Man. This chapter was ROUGH. I have no idea why I struggled to write this one but I managed to finish it. Hopefully you all don't think it jumps around too much.
Running through the vast halls of the Sports festival the faded, white walls, zoomed past. Everything around him looking blurry and faded, most of the detail lost in the background as he moved. Red, chunky, boot like shoes slapped against the floor, echoing through the halls as he ran.
He knew that he should still be in his waiting room. Even if it took them extra long to fix the stage his match was next...and yet. He could not get the image out of his mind.
Bakugo and Kendo's fight.
It started fairly straight forward and gradually started to get worse and worse. Kendo was out for blood, he had never seen the woman so aggressive in a match before. She had so many openings to try to throw him out of bounds but she didn't even try. Instead she chose to brutalize Bakugo, to try and humiliate him.
Not that Bakugo was any better. Midoriya has to admit that it has been a long time since he's talked to the boy but even then him blowing himself up was a surprise. He knew that Bakugo constantly pushed himself to be better, constantly breaking himself to win. It was one of the few things that he really admired about the boy...but never to that extreme. Never to the detriment of himself and everyone around him.
Why Midnight did not stop the match sooner was beyond him...but it was the last image that would not leave his mind. The ring, engulfed in flames. Blood and shards of concrete scattered across the grass like a warning. Kendo...just laying there unmoving in the grass. He couldn't even hearing anything over the sound of his own heart. The mere sight of it on the old tv screen making him break into a sprint.
Swallowing he made a turn a little too fast, almost slamming into one of the walls as he ran. Placing his palm against it he pushed himself off and kept moving.
I just have to make sure she was ok. I just have to see her, just for a second. That's all it was, he was checking...to make sure she wasn't...wasn't.
Dead?
Shaking his head he internally screamed at his brain for even going there.
No, no! She was fine. She was going to be fine! Everything was going to be ok. He was going to walk into Recovery girls office and she was going to be sitting there with some bandages. She'll see him and give him that joking smirk she liked to do and then she was probably going to say something teasing to him.
Something like. "Geez dude, clingy much? Cant I at least go to the hospital by myself? Do you have to follow me around everywhere I go?"
He quietly told himself. Another part of his brain letting out a cynical chuckle.
Who are you kidding? Did you see what happened out there? Pro heroes have been put down by less and you know it. Kendo is strong but even she can get hurt by fire, just like any other person. You may put her on a pedestal as a thing worth cherishing and protecting but you don't even think you are worthy of her. You don't think you are worthy of anyone.
Shaking his head he quietly pulled at his hair, the faint hint of tears starting to form before he stopped them in their tracks. Managing to put a lid on those thoughts he stopped them before the tears started to flow.
Stopping in the hall he panted, leaning against one of the walls, his finger nails scratching into it as he tried to ground himself. It helped being able to touch something. Closing his eyes he took slow, even breathes. Muttering out the phrase he was taught a long time ago he could feel himself coming down, reality slowly coming back into focus.
"These are just symptoms of high anxiety...there is nothing wrong with me. These are just symptoms of high anxiety...there is nothing wrong with me. These are just symptoms of high anxiety...there is nothing wrong...with me."
"Don't lie to yourself now. You know there is plenty wrong with you."
Ignoring his voice he shook his head. Placing a hand against his chest he breathed out, the tightness starting to leave him.
After a few more minutes he stood back up to his normal height, rubbed at the soreness behind his eyes and continuing down the hall.
When he made it to Recovery girls room he was a little surprised to find he was the first one here, you would think that the rest of the Kendos would be breaking down the door to see her but there was no sign of anyone. Atleast not yet.
Guess that was a plus side to already being nearby before everything went down.
The rest of the Kendos would not be far behind however, which meant he did not have a lot of time...
Swinging the door open Midoriya made it inside, his green eyes tracing the dark room in an attempt to see her. The shadow of her making him pause. As he got closer he was able to see more of her. He almost wanted to pull his gaze away from the sight but he was unable to look away from her for even a second...because maybe if he did she would disappear. As he got closer the shadow he cast drifted over her unconscious frame, her body sprawled out like a canvas. But instead of paint it was blood and burns.
With his medical eye he could tell that she had been severely burned, her body littered with second degree burns that most likely hurt like hell. Drifting up he could clearly see a long, red, burn mark creeping up from the collar of her gym uniform and up along her neck to touch the bottom of her right ear. A gnarly looking wound that would probably never go away if he didn't do anything about it.
Reaching a hand forward he hesitated, his arm stopping in mid air as if he was afraid of touching her. Gently, as if she would shatter in his hands he took one of her bangs and moved it aside to get a closer look at her.
Only when she let out a breath did he finally breath out as well.
Oh thank god, she was ok.
Is that what you call it?
T-that's not what I...
She got like this because you couldn't protect her. This is the second time she had gotten scarred because you can't protect anyone, because you are so weak. How many more times does this have to happen for you to take responsibility?
I...I don't...
Just because you could never stand up to Bakugo he once again hurt you, except this time he did it through someone you care about. This was your fault wasn't it?
Swallowing his throat was dry, staring at the ground in solemn thought before giving a nod to a question that was never asked.
This was his burden to carry, no one else's...he need to take responsibility.
Focusing on the warmth, the pull deep inside of him his hand burst into a jade flame. The dark room starting to adopt a faint green glow. Reaching a burning hand forward his hand was inches away from her neck when suddenly the lights to the room turned on, followed quickly by a sharp sting. Bending at the knee he let out a gasp, the fire leaving his hand in an instant like snuffing out an ember. Glancing down at his knee he found an old wooden cane pressed against it. Recovery girl standing next to him with a gruff looking frown, looking very mad.
