That morning
Within the confines of his bedroom, Izuku stood in bed and took a deep breath. He conjured forth One for All, feeling the surge of power rush through him as he pictured the image in his head. He has done this ritual over the past week ever since that early morning run with Parker. Every morning, everyday after school, and every night he would conjure One for All at five percent, do workouts, and throw punches and kicks in the center of his room or in a bathroom stall at U.A. He didn't want to use the Battle Centers for practice, as he wanted to use the Sports Festival as an opportunity to surprise his peers.
He began to do simple workouts, like pushups and pull ups, noticing how much easier it was now as he glowed green. After a few sets, Izuku plopped down and got dressed in his running fatigues. School was starting a bit later than usual since today was the big day of the Sports Festival. The event was to begin at noon, with the First Year class of U.A. set to arrive on campus at nine. It was five now, which meant he had a good hour before he had to eat breakfast and get dressed.
Izuku left his apartment quietly and made it to the beach, taking a deep breath as he walked along Dagoba Beach's sands. He saw the many lifeguard towers and got into a running position. He felt his power wash over him like a shroud, the red lines surging then fading as green lightning crackled over him.
One step closer to becoming like All Might!
He can do this!
"One for All… Five Percent!" He took off in a run, sand kicking out under him like an explosion. He's got it! He can run and move!
But… "Too fast!"
He tripped on some sand, and fell, rolling in a heap. Izuku's head popped out of the dune, and he spat out sand and coughed.
"Okay…" He stood up, groaning as he patted himself, getting the sand off of him. The boy took a deep breath and channeled his power.
It's like learning how to ride a bike. Just got to get used to it.
(X)
"What do you mean I have to be outside security!?" Yu shrieked.
The rookie heroine winced, her gaze gingerly going to the door of her room. Two inches of wood wasn't much to block the sound, and she just promised Peter that she was going to be quite so he could finish his speech.
Which meant Peter got to throw out an awesome opening statement for the world to hear!
And Shinji thought that Peter wasn't going anywhere until he was at least a second year. HA!
Speaking of her wood-using colleague, Yu heard a groan from the other end of the line.
"We've been over this Yu," Shinji sighed, "These are direct orders from the U.A faculty and the chief of police. The decision has been made."
"Oh I know a decision has been made, but since it's a stupid decision I'm calling you to correct it! Put Fukuda on the line! I know him." Yu huffed.
There was a bang on the other end of the line, no doubt Shinji finally giving into Yu's demands!
"No."
Or not.
Yu pouted, even though the man couldn't see it.
"Can I at least have a break when Peter comes on?"
"I don't know, maybe," Shinji said, "You'll have to take it up with Death Arms, he's the one in charge of your unit."
Yu hummed, "So you're saying there's a chance."
"... goodbye Takeyama."
"No wait!" Yu shrieked, but the line cut off.
Yu glared at the phone in her hand. That jerk! Just one small favor, was that too much to ask? Oh well, it's not all lost. There was still Death Arms.
Who she's never really gotten the chance to talk to… oh boy.
Well, Yu will deal with that when she gets to the arena. Speaking of that, she'd better get moving. Last thing she needed to be was late, even if it was the worst job there.
"Peter," Yu called, "Are you all set?"
There was a pause, and Yu could've swore she heard something fall from the other room.
"Y-Yeah!"
Yu frowned, that didn't sound to confident.
"You have your uniform?" She asked, slipping her mask over her eyes.
"I'm wearing it," Peter replied, wearing his red, white and blue U.A. PE suit.
Smartass.
"Your web shooters?" Yu pushed, even as she checked her makeup in the mirror. She'd need to get new eyeliner soon, this fade was not working for her anymore.
"I'm getting those at the arena!"
Yu blinked, "Why?"
"Something about no last minute changes," Peter replied with a shrug.
Huh, makes sense. Taking one last look, Yu figured she was at least passable if not above average for the reporters there. Even if everyone's attention should be on the kids, a little shot here and there wouldn't be too much to ask.
"Well you should finish up we're about to…" her voice trailed off as she actually got a look at Peter.
The boy was nose deep in a script that had been sitting on the kitchen table for days now.
Peter's speech. They got a call a few days ago from Aizawa saying that, as the student with the highest score on the practical, Peter was obligated to represent the first years in the opening ceremony of the festival.
Initially, Yu winced at the news. Peter never struck her as the speech giving type, and in front of pretty much every able bodied person in Japan watching, it would only make it worse.
Instead he seemed… oddly okay with it. Sure he was shaking up a storm when he got the news, but after the initial shock wore off, he started writing.
Apparently he had some idea what he should say, cause Yu has no clue.
All she knew was that Peter looked ready to burn a hole in that paper with how hard he was staring at it.
"You okay Peter?" She asked.
The boy glanced up, his free hand gripping the table for support.
"I'm good, I'm good," Peter said, "Just… trying to get the words down."
"Nervous?" Yu asked.
Peter nodded, his head shaking like a bobble head.
"Yeah but it's not like it'll be that bad. I mess up I'm just messing up in front of… everyone… oh boy," Peter started to pale at the thought.
"Don't worry about it!" Yu said quickly, "Just ah, take a deep breath before you start! Yeah, deep breath."
Peter glanced up giving her a questioning look that made the heroine wilt.
