I ignore the senseless talking in the class 1-A waiting room as I stretch my arms. The only person I can't beat in 1-A is Bakugo, and I'm going to put everything I've got into this sports festival if I want to win. I had never felt so weak before, and the only way to make me feel better was this victory. That's how desperate I was.
I can hardly focus. Was everything I did up to this point even worth it? I mean, before I had a chance against Bakugo, and now I feel like I could hold my own for a few rounds. Damn it, it's not enough! This is one shot, and one shot only! This is my only chance to win this, and my only chance to prove to my bastard of a father that I mean something other than disappointment. And god I've never felt so insecure about my quirk before...Why is it at the worst time I get anxious?! And I can't even wear my costume, so I can't fully transform which gives me a disadvantage! As If I wasn't already weak!
I feel like punching the wall as I rotate my shoulders. Then, Todoroki walks up to Midoriya with an unpleasant look on his face.
"Midoriya."
"H-hey Todoroki. What's up?"
"From an objective standpoint, I think it's fairly clear that I'm stronger than you."
I stare at Todoroki, confused at his sudden comment.
He doesn't usually act like this...What's gotten into him?
"Um, yeah…"
Midoriya responds hesitantly but admits it.
"However, you've got All Might in your corner helping you out. I'm not here to pry about what's going on between you two. But know that I will beat you."
"Woah, what's with all these declarations of war lately?"
Kaminari steps in along with Kirishima.
"Yeah what's the big deal why are you picking a fight all of a sudden? And right before we get started."
"We're not here to be each other's friends."
Todoroki glances at me for a moment before glaring back at Midoriya.
What was that for?! And if you didn't want any friends you could've just avoided me! I mean, I'm not planning on killing him anymore...I think.
"Don't forget that this isn't a team effort."
Todoroki tries to walk away but Midoriya stops him.
"Wait a sec, Todoroki. I don't know what's going through your head, or why you think you need to tell me why you'll beat me, and yeah of course you're better than me. In fact, you probably have more potential than anyone in the hero course, that's why you got in so easily. "
I clench my fists as I take offense.
"Midoriya, maybe you're being a little hard on yourself, and us."
Kirishima says, trying to calm down the situation.
"No. He's right, you guys. All the other courses, their coming for us with everything they've got. We're all gonna have to fight to stand out. And I'll be aiming for the top too."
Midoriya watches Todoroki with a determined look.
"Fine."
Todoroki walks out of the waiting room as the class falls silent.
He does have a point...We might be classmates but in the end, only one of us can win...And if not him, It'll be me...I'm going to win.
"I can do this..."
As I whispered those words to myself, I didn't believe them as much as I wanted to.
"Hey! Make some noise little sports fans! Get those cameras prepped for the awards! This year we're bringing you some of the hottest performances in sports festival history guaranteed! I've only got one question before we start the show, are you ready?! Let me hear you scream as our students make their way to the big stage!"
Pro hero Present Mic's voice booms across the huge stadium as the crowd cheers. As I step out into the light, I cover my face with my arm. Seeing the gigantic sea of heroes, citizens, and everything in between staring at me and 1-A from the seats in the already huge stadium, I felt even worse.
First I gotta prove myself to Bakugo, then my dad, and now all of Japan?! Jesus, no pressure...
Sighing, I glance at Bakugo.
It's everything or nothing.
Present Mic continues to introduce the rest of the classes as we walk even further onto the green field. With everyone gathered together in the center on a large piece of concrete, a rather revealing pro hero steps onto a stage. I recognized her as the pro hero Midnight, as she cracks a small whip in the air. Looking around, most of the boys had pink lingering on their cheeks as they muttered about her attire.
But seriously, you're wearing a rather sexual outfit in front of a crowd full of fantasizing children, so is that really the best decision?
"Now the introductory speech! For the student pledge, we have, Katsuki Bakugo!"
I watch as Bakugo almost pushes past people as he saunters up to the stage. He walks up to a microphone and looks up at the crowd.