"What, pray tell, do you think you are doing?" The short woman muttered with a scowl, the hardness in her eyes making him quickly look away.
"I was worried for my friend...and decided to come check on her."
"Don't give me that shit! You're lucky that you are my apprentice else I would have smacked you upside the head, not just the knee!" Waving the cane about he couldn't help but flinch every time it got closer. "You were going to use your quirk to heal her weren't you?"
"W-what? No! I was..." All he had to do was looking back at her to know that he was caught. Sighing his shoulders sagged. "Yes ma'am."
"Remind me. We've talked about your pain limit before haven't we?"
"Many times..."
"Then why." Tapping her cane against the ground as if it were her foot she huffed. "Am I still finding you trying to exceed that limit?"
When he didn't answer her she continued. "Believe me when I say the girl will be fine with my quirk, this isn't exactly my first high level burn case. It may look bad now but she'll be up and about in a few days. Her body will naturally heal from this and the worse case is she'll have a few scars. Scars are normal in this line of work." Looking Kendo over Recovery girl huffed quietly. "Besides, don't you have a match in a few minutes? You shouldn't even BE here."
Fidgeting in place he frowned at the floor like a chastised child, his fingers rubbing into each other as he tried to put his feelings into words. He knew that Recovery girl was right but still...he couldn't just sit here and do nothing.
Not for her, never for her.
Looking up at him Recovery girl watched for a moment before sighing out. "You really care about her, dont you?"
Heat crept up his cheeks involuntarily, his face suddenly very hot as he blushed. Swallowing all he could do was nod back at her.
...
Rubbing at her face Recovery girl groaned. "Gah, you blasted young people and your love. Maybe I'm getting too sentimental in my old age...Fine."
Hobbling over to Kendo she leaned down to kiss her head.
"There. I healed her..." Turning to look back at his confused face she shook her head. "I could get in serious trouble if I let a student operate on another without an active license. Doing paperwork and minor medicine is one thing but this is a whole other...I may even lose my medical license if I allowed for such a blatant breach of privacy to happen."
Looking at the ground in shame Midoriya nodded again.
"So now that my job here is done I'll just go take a small break and go get food from one of the neighboring booths. Leaving young Kendo here all alone while my quirk starts to take effect. It's the strangest thing, I feel like my quirk may be extra powerful today. Who knows, she may be up and about in no time."
Pulling his gaxe from the floor he looked back up at her surprised, watching as Recovery girl hobbled over to the door. Reaching a hand out she gentle pat his forearm as she passed, not saying another word as she closed the door behind her. Leaving him to the quiet of the medical office.
Smiling lovingly at the closed door he nodded before turning back to face Kendo.
Recovery girl had done so much for him. Hopefully one day he'll be able to repay her.
Taking a step forward his face grew serious as it was a lit by a green glow. Leaning down to her unconscious body he propped her up a little to place his forehead against hers. Reaching a hand up it caressed the side of her neck.
From the outside looking in the action would have looked almost romantic. The gentle touches and sweet whispers of someone in love...but on the inside it was painful. A sharp, stinging pain the likes of which he had not felt in a long long time.
Him limping from school, stinging and burning. Leaning against one of the walls he fished out some gauze and burn ointment. Gentle applying it to his chest with his hand before wrapping his wound. The irony that he would only know later was that the very bandages that comforted him in his time of injury were the same bandages that his mother would find and start her digging into Aldera.
A memory that he had tried so hard to forget yet it kept coming back to him like a bad dream...yet it was almost comforting. Almost.
Pulling his hand away he gasped, gritting his teeth under the stinging burning sensation now littering his body.
Looking back to Kendo she was now sleeping soundly, the once brutal looking scar now reduced to a faint change in skin color that many would not even notice up close.
Closing his eyes he took a deep breath before wincing as he started to leave. Pausing at the door he looked over his shoulder to take one long glance at his best friend.
Just to make sure that she was ok...before closing the door behind him.
Hobbling down the hall he placed a hand to a wall of the tunnel to keep himself upright before pushing himself off and straightening himself out. Every movement was a new ache and an old sting. His body no longer used to the sensation.
The sound of movement down the hall made him quickly straighten himself out, doing his best to come off ok. Smiling the best he could despite the pain.
Coming around the corner was Tetsutetsu, that silver hair of his recognizable anywhere. Only when he saw him did he stop to smile.
"Oh! Sup dude! You coming to check up on Kendo too?" He said loudly, giving him a sharp grin.
This was fine...he could have a conversation.
"H-hey Tetsutetsu." Damnit. He was stuttering. "Yeah I'm actually just coming back from checking on her. She's back down that way."
"Alrighty baby! Can Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka please make their way to the stage? The next match is about to begin!"
Using that as his excuse he gestured to her location before quickly started to make his leave only stopping when Tetsutetsu called out to him. Grimacing he winced with his back turned to him.
"Hey uh, Midoriya! I had a question."
Gah. Kill him now.
"What's up Tetsutetsu?"
"Sorry! I know you have to get going. This will be quick." Said the boy nervously, letting out an award chuckle. "Im sure you already know...but I asked Kendo out to a date after the Sports Festival. I'm really excited but also super nervous...which I know isn't super manly or nothing, but I was wondering. Since you are her best friend...what do you think she would like to do?"
He didn't know that actually actually. Eyes widening he frowned a little as the pain moving through his body was no longer the most important thing happening to him right now. He was shocked for sure, he wasn't even aware that Tetsutetsu was interested in Kendo. It made sense though. Kendo was a wonderful person. She was pretty, kind and could destroy you if you crossed her...it was only a matter of time until someone would show interest in her.
He should feel happy for her but an uncomfortable feeling came over him, a dim thrum of pain in his chest different then the rest of the pain coursing through his body.