"I don't know," she admitted, "They didn't have speech class when I was in school ok."
"They didn't have it when I was going through either," Peter pointed out.
Yu felt her smile dip, "But you're fine."
Peter chuckled nervously, but he clearly didn't believe her. Pouting a little, she walked up and gave his hair a quick rough shake. He reacted instantly, almost before her hand even touched his hair. Yu smirked,and attacked with her other hand, forcing Peter to go on the defensive. He could've shoved her back, she knew that, but Peter just tried to swat her hands aside, barely containing a stupid laugh as he did so.
"Knock it off," Peter chuckled lightly.
"Only when you stop being a sour puss," Yu responded, reaching for his head once more.
She couldn't get it, and when she finally stopped, she winked at him.
"It's just a little speech. Barely take a minute, and hey, you can just imagine you're All Might."
"All Might?" Peter repeated.
"Yeah, you know, all smiles, puffed up chest, just look confident and you'll make it work," Yu said.
She jerked her head, "Now come on, I gotta be there early for security so your heading over soon too."
"Ok ok I'm coming," Peter grumbled, but even as he rolled his eyes, he couldn't stop the smirk spreading across his face.
And that's what Yu was hoping for. A big old smile from the best in class 1a. That's what Peter needed to be today.
It's what he was going to be.
"Just remember to knock em dead Peter," Yu reminded.
"I ah, don't think I should."
"Well, not with that attitude."
(X)
Everyone within the locker room was on edge. Peter could sense it as he walked in after changing into his U.A. Gym Uniform. His web shooters, approved by the Evaluation Committee, waited for him as he saw his fellow peers socializing and talking amongst themselves. Tenya was trying to get everyone ready, which was… a challenge. Enjiro and Ojiro were busy stretching for the trials to come. Izuku in particular let the comments slide over his head, muttering up a storm and flipping through a notebook.
As much as Peter felt sorry for Tenya, he still had to get ready himself. Now, where was that locker? He scanned the walls till he found locker number 19. Opening up, Peter couldn't help but smile at the box waiting for him, and that grin only grew when he saw the twin set of launchers underneath.
Clasping them over his wrist, Peter flicked the activation, sending a few test shots of webbing into the locker. So far so good.
"Ready for the big show there Ace?"
Peter rolled his eyes for show, grinning at the brawler as he approached with Mina by his side.
"Ah… sort of," Peter said, holding up a hand.
Eijiro high fived him before Mina could even get a word in. The pinkete pouted for a moment before brightening up.
"I can't wait! This is going to be the best day ever!" Mina declared, gripping her fists and almost bouncing on her feet.
Peter laughed nervously, what he wouldn't give to have her confidence.
"It certainly will be memorable," Momo said. She looked pretty shaken herself, but she kept up a small grin to boost her confidence.
"Yeah, let's do our best, right Midoriya?" Eijiro asked, blinking when he saw the state of the poor boy.
His eyes scanned through the pages of his notebook, flipping through the pages at an increasingly fast rate. He was still mumbling to himself too...
"Does he even stop to breath?" Peter asked, watching the stream of mumbles coming out of the green haired boy.
"Uh, Midoriya," Ejiro said, shaking him.
Izuku shrieked, nearly dropping his notebook.
"Oh, Kirishima," Izuku chirped, fumbling his notebook behind him.
"You okay man?" Peter asked.
"Me? Oh yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure? You look like Parker," Mina said.
Said American blinked, "Wait, what do I look like?"
Mina thought for a moment, snapping when the thought came to her.
"You look like you're going to be tardy to Mr. Aizawa's class you're shaking so much," Mina said, a megawatt grin spreading across her face and a thumbs up thrown Peter's way.
If it was meant as a joke, the brown haired boy could only let his shoulders slump at the attempt, "I didn't think I was that bad," Peter grumbles.
"You're not," Momo pointed out, "This is a stressful situation for everyone."
"Y-yeah," Peter said, "Just listen to Momo, Midoriya, you're not the only-"
"Midoriya."
Peter stopped, watching as Todoroki glared down the green haired student. All conversation seemingly died off as the monochrome student barged his way into the small group. He shot Peter a scathing look, which only made the American blink.
What did he do?
"What is it Todoroki?"
Todoroki focused back on Izuku, causing the boy to shrink under his gaze.
"Objectively speaking, I'm better than you."
Peter blinked, and he glanced at Momo who was similarly looking just as confused. Where was this coming from?
"However," Todoroki stressed, "All Might's got his eye on you. I don't know why, but I don't care. Doesn't matter that you have his attention," he stopped, his stare switching to Peter for a second, "Or whatever bumbling fool is distracting everyone else, because I will beat you."
The room went silent, everyone staring at Todoroki in varying degrees of disbelief. Denki was the first to break the silence.
"Holy crap, we throwing out declarations of war!?"
"Hey man, what's the big deal?" Eijiro said, putting a hand on the ice-user's shoulder, "We're about to go on, why you picking a figh-"
Todoroki shrugged him off, throwing the brawler a glare for even trying to touch him. "I don't care," he said, his words as cold as his quirk, "I'm here to be the best, not to make friends."
"You feel like that all you want man," Peter said, "But you think you could spread your quirk and chill out a little?"
