso were fun with Jiro putting the fear of God in Kaminari and Kirishima fighting Kendo showing how different the two are with their fighting styles with kirishima being a brawler and kendo a skill martial artist especially with her power to grow her hands like Mrs marvel, I wonder will she learn to grow other parts of her body and will she joined the plumbers too?
Now the last match of the is between Bakugou and Ibara and a short one at that Bakugou barely give lbara a chance to fight back, so looks like Bakugou still need work on his attitude, I hope ether Izuku or Ochaco will beat him off his high horse for good.
I love the Avatar the last Airbender reference all might try to use it to explain to Ochaco how one for all works since it takes in a bit from each holder can't wait for Ochaco to unlock and learn each new power that one for all has hidden.
CreateGunner1209: Thanks for the review and I'm really glad you enjoyed CH.24. As for your statement about Izuku being able to be immune to mind control because Ben had that ability. All I have to say is that what they did in the show for that stuff was complete bullshit, it was just heavy-duty plot armor because they got lazy on that aspect and needed a way for Ben to stay the good guy. So I ignored that for this story and made Izuku susceptible to mind control. If Izuku ends up being immune or resistant then I'll be sure to have a reason for it, until then he can be manipulated by others including Shinso.
As for who and who won't join the Plumbers, you'll just have to wait and see.
Well anyway I'm glad you enjoyed the other matches and I really hope you enjoyed these match ups too.
BlueRanger-Lyric (all 3 reviews): Nice chapter there, I really liked how everything played out, but I do hope Jirou will soon think maybe she went too far again Kaminari, and maybe feel a little bad for what she did to him, I wonder if Recovery Girl will even scold Jirou for going too far against Kaminari and convince her to apologise to him, not to say she wouldn't scold Kaminari for the part he played in on her and the other girls, getting him to apologise to her as well, I don't know, maybe I just want to see a Kaminari X Jirou
But still, I think they should at least be on better term with each other, so they can get along better, maybe even have a relationship later on
Of course by her Scolding Kaminari and getting him to apologise, I meant Recovery Girl doing that to him too, to try and get both of them to get along and not do that to each other again
CreateGunner1209: I also ship Kaminari X Jirou but if I go through it then it will occur later. Besides Kamianri kinda had this coming. Besides this will force Jiro to keep an eye on Kaminari in the future and thus they'll have to interact more for that to occur. Also I might give Kaminari an upgrade to his hero costume just because of his experience with Jiro.
JackKnifeDrum: Hello, I hope you're having a great day.
There's something I just started thinking about why Vilgax is taking so long to be healed in your story? The reason I ask is because in the original show it took him maybe a month or less to be healed so I'm just wondering what's taking him, besides for plot reasons of course, in universe reasons just wondering.
CreateGunner1209: Thanks and I hope you're having a great day too. So I thought about it and basically Vilgax being healed in less than a month is just some major plot armor. Because even with alien technology you don't just regrow your entire body, gain your strength, and regain consciousness within a month. Also I sort of hinted to this but Vilgax's ship is far from his own planet and resources so to get the proper materials to keep him alive and regrow him has taken some time to get to him. In this universe no one can travel to a planet galaxies away in just a minute. It takes some time. I will be addressing these points eventually, especially the Vilgax stuff.
KnightKing: Awesome I promise you won't regret it, let me know when finally decide to read 5yl and let me know what you thought of it. On another note, this chapter was simply amazing every individual fight scene brought me increasing levels of enjoyment.
CreateGunner1209: Sorry I haven't been able to read it yet because of my house flooding I'll try to get on it when I can. But I m happy to hear that you enjoyed Ch.24 as much as I did.
Aztec 13 (again): I can't wait for the internship arc to happen cause I want to see who Izuku will intern under, I think it'll be interesting if he intern for Endeavor but the main reason is the hero hunter Stain cause his powers is that he needs to eat a person blood to paralyzed them and depending on type of blood a person has is how long a person is paralyzed now if he face Izuku while he's a alien so what would happen if he ate some alien blood like will he get sick and come to think of it some aliens don't have blood like buzzshock or diamondhead what will happen than or will Izuku have his own adventure during the internship?
Please continue
CreateGunner1209: So Izuku will partake in the Satin arc but I have something in mind for how that battle goes and I rather not give anything away. Sorry, but it's for the best.
Guest: I want to see the Omniverse alien bloxx to show up in story soon like during the tournament I think he would be popular towards the little kids and I think bloxx would be perfect for what comes next after the sports festival.
CreateGunner1209: Thanks for the review, I'm always happy to hear what you'd guys like to see. Anyway like I said in my Author's Notes at the beginning of this chapter, I have a set of fine rules that I am following on how to introduce aliens. That said I think I understand what you mean and it would definitely be interesting to see how Bloxx handles the MHA universe.
Juicy fruit: Fantastic chapter, I like that you take every chance you can to implement the alien transformations
CreateGunner1209: Thank you, I try my best to include the aliens when I can.
Ben10nMHAfan: Like how you explained how Monoma's Quirk doesn't work on Izuku for a reason, still I wonder if it's possible for Monoma to be able to copy not just Quirks but Alien Abilities as well?
For Izuku vs Shoto Fight, I just assume Articguana (or any Ice base Alien's) would be a logical choice to pick and something to add in each MHA Ark, sorry for not saying anything sooner but I'm sure no matter what Alien you pick it will be cool anyway... When say "cool" I'm telling you pick a *Beep* Ice Alien. (Joking, I just couldn't resist)
After this sport festival is over the next thing that will come will be the Heroe naming and the sponsors.
The Hero naming will be something Izuku will be excited for showing off to the class of what each "hero form" name he has given with pride, that is until that someone question what HIS Hero name would be and not the Alien's.
Something I can Imagine Izuku hasn't thought of before.
Second would be sponsorship's, don't know why but I can imagine him being picked the most compared to the rest of his classmates.
CreateGunner1209: Thanks I need to address Monoma's Quirk before people got too excited about something that wouldn't occur. Also I don't think his Quirk would work on aliens but I may change that. Well, we'll soon have the Izuku vs. Todoroki fight so stay tuned, it's going to be a good one. So I'm not really going to have Izuku list off all of his aliens' names, but I do have something fun planned for that chapter. Thanks for the great review and I hope you enjoyed Ch.25 just as much.