"I just wanna say, I'm gonna win."
That dumbass...
Crossing my arms and growling under my breath, the students boo and complain about his arrogant speech.
"Why would you be so disrespectful, you're representing us all!"
Iida exclaims, his expression and voice full of distress.
"Not my fault the rest of you are just stepping stones to my victory."
Bakugo turns and gives a thumbs down to us. Glaring at him as he walks back into the crowd, I accidentally take the words personally, even though I know they weren't meant for me as I clutch my fists together at my sides.
It's like that, huh? WELL, THAT'S THE WHOLE REASON I'M TRYING SO DAMN HARD! I'm not just a stepping stone, I'm a whole goddamn boulder!
A giant screen appears behind Midnight, reading "First game" in big letters.
"Without further adieu, it's time for us to get started! This is where you're going to begin feeling the pain! The first fateful game of the festival!"
The screen changes to a selection of games rapidly being spun so the choice is random.
"What could it be?"
The screen eventually lands on "Obstacle race".
"Ta-da! All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest. The track is four kilometers along the outside of the stadium. I don't want to restrain anyone at least in this game!"
Midnight licks her lips menacingly.
"As long as you don't leave the course, you're free to do whatever your heart desires!"
The crowd in the stands cheer as she cracks her whip.
"Now then, take your places contestants!"
As I line up, ready to race, I'm grateful that I cut slits on the back of the uniform jacket and my tank top underneath so I can use my wings.
They'll be a massive advantage in this race. Unless Bakugo decides to get in my way...
I watch the green lights at the front of the starting line intensely as they flash to black.
"Begin!"
Thinking quickly, I sprout wings from my back and they pop out nicely from the pre-cut slits. Launching myself into the air, I easily pass over the fumbling and shouting students. The wind blows gently through my feathers as I twist and turn to avoid people. I soon make it out of the crowded passage, but a sudden cloud of hard ice bursts out of the passage, the ice crawling up the outside like giant vines. The ice also nicks my wings and I shiver at the frost clinging to my feathers. Todoroki then zips past from underneath me, freezing his path as he runs. I follow soon after him, leaving everyone else behind. Swerving left and right, up and down, I look like a pendulum as I keep up with my own speed. Glancing behind, I just barely make it out of the way before Bakugo speeds past me, smoke and fire sizzling in the air behind him.
"I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY SO EASILY YOU ICY-HOT BASTARD!"
The specks of fire from his hands attach themselves to my wings, just like the frost, and I bite my tongue to keep from shouting. It burns gently but burns nonetheless. Ignoring the now disappearing pain, I focus on staying ahead. I'm determined not to lose so I stay close to Bakugo and Todoroki, but not too close so I can hopefully pass them at the last minute. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a giant and clunky figure that reminds me of a robot. I instinctively pull myself backward as I realize it is a giant robot. The sight of one makes me lose focus, and it's almost as tall as a four-story building. Maybe even more. Then, Todoroki freezes one whole robot effortlessly and passes right underneath it. Grumbling to myself, I dive towards the robot, putting my hands in front of my face and returning my wings to my skin. The instant I touch the robot, my skin turns to rock-hard scales and I fly right through the chest of the robot. I tumble to the ground but soon get but up and turn my skin to normal. In no time, I sprouted my wings again, and I'm in the air just as Bakugo makes his way over another robot. Then, the second obstacle appears. Towers of rock sticking up from a ravine with ropes connecting them. Todoroki doesn't think twice before sliding right over it with ice.
Focus! How hard could it be, just pay attention!