Next to him, Mina stifled a laugh, and Momo sighed. The monochrome haired boy narrowed his eyes as he focused on Peter.
"I don't know if you've noticed, Parker, " Todoroki bit back, "But this is serious."
Peter took a step back, hands up in surrender, an uneasy smile spreading over him, "Sorry, I have a bad habit of making jokes in tense situations." The ice-user lightly rolled his eyes.
"Todoroki," Izuku said, speaking up. That got the Son of Endeavor's attention as he turned towards Izuku, as did the rest of the class.
His hands were shaking, and his eyes were glued to the floor.
"I don't know why you felt the need to say that. You're clearly better than me, and I can't really be compared to most people here."
His eyes darted upwards, taking nervous glances at Todoroki, Bakugo sitting in the background, even Peter who blinked.
"But, I'm not going to just stand here and let you take the top," Izuku declared, looking up and staring down one of the strongest in their class. He wasn't shaking. "I'm not gonna hold back. I'm going for the top too."
Todoroki eyes narrowed, but he begrudgingly nodded, "... right."
The two boys stared one another down, an air of competition so thick that Peter had to swallow the block of ice that found its way into his throat.
"This is getting really intense," Peter whispered.
Next to him, Momo shifted, but she nodded her agreement.
"No kidding, and it's almost time to go out," Mina whispered, leaning in awkwardly.
Peter grimaced slightly at the reminder and looked down at his speech that he had folded up in his hand. He rewrote it on the car ride to U.A. with Yu, going over his personal beliefs and what he thought meant becoming a great hero means in the end.
"Okay everyone, let's look alive! Let's act as professional and hero-like as can be!" Tenya shouted as he waved his arms, relieving the tension in the locker room.
Peter stood up, pocketing his speech and walking over to Momo. "You ready?" The black haired girl nodded and turned towards the class.
"Everyone remember the walkthrough this morning. We line up based on our seating chart. The world is watching us, let's put our best foot forward!" Momo stated, hands on her hips. She gave a light smile.
"Alright, just breath easy, smile and wave to the crowd." Peter laughed, shaking his shoulders. "Helps when dealing with lots of people looking at you." He would know, as he would do that back in Queens when doing Spider-Man things. Now? Doesn't have the mask. He gestured with his hand, and he and Momo began walking towards the door.
"Taking charge? As expected of our Class Reps!" Grinned Eijiro as he and the rest of the class followed suit, leaving their lockers and following the American out of the room. Momo and Izuku walked by his side. Tenya marched to the left, while Bakugo and Todoroki were in the rear with the rest of the students following behind the two leaders. They walked out of the locker room, everyone silent as they began to prepare for the roar of the audience within the massive stadium.
"You ready?" Peter asked under his breath in English, looking towards Momo. The girl noticed and the boy blushed. "Sorry, fell into English."
"It's alright, I'm a little nervous too but…" She paused, in English no less as Peter's eyes rose up. Momo began looking to the side, trying to find the words, eyes looking conflicted, as if she couldn't speak them. She turned back, smiling lightly. "Let's do our best to support each other and win."
The American blinked and grinned a little back. "Yeah. You said it." He felt a tapping on his shoulder, seeing Izuku behind him. He wasn't eavesdropping was he. "Yeah Midori?" Peter asked in Japanese.
"Parker-san..." Izuku replied. "Thank you again for helping. I truly mean it... but... " He had a daredevil smile pop up. "If we are meant to go against each other, I'm not gonna hold back, even if you did help get my power under control. I meant what I said back there."
Momo smiled back, confidence bouncing off her as Peter turned towards her. "You helped him?" She asked in English. Peter shrugged with a wry smile.
"When you got a friend in need…" He mused off in his native tongue before turning back towards Izuku. "If you say that, then I guess I won't pull my punches either." Peter winked. Izuku grinned, nodding.
They got into the tunnel, the roar of the crowd dulled by the concrete and steel, and the bright light of the stadium floor dead ahead. The ex-Avenger took a deep breath.
"Alright." Peter patted his cheeks, "Let's do this."
And they walked out into the stadium first, the roaring of the crowd deafening.
"WELCOME EVERYONE ONE AND ALL TO THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL, WHERE ONCE A YEAR YOU GET TO SEE OUR HEROES IN TRAINING DUKE IT OUT FOR FAME, GLORY, AND A CHANCE TO IMPRESS THE BEST OF THE REST!" Shouted Present Mic from the loudspeaker. Peter looked around and gulped lightly, biting his tongue. Good lord… there was so many people! Even when doing Spider-Man stuff in Manhattan he'd seen a lot of people congested together. But never all this much looking in one direction! This has to be what superstar athletes feel like.
"Be cool… act like LeBron... Be chill like Steph…" Peter muttered to himself in English. Momo quirked an eyebrow over his way.
"I'm sorry, but what was that?" She asked. The brown haired boy perked up and laughed.
"Oh! Just some role models I know back home. Hehe." Peter rubbed the back of his head before coughing into his hand. "Okay, gameface now."
"FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW ME I AM YOUR HOST AND MC OF THE FIRST YEAR CIRCUIT, PRESENT MIC! JOINING ME FOR COLOR COMMENTARY IS MUMMYZAWA! ALSO KNOWN AS ERASERHEAD!"
