Itsuka Kendo knew right from the jump that her best friend had a rough childhood. You could tell just by looking at him back then. The way he always nervously looked around or jumped at any loud noise. The way he never held your eye for long or even how he apologized after getting a little too excited about something he was very clearly passionate about.
Kendo knew this.
It was one of the reasons she was so adamant on being his friend when they first met. One look at him back then and she was filled with an urge to protect. She couldn't help but be...reminded, of someone else.
But really she had no idea how bad it was.
She had heard about the Aldera incident from her parents, sure. It was the talk of the town for a long time after it happened. How a single mother sued a school district into the ground and then swept up the ashes like it never even existed.
She knew the story, but for whatever reason she never connected the dots that the mother who did it was the sweet portly woman that visited her family every Saturday...or even how the son she did it all for was none other then Izuku Midoriya, her best friend.
So imagine her shock and surprise when Midoriya told her all about his past, the words flowing out of his mouth like a river. Once he started it did not look like he was going to stop.
He told her all about his, first, best friend named "Kacchan" and the fallout that came from it. About the beatings and the burns. About how the school knew about it all and actively encouraged it. How Midoriya tried to carry the burden all on his own until it almost destroyed him and how his mother lept in at his lowest point to be his savior.
The long legal battle and the abrupt move to a place far away to get away from all of the memories. The promise of something new only to be an outcast in his new school.
Just thinking about it lit a fire inside of her...then came Kyouka Jirou and Kendo's blood boiled.
Every word out of Midoriya's mouth seemed to take the weight off of his shoulders and right onto hers.
He was finally starting to leave his shell, finally starting to open up, just to have the door slammed right back in his face...
Clenching a hand at her side she let him speak but by the end she was busy thinking about her match. About what she was going to do...
She was so busy glaring at the wall she hardly even noticed that Midoriya had stopped talking, instead looking over to her and staring.
Almost like he read her mind he placed a normally comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Kendo. I know what you are thinking...but it's all in the past." He said.
The hand was not comforting.
Getting up she shrugged his hand off and turned towards him frustrated, her words not rising much higher then a whispering shout. "How could you say that after she abandoned you? How she hurt you?"
Getting back up off of the ground he frowned back. "None of that matters anymore Kendo, me and Jirou already made up."
Stamping her foot she stared up at him as she spoke. His words only making her angrier.
"It does matter Midoriya! Your feelings should matter! She already hurt you once, what if she does it again!?" Waving an arm into the air she huffed. "How could you trust her again after all of that?"
"I believe her when she says she's sorry, she sounded genuine." Running a hand down along the back of his neck he gave a weak chuckle, not genuine but it was probably supposed to make her feel better.
He never thinks about himself, only other people. Which is a sweet gesture but if he doesn't worry about himself who will?
"Sometimes sorry doesn't cut it! Actions speak louder then words. What has she done to show how sorry she is?"
"She uh..."
"My point exactly!" Poking his chest to prove her point she frowned. "If she did something like that to me it would take a long time for me to..."
"Something like...ghosting you for months and making you cry?"
Midoriya's guilty words stopped her in her tracks, her ranting coming to a screeching halt as she looked back at him. He was looking at the ground like a sad puppy.
Her words coming off softer then she would like. "That's different..."
"How?"
Because it's you
The loving words ringing out in her head making her face heat up.
Instead she said. "You've already shown me that you were sorry."
They shared a look for a long moment before Midoriya finally spoke, reaching a hand out to squeeze hers. His quiet voice breaking the silence between them.
"You don't have to like it, but I trust her. That doesn't mean you have to trust her too but you don't have to hold it over her head for her whole life. Let her actions speak for herself."
Her mom's voice from a while ago ringing off in her head.
"...sometimes, you have to let people make their own decisions. For better or for worse."
God why is he so good at convincing her of stuff she doesn't want to do?
Giving his hand a squeeze she sighed. Turning back around and starting to head outside for her match, letting out an annoyed huff as she went. Leaving Midoriya and his gentle smile behind.
"I'll think on it."
...
"And in the other corner we got the Ginger Clothesline! The red head beat down! Here comes a big fist, it's Itsuka Kendo!"
Staring each other down the two would not look away from each other, their eyes having a silent conversation between them. Midnight explaining the rules as they sized each other up.
"Are you both ready?"
They nodded.
"Ready!"
Kendo's hands curled into fist.
"Get set!"
Jirou gulped as she bit her lip.
"Begin!"
Shooting her jacks into the ground before Kendo could rush her Jirou closed her eyes, taking a slow breath as she focused on the hammering of her heart. The rhythmic beat slamming against her chest as her jacks started to vibrate. With a burst of energy she fired off a blast straight into the ground causing the stage to rapidly vibrate.
Nearby Midnight staggered to try and keep herself upright on her podium.
Caught off guard Kendo stumbled back, her knees bending as she tried to regain her balance to no prevail, almost falling back against the hard ground. One knee fell to the earth to try and keep herself steady, her other propped up for support as she struggled to stand under the immense pressure. Kendo's teeth were starting to hurt from the vibrations, the rattling feeling of them clacking together in her mouth.