Flying over the ravine, I glance behind me and spot Bakugo also flying over it with the explosions from his hands launching him through the air like a hot knife. Others stumble to a halt and take a moment to think while the three of us are far ahead. For a moment, I've passed both Todoroki and Bakugo but I celebrate too early. Bakugo bursts past me and almost grabs onto one of my wings. He yanks harshly and tosses me backward. Pain surges through my wings and I think one of the joints might be dislocated, but a firm jump back into the air proves otherwise. I'm slowed down but manage to catch up to Todoroki and Bakugo when giant signs that read "Minefield" come into my line of sight. I try flying above it, but a stray landmine blows up smoke in my face. Coughing, I quickly make it through but decide to fly closer to the ground. I force myself to glide closer to Bakugo and Todoroki and try to avoid them as they try to sabotage each other. Thinking quick, I grab the collar of their shirts and jerk them backward, slowing them down greatly, and leaving me in first place. I constantly glance back, and a familiar figure with messy green hair comes flying towards me on a broken piece of the robot's armor. He hurdles towards me and I fall back as he slams his make-shift shield in front of me, activating the landmines and launching him farther. Cursing loudly, I jump off of the ground and into the air, trying desperately to reach him, but it's too late. Todoroki and Bakugo somehow pass me as soon as I make it to the finish line, securing me a lousy fourth place. But as I cross the finish line, I almost fall to the ground as I balance myself upright, breathing heavily and sweat dripping from my forehead.
Damn it! Fourth place isn't good enough!
Growling to myself, I glare at Bakugo. He doesn't notice me, but my blood boils a little just thinking about how I failed once again to beat him.
The next game I'll-
I pant and wipe my forehead with my arm as I put a hand on my hip and stand upright.
I'll beat him...For sure...
"The first game of the first-year stage is finally over. Now, take a look at the results!"
Midnight points to the giant screen behind her. Clenching my fists, I glare at Bakugo's name next to the third place mark.
"The top 42 made it through to the next round. It's unfortunate, but don't worry even if you didn't make it! We're prepared other cavalry's for you to shine! The real competition begins next! Give it your all!"
She flicks her whip and the giant screen starts rolling through the list of games again.
"Now then, here is the second game. I already know what it is, but what could it be?"
The students hold their breath.
"I just said it, and now here it is…"
The word "Cavalry Battle" is spread across the screen as I grimace.
"Let me explain, The participants can form teams of two to four people as they wish. It's basically the same as a regular cavalry battle, but the one thing that's different is...based on the results of the last game, each person has been assigned a point value."
"In other words, each team is worth different points depending on who's on the team!"
Ochaco says as she looks at Mina.
"I see!"
"You guys don't hold back even though I'm talking, huh?!"
Midnight shouts angrily towards the girls. Turning her face to a smile again, she points to the screen.
"Yes, that's right! And the points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom. So forty-second place gets five points, and forty-first place gets ten points! And the point value assigned to first place is...ten million!"
I stare in shock as my head turns to Midorya, whose face has turned a ghostly white.
"That's right. It's survival of the fittest, with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top! Now then, I will explain the rules of the cavalry battle. The time limit is fifteen minutes. Each team is worth the total of its member's points, and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their foreheads. Teams will try to grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is, that even if your headband is stolen or your team falls, you're not out! During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your quirks. But it is still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose! You'll be removed immediately! Now you have fifteen minutes to build your teams. Start!"
The students immediately break up and start their search. I scan the crowd for Todoroki, but someone taps my shoulder.
"Hm?"
Turning around, I recognize the person as the tired one who declared war on 1-A the other day.
"Remember me?"
His voice is just as tired as he looks.
"No, not really."
He sighs a little, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"My name is Shinso. I want you on my team."
I think about this for a moment and glance over at Todoroki. But, to my disappointment, he already has a team formed. Turning back to Shinso, I nod.
"Fine."
While Shinso guides me to his team, I don't notice when Bakugo looks my direction from across the field. He grumbles and turns back to his team. I meet up with Ayoma and Ojiro as Shinso tightens his headband around his forehead. Put together, our team is worth four hundred-forty points. With Ayoma worth five, Ojiro worth a hundred sixty, Shinso worth eighty, and myself worth a hundred ninety-five points. Ayoma winks at me and Ojiro awkwardly waves at me.
This is our team? Gimme a break...I don't know what Shinso's quirk is or why he wants me on his team, but hell with it. My best shot at beating Bakugo already has a great team, so this is my only choice. I just hope it's enough.