W-wait...if what he's saying is true why didn't Kendo...
Tell you? That's cute that you think she owes you. I keep telling you that one day she'll grow wise to you and find someone better. It was only a matter of time.
"Hey, uh, Midoriya? Are you ok?"
Tetsutetsu's voice snapped him out of his spiraling. Clenching a fist he turned back to him with the best smile he could muster at the moment.
"Sorry, I was just thinking...she loves Motorcycles and Pro Wrestling. If you do something along those lines I'm sure she'll love it."
Turning back around before he could answer he quickly made his leave. Tetsutetsu smiling widely at his retreating back and waving as he went back out into the festival.
"Thank you dude! I appreciate it!"
No matter what other people would say, Ochako Uraraka was smart. Most people would take a quick look at her cute face and bubbly personality and assume that there wasn't much going on upstairs. She was once told many years ago that she exuded "girl-next-door" energy...and she's pretty sure that it wasn't supposed to be a compliment...
Sure she wasn't super good at school or grades. For example, Math continued to confuse her ever since they started to add letters into the formulas and she would constantly mix up Japanese/English phrases. But she was smart in a different way, she was people smart. The workers on the construction sight would say it all of the time. About how friendly and good she was at talking to people, how she could crack the hardest shell and bring a smile to their face. Her mom loved to tell people that she exuded a gentle kindness that could change the tone of the room.
Personally she thought it was a bit of a stretch but it made her blush all the same.
Sure she couldn't explain to you a scientific formula like Momo could or do Math as fast as Iida, in fact she mostly just used the calculator built into her flip phone...Despite all of that she likes to think she had gotten really good at reading people over the years. So much so it almost came second nature for her to see people's true selves. Not the front that everyone seemed to put up, but their actual, deep down, selves.
Which is why Izuku Midoriya had caught her eye the way he did.
He saved her...that alone is worth praising in her eyes. Running into a warzone in order to save a stranger is the kind of textbook heroism most are told about in stories. You would think that by itself would send her heart a flutter but it was what happened after that really got her attention. He left! Just, got up and walked away without even giving her a chance to get his name or even properly thank him.
It kind of reminded her of her parents. That giving kind of kindness that you could find in people up there in their years.
He didn't do any of what he did because he wanted something or even a thank you. Hell, he probably didn't even know about rescue points. He did it because it was the right thing to do...
Even long after that she could not get her mysterious stranger out of her mind. Her guardian angel.
His kind eyes and fluffy hair, the little dimples when he smiled. That cute little awkward chuckle he did. It captivated her in her wakeless nights. Then she found out about how his quirk worked and her aww turned into worry. Ever since then he had moved in and out of her life like a ghost and every time she couldn't take her eyes off of him. Couldn't stop herself from feeling worried. It was in those moments that she was starting to notice something about her savior...
Izuku Midoriya did not care for his well being at all.
Every time there was even a hint of danger he was there, running right into the explosion. It felt a little hypocritical for her to think that, especially since she herself had devoted her life to protecting her family, but still. The more it had started to happen the more she started to pick up on a pattern.
So when she saw her guardian angel make his way up the steps and onto the stage she already knew that he had done it again. He put up a front well but there was a tension in his body. The kind of tension that you would usually see in someone that just had a really grueling day of work. She was so tempted to just run over and hug him but another part of her whispered that he was not going to stop, even if she begged.
Because in many ways Izuku Midoriya was like her father. Stubborn and hard working to a fault. The only way to make a stubborn person rest was for another stubborn person.
The only way he would rest is if he was forced to...
Frowning she sighed as she knew what she had to do. She had to beat up her crush in order to help him.
"Sorry about the delay folks! With all of the repairs out of the way it's time to get back to the action!" Present Mic shouted as she marched her way up the steps. "She's the Star Cadet! The Pink Cheeked Warrior! She already wowed us with her display of quirk control! Let's raise our hands to the sky for Ochako Uraraka!"
Taking her corner she stared back at her opponent, trying her best not to psych herself out.
"Not to be outdone! He's the Brute Force Brawler! The Viridian Bonfire! The general studies student that choked out a metal man and tackled a tornado! It's Izuku Midoriya!"
The crowd roared at his name, the sound so strong that in any other situation it would bring a smile to her face. He had worked so hard to get here and the people loved him for it.
Turning to the crowd he gave a bright smile as he waved...but it was all fake. He was clearly suffering, the people just didn't see him like she did.
"Alright you two! You best be on your best behaviour!" Midnight exclaimed with a hardened look. "There's already been enough blood shed for today! Let's keep it simple and by the book. Got it?"
"Yes ma'am." He said with a nod.
"Of course!" She chimed in as well.
"Good...then let the second match of the quarter finals. Begin!"
Despite the shout to begin and the crack of the whip neither of them rushed in. Instead they circled each other slowly as if they were two animals sizing each other up.
This was going to be a tricky fight. Sure all Uraraka had to do was touch Midoriya once with all five of her fingers and she would win but even then the task seemed hard.
Midoriya was a really well trained fighter, even if he was injured. He had way more experience in a ring then she did. If she had her gear she could try and keep him at a distance but she just had her two hands and no way to break off pieces of the stage to use. Getting within touching distance was tricky...especially since he was bigger and had longer arms then her. All it would take was a few well timed hits and she's sure she would go down like a house of cards.
Nipping at her bottom lip she took a step forward, getting low as she inched closer. Midoriya taking a step forward as well. Quickly lunging forward she dipped to the side and tried to grab him with both of her hands only for the larger boy to side step her attempt easily and striking her in the stomach.
Coughing she bent over, clutching at her stomach, not given a chance to breath before she was hit across the shoulder and the neck. Getting knocked to the ground hard, her body rolling before coming to a stop.