"Why am I here…" Muttered the voice of Aizawa. Peter looked back, and he saw Denki, Mina, and Sero corpsing and stifling their laughter.
"THIS YEAR'S FIRST YEAR CROP OF HERO PROSPECTS MIGHT BE THE BEST AND THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL IN A LONG WHILE! THE FIRST GROUP WALKING TO THE CENTER OF THE ARENA, YOU KNOW'EM IN THE NEWS FOR SURVIVING AND THWARTING THE RECENT VILLAIN ATTACK ON OUR CAMPUS! GIVE IT UP!" The crowd seemed to roar and cheer louder. "FOR THE HERO COURSE'S CLASS 1-A!"
The promoting made the dam break, lifting the collective cheers to a near deafening cry that made Peter nearly wince. He remembered sports stadiums being loud back home but this was ridiculous.
"Man, talk about Mic-sensei being a hype man." Denki stated, looking off bashfully. Peter nodded, this was getting a bit overboard for his liking.
Though, Todoroki didn't seem to mind it, and Eijiro grinned confidently. "I'm getting pumped up now!" the brawler declared.
"To think all these people and news outlets are more interested in us for what we went through. It's kind of messed up…" Ojiro said awkwardly.
"It's like with being in a rock band, the more controversy, the more eyeballs." Kyoka answered as she had her head on a swivel, inspecting the crowds.
"So many people…" Izuku stammered, biting his lip as he waved. Peter took a deep breath, focusing dead ahead. He had to look strong and cool for his classmates.
"Don't worry about it Midoriya, Ace here is taking it in stride." Eijiro patted the green haired boy on the back, pointing at Peter. Peter looked back, waving as he let out a nervous smile.
"Or he's just as nervous as the rest of us." Kyoka muttered plainly. Peter closed his eyes and turned forward.
Dangit! So much for acting like a cool and chill NBA Superstar! He felt Momo pat him on the shoulder in assurance.
"AND HERE ARE THE REST OF THE FIRST YEAR CLASSES! FROM THE HERO COURSE, CLASS B!" Peter turned, seeing many other tunnels and students walking forward. The closest one had Class 1-B to which Peter saw Pony. The girl seemed too busy looking around in awe like a deer in headlights. Setsuna was grinning and noticed, waving back at him; he returned the favor. He saw Kendo and Tetsutetsu lead with Monoma as well, who seemed to give him a sly sideways glance.
"FOLLOWING UP ARE CLASSES C, D, AND E FROM GENERAL EDUCATION!" Peter saw the larger group of students walking forth, and from the crowd he spotted that purple haired boy who made his declaration of war the other day. It didn't help matters that Bakugo seemed to throw gasoline into the fire, but Bakugo…
Is beyond helping at this point.
"NEXT FROM THE SUPPORT COURSE, ARE CLASSES F, G, AND H!" From the other throng of students, Peter can just barely make out Hatsume walking out in her gear and he couldn't help but grin. He can't wait to see her gadgets in action! He tuned out the rest of the Business Course as he got to the allotted station for Class A, all the students forming up based on seating chart. He stood by Izuku, Momo, Todoroki, and Bakugo.
(X)
From the above the seats, standing by one of the tunnels leading onto the stadium concourse, the Flame Hero Endeavor looked down as he saw the foreign brat lead Class 1-A. He narrowed his eyes.
"So that's him. The Spider." He muttered, arms crossed. Shoto better surpass him and use his gift.
This was his first shot. To declare to the world that the Son of Endeavor was to be the pinnacle of this grade class, no, the peak of this generation. To be the one who will surpass All Might and knock him from his mountain as Number One. No king rules forever, as the old saying goes.
Shoto has had some setbacks, but he better focus and realize how precious his gifts were before he squanders them away all for the matter of foolish pride. He has spine. He has brains. He can utilize his ice in unique ways. If he can only use his fire to such an affect… third years with work-study experience wouldn't hold a candle!
Granted, the other recommended student had a hand too, but the Yaoyorozu girl was only for support! Not in straight combat, as the report he got said in fine detail on how one strike from Parker sent Shoto to the ground and that was the end of it.
Yet still, for some… no name nobody from nowhere to beat his son...
Enji shook his head. No need for bad memories. His youngest son has only been fighting so far with one hand behind his back. On purpose.
He'll learn, and if this Sports Festival doesn't send the message through that skull of his…
Enji's crossed arms tightened as he focused his glare on his son. He could see Shoto look towards the audience, trying to find him until he saw his head turn his way, walking with his class.
He has this day. This day his rebellion must end. If he won't do it for himself, then not doing for others truly is the sign of insanity.
The Todoroki Family has no room for fools who were only deluding themselves.
(X)
"Alright, are we nice and comfy boys and girls!" Midnight declared as she swung her pom-pom… whip… thingy around. The R-Rated Hero beamed under the lights as many students, mostly those of the unfair sex, gawked in awe.
Among… other emotions.
"Why's Midnight still in her hero costume..." Peter stated with pink on his cheeks, biting his lower lip, the way she strutted… she bounced quite a bit! He turned, seeing Momo looking at him. "Sorry it's-" She then broke out into a light chuckle.