"Now then, it's time to get started!
Shinso feels heavy on my back as Ojiro and Ayoma steady him on their shoulders.
It wasn't my choice to be the horse…
Waiting for the game to start feels like an eternity as Present Mic's voice booms across the stadium.
"Now, let's go! Counting down to the brutal battle royal! Three! Two! One!"
Midnight cracks her whip.
"Start!"
Suddenly, my mind goes black and my body moves without thinking. I feel trapped in my own skin as someone or something else controls my every movement.
What the-?! What is this?!
My brain tries to stop myself, but nothing works. I try to speak or make any sort of noise, but my body refuses to react. Then, my quirk activates on its own, shooting porcupine quills at another team. I hate the feeling of being left powerless as I watch helplessly.
Why is Shinso doing this?! If this is his quirk, then why is he using it? What's going on?!
"Now, let's take a look at the top four teams right away! In first place, Team Todoroki! In second place, Team Bakugo! In third place Tetsute- Huh? Wait, it's Team Shinso?! When did you come from behind?!"
My eyes dart around me, as I realize I can move again.
"Thanks for your hard work."
Shinso says with a smirk on his face. I storm up to him, looking pissed.
"What the hell was that?! Do you have a mind control quirk or something?!"
I shout at him as he turns to me with a smug look.
"Actually, yeah."
"Well tell me next time alright?! It's a cool quirk and all, but geez!"
Growling under my breath, I cross my arms as I glance over at Bakugo, who's having a tantrum and hitting the floor. Looking at Todoroki's team, he stares angrily at his left arm.
Did he use his fire or something? I feel like he told me he wouldn't use it but I can't remember when he did...Anyway, what's important is that I made it to the next game! It's another chance to beat Bakugo.
"In fourth place, Team Midoriya! These teams will advance to the final round!"
The students start slowly filtering out of the stadium. I catch up to Todoroki and tap his shoulder as he turns to me.
"Hey Todoroki, congrats on first place. Your team did really well."
He turns to face something ahead of him, a blank yet gloomy look on his face as we walk.
"What about your team? How did you guys get to third place?"
I sigh and grumble a little.
"The guy named Shinso apparently has some sort of mind control quirk and he used it on me. I still can't quite figure out why."
Todoroki nods then stands still and stares at me dead in the eye.
"I have to talk to Midoriya. I'll meet back up with you later."
He then walks away and I watch him head toward a faculty and student entrance into the stadium.
Weird...What could he have to talk about with MIdoriya of all people? Earlier he was declaring war on him so what gives? ...It's probably none of my business anyway...
I glance back at the faculty entrance.
But it wouldn't hurt to eavesdrop a little bit...
"What are you doing?"
I whisper as I find Bakugo listening to Todoroki and Midoriya's conversation.
"Shut up."
He whispers through gritted teeth. I ease my way next to him as quietly as possible and standstill.
"What are you doing here, smart-ass?"
He keeps his voice low and I have to lean in to hear.
"Same as you, sparkles."
Grumbling he shuts his mouth as we listen with open ears.
"-A hero to surpass All Might. It's so annoying...I won't become the tool of scum like that..."
There's a pause as I hold my breath. I'm already hooked onto what Todoroki is saying that I don't realize how close I am to Bakugo, but he says nothing.
"In my memories, my mother is always crying. I remember she told me my left side was unbearable, then she poured boiling water in my face."
Oh shit...
Subconsciously deciding that I don't want to listen anymore. I slowly back off, and I give a worried glance to Bakugo before quietly running away.
I didn't think-His dad maybe, but his mom? I wondered how he got his scar, but I never knew...
"Now that lunch is over, It's finally time to reveal the last game! But before that, there's good news for all of you who didn't make it to the finals! This is just a sports festival! So we've prepared recreational games that everyone can participate in as well! We've even brought real cheerleaders from America to liven things up!"
I knew this was a god awful idea...