Pushing herself back to her feet she winced under the force of his hits.
Maybe his quirk was really metal fist...
Stumbling a little sge broke off into a sprint, try from a different angle just to get hit again, wincing as she fell to the hard ground of the stage. Immediately getting back to her feet she tried to punch him just for it to be easily blocked and countered with a strong shot to her gut.
God his hits hurt...
Everything she tried was thrown back into her face, the boy reading her like an open book. If anything it was less a fight and more a slaughter yet she refused to stay down for long.
She could hear the crowd go from excited cheers to a mute bored murmuring the longer the fight went on.
Standing back onto her shaking feet she cursed her body. She should have done more physical training and not focused so much on her quirk.
Picking a rock off of the ground she flung it at him, her quirk making it fly farther and faster then usual before hitting him across the face. Making him staggered slightly as he clutched his head, the wound almost immediately closing.
Now was her chance!
Rushing forward with both of her hands out she tried with all of her might to get within range. The sound of blood pumping in her ears as she got inches to his chest.
This was it! She got him! She...
A firm, large hand gripped her wrist making her wince before her other hand was grabbed. The next thing she knew she was being flipped through the air, soaring over his shoulder before slamming into the ground.
Blinking a few times she felt rattled, too stunned to realize that he was pinning her before it was too late.
"Two..."
"...Three! Uraraka is out by way of pin! Midoriya moves on to the next round!"
Sitting up she quickly looked around but Midoriya was already heading for the exit with a slight limp. Getting up to try and chase after him she had gotten up too quickly and fell to one of her knees with a wince.
She had failed...she wasn't strong enough to beat him. Couldn't even put a dent into the walls built around him. Hell she was hardly even in his league at the moment, the gape between them was too wide, too vast. Rubbing her shoulder she winced. Sitting there amongst the screaming crowd she promised herself to get stronger...maybe then she would be able to walk by his side.
Shifting a little in her bed Kendo frowned, the faint beep of her alarm clocking telling her it was time to get up. Even though it felt like she had been asleep for a while now she still felt tired, her eyelids refusing to open.
It was only when the faint smell of antiseptic hit her nose did she realize that the continuous beeping was in fact not the same alarm she had at home. Actually now that she thinks about it...this felt like a different bed then her usual one too. It wasn't nearly as soft.
Where was she again?
Turning her head in thought she let out a small hum, her tired brain struggling to connect the dots. Then, suddenly, it snapped together like the pieces to a puzzle.
The Sports Festival. Fighting in the tournament...her match with Bakugo.
Eyes snapping open she sat up quickly just in time for her head to collide with another's. Wincing she rolled around in the bed and cursed like a sailor, bad words flying out of her mouth. Stopping she paused to hear someone else using the exact same curses.
Her dad was clutching his head and spewing out swears while her uncle laughed. Turning her head she could see her mother glaring at the two of them as she had her hands over both of her younger sibling's ears.
"Guys? What are you..."
Getting up to get out of bed she winced as a cane smacked her down. Wincing under the faint sting on her head before stopping.
Wait. That only hurt a little. Shouldn't she be more hurt?
Ignoring the loud conversation going off around her she looked down at her body to look herself over. She was mostly ok...there were the faint hints of injury but nothing major. That didn't make sense though...if she remembers right she was caught in a really big explosion. She should be way more hurt then this...
"Alright alright enough!" Shouted Recovery girl. Looking amongst them with an annoyed glare that shook even the biggest of her family. "If you are all quite done turning my office into a wrestling ring you can see yourself out. As you can see Itsuka Kendo is fine, as I already told you she would be! If you can all just wait in the hall I'll do a quick check up and then you can all go on your way and out of my hair! Do I make myself clear!?"
"Yes ma'am." They all chimed, looking a little dejected as the large group of them made their way out of her office.
Her entire family was pretty chaotic and messy. Really loud and all consuming in a room, they have been for as long as she can remember...so the fact that they all immediately did as Recovery girl demanded was a little intimidating.
...Ok it was really intimidating.
"That goes double for you young man."
She may have turned her head a little too quickly, half expecting to see Midoriya in the room with her. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed to see Tetsutetsu instead, a feeling she almost immediately felt bad for.
"Do you mind if I just wait here though?" He said with a nervous chuckle, scratching as his neck as he took a step closer. "I promise not to cause any trouble and be quiet."
Rolling her eyes a little Recovery girl didn't argue as she turned around to grab a clipboard and a few things, leaving Tetsutetsu an opening to walk closer and sit next to her. Reaching a hand out he took hers to squeeze it.
"I'm glad you are ok." He whispered, his rough hand caressing hers. "It was a little scary to see you passed out like that...but I guess I was worried for nothing!"
"I am too."
Smiling at the cute gesture she turned to look at one of the walls as they waited.
Isn't she supposed to feel giddy or something?
She absently thought, the close proximity to the boy feeling more awkward then comforting. An uncomfortable feeling washing over her body.
Usually in those sappy stories her mother used to watch young love was all consuming. It was supposed to take your breath away and make your heart aflutter...atleast that's what she thought. But she didn't feel anything like that...
Walking back over to them Recovery girl looked at the two of them with a weird look. She couldn't place what it was but her gaze drifted to their conjoined hand and then away. Absently grumbling something before doing a quick check up and sending them on their way.
Leaving the office hand in hand they turned the corner to see her family waiting. For some reason the look her mother gave them made her let Tetsutetsu's hand go. Jogging over to them with a smirk, the boy quickly following after her.
"What did I miss after the match?"
"Just Midoriya's match." Chuckled her dad. "It wasn't much really. He kind of destroyed the poor girl."
Really? She would have liked to see that...or atleast been there to rub it in Kamakiri's face. Oh well, there was plenty of time for that.
