Fire vs. Fists

Momo ran all the way down the hall before collapsing onto a bench and letting all of her tears fall. Her sobs filled the air as Izuku raced over. "Yaomomo?", he asked. "I can't talk right now", wept Momo. "Just...look at me", said Izuku as he knelt beside her. Momo turned to him, and he saw her eyes stained red from her broken tears. "I...I'm a failure", she choked out, "I'm not worthy of this…" "No!", said Izuku, "You're not a failure". "B...But the match", said Momo. "You did better against Fumikage than anyone else I know of", said Izuku. "I should've done better", said Momo, "Just like right now. I should've known Kaminari and Mineta would d...do this". She gestured weakly to the cheerleader outfit. "Let's face it", sighed Momo as she wiped her eyes, "You and All Might put your faith in the wrong person. I'm useless". "Come on, Yaomomo, you're the smartest, bravest girl I know", said Izuku, "I mean, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here right now". Momo was about to object, but memories of what happened at the USJ flooded her mind. "I wasn't strong enough back then, either", she said. "Then I'll help you grow stronger", said Izuku as he squeezed her hand. Momo sniffled before throwing herself over Izuku, wrapping him in a warm embrace. "I'm sorry", said Momo, "I let your faith in me go to waste". "No, you didn't", said Izuku, "Nothing you could do would hurt me".

Meanwhile, outside, things were getting heated. "I hope you dicks are happy", snarled Kyoka, "Not only did you make the rest of us look like idiots, but you made Yaomomo cry!" "What's the big deal?", asked Mineta, "We gave the people what they wanted". "I think what the people really want is for you two to be beaten senseless", said Mina as she cracked her knuckles, sending shudders down the spines of Kaminari and Mineta. "Anyone that so much as lays a finger on them will be expelled", said a voice. Mina turned her steely glare to Aizawa, who stood emotionless by the gate. "But they made Yaomomo cry", protested Hagakure. "If her emotional state is so fragile, she has no business being in the Hero Course", said Aizawa smugly.

"Funny, I thought after the lawsuit, you'd know better about who should or shouldn't be in the Hero Course", said Midnight as she emerged from the shadows, "Then again, you still lie about expelling students." Kyoka cracked her knuckles as she glared at Kaminari. "Dibs on Jamming Yay", she growled. "Don't take that as a personal invitation to start whaling on them", said Midnight, "Girls, go get changed. Kaminari and Mineta, wait for me outside the arena". "It's not logical for you to be late to refereeing the events, especially when you only going to be dressing those two down", said Aizawa. Midnight shot a deep glare at him. "On second thought, boys,", she said, not taking her eyes off of him, "I'll catch you two later". Mineta and Kaminari shared a look before scurrying off. "I want it straight", snarled Midnight, "What gives you the right to put my daughter down in such a fashion?" "The girl is ruled by her emotions, much like that problem child Midoriya", said Aizawa, "If these things are not dealt with soon, they could end up like…"

"Like Oboro, I know", said Midnight, "You only said about a hundred times at the trial". "Come on, you knew what happened to him…" "Was his own fault", said Midnight, "Shouta, at some point, you have to understand that Oboro may have been our friend, but he wasn't a good person". "How could you say that?", asked Aizawa. "Easily", said Midnight, "Midoriya is nothing like him. Even you had to admit his views were extreme, to say the least. Christ, the way he talked, you'd think he was a member of the Meta Liberation Army." "You speak of him like he was a common villain", said Aizawa quietly. "There was nothing it for him for Oboro to want to be a villain", said Midnight, "Besides, after what that poor boy in your last class did, I have to question your judgment on who is or isn't a villain. Because to only one I see is right in front of me". Aizawa said nothing as Midnight stormed off. "I'll make you understand, one day", he whispered.