"Huh? What's the matter, Class A? What kind of fan service is that?"
My face turns a bright red as I try to hide my face with the ridiculous pom-poms Momo made for us. The cropped cheerleader top does nothing for my chest, seeing as my bust size is below average and no bigger than Jiro's. The skirt is even shorter than the school uniform and I feel naked in front of everybody. When the blush leaves my cheeks, I turn my teeth into fangs and drop the pom-poms as my hands morph into tiger paws. Locking my eyes onto Kaminari and Mineta, I get their attention my growling loudly.
"KAMINARI! MINETA! I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"
They jump in fear as I try to run towards them but Momo and Mina hold me back.
"Let me go!"
Turning my hands back to normal, I fire porcupine quills at them and they jump and shout like children as they run away from my attack. Calming down a little, I stand still, fuming with anger with my teeth and fists clenched.
Those perverts...!
Jiro angrily throws her pom-poms against the ground as Toru waves hers in the air.
"Well, there's still time before the finals, and It'd be a pain if things got tense, so let's do it!"
Toru twirls around as I scoff.
"Tch. I'm going to change. I can't stand this damn thing."
"But, Ritsu! You're gonna miss the recreational games!"
Mina whines as she tugs on my arm.
"I don't care. I just-"
"Listen! Midnight's gonna pick lots for the bracket!"
Glancing at the small stage, Midnight stands with a yellow box in her hands and a giant screen with an empty bracket plastered in front of everyone.
"Now, let's draw lots to determine the bracket. Once the bracket is determined, we'll have the recreational games and then start! The sixteen finalists can choose whether or not they want to participate in the recreation. I'm sure some of you want to rest or save your strength. Now, from the first place team-"
"Um-Excuse me! I'm withdrawing…"
Some people gasp as everyone's attention turns to Ojiro.
He's withdrawing? Why?
"I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until the end. I think it was that guys quirk. I know this is a great chance and it's foolish to waste it, but-"
Ojiro pauses.
"Everyone here competed by giving their all! I can't-I can't be up there without knowing what really happened."
"You're worrying too much about it! You should just make sure you produce results in the finals!"
Toru comforts Ojiro as Mina does the same.
"If you're gonna say that, I didn't do anything either."
"That's not it...I'm talking about my pride here...I can't…"
Is it because of Shinso's quirk? I mean, I was surprised by it too but I'm not-
"Also, why are you guys wearing cheerleader outfits?"
The girls shut up as another student approaches Midnight.
"I'm Nirengeki Shoda from class B. I also want to withdraw for the same reason. Regardless of ability, don't you think it goes against the goal of the sports festival for those who didn't do anything to move onto the final round?"
There's a tense moment as Midnight's smile fades.
"Youthful talk like that is something...I like!"
She cracks her whip with a smirk on her face.
"Shoda! Ojiro! I accept your withdrawal!"
Well, problem solved. But because he withdrew, I don't think I'll have an opponent to fight in the first round...Damn it! I can't get sidelined! I can still make my way to fight Bakugo though… But my whole plan relies on if I get chosen to fight him, and if I don't, then this will be all for nothing. Except, I know that the two of us are good enough to cross paths in this tournament at least once, so I should be alright.
"And so, Tetsutetsu, Shiozaki, and Honenuki have moved up to make eighteen! This is the bracket based on the results of the drawing!"
I stare at the bracket on the screen and read through the names.
Shinso and Midoriya, Todoroki and Sero, Shiozaki and Kaminari, Iida and Hatsume, Mina and Ayoma, Tokoyami and Yaoyorozu, Tetsutetsu and Kirishima, Uraraka and Bakugo, and me against Honenuki? Who's that? Doesn't matter. From the looks of it, I think Shinso, Todoroki, Iida, Mina, Tokoyami, and Bakugo will win their fights. Bakugo will most definitely beat Ochaco. Should I give her some advice? I don't know...I want to secure Bakugo a spot where we can go head to head and to do that I think I'll leave her alone.
