Angel: We have our third Youtuber that has made an audiobook of this story, I was not expecting the story to get this popular and we're not even halfway through the second season. I wanna start this off by saying thank you to everyone who is loving this story because it means a lot that people enjoy it this much to make 3 audiobooks from Youtube from 3 different people, that had never happened until now for any of my other stories. And I hope that people continue to love this, I'm loving making this story too. Anyway, Anime World is the Youtuber's name if you wanna check it out and leave a comment for their video named What if Deku's twin sister became the Symbol of Light. I suggested the title, but the video itself is all them, so give them some love and appreciation. This chapter is uploaded early because of them, I would've uploaded yesterday because of the video's debut, but I was busy with stuff. Also, I did not have this ready for upload by the time I saw the video late Friday.
And yes, I will upload early every time someone makes an audiobook or any video in general regarding my stories XD
Let me also power through some questions I got: Like I said, haven't watched a single episode of Sailor Moon, so I have no context for that anime. Izuka's hair and costume design were inspired by Pretty Cure, yes, but I took different elements from different characters, and her normal hairstyle isn't always the same, she leaves it down in her hero costume. I know of RWBY, but I didn't take any inspiration from Weiss. Her hero name appears after the next 6 chapters, so I will not spoil it here. And Yuga Aoyama is French himself, so he's got that covered, but there is a later OVA where she does show knowledge of another language that is not French in season 5 that I have not written at this time. And not really a spoiler, but it's not the last time Katsuki gets jealous.
'All four of them put their trust in me. This is my responsibility!' Izuku looked up ahead. 'We all have our reasons to win this, and I refuse to let the others down!'
Fumikage jerked a thumb to Dark Shadow holding a headband worth 615 points. "It was around his head, where his guard was the weakest. Midoriya, you're the one who created the opening for me, and ensured our advancement."
Dark Shadow then gave a thumbs up.
Izuku had tears in his eyes as the last team was announced. "And in fourth place is Team Midoriya!" He let out streams of tears towards the sky in relief over this. Izuka gave him a slightly embarrassed look, though she still rubbed his back comfortingly. "These four valiant teams will advance on to the final round!"
People were exiting the stadium to find something to eat. "Now for a lunch break before the afternoon festivities. See ya!" Present Mic's voice boomed from inside. The students were taking their leave.
"Ugh, I'm starving."
"Me too."
"Let's find some food."
In the hallway of the faculty and student entrance, Shoto was staring down the twins in silence. Both of them looked pretty nervous to be there, considering what he had said to both of them in the waiting room. "So, you brought us here. Now what?"
"Todoroki-San...wh-what is this about?" Izuka wondered a bit anxiously, a fist in front of her chest. However, he didn't answer either of them.
The three stared at each other, and it was definitely very awkward. There were two options: one, he could reiterate his declaration of war. Or two, it might have something to do with how he had used his left side earlier during the cavalry battle.
"...We should probably eat soon," Izuku spoke up, trying to get out of the situation. "The cafeteria's gonna be busy." However, there was still no response from Shoto. "Don't you think...?" He gulped once they got no answer.
"T-Todoroki-San...if you were gonna bring us here...you have to tell us why. We're not...we're not gonna get to the bottom of this if you plan on staring at us the whole time..." Izuka bit her lip a bit anxiously, and he stayed silent once again. She then leaned up towards Izuku, a hand near her mouth. "This is so tense..." And it was honestly starting to make her uncomfortable.
He's all cold intimidation. Way different from Kacchan. Or at least with me. With Izuka, Kacchan tends to be a bit nicer—even if he goes right back to insulting her sometimes.
Izuka sweated a bit while staring at Shoto still. It's like he's not even hearing us. When we started the festival, I saw Mr. Endeavor in the crowd. Because I'm so short, he didn't notice me thankfully. He was so intense-looking towards his own son. If Todoroki-San wanted to talk about something, what exactly was it? Does Mr. Endeavor have something to do with this?
"I was overwhelmed," Shoto finally stated to them both, causing them to gasp from him admitting this. "And it made me break the promise I made to myself a long time ago."
Izuku then glanced down to his left arm. It would have given him such an advantage to use his left side. And yet...he didn't.
Izuka's eyes softened just a little, not enough to be noticeable. I've experienced this feeling before just like he had. About not letting people see a different side of you.
Shoto then raised his left arm to his eyesight. "Ida and Kaminari...Yaoyorozu and Tokoyami...Uraraka...none of them felt it." Shoto raised his left hand, making fire appear. "In that moment...I was the only one aside from your sister who could sense your true power." Izuku lunged his arm forward, the two rivals about to go head to head. "It reminded me of something..." All Might recoiled back his arm as it shined with immense power, and he gritted his teeth. He hit the Nomu in the stomach with just one hand. "Experiencing All Might's Quirk." Shoto closed his open mouth, staring at All Might.
Izuka let out a scared sound, cringing as her hair stood on end a little. They already had Tsuyu asking about this too before the USJ Incident. The last thing they needed was to start getting questioned about it by the more curious classmates. And if Shoto connected the dots...they might be in a lot more trouble than they thought when they told Katsuki, even if he didn't understand.
"Oh, yeah? Okay...is that all?" Izuku gave a nervous expression.
Izuka let out a small cough to hide her fear. "W-we should really get going now. Otherwise we'll miss lunch and-"
"I'm saying..." Shoto interrupted her and she blinked in confusion. "The power coming from you specifically, Midoriya, felt the same as All Might's. Mido's seems to be on a different level, but still similar." Both of them gasped sharply, their eyes widening at him. They weren't sure they could handle what he was about to say next—whether or not he was gonna be blunt about it or just make a hint that he figured it out. "Mido, Midoriya, tell me..."