"It's alright. That's our confident sensei." Did… Momo not get it? Or was she viewing this from a different angle. Peter blinked, throwing a shrug in there for good measure. Kayama Nemuri is a good friend of Yu's, as he's heard his guardian state how she helped her through school outside of class and was an intern under her. What she did at Midnight's firm… Yu didn't elaborate. Maybe some things are best left unsaid.
She was a good Art teacher though. A bit too… teasing for one. Sero had a hard time focusing in that class.
"Last year it was Snipe, guess they change it up…" Izuku nodded awkwardly.
"Is it even okay for a teacher to wear that in a school event, let alone an event that is nationally broadcasted?" Tokoyami said, for the first time breaking his brooding self in evident surprise plus no small amount of concern. Midnight seemed to have heard him and cracked the whip.
"Silence!" She demanded, the crowd of students who stood in line going ramrod straight at the prompt. "Now, the Grade Representative to give the Student Pledge for the First Years is Peter Parker! Come on up!"
Peter took a deep breath, exhaling deeply as he felt his heart clench. His speech was in his pocket? He patted it. Good, still there.
"Wait how did the Red Shirt get the pledge?!" Bakugo barked.
"Parker got first on the Entrance Exam in total score in our grade." Todoroki stated, looking over at the blonde. "So he is our rep." Bakugo scoffed, looking to the side and fuming.
Peter walked up the steps, and time seemed to slow down as he remembered his speech. How he got here to this point.
What had to happened to get here…
He felt his heart calm itself, the beats slowing down as he took deep slow exhale as he walked to the center of the stage. Midnight offered him the mic as he took out his paper slip.
"Go on ahead." She stated, offering him a warm smile as she stepped aside. Peter took center stage, the stadium and arena seemed to focus entirely on him. Envious, disillusioned stares rained down from General Education Department. His Hero Course peers gazing in excitement save for a few. The Support Course eager to hear from the 'Mad Witch's' bestie.
Peter looked down, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
"All right, here we go…" He spoke in Japanese, doing his best to think through on every word. The world was watching. This was his introduction to the wide open world at large.
Like Mr. Aizawa said, make this opportunity count.
"So, where do we begin?" Peter asked. He took a breath, looking down, remembering everything that led him here. The good times with Yu, all his new friends…
Yet he came here because of how he died.
There is so much attention because he was in an incident where he almost died. Again. He reopened his eyes.
"There have been a lot of rumors about our year out there from the news, from within U.A." Peter said, his voice ringing with a confidence he barely felt. He was just trying to remember the speech, remember the next word.
"Whatever you heard, the truth is that we're not here just for us. Every one of us has a mentor that they look up to, a parent or friend that they owe to have the chance to stand here. We're here to make them proud, and show that it wasn't just favors that got us here."
The entire stadium went quiet, eager to listen.
Deep breath, and say it. He had this.
"U.A has given us the chance to help everyone we can, to serve our communities and save others from danger and misfortune, and we're not going to let any of you down. It's our responsibility, our duty, to ensure that we rise to the occasion and surpass those who came before us. At least, that's how many of us see it." His tone became somber.
"Because for those of us to have gotten to this point, to this stage in our lives, sacrifices had to been made." Peter paused, looking out to the crowd. "Reality… is not what we want most of the time." He turned his speech over, seeing how a silence has fallen over the crowd. Peter had their complete attention.
"It is easy to sail when winds and waters are kind. Life isn't fair most of the time though. Sometimes the waters are uncontrollable. Sometimes the winds too hard, or none come at all and you're stuck. The only thing you can do, is adapt, move forward, and survive." He pocketed his speech.
"We all have a responsibility to those who came before us, the ones who we admire." He paused. "We owe to them for helping us get here, and to not give it our all in living up to their ideals would be an insult. That is what we must do in these rough times. Live up to the ideals of our idols and surpass them, become better. And move ahead and beyond their limits. " Peter leaned into the microphone. "May the best thrive. Go beyond, Plus Ultra." He stepper back and bowed in respect. "Thank you very much." Peter let out a sigh.
Quiet. Did… did he do bad?
He heard the first sound of clapping, coming from within his student body, and then it spread across like a wildfire. Soon the whole arena was giving him an applause, mostly even keeled, as was the audience at large. He had given a speech worthy of respect, and they were returning that respect in kind.
Peter felt, calm. Composed. Focused. He had to get his game face on as he bowed slightly in respect back again.
Next to him, Midnight gave a polite clap and gestured towards the grounds. "Well said Parker." She spoke with sincerity. Peter stepped off the stage to the awaiting claps of his peers. He offered a small smile as he got to his spot.
(X)
Well now, that's certainly something.
Shouta focused in on Peter the moment he said his speech. That one of the most laid back students in his class was very serious during his speech, and he sat up in his chair.
"He might actually take this seriously." He muttered to himself, away from the mic as Hizashi gave Parker praise.
"WHAT A WAY TO KICKSTART THIS SPORTS FESTIVAL! AS EXPECTED OF THE FIRST YEAR PHENOM WHO HAS TURNED HEADS HERE! WAY TO GO PARKER!"
Shouta sighed, giving Hizashi a look. He wished he had a volume button he can just adjust.
But no mistake about it…
Parker was different. He wasn't nervous. Or cracking jokes like before in the Battle Trials. He was intending on taking this matter as serious as possible. Dedicating himself to the degree his other students do.
He leaned forward in his seat.