Sighing, I look down and remember I'm still wearing the cheerleader outfit. I grumble a little as I locate the nearest exit and start walking towards it.
No matter what happens, I'll be ready for it.
I brush off my gym uniform as I stare blankly at the ground in the player waiting room. For some reason, I feel angry and tense instead of relaxed like I should be.
If I can do this, It'll mean everything...If I win, I'll no longer be useless, I'll no longer be a disappointment, and for the first time in my life, I'll truly be powerful. But if I lose, I'll lose everything...I'll lose what little pride I have left, I'll lose what little power I have, and I'll be proving to my old man what he's known all along! He already blames me for mom's death, and I don't want to be blamed for being weak...Even if it's true...
In frustration, I punch the wall. Chips of paint and concrete flake off when I pull my hand back to my side, and it leaves a tiny crack. You hardly notice it unless you look close.
Bakugo's a concrete wall and I'm a frail kid trying to climb it. There are no footholds or grips. Just a smooth wall. He's just a wall blocking me from my victory...A wall I have to destroy even if it hurts...
"Now for the final match of the first round, the animal morphing pillar of strength from the hero course, Tazuma Oritsu!"
Present Mic's voice booms across the stadium as I walk out onto the field with a chilling glare in my eyes.
"Versus, the underdog from class 1-B, Juzo Honenuki!"
Stepping onto the concrete stage, flames emit from the four corners of the stage as I step within the boundary line. Making eye contact with Honenuki, he shudders a little as I take note of his strange appearance. His teeth are on the outside of his face and his skin looks like flesh-colored clay. Tucking a loose bit of grayish-blue hair out of my face, I get my stance ready to fight.
"Final match, start!"
Without hesitation, I turn my hands into tiger paws and launch myself towards Honenuki. He ducks just in time but I recover. Then, the ground below me turns into a mush that almost traps my feet but I rebound just in time and tumble to the ground behind him.
He can turn the ground into quicksand? Alright, just stay off the ground.
As soon as he turns around I leap into the air as he tries to dodge again, I twist around and grab the collar of his shirt. The instant my feet hit the ground I yank as hard as I can around me and toss him towards the boundary line. He stumbles and softens the ground to stay inside the line, but it's too late. Midnight cracks her whip.
"Honenuki is out of bounds! Oritsu advances to the next round!"
He grumbles as he stands up and bows at me. I nod at him, showing my respect as I turn around and start walking back towards the exit.
I hardly broke a sweat. If I keep this up, I'll have plenty of time for my match against Bakugo. This is all going to be worth it, I promise. It'll be over before you know it...
I will admit, I'm nervous about this match. I've never seen a match with three people against each other.
Standing in one corner of the concrete stage, Shiozaki stands in another, her hands clasped together and above her chest like she's praying. Iida readies himself in another corner as Midnight cracks her whip.
"Start!"
Shiozaki's vines instantly jump into action and race towards Iida and me, but her eyes are locked on Iida. In the blink of an eye, Iida speeds behind Shiozaki as I lunge myself towards him. He then grabs Shiozaki's shoulders and unexpectedly runs straight towards the boundary line. Thinking quickly, I chase after him. He lets go of her and gently pushes her out of the line. The moment he lets go of her, I jump behind him and use both of my legs to kick his back as hard as I can. I land less-than-gracefully as he stumbles out of the boundary and Shiozaki sighs. Iida grunts as he bows at Shiozaki, then me. Midnight cracks her whip again.
"Shiozaki and Iida! Out of bounds! Oritsu wins!"
Now back in the waiting room, I curse to myself as I rest my elbows on the table and rub my temples with my fingers.
This is it. As soon as Todoroki and Tokoyami are done, I'll be up against Bakugo.
I feel my body trembling as I yell at myself inside my mind.
Stop shaking! Get yourself together! There's no time to-
The waiting room door opens and Bakugo steps in, an angry yet relaxed expression on his face. My eye twitches as I glare at him.
"The hell do you want?"
He asks me. I feel like a volcano about to erupt. Anger is overflowing as I glare at him.