Both of them waited in anticipation for what he wanted to ask them. "Are you two really All Might's secret love children or something?" He asked them with a dead straight face.
Both of them froze, their eyes comically wide staring at him. Izuka then grew pale, her breath escaping her out of slight relief. But then her jaw dropped and it didn't wanna close. Are we...what?! Izuku thought incredibly at the frankly absurd question.
"I've seen it," Shoto spoke in the waiting room. "You've both got All Might in your corner, helping you out."
Okay, I get why he'd think that. As insane as it sounds. Izuku mused while still in shock. Izuka felt like something stabbed through the side of her head as her arms dropped, getting over the question still herself.
I can't believe he even asked us this...at least no one else has thought about it like that, and I hope it stays that way. Izuka thought as her eyes and mouth shook staring at Shoto.
"Well, are you?" Shoto asked them again.
"No, no way—that's not it at all," Izuku protested in a panic. "But I guess even if we were, I'd totally say we weren't, so you probably won't believe me no matter what, I bet. Anyway, I promise, you've got the wrong idea."
Izuka took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "Todoroki-San...he's telling the truth," She finally looked at him in the eye. "We are not...related to Mr. All Might," She let out a sigh while rubbing a temple. "What more can we say?"
"And...why would you even think that about us?" Izuku couldn't help but wonder.
"That's not it at all and what more can we say is interesting wording from the both of you," Shoto pointed out immediately. "It suggests there is something between you three that you're not supposed to talk about."
Crap Izuka winced at him. Well, that majorly backfired on the both of us. But why is he even making it his business? Does he have a vendetta against Mr. All Might or something? No, because then Todoroki-San wouldn't have helped him plan that surprise 'attack' for our USJ training...
Izuku gave a nervous sound, looking away from him. If they said anything more, it would just tip off Shoto. And they couldn't have that. "My father is the hero Endeavor," Shoto started off, closing his eyes as they both looked back at him. "You must've heard of him. Which means you're both aware that he's the number-two hero." He opened his eyes again, staring the twins down as if he was intimidated by them. "So if you're connected to the number-one hero, All Might, in some way...that would mean...that I have even more reason to beat the both of you."
Izuka let out a small gasp, staring at him curiously.
"Yo! Long time no see!" All Might smiled towards Endeavor. "Let's catch up, Endeavor."
"...All Might..." He spoke after a few seconds, his flames dancing around. He then glanced back with a sneer.
"I haven't talked to you since that press conference ten years ago. Been a while. I saw you and figured I'd say hi," All Might stated and Endeavor turned away from him.
"Did you now? Well then, if that's all you wanted to do, we're done," He then started walk down the stairs, confusing All Might. "Chatting like we're old friends. What a joke," He grumbled while storming down the steps.
All Might then laughed while flipping and landing in front of Endeavor, earning a small gasp. "Come on, why the cold shoulder?" Endeavor let out a small growl at his rival not letting up on this. "You should be thrilled. After all...your son's doing very well out there, just using half his power. You must be a great teacher."
"...Are you implying something?" Endeavor narrowed his eyes at the man.
"No. I want to know your secrets. How do we train the next generation of heroes?" He wasn't doing this purely for advice, but because...he could sense that Endeavor and Shoto didn't have the greatest relationship. Plus he already had a good show case of what Shoto was like around others.
"Do you really think I'd tell you anything I've taught the boy?" Endeavor retorted back and then continued walking. "You're all flash and no brains as usual. Outta my way," He then shouldered All Might as he left.
"Okay," All Might replied a bit awkwardly, and Endeavor then came to a stop.
"Let me assure you of one thing, All Might. Whatever it takes...that kid of mine will beat you someday," He then had a big grin on his face. "I'll make sure of it. That's why I made him."
All Might's smile dropped once he heard this, and it was honestly concerning. He had to wonder if Shoto even knew this, and that would explain his behavior... "You did what?" He asked in alarm for how Endeavor worded it. Almost as if he was projecting his feelings about the hero through Shoto. Or at least attempting to since Shoto definitely didn't act like this towards him at all.
Endeavor glanced back with determined eyes. "He's in a rebellious phase right now. But he will take your place. I'll make sure of it."
All Might gritted his teeth at this declaration, since he already could tell by Shoto he had no interest in doing that whatsoever. And yet Endeavor didn't seem to care, he just wanted to surpass the number one hero regardless of who he hurt...
He could only stare as Endeavor walked away in silence.
"My old man is ambitious," Shoto informed the twins. "He aims for the top. He used his power to make a name for himself as a hero. But he was never able to best All Might, so the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure." The duo stared at him in shock—All Might never mentioned this to them, nor had they ever seen it. But since it was coming from Shoto, they didn't have a reason to not believe him. "He's still at it, though, trying to take down All Might. One way or another."
"I-I'm not really sure either of us know what you're getting at," Izuku stammered a little. "What are you trying to tell us, Todoroki?"
"And...why exactly?" Izuka tilted her head in confusion.
"...Have you ever heard of...Quirk marriages?" Shoto questioned them slowly, and they stared at him in silence, wondering why the change in subject. "They became a problem in the first few generations after superpowers became widespread. There were those who sought out potential mates solely with the intention of creating powerful children. Many people were forced into relationships. They were simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages." As he was speaking, their classmates were still at lunch, though enjoying themselves. "But clearly, it was unethical. My father has not only a rich history of accomplishments, but plenty of money to throw at his problems. He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her Quirk. And now he's raising me to usurp All Might."