"Yeah! It was so cool! Big bro Zuku was like bam! And pow!" Exclaimed her little brother Sora, punching at the air.
"I knew my Zuzu would win. I wasn't worried for a second." Huffed Yuki with a twirl of her red hair, puffing out her lips.
"That's not what you said earlier!"
"Shut. Up. Sora."
"I can see why you all enjoy fighting as much as you do. It's pretty exciting when you know the people doing it." Happily chimed her mother.
In the sea of comments one of them got Itsuka's attention.
"His form was all wrong." Granpa Dai grumbled, the tap of his came against the ground as he walked along. "Just because he doesn't come to the dojo anymore doesn't mean he's allowed to be sloppy."
Sloppy? That didn't sound right?
Pausing her step for a second in thought it felt like there was something obvious that she was forgetting. Something that would explain this weird uncomfortable feeling. It wasn't until Tetsutetsu spoke that she realized what it was.
"Yeah dude!" He shouted, thrusting his fist into the air. His excited fighting spirit fitting right in with her family. "I was a little worried that he wasn't going to make it to his match on time after he came by to see you. I'm glad he made it!"
"I've learned something since meeting Midoriya. Hard work is more valuable then the quirk you were born with. It helps you more in the long run. So hearing you say that you plan to half ass everything and win anyway made me laugh."
Scowling at the memory Todoroki opened his eyes to look around the stadium. The energy was...different then usual, even someone as bad at social cues as himself could tell that at least. The cheering was more restrained then usual but there was also a level of tension in the air. It was there ever since the match between Bakugo and Kendo, he noticed. An uncomfortable feeling lingering in the air that the crowd was struggling to break away from.
"Another crazy match is about to be on it's way! It's a real David vs Goliath! Power versus skill!"
The sound of footsteps coming up the stadium made him look away from the speakers, his opponent coming up to stop on the other side of the ring.
"You actually came." Todoroki said, trying to come off impassive as usual. He had already lost his cool once today, he refused to let this general studies guy do it again.
Giving him that infuriating smirk that he hated the purple haired guy rolled his shoulders a little as he spoke. "What, and let you coast by without trying? That's no fun."
This piece of...
"You and I both know you can't beat me."
"True." His opponent rolled his eyes back at him like he just said something obvious. Something like the sky was blue. "But let's give this a shot anyway."
"You all know his name! It's a last name infamous in the hero world! He destroyed all who crossed his path with incredible power and control! Everyone give it up...for Shoto Todoroki!"
Looking amongst the screaming crowd his heterochromatic eyes stopped on the burning flame that was his father. The man sitting back a little when their eyes met and returning his scowl with a smirk. There was something in his look that pissed Todoroki off. He was acting like he already won, like his point was already made...but Todoroki refused. He had not won anything yet. So long as he still breathes he refuses to let that man win. Him using his fire before was a mistake...a slip up. Something he will not do again, he will show them all he doesn't need his father. Him and his quirk.
"Standing in the other corner! One of the two general study students who fought his way to the top! He's the Purple Haired Underdog! The Grumpy Grappler! We are still waiting to hear back from Eraserheads paternity test!"
"I hate this bit...so much."
"It's Hitoshi Shinsho!"
Gesturing to the two of them Midnight looked them over from her podium. Raising her whip she waved it to get their attention.
"If you are both ready!"
"Sure."
He nodded as he got into a fighting stance.
"Then let the next match...begin!"
Raising his right foot he slammed it into the ground, a trail of ice rapidly shooting across the arena from Todoroki's foot and heading straight for Shinso. The purple haired man's eyes widening as he realized that it was moving too fast to dodge. A colossal glacier overtaking him instantly, jagged, icey tips spearing holes in the clouds high above. In a split second Shinso was encased at the epicenter of the iceberg's bottom, frozen within its base.
The audience was silent from the pure excessive power used, only a few claps going off. Todoroki letting out an angry sigh, his cold breath visible as he closed his eyes and started to walk back out of the stadium.
All that talk and he was still struck down like all of the rest. What a waste of his time...
Nearby Midnight shivered as half of her body was encased in ice, slowly turning her head to look at Shinso.
"S-shinso...c-can you continue?" She asked through clattering teeth.
Making his way to the corner of the ring Todoroki was about to walk out when he heard his opponent shout out, sounding angrier then he had ever heard.
"I can still fight!" Shinso shouted, partly hanging in the air with both of his arms and legs emerged in ice. Condensation drifted from his mouth as he panted, his body shaking from the cold.
That got Todoroki's attention. Making him stop to turn and face him again with a raised eyebrow.
There was no way he could break out of that, he was bluffing.
Letting out a small laugh Shinso's purple hair was down and covering parts of his face, his challenging gaze looking back up to meet him.
"I think I figured out why you hate your father so much..." Shinso muttered. "You're too similar. You're both stubborn to the very end."
Eyes widening Todoroki could feel anger rushing through his body. "What the hell did you just..." Taking a step forward he started to shout back only to have his words end mid sentence. His body jerking before stopping in his tracks.
Mummers could be heard around them. Midnight watching them with the slight tilt of her head.
"Cool. Could you do me a favor and get me out of here? It's starting to get really cold."
Slow steps forward Todoroki placed a hand on the iceberg, heat bubbling from his palm as he started to melt the ice away.
The entire time the audience watched on with a mix of shock and awe. Endeavor standing up and shouting up above.
"Shoto! What are you doing!?"
Yet no matter how much he shouted or flared Todoroki continued to stare straight ahead, unblinking. Melting his opponent out of the very trap that he himself created.
Rubbing his sore wrist Shinso sighed as he was freed. Smirking at Todoroki and pointing put of the ring.
"Thanks. You can go now. Walk out of bounds, please."