"Y-your not at all nervous?"
He smirks as he pulls out a chair.
"Why would I be? I"m going up against you after all. This'll be a piece of cake."
He says, expecting a snarky remark. But, the words feel all too personal.
He sees me as nothing but a pebble on his road to victory...THIS JUST MAKES ME WANT TO BEAT HIM EVEN MORE!
"Don't talk to me like that! You should be scared! Why aren't you at least a bit worried?!"
Jolting from my seat I shout at him, my fists clenched and eyes wide with rage.
"The hell is wrong with you?! Why are you so worked up about a lousy sports festival?!"
"That's not why I'm so pissed off, dumbass!"
He stands still, looking for something to say.
"Well then, what is it?!"
I bite my tongue to shut myself up. He grunts and smoke sizzles from his palms.
"What is it?!"
I taste blood on my tongue and I let go.
"It's because I'm not strong enough to beat you alright?!"
He growls.
"The hell kind of reason is that?! You know you're powerful so if it's strength your worried about, then don't hold back! And it doesn't explain why you're giving half of your effort! It'll only show everyone how much of a-"
"EVER SINCE I SAW YOU FIGHT, I'VE ONLY FELT WEAK!"
I dip my head as tears break from my eyes and onto the floor. I couldn't stop them even if I wanted to. Seeing as I rarely allow myself a moment of time to release all of my bottled up feelings, everything is just pouring out. Clutching my stomach, I stare at the floor with tear-filled eyes. I try to keep myself from gulping and my hands quivering but I can't. Bakugo doesn't say anything, but just watches, his face shocked and wide-eyed.
"It's your fault I feel like this...It's your fault I feel like no matter what I do, I'm always below you! And I've trained my whole life! Every time, every goddamn time, I watch you, I feel like my quirk means NOTHING! No matter how powerful people say it is, no matter how hard I try to get stronger, I know that by the end of it all, It'll have done nothing…And your just so fucking amazing at every damn thing you do and part of me wants to be like you...Strong, fearless, and powerful...But I know I'm nothing like you…! And I never will be..."
Wiping the tears away with the back of my hand, I look up and cut my glare deep into his eyes with nothing but anger and jealousy. He stares right back, his expression shocked yet blank like he doesn't know how to react. I growl and clench my fists.
"...That's why I have to win. To finally prove to everyone that I'm worth it. That I've beaten one of the best. And my bastard father is watching too...I don't want to prove to him what he's known all along. Just how much of a weak and useless disappointment I am. Why the hell do you think I'm here in the first place? It's because I'm not good enough. But that will change as soon as I drag you down from that high and mighty pillar of yours."
Taking a sharp turn, I storm out of the waiting room, my blood boiling. I breathe heavily as I walk.
I'll beat him, beat the finalists, and I'll win. And there's only one way to do that...I'll have to destroy myself…I already know that doing multiple animals will just leave me in a wreck, but maybe I can pull it off. Just this once… you better watch out, Katsuki. I'm pissed and out for blood.
"Match two of the semifinals! Bakugo versus Oritsu! Bakugo's rush is unstoppable! And we haven't seen much from Oritsu other than her wit and-oh she looks awfully mad. I wonder what happened."
Gritting my teeth, my eyes are still wide with anger as I walk up to the concrete stage. Bakugo glares back at me with a pitiful yet resentful look. We stand at opposite ends of the stage as Midnight readies her whip.
"What the hell are you planning, smart-ass?"
I refuse to answer Bakugo as I get into a fighting stance.
"Start!"
Wasting no time, I turn my skin into scales as Bakugo fires off a giant first blast. With the smoke blinding him, I dash up to him and try to sweep him underneath his feet. Somehow, he predicted this and jumps, blasting my back with powerful force as he gets away from me. The smoke clears and my skin turns back to normal.
DO IT NOW!
My hands turn into tiger paws and porcupine quills stick out from my forearms. I instantly regret it, as pain steadily grows throughout my arms but I suppress the feeling. Bakugo's eyes widen as I launch myself towards him.