Izuku let out a small gasp, Izuka faltering a little. Her eyes saddened as she realized...Shoto had a lot going on in life. Not just being Endeavor's son, but to be placed with high expectations that the boy himself didn't seem interested in fulfilling.
"It's so annoying," He gritted his teeth, looking desolate. "I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag." There was then a bit of silence, as the girl couldn't help but feel a bit more of respect for Shoto. It must take a lot out of him to have to endure that kind of behavior practically every single day. "In every memory of my mother...I only see her crying." She never showed her face to him, but her sobs were enough for him to understand her emotions when he saw her. He then looked at his left hand, holding it up to his face. "I remember she called my left side unbearable..." Shoto covered the red part of the left side of his face with his hand. "Before she poured boiling water on my face."
The twins both gasped in horror to hear this, Izuka slowly tensing up at this. Now she could understand why he was telling them this, and why he had declared war on them...so that he wouldn't give his father any satisfaction of seeing his left side. And because of how it had affected his life at home if his mother got the same treatment Shoto did in the past.
"The reason I picked a fight with you both was to show my old man what I was capable of doing. Without having to rely on his damned fire Quirk," Shoto then put down his left hand. "You see...I'm going to show him that I reject his power, and I can take first place without using it."
Katsuki had actually been listening in the whole time, hiding around the corner. He looked towards the floor with a deep frown on his face after having heard...he had only came here to figure out what Shoto wanted with the twins, but he wasn't expecting that of all things to hear.
Izuku gave a small frown, the twins taking it in themselves. The life he's led is so different than ours combined. It sounds terrifying...or maybe not, maybe Izuka felt the same way when she found out about her Quirk when we were four. How strange that we could be aiming for the same thing despite such different childhoods.
Izuka clenched a fist in front of her heart, her eyes shaking. Todoroki-San and how he grew up...it's not entirely different from me. I remember I was so terrified Izuku would hate me if I even showed any proof of my Quirk. How is it that we have the same perspective almost of our powers when we're not even alike at all?
Shoto then turned away, hands in his pockets as he left them in the hallway. "You're both obviously connected to All Might. Even if either of you won't tell me about it. But no matter how fiercely both of you come at me in the future, I will defeat you using only my right side. I can assure you of that."
Izuku gave a nervous frown, as it all made sense to them. That didn't mean they agreed with it, it was still pretty messed up of Endeavor to do it, but...not for Shoto to live his life like this. To be so...dismissive of his own potential with his left side. But it was something Izuka especially didn't want to involve herself with. So this is why Todoroki's so focused. He's like a comic book character. A hero with a tragic backstory. Fighting to rise above it.
He's just like me in a way. Izuka looked a bit sympathetic towards Shoto. She certainly didn't like his behavior towards her and Izuku sometimes, but she could at least get where he was coming from. I never knew just how much he had to get past with someone like Endeavor. Just because a hero was your parent...didn't mean it didn't come without any hardship or difficulty.
Izuku then stepped forward, running after Shoto. "Hey, wait!" The boy came to a stop after hearing Izuku's voice. Izuka stepped up to her brother from behind. "I'm only here because others have supported me, and I wanted to support my sister in return. I've been really lucky," He then looked at his hand. "In fact, I've had even more help since I've come to UA."
"Have no fear. You're safe. I am here," All Might declared after he had saved the twins from the sludge villain.
"Can't you just give them some of my points?" Ochaco pleaded with Present Mic after the entrance exam.
Inko held up the twins' costumes, happy tears in her eyes. "I'll support you with everything I've got!"
"You can't be a hero if you only have one trick," Mr. Aizawa used his scarves to knock several villains into each other.
"I guess we passed the shipwreck zone," Tsuyu said while carrying Minoru and Izuku away after defeating some villains at the USJ.
"Get the hell outta my way, Deku!" Katsuki shouted while firing an explosion at Kurogiri.
"Team up with me, person in first place!" Mei offered Izuku with no hesitation, hands on her hips.
Fumikage jerked a thumb to Dark Shadow holding up a headband that helped them get into fourth place. "It was around his head, where his guard was the weakest."
Toshinori stood in front of the sunset, looking down at the twins after they inspired him with the sludge villain. "Young man, young lady. You too can become heroes." After hearing this, Izuku cried happy tears, clutching his heart. Izuka smiled a bit while patting him gently.
"So please..." Izuku looked at his sister in determination. "Keep using your amazing power for everyone to see. Because I'll always be your biggest fan."
"And I'll be yours," She sniffed with a happy smile and he returned it.
Izuku made his hand into a fist, remembering All Might's smile from his debut. "All Might is constantly saving people with a fearless smile. He's the greatest hero. And I wanna be just like him. In order to do that...I have to be strong enough to become number one," Shoto glanced back at the boy. "I know my motivation might seem stupid compared to yours. But still—I can't lose this either. I owe it to everyone who's supported me to try my best. You declared war on us earlier. Well, right back at you," He made his fist tighter staring at Shoto. "I am going to beat you."
"I'll be there right with him," Izuka nodded sharply in agreement, alarming both Shoto and Katsuki. "I may have not used my Quirk as much as anyone else, and it can put me at a disadvantage. I recognize that, Todoroki-San."