Turning like a plastic toy Todoroki marched, heading towards were he was instructed. His face unmoving as he walked out of the bounds, his body growing lose again when Shinso let him go. Todoroki blinking a few times before looking around confused.
"Todoroki is out of bounds!" Midnight shouted with a big smile. "Shinso moves on to the next round!"
No applause, just confusion. The crowd looking amongst each other like they were being messed with.
"Wait...what just happened?" Even Present Mic sounding confused.
"If the pro heroes would look down to the profiles given to them before the tournament...it says here that Shinso has a hypnosis quirk that he could use if someone responded to a statement he made. He probably didn't use it for the first match because he was saving it for the right time. A tactful strategy. For people without battle quirks sometimes not knowing is the strongest weapon of all."
"Woah! Who said you don't get anything useful from reading!"
"...only you say that."
It was only after hearing the explanation that the crowd roared with applause. Words ringing out all around them.
"What a useful quirk! That could be useful in so many situations."
"I was wondering what his quirk was."
"How did someone as strong as that end up in general studies?"
"Beats me! I would kill for a quirk like that!"
Dread started to seep into Todoroki's bones. Confusion quickly leading way to anger and frustration. Turning to face Shinso he was surprised to find he was already gone, only seeing the back of him as he started to head back down the tunnel. Looking up at his father even he was gone, his large burning presence filled with an empty seat. Letting out a curse Todoroki kicked at the grass as tears started to roll down his face.
Rows upon rows of text branching out in both directions. Vast and unending it went on for what felt like forever.
Looking left and then right Shigaraki frowned. There was no way he was going to find what he was looking for just wandering.
Slowly making his way around his red eyes scanned for someone that would be able to help him, the faint echoing quiet of the massive library almost feeling haunting.
A feeling he actually quite liked if he was honest.
Spotting movement he followed it, finding himself at a large desk with a woman behind it. She was currently reading off of a list, bending down to grab a few books before scooping them up and putting them onto a cart. She wore flat, square shaped glasses and had brown unkempt hair tightly tied back into a single bun.
"Hey."
Jumping in place the woman made a small yelp as she quickly stood back to her feet, a small thud as her head hit the top of the cart. Whipped around to face him, she absently rubbed at her head, her sweet voice starting off gentle before trailing off once she actually saw him.
"Yes! Sorry about that sir, I will be with you in just...a...moment."
Standing up stiff her eyes and mouth widened in a frozen scream, just poised and waiting to leak out in a moments notice. It didn't take a genius to pick up on the fact that she was terrified of him...which was almost funny because he had yet to even do anything.
It would make sense if she caught him doing one of the many terrible things he has done in the past but he was just standing here. In normal clothes no less.
Scowling back at her he felt his quirk rear it's ugly head, slamming up against the lid.
People like this pissed him off the most. Judgmental and needlessly cruel. He was well aware that he was hideous to most people's eyes, he didn't need someone to stare slack jawed at him to let him know that.
"Didn't your mother ever tell you it's rude to stare." He grumbled out, his voice coated with a venom that probably did not help the woman at the moment.
"A-ah! I am so sorry!" Bending at the waist she formed an L shape to bow to him. "M-my apologies sir, that was so incredibly rude! W-was there something you needed?"
Huffing he placed a hand at his side, raising a hand to scratch at his neck as he looked away.
"Where do you keep personal records? I want to look up something that had happened within the last twenty years."
"Personal records?" Looking back up to face him a strand of hair was dangling in her face. Looking a little surprised at him before quickly righting herself. "Of course sir. Take the stairs to the right here and then go down a few rows and you will find a handful of computers. They should have everything that you need."
"Thanks." He grumbled out in response, any of his good mood already soured by the woman.
Turning without another word he noticed the woman let out a relieved sigh as he left. Frowning he shoved his twitching fingers into his pocket, ascending the steps and heading farther into the library.
Just as the woman said the computers were exactly where she specified. Old, archaic looking things covered in dust and dirt. Placing his palm onto one of them he slide it along the old tech, a chunk of dust sliding off from the movement and scattering amongst the air.
With the single press of a button the thing came to life, a faint dull glow coming from the dirty screen as it made a slow clunking sound. Taking a seat in a rotating chair he waited for it to finish starting up before he started to type. Clacking his fingers against the worn keys he made sure to keep his pinkie into the air as he typed out the words 'Izuku Midoriya.'
It took only a second for multiple articles to pop up, which he must admit was a little odd. He expected to maybe find an article, maybe some medical records on file...not multiple articles on the first page.
Raising an eyebrow he hovered the mouse over the first article and clicked on it. A news headline appearing that said "Aldera High Scandal."
What in the world was this?
Scrolling down the article he quickly skimmed the page, reading off phrases her and there. Things like "abuse allegations" and "faculty indoctrination."
But the thing that really caught his eye was an interview with the boys mother. It did not tell you the woman's name or even what she looked like...but for whatever reason he was reminded of someone.
Q: thank you for spending time out of your busy schedule to talk to us.
A: Of course! I'm honestly a little surprised you would want to spend your time talking to me of all people.
Q: How could I not after everything I heard? Is it true that you discovered an indoctrination ring within one of our very schools?
A:...yes sadly. It was a school my son had gone to his entire life. All the way from Elementary to Middle school.
Q: That's honestly terrifying. I have a child myself and I cant imagine what you must have gone through.
A: For a long time I felt like I was crazy. So many people knew about what was going on and did nothing. Even my son refused to talk about any of it, instead choosing to suffer in silence.
Q: What tipped you off to what was really going on?
A: The bandages. My son would always take an extra long time to come home even though the school was within walking distance. I once walked down along his path and found bloody bandages in a dumpster nearby. After that I hired a private investigator, called a few lawyers and the rest was history.