With all of the strength she had she raised a shaking fist, it rapidly expanding in size before slamming it into the stage. A loud crack could barely be heard over the sounds of the miniature earthquake. Large fingers dug into the concrete as if it were made of dirt, lifting up a large chunk of the stage up. Stumbling back to her shaking feet Kendo pivoted her weight, twisting her body like you would a shot put before hurling the slab straight at Jirou.
A large shadow drifted over Jirou's head, casting her knelt body in darkness. Barely giving her enough time to remove her jacks and roll out of the way. The slab exploded into chunks of rock and dust, covering her area with a thick cloud. Squinting against the dust Jirou placed a hand over her face to try and protect her eyes.
Rushing through the cloud Kendo was on her before she could respond, delivering a massive fist strike right into her chest. Flying back Jirou's own body parted the dirt cloud with the force of the strike. Barely having enough time to shift her weight and land onto her feet, getting back up Jirou let out a strangled cough against the sharp pain in her chest in an attempt to breath, her body screaming out at her after only one hit.
She didn't have time to be in pain because Kendo was still pushing her ruthless assault.
Thrusting her jacks out in the hope of a counter attack Kendo side stepped it, reaching forward and wrapping an enlarge hand around one of her dangling jacks. With a quick yanking motion Kendo forcefully pulled her in close before driving an elbow into her stomach. Air escaped her lunges, letting out as a sputtering cough, her body twisting from the clean hit. Two more fist strikes slamming into her face knocking her further back.
Taking a step back Jirou threw a wild punch only for it to miss entirely, her face scrunched up in pain as she started to fall back, only stopping when a normal sized hand grabbed hold of her collar.
Squinting against the pain filled tears Jirou found herself at the edge of the ring, her body slanted and falling back out of bounds, the only thing holding her up being Kendo's arm. Her shoes toeing the end of the stage on her tippy toes, her heels unable to connect with the ground. Kendo's rough fingers firmly held onto her shirt. The furious ginger haired girl loomed over her, her other fist enlarged and cocked back just waiting to strike. Wiggling around in her grip she failed to pry herself free, confirming the fact that she was indeed, stuck. All Jirou could do was close her eyes and hope that Kendo would be merciful and make it quick...
A beat of time where she could only hear her heartbeat and faint breathing.
Falling back her butt found soft grass, blinking a few times in shock.
Midnight raised her whip. "Jirou is out of bounds! Kendo advances to the next round!"
Cheering went off around them.
"AND THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS! Kyouka Jirou put up a valiant effort but in the end it barely put a dent in the bronze colored fist train!"
"...Bronze colored fist train? Seriously?"
"Ugh…" Jirou sat up from her spot in the grass, wincing as she rubbed at her throbbing head. "That sucked..."
"Hey are you ok?"
Looking up Jirou was surprised to find a hand reaching down towards her for help. Going to grab it she hesitated for a second before taking hold of it, quickly being pulled back to her feet.
"Yeah I think I'm..." Stumbling back to her feet she was hit almost immediately with a sharp pain, her knees buckling slightly as she grimaced. "Nevermind. I think I'm going to need sleep for a few days...or a few weeks."
Kendo couldn't help but let out a chuckle next to her that made Jirou smile despite the pain.
Walking over to their side Midnight looked the two of them over before speaking. "Are you two alright? Can you walk to Recovery girl on your own?" The two girls looking amongst each other.
"Thanks but I think I can make it on my..."
"I can walk her." Interrupted Kendo with no way to argue.
Looking over at the girl a little surprised Jirou licked her lips.
"Uh, yeah, she could walk me."
Nervously smiling at Midnight their teacher looked them over one more time before nodding, letting them both go. Jirou leaning against Kendo's shoulder as they made their way off of the field. Leaning in Kendo whispered next to her as they walked.
"We need to have a chat."
Gulping Jirou nodded as she was guided into the tunnel.
"Yeah ok, lets have a chat."
"What good sportsmanship between the two opponents! You love to see it! Stick tight viewers because there is more action coming soon!"
There was the faint sound of beeping, the continuous noise only barely registering in his hazy mind. He tried to ignore it but like an alarm clock the longer it went on the harder it was to ignore until it got to a point he found himself opening his eyes.
Heterochromatic eyes flickered around the room, almost immediately hit with the horrible smell of antiseptic.
He always hated that smell growing up. It reminded him of hospitals...and hospitals always reminded him of his mother.
Sitting up Todoroki's body felt like it was moving through water. His arm rising to turn his hand over and inspect it.
"Ah good, you are finally awake." Standing nearby Recovery girl tapped her clipboard before writing a few things down. "Took you long enough."
Opening his mouth to speak he let out a cough, struggling to find words for a second.
"How, how long have I been out?"
Turning towards him he found himself tensing under the intense gaze of the healing hero, the older woman frowning in thought.
"About an hour and a half. You passed out after the second event and missed lunch and the first match of the tournament."
That wasn't good, he had no idea he was out for so long...
"I need to go." He said, moving to get up only to wince under the dull smack of a cane against his knee.