"You better not believe anything they said either, you got that?!" Katsuki pointed down at her with a snarl, standing up. "And you better not hold back during the sports festival. I still have to destroy you in front of everyone, so don't come at me with your lowest!"
Izuka clenched her fist tighter in front of her chest. Out of all the people she thought of who were inspiring her, it was Katsuki once again. "But...I realize that right here, the sports festival...is where I need to prove my worth. Not just because...of people supporting me too, but because I want them to notice me, even though I'm still terrified of the crowd. Slowly...I'm starting to not even pay attention to that. You say you want to beat us...but deep down, we're not so different, and you know that. You may want to show your father your power...but don't declare war on us if you don't plan on giving it your all like I want to. Like how I know people want me to."
Shoto flinched in alarm, Katsuki gritting his teeth. She was trying not to allude to the fact that Katsuki was the one who gave her the drive to compete like she had been doing. But to him, it was like she was only focusing on Shoto instead of pushing herself like the blond was hoping she would do...and it might be pissing him off that she was saying all of this to Shoto and not him, and without her usual stuttering or shyness. He thought that just a little...he was the only one she was truly comfortable doing that with beside her brother and closer friends.
Shoto said nothing and then walked off. Izuka let out a deep breath, a hand on her chest. "That was kinda nerve-wracking..." She admitted to her brother.
"Are you kidding? You managed to talk to him so clearly!" Izuku gave a small smile.
"I..." She blinked incredibly as she just realized that herself, and then smiled too. "I did, huh?"
Katsuki glanced back at the twins, gritting his teeth as he saw Izuka glancing back towards Shoto briefly. He then stormed off, not wanting to be around them any longer.
"Get those foam fingers in the air!" Present Mic hollered once lunch was over. "It's almost time for the last round! But before that...good news for everyone who didn't make the finals. Since this is a sports festival, we've prepared some super-fun side games everyone can participate in!" All of the students were walking back onto the field. There were also some cheerleaders that weren't there before. "We even brought in cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!"
"Ah..." Mr. Aizawa gave a surprised look towards something.
"Hold up," Present Mic tried to get a closer look. Some people from Class 1-B were very confused at the sight nearby.
"What are they doing?" Mr. Aizawa couldn't help but wonder as the girls from Class 1-A...were in the same cheerleader outfits as the ones from America. And they did not look happy about it whatsoever. The only person not in one was Izuka herself.
"Looks like Class 1-A is goin' full-on fanservice!"
Denki and Minoru gave each other proud thumbs up, blushes on their faces. "What?! You tricked us?!" Momo shouted angrily at them. "You're gonna regret this!"
During lunchtime, Denki and Minoru approached Momo and Kyoka. "Yaoyorozu. Jiro," Denki spoke up with a serious look on his face. Minoru had the same expression as the two turned around to the boys.
"Uh huh, do you need something?" Momo asked as politely as she could, knowing how both of them could get.
"Well, I'm sure you already know since you're like, a class rep..." Minoru pointed towards the American cheerleaders running past. "But they said all the girls have to wear those uniforms for the big cheer battle this afternoon."
"Huh?!" Kyoka blushed in embarrassment—cheerleading was definitely not her thing.
"That's odd," Momo blinked in confusion. "This is the first I'm hearing about it. Are you sure?"
"You don't have to believe me if you wanna get in trouble," Minoru gave an innocent look. "But this is coming straight from Mr. Aizawa. I thought maybe you'd forgotten, so I figured I'd remind you, just in case." Denki silently nodded in agreement.
Momo sighed in embarrassment while sitting on the grass. "Why is it that I always end up falling for that little pervert's stupid schemes?" Ochaco bent down with a small smile. "I even used my Quirk to make these outfits." Ochaco patted her on the back while Izuka approached her silently. The green-haired girl rubbed Momo's back.
"Ugh, I hate those guys!" Kyoka threw down her pom-poms in annoyance, grunting while crossing her arms.
"Well, we do have a little time before the finals start, and I kinda like these uniforms, so..." Toru then waved her pom-poms back and forth. "How 'bout we just roll with it!"
"Are you crazy?!" Kyoka screeched at her in disbelief.
"Wow, Toru," Tsuyu commented from behind. "You've got skills."
"How come Mido's not in one...?!" Minoru gritted his teeth in anger.
"Well, she wasn't at lunch, so she was probably busy elsewhere," Denki rubbed the back of his neck. Momo had tried to find her, but that was when Izuka had her conversation with Izuku and Shoto.
"Come on, Mido, you might as well join us!" Toru offered her and Izuka flinched in alarm, and looked a bit pale. "You're one of the girls in Class 1-A too, after all. Even if technically, you're giving those two the full package of seeing us like this, but who cares?"
Izuka stood up slowly and then hid behind Momo. "...I'd rather not," She admitted meekly, leaning up towards Momo in a whisper.
"I don't think she'd be comfortable doing that," Tsuyu pointed out to Toru.
"Aww, but it could be fun," Mina pouted at Izuka, pointing at Momo. "Yaoyorozu, make her a uniform! Let's get some hidden spirit from Mido!"
"NOOOOO!" Izuka cried out while running to hide behind her brother, to the shock of the girls. He flinched from the looks he was getting and laughed awkwardly.
"Give her some time," Ochaco gave a sheepish look. "Being in a big crowd like this is already hard enough on her when she focuses on it too much..."
"...Alright then," Present Mic blinked at Izuka incredibly. "Have fun competing in these little side games, everyone!" The screen then changed to show the next event. "After they're over, the 17 students from the top four teams will be duking it out one-on-one in a tournament-style fighting competition. "I promise you're not gonna wanna miss these epic match ups!"