Q: Thank God you did. You not only saved your son but possibly many more!
A: Thank you...I. I sometimes think about that long trek home my son had to make every day. Hurt, bruised and beaten. No one every stopped to make sure he was ok! I feel like it shouldn't have come down to any of this if people just cared more...
Staring at the screen Shigiraki could feel himself shaking. His red eyes scanning every word, jumping to the beginning and then reading it again. He would always get to that final phrase and stop.
Are you ok son...I ah. Nevermind...h-have a good day.
Was he crying? Why?
Placing a finger to a tear rolling down his face he panted. His breath growing ragged and uneven. Getting up quickly the spinning chair toppled over and slammed against the carpet. Placing a hand on his chest he couldn't stop himself from taking deep breaths. What was happening to him? He didn't like it!
He could sweat he heard a dog barking in the background and he felt like thousands of ants were living under his skin. Crawling and wringling everywhere. The itch coming back ten fold.
Make it stop!
Turning he started to run. He wasn't sure where he was going but anywhere was better then here! Coming down the stairs two steps at a time he rushed past the receptionist making the nervous women jump in fright.
"Playing hero again?"
"Kotaro, that is enough! P-please stop hurting him!"
"Dad no! You're hurting me!"
Slamming against the front doors they swung open as he ran out into Hosu city. The loud hustle and bustle of the city assaulting his senses. Running down the steps he made his way to the street, slamming into someone and kept running.
"Hey! Watch it man!" The stranger shouted.
"Heroes will hurt their family!"
Flashes like visions came to him. Glimpses into a past life or maybe something he had forgotten along the way. Why had he forgotten this? Who were these people!?
"Mon I...I-I can't! I hate them so much!"
Falling to the ground on his knees his fingers moved like a blur against his aching skin. The itch had never been like this before...was this how he died? In some rotten alley peeling the skin off of his bone?
"Nobody would help you, would they?"
"It hurt, didn't it?"
"You must have run, looking for a helping hand."
"What an awful thing."
"A hero will come to help...sooner or later a hero will help..."
"Thats what they all thought as they pretended not to see you. Like you were invisible."
"Who the heck made it this kind of world, anyway? What kind of world would turn their back on a child?"
"Do not worry...for I am here, for you."
And then it was gone. The absence of the itch so jarring...like slamming a truck against a pole.
He remembers everything. What happened and who saved him. Grabbing at the dirty floor Shigaraki pushed himself off to stand up. His head no longer felt cloudy, feeling more clear then he had in a long time. Turning his head he could hear the sound of fighting farther down and he followed it.
Raising his arms just in the nick of time Ingenium grit his teeth behind his helmet. The scrapping of metal against his protective bracers causing sparks to flair out and illuminate the dark alley for just a second before going back out. Another spark like the flash of a camera as Ingenium jumped back, a thrown knife skimming off the side of his helmet. Jumping into the air he pushed off of the wall before coming down on the masked villain, the assailant quickly darting out of the way of his attack.
Panting Ingenium grimaced behind his helmet, falling to his knee for just a second.
While he had yet to have blood drawn the repeated blows was starting to ware him down. The hero killer was like a wild animal, circling, striking and then backing off. The longer the fight went on the more he started to feel fighting the hero killer alone was probably a bad idea.
It was painfully obvious that the hero killer thrived in this environment and he had fallen into his trap.
The hero killer would not give him breathing room for long. Looking up Ingenium saw a knife soaring straight at him. Rolling out of the way he kicked a scatter of blades aside.
The longer this fight went on the longer it was going to get...he had to stop the villain now. Getting down into a sprinter stance he felt the fiery roar of his quirk.
Facing forward he took a breath as he closed his eyes.
...
Rushing past in a blur Tenya Iida circled the ring, moving so fast that many of the audience had a hard time following him. Jumping into the air he swung a super powered leg at the iron wall that was Kirishima, the two powers colliding with a loud bang. Quickly dodging out of the way of Kirishima's punches before he could retaliate.
Iida knew that all it would take was a single well timed hit from his opponent for him to go down. It was a good thing that Kirishima was so slow...but even still he could not seem to crack Kirishima's unbreakable shield but he refused to give up!
This was it. He had to put it all on the table if he wanted to beat Kirishima. No hesitation or he had already lost.
My speed vs his power...
Crouching down into a sprinters stance he took a breath, fire roaring from his engine legs. His blood pumping and adrenaline rushing through his veins. Shouting out the phrase into the heavens.
"RECIPRO BURST!" "RECIPRO BURST!"
Rocketing forward with insane speed the stage started to crack from the force of his start up. Shooting at him at a straight line he slammed into Kirishima's body, actually managing to move him as he passed by. Coming at a stop at the very corner of the stage he turned before doing it again. Each pass by zipping past and forming a latticework of movement.
More.
Knocking Kirishima to the side he went again and again. Hammering away at his wall.
Faster.
Making a quick turn he tried to go in for another pass only for Kirishima to raise both of his fist and hammer them into the ground below them.
In a load crack the cement below them erupted outward, Iida stumbling against the splintering cracks. Rushing forward Kirishima struck Iida across the face, knocking him off of the ground and into the grass, his back grinding against the dirt before coming to a stop.
"Iida is out of bounds! Kirishima moves on to the next round!"
Rubbing his wrist Kirishima grimaced a little. "Man, I almost broke my wrist again with that hit. I need to figure this thing out."
Laying in the grass the taste of defeat was still fresh on Iida's tongue. It tasted bitter and frustrating. Iida tried to sit up but found himself unable, falling back to the ground with a groan.
Just one hit and he was unable to move.
Staring up at the bright blue sky he could see robots coming for him in the corner of his eye.