Elsewhere, Thomas and Present Mic had finalized the list of the combatants for the next rounds of the tournament. "OK, that should do it", said Thomas. "You ready?", asked Present Mic. "Let's get to it." The signal was given. "And we're back", said Present Mic, "At the moment, my partner and I have the names ready for the Semi-Finals". "That's right", said Thomas, "In order, we have"…

Katsuki Bakugo vs. Fumikage Tokoyami

Mei Hatsume vs. Ejiro Kirishima

Pony Tsunotori vs. Setsuna Tokage

Izuku Midoriya vs. Shoto Todoroki

"Whew, what a line-up", said Present Mic. "You've said it", said Thomas, "For the record, my money's on the giant, invincible gorilla." I wouldn't be so sure", said Present Mic, "You saw what Todoroki did to Kyoka in the last round".

Back in the hall, Midnight walked in to find Izuku hugging a crying Momo. "Hey", she said as she knelt beside them, "How are you feeling?" "Horrid", said Momo, "But Midoriya made me feel somewhat better". "Would you like to go home?", asked Midnight. "N...no, I'll be alright", said Momo as she wiped her eyes. "You sure?", asked Midnight. "Positive", said Momo, her downcast eyes only looking at the floor. "Alright then", said Midnight, "Go get changed. Midoriya and I need to discuss something, anyway". Momo shakily got up and left the hallway. "Thank you", said Midnight. "I didn't do much though", said Izuku. "Agree to disagree", said Midnight, "Momo needed help, and you helped her. We in the business like to call that being her hero". "I don't know", said Izuku. "Listen, if people like Aizawa or Endeavor tell you comforting a crying girl is unheroic, to Hell with them", said Midnight, "Some of the bravest people I know are the ones who said 'screw all' and told the truth during an investigation. Without the bravery of people like that, I would've lost myself years ago". "We're going to have to tell her", said Monkey from inside Izuku's head. 'Are you sure?', asked Izuku in his thoughts, "Todoroki seemed…" "Todoroki seems like a lot of things", said Monkey, "and one of those things is that he is in trouble. Are you going to save him or not?" Izuku sighed. "Now that you mention it, Midnight Sensei, there is one thing like that that is bothering my brother and I". "Go on", said Midnight.

Elsewhere, as All Might watched the names of the combatants fly onto the screen, he felt the room heating up and turned to see a man wearing a dark blue, skin-tight suit with a blue cowl and white highlights on the shoulders, forearms, and waist, black shoes, and flames on his shoulders and feet with a beard made of fire. "Endeavor", smiled All Might, "Good to see you again". "Save it", said Endeavor, "I have come to see how my great creation, Shoto, is doing". "He's made the Semi-Finals", said All Might, "Quite the powerful student, second only to Midoriya". Endeavor snorted. "What could that beast offer compared to Shoto's raw power?", he asked dismissively. "H...have you not been watching what's been going on?", asked All Might, "He has my strength times two. I even saw…" "A simple animal couldn't defeat Shoto, though I will admit, it will be interesting to see how he pulls it off", said Endeavor, "Just as my creation will surpass you, he will surpass this monster and cement my legacy". All Might didn't say it, but he was starting to see why Todoroki acted the way he did, even after seeing Hound Dog.

As Mina left the locker room after changing into her gym uniform, she thought she heard someone sniffling in the medical bay and went to investigate. Soon enough, she came upon Ochako, who sat weeping in bed. "You doing alright?", asked Mina as she took a chair from aside the wall and sat down next to Ochako. "Would you feel alright if you failed your parents?", asked Ochako as she wiped tears from her eyes, "Shit man, I couldn't even work up the courage to ask Izuku out. I'm worse than a failure. I'm a coward." "Uh, wrong", said Mina, "A coward would've run as soon as Bakugo came charging, but you stood your ground. Hell, that meteor shower actually put the fear of the Gods in him. In fact, that's your new nickname, Star Goddess". Ochako chuckled sadly as Mina put a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me", said Mina, "Even if Yaomomo and Midori reach the top, you'll be the best of all of us". "Thanks, Mina", smiled Ochako.