"Aw, yeah," Eijiro spoke up in excitement as the tournament matches were about to be announced. "Finally gettin' the chance to show what we're made of," His eyes shook as he had a big grin on his face. "I watch these finals every year, and now I'm actually in them!"
"So wait," Mina turned to him curiously. Hanta also had a big smile on his face nearby. "Is it always a tournament?"
"The final's always a one-on-one competition, but they switch it up every time," Hanta explained to the pink-skinned girl. "Last year it was a foam sword-fighting match."
"Come closer and draw lots to see who you're up against," Midnight held up the lot box. "Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start. The 17 finalists have the option of participating in those activities or sitting out to prepare for battle. I'm sure you all want to converse your stamina. I'll start with the first place team."
Midnight took a few steps forward before Mashirao raised his hand. "Um, excuse me," He called out, getting everyone's attention. "Sorry, but I'm withdrawing." All the students gasped at him in alarm.
"Ojiro," Izuku gave him a small frown. "No way!"
"W-why are you deciding to withdraw?" Izuka gave an upset look towards him, since this would be a chance to be noticed he was giving up. Mr. Aizawa did state how important it was before this all started, after all. And then it might take Mashirao even longer to become a pro.
"But this is a rare chance for you to get scouted," Tenya pointed out to his classmate.
"...It just wouldn't be right," He stated after putting down his hand. "I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until the very end of it." The twins gasped at his explanation. "I...think it was that guy's Quirk."
Izuku scoped the crowd, trying to remember who Mashirao was teamed up with. Wait, who was Ojiro with again? He thought while Izuka looked to the right and flinched, gripping his left arm as she gave an unnerved look. Izuku blinked at her reaction and turned to see Shinso staring at them. Him?
Shinso then turned away as if he hadn't been looking in their direction. That's the same boy who alluded that I might get transferred out of the hero course Izuka gave him a small frown. What kind of Quirk would make Ojiro-San forget the whole thing? If any of our other classmates have to face him in the finals...it could put us at a huge disadvantage.
"I know this is a great opportunity," Mashirao spoke up again, clenching a fist. "I wish I could take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me."
"Just think about this," Izuku pleaded with his classmate.
"I have, okay?" He responded, catching several of them off guard. "Everyone gave their all in round two, but I was just someone's puppet. No way. I don't wanna advance if I don't even know how I got here. It wouldn't be fair."
"Ojiro-San..." Izuka's eyes softened at him sadly at how hard he was taking this. If it was her placement on the line, then she'd probably want it to be properly earned as well. Katsuki gave a small scoff from her expression, gritting his teeth as he looked away.
"You're making way too much of this!" Toru waved her pom-poms in worry. "Just kill it in the finals and prove you should be here." Kyoka nodded in agreement with her.
"Yeah, what she said," Mina also agreed with her invisible classmate. "I didn't do much in the battle either."
Mashirao shook a bit, covering his face with his hand. "That's not it. I'm talking about my pride here. I refuse to give that up." The twins and Tenya both gasped at him, staring in silence. "...Also, why are all the girls except Mido dressed like cheerleaders?"
They all groaned in embarrassment, turning away as they didn't want the reminder of the trickery. "More importantly is why Mido won't put one on, it's only fair," Minoru grumbled to himself, but his classmates still heard it.
"Mmm," Izuka pressed her lips together in a thin line, not wanting to snap at him right now. Katsuki walked over with his hands in his pockets, standing behind Minoru. He then subtly kicked the shorter boy from behind, looking away blankly as if he didn't do anything just now.
"Nirengeki Shoda from Class 1-B," Midnight turned to a boy approaching her. "I think I should withdraw for the exact same reason. Regardless of how strong I am...this isn't how I wanted to get here. It would go against the values of the festival to advance without earning my spot."
Eijiro had tears in his eyes hearing this. "Listen to these guys! They're so manly!" He cried out at the display.
"Well now," Present Mic commented in shock; this had never happened in any Sports Festival before. "Here's another weird turn of events."
"We'll have to see what Midnight has to say about all this—she's the one in charge," Mr. Aizawa informed him.
Midnight stood there in silence for a few seconds. "...This sort of talk is incredibly naive, my boys," She then threw her whip. "That turns me on! Shoda! Ojiro! You're withdrawn!" She declared with a slight blush on her face.
"Did she say it turns her on?" A few students asked in concern.
Yuga placed a hand on Mashirao's shoulder from behind. "Don't worry. I'll win it for you."
"Now, let's see..." Midnight tapped a finger on her chin in thought. "We'll have to move up two students from the fifth-place cavalry team so we have enough contestants."
The girl with orange hair held up a hand. "We were frozen most of the time. Honestly, we barely did anything in the cavalry battle," She then glanced over her shoulder to the rest of her own team. "Isn't that right?"
"Uh-huh," A girl with her bangs covering her eyes nodded.
"Girls?" She turned to the two other teammates, who nodded as well. "You should choose from the group that kept fighting the whole time. Team Tetsutetsu."
The four were shocked to say the least. "Kendo!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed in shock for her suggesting this.
"I'm not doing this as a favor," She gave them a small smile. "It's just fair."
He gave a shocked sound as the green-haired girl gave a small smile. "Seriously, you guys...! Thank you!" Tetsutetsu shouted at the top of his lungs of his gratefulness.