(X)
"That… sounded a little more somber than I thought." Shinji said with his arms crossed, walking around the outside of the stadium with Death Arms and Mt. Lady. He turned towards his blonde haired colleague, her looking up at the screen as she munched on some dango she finagled from a nearby vendor.
Then again, her ward was in the hospital. It must have given him some form of perspective.
"You gonna be alright Takeyama?" Shinji asked, and Takeyama perked up.
"Oh, uh, I'll be fine. Just, Peter's doing his best for his peers is all!" She said with a wide smile.
"Whatever you say. Finish that up. We got a job to focus on." The light concern that was in the woman's face was gone as she rolled her eyes and finished her dango sticks.
"Fine fine… oh! A Meatbun stand! And the server is…" Shinji followed her eyes, seeing some college kid serving meat buns and his hand met his helmet.
"Yoohoo! Are those meat buns you serving handsome~" Hearing her giggle savicously, getting the kid's attention with a pose, the wood user groaned.
(X)
"Hnn, that was Peter Parker huh?" Shinso Hitoshi mused aloud as he finished clapping, standing amongst his fellow students in the General Education Department. His peers were skeptical on Class 1-A and the attention they brought, and Parker was an enigma to many in his class. He saw the foreigner walk back to his Class A cohorts and got back in line, hands in pockets as he seemed to be focused.
Well, sounds like he's taking this seriously. Taking his spot in the Hero Course maybe out of the question, especially considering how throughout his grade Parker is considered one of the top students not to get in via recommendations.
…
Maybe gunning for that meek green haired looking kid may be his best shot of getting in.
Parker seemed nice enough. Decent speech too. He wasn't that blond asshat or the green haired dweeb. He did give a good speech. Adapting. Sacrifice. And thriving.
Well, it's high time to make his reality how he wants it.
Hitoshi made a mental note and began to scope out his class, recalling some of the more belligerent boys he has heard from gossip and hearsay.
One little insult and they'll blow their top, and it's smooth sailing. The purple haired boy couldn't help but grin.
(X)
As Parker walked past, Izuku saw him take his place. That didn't sound like the happy Peter Parker who helped him on the beach, or the one who encouraged him. He said some serious words to help motivate the class, but for some reason, Parker was looking at the ground. His eyes were… off. As if he was looking off into a far off place, not here at this loud stadium.
He almost looked forlorn, as if he spoke at a funeral.
What could be going through his head?
Izuku gripped his fists, taking a deep breath and focusing forward at Midnight-sensei. As much as he would like to talk to Parker on a good speech he gave and how he came up with it (as someone who aspires to be like All Might, speech-giving must be something learned!), he had to concentrate on the first event of the Sports Festival.
He took a deep breath, looking up to the suites on high, trying to make out All Might's yellow pinstripe suit.
It was close. It was almost time for him to make his declaration to the world, that Midoriya Izuku is here!
(X)
"Alright then! With that being said, we can proceed with the first event!" Midnight declared as Peter looked back up at the scantily clad beauty as she waved her whip. Behind her, a massive Holographic screen appeared her. The big words PRELIMINARY EVENT was at the top, and like a slot machine, the center of the screen began to spin. "The first event is what weeds out the pretenders from the contenders, so, what could it be?" She smirked, playing it up to the audience as the screen continued spinning.
Peter patted his pockets. Web shooters were still in there. Good.
"Now then, our Preliminary Event of the First Year Grade Sports Festiva; is!" Midnight posed, pointing towards the screen as it stopped. "This!"
OBSTACLE RACE.
Self-explanatory. A race involving an obstacle course. Peter took a deep breath, and he felt a pat on his shoulder.
"That was a good speech Parker." Momo murmured in English. "You ready?" She asked in slight concern. Peter gave a soft chuckle, giving a light smile.
"I'm fine. No worries." The speech brought up some memories. He didn't need to let his friends know about them.
"Now then!" Midnight's voice made the two Class Reps pause. "As the title implies, you will be taking part in a race involving all the classes within your grade! The race is four kilometers long, taking you around the stadium outside of the vendor grounds on a special track! You'll find many obstacles which you must overcome! Anything goes as long as long as you remain inside the race track!" The black haired vixen declared with a confident grin. "And no lethal moves, which goes without saying. If you get knocked off the course, you're disqualified! Students, take your places by the front gate!" She pointed over to the side of the field where a massive gate was, complete with a tunnel leading out of the stadium. The gate had three bright red lights, and all the students began to conglomerate to it. Peter was hearing the ambiance of the crowd die down as he felt his fingers on his web shooters.
"Alright then my little ones, on your marks!" She yelled, and the first red light faded. Two left.
Many heroes were watching. His class was here. He was their deputy rep.
He had a duty to fulfill.
One light left. "Get set!"
He didn't hear anything as he bent down, hand on the ground as he got into a sprinter position, all the students had passed him to try and get as close to the front line as possible.
He took a deep breath.
Green light.
"GO!"
All the students charged forth like a mad mob, yelling as they ran into the tunnel.
But Peter jumped, flying over the crowd with one mighty leap. He aimed his hands and fired.
He felt his web lines lace out, hitting the walls and with one pull, he propelled himself over the mob and through the tunnel.
Peter hit the ground. He was running before he could blink.