Later on, Momo watched glumly as Bakugo defeated Fumikage with ease. His explosions forced Dark Shadow back far enough for him to blast Fumikage out of the ring. 'I should've done that', she thought, 'Why am I not as good?' Just then, a shadow fell over her, and Momo looked up to see All Might kneel down next to her. "Sorry I couldn't be here sooner", he said, "Are you OK?" "I'm sorry", whispered Momo, "I've failed you. Wasted your power." "Wrong, Young Yaoyorozu, you did not fail anyone", said All Might, "You did the absolute best you could." "I wasn't strong enough for your power", said Momo. "It's not my power", said All Might, "It's yours, and you've used it well. Don't lose heart. There's always room to improve and learn. That should be of no trouble to you, Young Yaoyorozu." "I suppose so", sighed Momo as she watched Mei and Kirishima begin to duke it out. Mei couldn't get a hit in as Kirishima tackled her and pinned her to the ground! Mei was then disqualified after being unable to get up by the count of three. Momo couldn't help but notice how chipper Mei was she shook hands with Kirishima and sighed, wishing she could be that confident. Speaking of which, Setsuna and Pony's match had just begun.

While the two 1-B girls fought, Izuku stood waiting in the hall as Todoroki shivered and glared. "Is it just me, or is it getting hotter in here", asked Monkey as Endeavor walked in. "Still using your ice, I see", said Endeavor. "Your flames have brought me nothing but pain", said Todoroki, not even looking his father in the eye, "Their power means nothing". "Mark my words, boy", said Endeavor, "There will be others like that ice villain at the USJ. You're only crippling yourself by refusing your destiny. This childish rebellion will do nothing for you". He then turned his glare to Izuku. "You there, beast", he said, "My boy has probably told you of his vow." "He told me enough", said Izuku, "I think it says something of the Number 2 Hero that his flames are seen as a curse." "Watch your tongue, ape", said Endeavor, "Your strength is nothing compared to my fire." "Oh, I'm sure", said a voice, "But your flames won't help against the charges of fixing games". It was Thomas Azure. "My little watch radar told me of a heating issue down here", he said, "I assume you know where to find the exit". "Watch it, Azure", snarled Endeavor, "You're talking to the Number 2 Hero". Thomas scoffed. "Am I supposed to give a shit?", he asked, "I'm a top officer of the WHA. I outrank even All Might, which is more than I can say for you. Allow me to escort you out". Endeavor looked to Todoroki. "Don't disappoint me, Shoto", he said. Thomas put a hand on his back and pushed Endeavor out of the hall.

Outside, Setsuna split in half and dodged two flying horns before coming together and kicking Pony in the face! Setsuna jumped back and threw a flying fist at Pony, knocking her over the line! "Setsuna Tokage wins", declared Cementoss, "She will now advance to the next round". Momo sighed, not able to muster up her usual jealousy of her cousin. "Hey", said a voice. Momo looked over to see Ochako sitting down next to her. "You OK?", she asked, "I heard about the prank from Mina". "I'm alright now, thanks to Midoriya", said Momo, "What about you? Bakugo did quite the number on you". "Mina made me feel better", said Ochako, "Watch, next time, I'll be strong enough to beat him, and you'll be strong enough to win this whole thing". "Here's hoping", said Momo, "I'm worried, though. If Midoriya somehow manages to beat Todoroki, he'll have to face Bakugo, that animal". "Aw, Bakugo will go running to his mommy after what happened in the Battle Trial", said Ochako, "He's scared of Izuku. He just doesn't know it yet."

"Looks like we're up", said Monkey, "How do you want to approach this?" "We've got to find a way to get Todoroki to use his flames", said Izuku. "Begging pardon, but why are we giving our opponent an advantage over us?", asked Monkey. "He needs to learn to use his full strength, regardless of his past", said Izuku, "That's not getting into the fact that he's giving himself hypothermia". Monkey sighed as Izuku walked down the hall. "I have a plan, but you're not going to like it". "At this point, I'll take anything I can get", said Izuku as he stepped out into the ring.