And so, it was decided that he and his green-haired teammate would be the ones to advance. Their teammates smiled in encouragement. "And so, Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki have advanced to the final!" Tetsutetsu was emotional as he had tears streaming down his face. "Take a look at the bracket, my dears. These are your opponents!"
The names were finally revealed on the board and the crowd cheered. Eijiro and Tetsutetsu were both in disbelief that they were facing each other. "Seriously?!" They both shouted towards each other. "How does this keep happening?!"
Fumikage was against Momo. "I'll give it my all," He declared to his opponent.
"Good. That's all that I ask of you," She stated right back to him.
Yuga was against Mina. "Ma cherie," He gave a confident wink. "I'm afraid it's the end of the road for you."
"I can't wait to melt your butt," Mina replied with a big smile, ready to get that expression off his face.
Izuku took a few steps closer to see who he was fighting against...and he was up first against Shinso. His full name was on display so that there would be no confusion between the twins if their last names were used. I'm the first match of the first bracket. After that would be Shoto's match. Which means I might fight Todoroki next. Great. He then gave a small frown, as he couldn't mull over that right now. He had to get past the first match before even thinking about what he was gonna do about Shoto. First things first. I have to worry about this Shinso guy.
Speaking of, he was standing right behind Izuku. "That is you, right? Izuku Midoriya?" He spoke up and Izuku shook in fear. He had no idea when the boy had come up behind him. He then yelped as he turned around to face his opponent.
It's him!
"If any of us do well in the sports festival, the teachers can choose to transfer us to the hero course. Especially if one of you managed to squeak their way in even though there are already 40 of you," He glanced right towards Izuka, who gulped.
From General Studies!
"A pleasure," Shinso turned to him fully. "So you excited?"
"Uh..." Izuku gave him a nervous look. "Yea-"
Mashirao's tail came up to cover his mouth before he could finish his sentence. "Not so fast," The blond glared towards Shinso, who just gave a small chuckle. He then turned around and walked off.
"Ojiro," Izuku turned to him once the tail was moved away. "What's the deal?"
"You can't say a word to him," Mashirao warned with a small glare, confusing the green-haired boy.
Shoto also noticed the match-ups, as he would be fighting against Hanta. His name and Izuku's were right next to each other, so it was very possible that they'd face each other in the next round. He could be my second match. You must advance, Midoriya. So I can beat you with one hand.
Izuka searched for her name...and let out a shocked sound. She was on the board, alright...but she would be the last match as her name was underneath Katsuki's and Ochaco's. "Ahh," Izuka went pale at the sight. Wait, what?! So that means...whoever wins the match between those two...I'll have to face as a final round?! Neither option was a good sign, as she either had to fight someone she was considering a good friend or someone who...kinda hated her guts? She still didn't know if she could even claim that at this rate.
"Uraraka?" Katsuki had a bored look on his face. "Who the hell's that?"
Ochaco gave a shocked gasp towards Katsuki, who didn't acknowledge her. She then got over it briefly, seeing that she might face against Izuka. She gave a worried look towards the green-haired girl. Neither match-up she was looking forward to, for vastly different reasons...
"Hey, legs," Mei approached Tenya, still wearing her goggles. "You're ida, right?"
"Hm?" He turned to her curiously. "Correct, I'm Tenya Ida."
"Oh, that's perfect!" Her eyes then shined as she leaned forward a bit. "I have something nice for you!"
"Okay," Present Mic's voice cried out again. "Let's press pause for a momentary interlude! Before the battles begin, it's time for some pulse-pounding side games!" Fireworks appeared in the sky above the stadium.
"Woohoo!" Toru jumped up in the air while the girls were cheerleading—all except Kyoka, Momo, and Izuka.
"First, how about a scavenger hunt?"
Denki, Rikido, and Hanta ran forward, grabbing cards that had a word. They would then have to scope the audience for the item. "Hey, anyone up there got a big bag they can give me?" Hanta called out while holding up his card.
Rikido got a cat while Denki got a textbook. "A cat?" Rikido looked up in disbelief. He and Denki then cried out to the audience while Hanta used his tape to get a backpack into his arms. Minoru got the word...back fat.
"What in the heck...?" He murmured in utter shock at this.
Neito waved his card as he wasn't participating. "What a joke," He mocked as he watched Denki run off. "They're actually taking these dumb side games seriously? As usual, those Class 1-A idiots really need to get their priorities in check."
"Monoma!" His classmate Kendo ran up to him. "If you're not playing, come with me."
"Okay?" He asked in confusion and then she held up her card to reveal why. She had gotten perverse person...she then carried him away with her hands larger, as that was her Quirk. "Uh...I think you may have the wrong impression of me, Kendo."
"Trust me, this fits," She replied back while the other students who failed were moving around giant balls.
Even though we were told to have fun...those of us in the tournament couldn't relax. Some tried to come up with a strategy.
Izuku listened to Mashirao in a waiting room, though he did look terrified.
Some tried to rest their bodies.
Fumikage was sleeping in a tree, the sun's beams hitting him.
There were those who prepped for the fight.
Tenya was downing a few cans of juice.
Or tried to hype themselves up.
Katsuki was standing in front of a specific waiting room, listening in on the person inside.
And others still who just focused on trying to calm their nerves. Shoto was leaning against the stadium somewhere outside while Ochaco tried to use her cheerleading to get her mind off of her match. Momo blushed while lightly waving her pom-poms. We wanted to be ready for anything.
Even with all of this in mind, I don't think it really changed anything in the end. Well, or maybe not, because during my time during the side games...