He can hear the yelling of the students getting wedged into the tunnel via bottleneck fade, pumping his arms as fast as he could, breathing out of his nose hard. He could feel a light cold gust.
Todoroki was gunning for him. With a tingle down his spine, he swerved to the left, aiming to hug the corner of the dirt track as he avoided a straight line ice surge. He heard yelling and explosions behind him.
Bakugo...
He growled, exhaling as he kicked it up a gear, dust forming behind him as he sprinted ahead.
Peter saw movement in the forest to both sides and ahead of him him. Before him was an open area on the track, to either side was the edge of the race as he sprinted. He saw movements burst forth from the foliage.
"TARGET ACQUIRED. DESTROY." Toned a One Pointer Robot as a swarm of One, Two, and Three Pointer Robots began to roll in when the track spread out.
Peter let out an exhale, dropping low, ducking under a One Pointer's swipe. With Todoroki and Bakugo gaining fast, he didn't have a moment to lose.
He jumped over a pair of incoming missles from a Three Pointer, leaping on top of it. With it under him, using it as a springboard to propel himself forward was child's play. His legs were like a blur as he raced through the slowly growing robot platoon.
He saw platforms ascend but Peter didn't pay them any heed, even as the sound and size of them indicated them being massive in size.
He saw one platform form ahead, and a giant Zero Pointer Robot appeared, its many red irises focusing in on Peter. Peter grit his teeth, launching his web at the head as the beast began to move. He saw the behemoth coming down upon him with a punch.
He heard Present Mic yell something, but Peter didn't pay any attention as he soared towards the behemoth. He spun in air, feet on the back of the robot's RV-sized head. Like before with the Three Pointer tank, Peter used the back of the Zero Pointer's head, launching, soaring through the air.
Peter let out an exhale, aimed his webbing far ahead and fell due to gravity. He felt the web latch on…
He pulled. He zoomed in towards the track, like a missile. With the wind in his ears, Peter blinked, time slowing down in his mindseye. He can feel the air whizzing by, the sensation of defying gravity almost intoxicating. The chaos of the race behind him, with the sound of explosions and forming glaciers fading into the sights and sounds of New York City.
Peter inhaled, opening his eyes to find himself zooming in on the track.
He did a tumble, landing on his feet, but he didn't stop there.
"LOOK AT HIM GO! PARKER HAS CLEARED THE ROBO INFERNO IN THE TIME IT TOOK THE MOST OF HIS PEERS TO CLEAR THE ENTRY GATE! HE'S LIKE A CHEETAH OUT THERE! WATCH OUT THERE! TODOROKI IS IN HOT PURSUIT, AS IS A SELECT FEW WHO ESCAPED TODOROKI'S ICE SALVO! OH MAN! LOOK OUT BELOOOOW! A BRILLIANT AND CUNNING MOVE FROM TODOROKI!" Present Mic yelled, as Peter finally listened to him slightly as he continued to run, veering towards the left edge of the track and running on it. It was like those times watching the horse races with Aunt May. Hug the wall, cut off anyone behind you.
He heard cannon fire as he continued to sprint, taking breaths.
"DOWN GOES SOME MEGA ROBOTS! SOME OF CLASS 1-A AND 1-B ARE SEPARATING FROM THE PACK, BUT PARKER IS AHEAD BY MANY LENGTHS, WITH TODOROKI, BAKUGO, TOKOYAMI, TSUNOTORI AND EHHHH! MIDORIYA IS GANGING ON THEM! PARKER ISN'T SLOWING DOWN THOUGH!"
Peter let out an exhale, inhale as he continued to jet it. Can't focus on what's behind. Focus on what's ahead.
"BUT BE CAREFUL! THE NEXT OBSTACLE FOR PARKER IS THE FAAAALL! YOU HIT ROCK BOTTOM, YOU'RE OUT!" Present Mic broadcasted as Peter saw the trees part. Before him, a massive ravine filled with spires and connecting cords filled his vision.
But he didn't stop. He let out a calm exhale as he continued to run, not stopping.
"HE'S STILL GOING! IS HE GONNA JUMP!?"
Peter launched, dust and dirt exploding behind him as he made a mighty leap, flying over the many spires from the force of his jump alone. His legs together, arms outstretched as if he was an Olympic diver, or like that one blonde kid from that rescue mouse movie he saw as a kid with the eagles and big game hunters, as he felt the wind race through his ears. Closing his eyes, Peter could see it. Him falling from some of the highest buildings in whenever he went into Manhattan. Time slowing down as the dark recesses of the ravine were betwixt with the bright skyscrapers, the rush of air in his ears as he fell.
"HE DIIIIIIID!" Mic howled.
He aimed with his arm as gravity began to take him. Peter saw a path, a clear line between the spires. Time to thread the needle.
The web launched from his wrist, latching on as he fell, letting him swing forward at high speed. He took a deep breath, nearly hitting the spires when he saw the bottom that was laced with a thick blue jelly of some kind. With red lasers on top to detect the students no doubt.
He avoided the bottom, the momentum of his swing took him upward, and Peter felt nostalgic joy rush through him. He only got this feeling when swinging on the Brooklyn Bridge or through Manhattan, just barely brushing the water or the ground level. The force of his fall propelled him back up, physics pushing him upward, above and beyond over two thirds of the ravine. He flipped in air, arms outstretched.