"Did you see Tensei? Did you see how hard I fought?" He muttered tiredly to no one. "Are you proud of me?"
...
Fire erupted from Ingenium's elbows as he rocketed into the sky, fire shooting from his elbows as Ingenium went straight up and then dipped down. Getting knocked against one of the walls the hero killer let out a feral growl as he swung at just air. Ingenium bouncing off of the wall like a ball and slamming into him again.
Crouching low the hero killer traced his movement with his eyes...
Throwing a knife were he predicted he was going to go his knife found its mark, stabbing into Ingenium's shoulder and knocking him off course right into his path.
Fainting to the left he gripped onto the hilt of his long crooked blade and slashed him once across the chest. Raising the bloody sword to his mouth he licked it, watching as the pro hero fell to the ground in a heap.
"Blasted fake heroes the lot of you..." He growled out, raising a hand to wipe at his bloody mouth. Walking over he started to pick up his thrown knifes and reupholstering them. "I must admit you put up a good fight but you should know by now that I can never he defeated by a fake. You should spend more time actually saving lives instead of running into my blade..."
The sound of footsteps drew the hero killers attention from his monologue, turning to find Ingenium was already up again. It was however, to late to dodge. Jumping into the air he drove a metal elbow into the hero killers face, knocking him against one of the walls and giving him enough time to handcuff the criminal.
Tensing against the cuffs the hero killer struggled to free his hands.
"What in the? How are you still standing!? What trickery is this!?"
Pulling his helmet off to take a breather Ingenium smirked down at him before removing a pouch from his chest.
"Blood packet, courtesy of the neighboring hospital. I had a theory that your quirk involved blood somehow so I came prepared just in case. I'm glad I did." Walking over he grabbed onto the cuffs and forcefully pulled the hero killer to his feet. "I wasn't sure what the range on your quirk was so hopefully whoever donated blood isn't passed out somewhere or something."
"Unhand me you, you fake! You are not worthy!"
"Yeah yeah, tell it to an empty jail cell"
"No! This can't be happening! You, you are unworthy! I deemed it as so! Release me! My work is not done!"
Reaching into his pocket he fished out his phone to send out their location to his agency for pickup when text messages from his families group chat made him pause. Opening them he smiled at the messages wishing his brother good luck. Typing out a response on his phone he never get to finish that message.
Too distracted with his phone he didn't hear someone else walking into the alley. A figure of death looming closer and closer. He didn't see a hand reached out to him.
Later reports would say that Ingenium looked away for just a second but that was all it took.
Tensing Ingenium's eyes widened as a cold clammy hand dug into his shoulder. His body turning grey and ashy before flacking off and shattering into a bloody pile onto the ground. "T-tenya..." He whispered out, the final words escaping his mouth before darkness. His phone falling to the ground.
Standing behind a bloody pile of metal and flesh Shigiraki wiped his hand off before turning to a chained hero killer with a crooked smile.
Looking back at him the hero killer scowled, baring his teeth like a caged animal.
"So you're the hero killer huh." Shigiraki said. "...Let's have a little chat."
The flickering screen of his phone reading the words "Knock them dead Tenya! I am so proud of"
Crouching down against one of the wall Midoriya let out a cough, his body bent over in pain as spews of black ash fell from his mouth.
This was always the worst part...having to cough out the remnant pain he absorbed. It was always painful and it took forever to leave his body.
Wiping at his mouth he heard the faint words of Present Mic calling him to his match. He had to get going if he didn't want to get late...its a good thing he spent all of the last match hiding away near the entrance tunnel.
Swallowing through thick saliva he rubbed his shoulder as he started to limp towards the entrance. Only stopping when he saw that Kendo was waiting for him. Her arms crossed as she leaned against one of the walls, glancing over to him as he got closer.
"You look terrible." She said softly.
"Me? Weren't you the one caught in an explosion? You should be resting."
Letting out a fake laugh she rolled her eyes, letting him know that she didn't believe him.
"See that's the thing, when I woke up I was perfectly fine. A little tired, but fine." Looking back at him she watched him closely. "You healed me didn't you?"
"I'm fine..." he said, not even trying to lie to her.
"Clearly not!" Getting off of the wall she gestured to him. "You can barely stand! You already made it this far, even farther then me! Lets just go home and we could..."
"I-I can't..."
"Why not!? Is this a macho thing? Midoriya let's just..."
"Please! I have to...I have to do this." Clenching his fist in frustration he punched one of the walls. "Let me do this!"
Looking at him for a long moment Kendo didn't know what to say.
He was so tired of everyone worrying about him, all of them acting like he was made of glass! He knew that he was being selfish but he had to do this, he had to prove something to himself. He had to stand up on his own two feet for once.
"Last call for Izuku Midoriya! Last call! Where you at little homie!?"
Rubbing at her face Kendo stepped aside.
"Gah! Alright fine! You stubborn asshole! You best kick his ass, you hear me!?"
Smiling he nodded as he past, feel her hand rub his shoulder.
"And be careful...ok?"
"Yeah. I promise."
Walking past, Kendo watched on as her best friend began to walk out of the tunnel, the light of the outside engulfing him from view before he disappeared entirely from sight.
She had a bad feeling about this...quietly whispering to anyone that would listen that he would be ok.
Standing there awkward I shift my weight from side to side, looking at the right as I rub my neck awkward.
"So uh." I mutter, trying to think of what to say. "How bout those matches? Sorry they weren't as crazy as last chapter and were all pretty quick. I'm building onto something here and sprinting towards a finale to the arc...um."
Popping my mouth I look to the left now.
"And...nothing else happened this chapter. No big death or anything that will change the path of the story. I wouldn't think too much into it...ok that's it, bye!"
Turning I jump out of a window before the angry mob has time to form.