Izuka was in a separate waiting room as she decided to draw to get her mind off of her match. Unfortunately, it wasn't helping much. She had a small frown on her face as she would have to face off against a friend or someone who was acting like an enemy on the outside. Inside, she didn't know how to describe him. Sure, he was still the same Katsuki but to her...he was sometimes a completely different person.
"Why did it have to be them?" She muttered while holding her head. She would've been fine facing off against anyone else besides Izuku. Even Shoto she would've been okay with, despite his control over his Quirk compared to hers. She just had the worst luck sometimes, and she really didn't want to face either of them in the final battle. But Izuka had made it this far...
She then looked down at her sketchbook...and saw that she had unconsciously drawn Katsuki. She flinched while her face was red, slamming the book shut just as someone opened the door. She didn't register someone coming in though as she was processing what she was drawing.
How did I end up drawing Bakugo-San of all people?! Up until now, I would've never even thought to sketch him.
Izuka loomed over him on the ground, both of them shocked. Neither of them could move or talk, both of their cheeks flushed.
"Idiot. Do I really need to spell it out for you? If you were really an intended target for those dumbass villains, then obviously you can't walk home alone. Like you could take anyone on. As for me, ha! They'll run away just by looking at me, the weak extras. Come on, I don't have all day!" He glared at her a bit at that last part.
Arms caught her and pulled her, but they both ended up getting pushed into a wall. She looked up, flinching in alarm to see Katsuki standing over her, his hands pressed to the wall on both sides of her head.
Katsuki reached out past Izuka's face to grab the villain before he could do anything to the girl. She looked at him wide-eyed for his move. He then let out an explosion, causing the villain to scream in pain. "Y-You...saved me?" Izuka blinked down at him as he stood up, his eyes closed as he didn't answer. "Bakugo-San, why did you-"
"Because I don't need Deku whining at me if I didn't," He interrupted, putting the villain down.
He bent down and grabbed her cheeks with both hands to examine her face. She blinked incredibly as he stared at her. "Do you really think I give a crap if you're all teary-eyed like a baby? Gimme a damn break. You're Deku's sister, after all. Don't act like I'm not used to that," He retorted while examining the girl.
'Or...maybe I did? What is he really to me now? Are we rivals, friends, maybe both? He certainly wouldn't say so if anyone asked...'
"Oi, mousy."
She gasped in alarm to hear Katsuki's voice, sliding to the ground once she got over the jump scare. She then glanced up at him as he was standing right behind her. Katsuki had his hands in his pockets, staring right at the girl. And he didn't seem to be in a good mood, which he never was. But something about the look in his eyes suggested that he saw something that might've upset him.
"Eek!" She flinched again as she hoped he didn't see her sketch of him that was making him like this. Izuka then gulped nervously, turning around so she wouldn't have to look at him. He just felt...a little intimidating to her right now. "Y-you want the room, Bakugo-San?" She asked and he narrowed his eyes, not answering and the tension just got a little more awkward. She was about to get up when he spoke.
"Sit down," He said quietly and she froze, looking back at him. The look on his face...he was trying really hard to not show her something was bothering him.
She sweated nervously towards the blond as she slowly sat back in her seat, facing him. Crap, this better not be about Izuku again, I can't handle that right now. Or maybe this is about our possible match?
"Icy-hot," Katsuki started off with a serious expression, gritting his teeth. "Does he mean anything to you?"
"Huh?" Izuka looked at him incredibly, not sure if she even heard him right. "T-Todoroki-San...? He's...he's a strong person, and never hesitates on anything. Why are you asking me my opinion on him?"
"Nothing," He grunted, ignoring the stabbing feeling inside of his chest. It was the same feeling he had when Shoto declared war on him or when Izuka talked to him and Katsuki overheard them. "None of your damn business. You're not still thinking of those dumb rumors, are you? Because if you are, you can drop out of the matches right now," He growled out and she recoiled back at his behavior. It was the same kind of feeling when Shoto declared war on the twins, except a bit more intense. Both of them stared at each other in silence for what felt like minutes before she turned away.
"...No, I'm not," She confirmed and he didn't respond. She looked towards the table. "Honestly...they hadn't really crossed my mind much during the obstacle course and cavalry battle. With this match...whether or not I'll face you...all I need to do is put all of my power into the match. Even if I am worried about who my opponent is in the end."
He recoiled back from her words, closing his mouth shut. "...There shouldn't be any doubts," He growled a little. "You're gonna fight me, and I'm gonna win. So you better not half-ass anything just because of what extras say about you. And if you don't bring everything you've got, I will destroy you," He clenched his fists and she squeezed her eyes shut, clenching a fist of her own.
"...Then I'll hit you with all of me," She declared and he grinned a bit proudly at her.
"You better! Those other people don't matter. All that's important is who comes out on top. And don't forget it when I win," He then stormed out and she shook her head slowly.
"Still as arrogant as ever..." She sighed, though she gave a small smile, pumping her fists. In a few ways, he both terrified and inspired her to do better with her Quirk, even if in terms of skill, he definitely outranked her.
I'll do my best and prove that I belong in UA, that I can hold my own! Now I just...have to get over the crowd again... She had a sheepish expression as she remembered that eyes were gonna be on her the whole time...
"Heh. We'll see what the mouse can come up with," Katsuki said to himself with a small grin, as he was looking forward to his match to see what she had done in terms of training.
And before we knew it, the finals began.
Cementoss was preparing the area, using his Quirk to do so. "That's it. I'm pretty much done here."