"What are you doing?! You know you can't-"
"SHUT UP!"
I aim for his neck but he dodges and blasts me again. Grabbing onto his arm, I pull him upwards into the air and send porcupine quills shooting towards him. He somehow twists from my grasp and dodges out of the way, before he sends an explosion towards my chest. It launches me backward but I claw at the concrete and prevent myself from being blown away. Firing more quills toward him, they slink back into my arm as I make a strange liquid ooze from my palms. It's non-lethal poison.
"The hell do you think you're doing, dumbass?!"
Growling curse words, I run up to him again, knowing that he'll blast me again, and he does. I dodge his hands and grab a tight hold onto his arm, digging my claws into his bicep. The liquid spreads all over his arm and he shouts in pain as I spin him around and slam him into the ground. Blood spurts from his arm as I launch myself towards him but he dodges. I make the poison disappear and turn the fur on my tiger paws into scales instead. Trying to surprise him, I punch him square in the gut with my right hand and he tumbles backward, a bit of blood staining his gym uniform. For a split second, I have hope that I can win. He recovers in seconds and releases a huge blast that covers the arena in smoke. I rapidly spin around, searching for him. Then out of nowhere, he appears in front of me and throws a right-hand punch but I dodge, ready to aim for his side. But at that moment, he forced his face closer to mine and whispered something into my ear that I couldn't entirely decipher.
"I won't let you destroy yourself just to win…"
He grabs my arm and pulls me around, then kicks my back. Hard. I try and claw at the ground as I tumble, but nothing works. The smoke starts to clear, and I tremble as I try to stand. Blood starts to dribble from the corner of my mouth and my body slowly screams in pain. Scratches and cuts line my arms and the edges of my gym uniform are ripped and burnt. I cough up blood as I prepare to run back in, but Midnight cracks her whip.
"Oritsu is out of bounds! Bakugo moves on to the finals!"
"You shouldn't have done that. If you knew you were going to suffer like this because of it, why would you do it?"
Todoroki asks me as Recovery girl finishes wrapping my arm in a bandage.
"I was desperate alright? Winning would've meant everything…"
I don't feel like talking. It hurts to do anything and that includes talking and breathing, even after Recovery girl gave me some painkillers. She finishes wrapping up my arm and hops out of her chair and walks away.
"They should heal soon enough. As for your current pain, feel free to ask me for more painkillers."
I nod to her as I stand up and so does Todoroki. He follows me out of the temporary recovery room and I try walking away but Todoroki stops me. I glance at him with empty eyes.
"What...?"
I say, discouraged and upset. He sighs.
"Would winning really have meant everything to you?"
I nod slowly. He then catches me off guard and pulls me into a tight hug, his cheek pressing against mine. I feel a strange sensation in my mind as he pauses.
"Don't do it again."
He lets go and my body is left frozen still. He gives a worried glance before walking towards the player waiting rooms. I turn my face to the ground, not knowing what to think.
...I-I've never accepted a hug from anyone but my aunt before...I've never...
A sudden emotional pain stabs me right through the heart. Thousands of emotions rush into me, as I feel like breaking down crying, jumping for joy, and having a fit of anger all at the same time.
No...No, no, no, It wasn't supposed to be like this! I'm still a member of the League of villains, I'm still a villain who's hurt people, I'm still on a mission, I'm still...
My heartbeat races as I stare with wide eyes at nothing.
I'm still a villain...I belong in jail...I don't belong in a school for heroes! I-I thought I was ready... I thought I could...
Tears pound behind my eyes as I try to hold them in. Some parts of me feel even more hollow as I stand still, not knowing it would come to this.
I thought I could do this without feeling guilty...But I'm not supposed to be here anyway. I'm not supposed to be a hero. It's too late to go back in time and fix everything...I don't know how much this simple action changes, but I have to do something about it...I've rarely done anything good in my life so this is one of my last chances...
Don't waste it as you did in this tournament...