"In this corner, we have the lean, green machine, Izuku Midoriya", proclaimed Thomas. Izuku noticed Momo, Mina, and Ochako all cheering him on. "That's gotta be reassuring", said Monkey. 'A little', thought Izuku. "And in this corner, we have the frost-biting prince of Class 1-A, Shoto Todoroki", said Present Mic. Both combatants walked into the ring and stared each other down. "Remember, Midoriya, I shall beat you with my ice alone", said Todoroki. Izuku's face changed. "It's cute you think we're giving you that choice", said Monkey with a smile.

Cue Song: Armed and Ready by Casey Lee Williams

"Begin!", called Midnight. Todoroki immediately tried to freeze Izuku, only for the boy to grab his arm! Izuku ignored the pain as his hand was frozen over and punched Todoroki in the face! "You're hurting yourself", said Izuku, "You need to use your flames!" Todoroki kicked Izuku in the stomach before punching him away! Izuku dodged multiple flying icicles and swiped Todoroki off his feet! "It's your Quirk, not his", Izuku said, only to be knocked back by a block of ice hitting him in the face. "That's enough of this", said Monkey as he took control. He grabbed Todoroki by the wrist and slammed a fist against it! Todoroki cried out in pain as Izuku transformed into the Green Gorilla and tossed him aside!

Todoroki stared down the Green Gorilla as the ape roared and beat his chest! He reached forward to blast the ape into a glacier, only to recoil in pain! The Green Gorilla flipped him over with a single punch, then slammed his fists down as Todoroki dodged! "Come on, Shoto", cried Endeavor from the stands, "Use your power!" Todoroki was grabbed by the foot and slammed onto the ground! "Mother, forgive me", whispered Todoroki. As the Green Gorilla charged, Todoroki unleashed a flood of fire at the beast, engulfing him in flames! "Yes", cried Endeavor, "You've realized your potential, Shoto!". "Is Midoriya OK?", asked Thomas as the smoke began to clear. Just then, the Green Gorilla charged, dodging Todoroki's flames and punching him closer to the line! Then, as Todoroki fired his flames, the Green Gorilla leaped into the air! The ape spun through the air as he transformed back into Izuku, kicking Todoroki with both feet! Todoroki was launched out of the ring and landed with a thud in the grass. "Midoriya wins!", proclaimed Midnight. Izuku hissed in pain as he tried to get up, only for two robots to put him in a gurney. "Looks like that last kick broke his ankles", said Present Mic. "Yeah, the kid needed to brace his fall better", said Thomas, "Still though, what an amazing finish. I personally cannot wait for the Finals and what Midoriya has in store. Also, pay up".

As Izuku was being wheeled away, he noticed Todoroki walking alongside him. "Sorry about…" "Don't be", said Todoroki, "You and Yaoyorozu were right. I was being cowardly. I want to be better, but I'm not sure if I can with these flames". "Listen, Todoroki", said Izuku, "No matter what anyone says, your flames are yours, not Endeavor's. Think about it for a bit". Todoroki stood in the hall as the robots rolled Izuku away. It was time, he thought, to talk to someone about this.

Over at the bar, Kurogiri and Lady Nagant watched as Izuku kicked Todoroki out of the ring. "If that's what Endeavor's kid was holding back on, you might need some back-up, Kane", said Ojiro. "That's the least of my worries", said Kane. "You're not planning on quitting, are you?", asked Kurogiri with a glare. "Far from it", shuddered Kane, "It's just...I know a guy with a similar power to the kid, only his fire was blue". "Do you still keep in contact with him?", asked Kurogiri. "Obviously", said Kane, "I only need to make one call to get him in on this". "Speaking of which", said Dr. Merlot, "Giran says he's ready". "It's about time", said Kurogiri as he made a portal, "You might want to leave". "Why?", asked Lady Nagant. "As our client has a propensity for killing, in his words, False Heroes, you will be at the top of his list", said Kurogiri, "Make yourself scarce for the time being. I shall deal with him swiftly". Lady Nagant took one last shot and stepped through the portal as it was closing. "Now then", said Kurogiri, "Let's greet our guest thusly".

To Be Continued...