"Thank you, Cementoss!" Present Mic hollered to him. "Hey, sports fans. Are ya ready?" The whole crowd cheered at the question. "After all the action you've already witnessed, it's time for the real battles to begin! Can ya feel the excitement? Our competitors are on their own now! Sometimes, heroes have only themselves to rely on!"
Izuku was in one of the hallways as he was about to start his match. "Heart. Skill. Strength. Wisdom. Courage. They'll have to use all of these things to rise to the top!"
"Hey," A familiar voice called out. Izuku gasped, turning around to see both Toshinori and his sister walk up to him. "Sorry I haven't said hi. You and your sister have been great. You harnessed One for All and Mido's managed to catch some of her anti-fans off guard."
"No, not really," Izuku gave a small frown, clutching at his uniform. "I'm...still worried about using it. I imagine the egg in the microwave or how it felt to hit that villain. But I'm still not in control. It feels so unpredictable, like I might be ripped apart if I'm not completely focused. Besides, I'm still not ready to fully wield it, I can tell. Even after so much training, my body is weak. It just can't handle your power at 100 percent."
"Yeah," Toshinori rubbed his chin, Izuka glancing up at him. "If we're talkin' about how much One for All you'd be able to use at this point, I'd say my closest guess would be around five percent or so."
"What-only five percent?!" Izuku yelped at this.
"T-That's not even close to halfway..." Izuka stammered while staring at her brother.
"Wow, okay," The boy sagged his shoulders in dismay. "I guess I really have only been getting by because of luck and my friends helping me out."
Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck...and then smacked Izuku on the top of his head with one hand like a karate chop. Izuka gasped sharply after seeing the man do that. "Mr. All Might!" She cried out in protest.
"All I wanna hear you both say is that you'll do your best, dammit. There's no such thing as luck," He then placed his hands on his hips, glaring a bit. "You're never gonna become the heroes you want if you believe in somethin' like that." Izuku looked up with tears in his eyes. "Listen..." Smoke came from the man and they stared in shock. "Whenever you're scared or nervous about a fight..." All Might grinned while giving them a thumbs up. "Just try and deal with it by smiling! You've both made it this far, kids. Even if you're worried, you must stand tall!" He put his hands on his hips, puffing up his chest and they smiled at him. "Don't forget that I'm counting on you, and cheering you on!"
Izuku nodded and then Izuka ran up to him, hugging him for good luck. He smiled and returned the hug. "You can do it, little brother! You're the reason I'm even competing this year...so show me it wasn't for no reason."
"I will," He declared with a small nod. "You do your best too, big sis," He then turned around just as the match was starting.
"Come on, I'll take you back to your class," All Might placed his hands on Izuka's shoulders comfortingly from behind. "He's gonna do great, you'll see, Young Mido." She glanced back with a small smile for his encouragement and then followed him down the hall.
"Alright, audience! Let's cut to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer," Present Mic announced while everyone was standing up. "Welcome our first fighters!" The screen displayed Hitoshi Shinso and Izuku, who looked terrified. "Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he?" Izuku then stepped out into the field. "It's Izuku Midoriya from the hero course versus...Hitoshi Shinso from general studies, who really hasn't done anything to stand out yet." Hitoshi didn't seem too bothered by that introduction, though. "The rules are simple. Immobilize your opponent or force them outta the ring. You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle!"
The two stopped a few feet away from each other. "Bring on the injuries, cause we've got our very own Recovery Girl waiting on standby! So put your morals aside and don't be afraid to play dirty! But of course, no life-threatening crap, folks. It's not allowed!"
Cementoss had just finished creating a chair for himself. "Real heroes use their powers to throw villains in jail, not kill them!"
Cementoss then took his seat. He then waved a hand. "I'll stop anyone who tries to get too rough."
Izuku took a deep breath. "So you can just give up, huh?" Hitoshi called out to him, getting the boy's attention. He gasped as he looked up at his opponent. "In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is. If you know what you want your future to hold for you, you can't worry about what other people think."
"Ready?" Present Mic announced, though Hitoshi ignored it as he narrowed his eyes.
"That monkey was going on about his pride earlier, and your sister is trying to show everyone that she's capable with a Quirk that may or may not exist," He continued as both Mashirao and Izuka were watching closely. The girl was sitting between Ochaco and Tenya.
"Begin!"
"But I just think he's an idiot for throwing away his chance like that. And no matter what your sister does, she's just as idiotic for thinking that she has one," Hitoshi stated without any hesitation.
Izuku gasped sharply from the insults being thrown at his classmate and his sister. He then growled, gritting his teeth. He slowly stepped forward before racing towards his opponent. "Don't you talk about them that way!"
Hitoshi grinned as Izuku suddenly stopped moving, as he felt like he saw a flash or something. "That's it. I win."
Izuka gasped sharply as she got onto her feet.
Mashirao groaned while standing up, holding his head. "I warned him not to say anything!"
Toshinori gasped from his spot, everyone confused at Izuku suddenly just...not responding. And one would think he would attack given what Hitoshi had just said. "Huh?! Hey, hey, what's the dealio?" Tenya and Ochaco stood up in shock. "This is the first match! It should start out with a bang!" Izuku's eyes were white, and not his usual green. It felt like his brain had stopped functioning. "The fight has just begun and Izuku Midoriya is...completely frozen?"
Izuka's eyes were shaking in a bit of concern for him. "Izuku...what's gotten into you?" She murmured while looking at him and clenching a fist in front of her heart.