This feeling of flying, swinging through the air. Peter… has never felt such a rush like this in a long time. Not even back at the Practical Exam.
For this moment, he was Spider-Man.
Oh how he's missed this. He couldn't hold back his wide smile.
"HE'S BACK OUUUUUUT! THE SPIDER OF U.A. IS ON A TEAR! BAKUGO IS PUSHING AWAY TOKOYAMI AS HE TRAILS TODOROKI AND YAOYORZU! MIDORIYA IS NIPPING AT THE BLONDE BOMBER'S HEELS! OHHHH HE DOESN'T LOOK HAPPY! OH, THERE COMES IIDA NOW! NOW CLASS 1-B'S TSUNOTORI IS ZOOMING IN!"
Peter let out an exhale, calmly. He fired with his web shooters towards the trees towards the end of the gorge. With one mighty pull, he launched towards the other end of the ravine, landing in a tumble before getting on his feet, going back in a run, not bothering to get any dust or dirt out of his head. He can hear the sound of more glaciers and blasts behind him.
He inhaled, seeing him round the track in one massive curve. This felt like the last leg of the race. Two obstacles? No, three since the entry gate was one…
Exhale, he can see the trees clear up as he veered from the left edge of the track to the middle as he saw the next obstacle.
"PARKER IS APPROACHING THE MINEFIELD! HE ISN'T STOPPING AGAIN! WHAT WILL HE DO NOW?! WILL HE BE ABLE TO SEE THE MINES! OR BE SENT FLYING OUT OF THE RACE?!"
So that's why there's an open dirt field.
Peter felt his spine tingle and he took a massive leap. He looked down, barely making out some darker cover patches and spots on the ground. to the sides, billboards with skulls could be seen. He can't make out Present Mic's voice with all the adrenaline rushing in his veins as he inhaled, tuning out his teacher.
To think that the school would implement a minefield. Has to be a nonlethal one but a troublesome one for any student or quirk user.
Then again, same school employs building sized robots. This shouldn't surprise him anymore.
Peter landed on the ground, exhaling, spine no longer tingling as he took off in a run.
He cleared the field in one giant leap. He can see the roaring stadium dead ahead, inhaling as he focused.
Peter can see the tunnel ahead.
"INCREDIBLE! PETER PARKER OF CLASS 1-A HAS BLOWN THIS RACE A UP LIKE A LEDECKY! NO ONE HAS EVEN TOUCHED THE FALL YE-AH, THERE IS SOME WHO JUST GOT THERE!" Peter raced through, a cloud of dust behind him as he blazed through the tunnel, and into the amazed cheers of the crowds as he returned to the stadium. Made it.
"AND PARKER HAS WON THE RACE! WHAT A FINISH! NOT SINCE ALL MIGHT HAS WALKED U.A. HAVE WE SEEN SUCH A FEAT IN TERMS OF SPEED AND TECHNIQUE! HE RAN LIKE A FORMULA RACE CAR. HE TOOK OFF LIKE A JET! I DON'T KNOW HOW HE DID IT BUT HE DID! WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT YOUR STUDENT ERASER?" Mic hyped up as Peter skidded to a stop, panting as he put his hands on his hips.
"He won this race to the best of his ability." Aizawa said lightly over the speakers, matter of fact.
"THERE YOU HAVE IT FROM MUMMYZAWA FOLKS!"
"Don't call me that."
"Phew…" Peter wiped his brow as he looked around, the crowd on their feet as they howled in joy. He let out a light laugh, waving back to them.
He stood there for a moment, just smiling , looking, waving.
"What an amazing performance! Come on over here Parker-kun to refuel!" Midnight waved, standing over by a table with loads of water bottle and gatorade cases to the side, and…
"Oh! Orange slices!" Peter chirped, trotting over as he felt sweat glean down his brow. The sexy-looking teacher winked down at him as he took some cutie oranges, munching down on a well earned meal.
He turned, looking up at the videoboards around the stadium. How were his peers doing…
Peter felt at ease as he saw the screen, seeing the first group of students hit The Fall. Todoroki leapt onto a cord and began to slide using his ice. Yaoyorozu discarded her moped and went with… a conjured grappling hook?! Tokoyami was pushing Dark Shadow ahead and pulling ahead.
There was Pony, using her horns like a flying skateboard as she flew on in. "Atta girl." Peter muttered, beaming as he crammed some cutie oranges in his mouth. Right behind her…
Izuku was avoiding blasts from a frothing and livid Bakugo, the green haired boy glowing green as he did his best to avoid Bakugo.
He smiled as he took a water bottle, opening it up. He was rooting for them.
Well, most of them.
There you have it. The first stage of the Sports Festival! This one took a little longer due to some IRL problems, but we got it out. Thanks to LD for consultation and Nitewind for beta'ing
Next chapter wil be interesting to write. I don't read a lot of MHA fics, so I 've never read an intepreation of how Deku with FC would do in the Sports Fest, but ti will be fun to see.
As you can see, this race is more or less timed with JET SET RUN. Listening to that, and Peter's progression is what sped me along this chapter. Such an underused song...
Hope you all liked it. IKN is working on the next one as we speak. I did most of this one, so the next one will be done mostly by IKN, maybe
Let me know what you think!