"Not so fast! What is wrong with you young people and rushing everywhere!?"
Ignoring the pain in his knee he nodded, doing as she told him and sitting back down.
"I'm sorry."
"And stop slouching!"
"Of course."
Writing a few more things Recovery girl jotted something down before leaning in to give him a kiss on the forehead. Her quirk already starting to take effect. A tingling sensation running along his body.
"You passed out due to a minor case of quirk exhaustion and hypothermia. Normally that level of hypothermia would knock someone out for half a day, sometimes more, but your body seems to naturally shrug off such things with just some rest."
Staring at the ground he nodded, most of that he already knew.
"You should be alright to participate in your match without having to be impeded, you may feel a little sluggish when you first get up but do not worry, that's normal and will go a way in a few minutes. I would suggest you take it easy for the rest of the festival however. Minor cases of quirk exhaustion, while rather common and easily shrugged off, tend to stack on top of each other and become something worse down the line." Sticking a wrinkly hand out she put some gummies into his open palm. "Take one of these every ten minutes and your energy will return to you."
Nodding again he drug himself to his feet, staring down at the gummies with half lidded eyes before sliding one into his mouth. His feet barely lifted off of the ground as he Frankenstein shuffled up and out of the room.
He felt his father before he saw him, a warmth on the other side of the door warning him of his presence.
Facing forward he refused to acknowledge the roaring fire of a man, leaving the office and starting his journey back to the 1A designated area.
"Shoto." His father called out, frowning when his son did not stop or even look over to him. "That was pathetic out there. You may have taken third place in the first event but you barely even made it through the second, only making it through by the skin of your teeth. You are getting slower, at this rate you aren't going to take bronze, let alone gold."
Stomping after his son the large man growled out, the silence between them only making him angrier. Despite all of his rage and his imposing presence it did not bother Shoto at all and yet he still continued.
"None of that would have even happened if you were not so stubborn. If you just used your fire you could have easily taken first in both events! I created you to be a perfect blend of both quirks, not just your mothers." Waving a thick arm aside in frustration he growled, his words finally stopping Shoto Todoroki in his tracks. "When will you stop this foolish tantrum and embrace what you are!?"
Slowly turning to face him Shoto took a step forward, and then another, only stopping when he was glaring up into his father's flaming face. His words filled with icy venom.
"If I could take your half of my blood out of my body and give it back to you I would."
Thick, meaty fingers clenched into a gloved fist. His body tense and straight. Shoto knew that his father would not dare strike him, not anymore, but even then a small part of his brain was telling him to apologize in the fear of being hit.
Maybe, that small part will never actually go away.
Raising a boot Endeavor slammed it down hard into the ground, embers and flames dancing about. The heat radiating off of the man almost impossible to bear...but still Todoroki stared him down. His multicolored eyes squinting as if he was staring at the sun...but then it was gone. Endeavor turned and stomped off back down the hall, leaving flaming foot prints in his wake, drifting down and leading out of sight. Shoto only relaxing once he was sure that his father was truly gone.
He had a feeling there was going to be a punish later for what transpired here but for now he was alone.
Movement in the corner of his eye made him turn to see a purple haired man about his age emerge from a branching hall. Looking over to him with tired eyes the young man gave him a nod before walking past.
Todoroki knew this man but he couldn't place where...then it came to him.
"Wait."
The man stopped, slowly turning to face him, pausing before speaking. "Sorry. I got lost while going to the bathroom and stumbled across your conversation. I thought it was rude to interrupt so I left you guys alone. I wont tell anyone what I saw."
"Not that." Frowning Todoroki could honestly care less if someone saw his father have another tantrum. He has them all of the time on the news, what's one more? "Your friends with Midoriya, right?"
Blinking back at him surprised he gave a nod. "Yeah, my name is Shinso."
Like he could care less about his name...
"I underestimated your friend in the second event. He tricked me when my guard was down and took advantage of my weakness. That will not happen again." Raising a hand he clenched it as he stared 'Shinso' down. "Let Midoriya know I'm coming for him. I swear I will win the whole event with just my ice."
Shinso had the nerve to smirk, the condescending kind of smile that he usually saw from their homeroom teacher, Mr. Aizawa. The kind that told you he knew something you didn't...
"What?" Todoroki said flatly.
Shaking his head Shinso chuckled a little to himself. "I used to hate people like you. People gifted with a powerful quirk, never working for anything your entire life. I admit now that I was wrong, that was just self loathing and an excuse not to better myself."
"You and I only agree on one thing and that's that you don't know what you are talking about." Todoroki hissed. "My quirk is not a gift. You don't know what I had to do to survive under that mans care."
Scratching his cheek Shinso hummed, rolling his eyes at his words. An action that only made Todoroki angrier.
"I could care less about your daddy issues. What happened between you and your old man is none of my business." Staring at the ground with a faint smile Shinso seemed to be thinking about a memory before looking up to meet his gaze. "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."
Shinso chuckled a little, shaking his head before turning to leave. Ignoring the sharp glare of Todoroki against his back as he spoke.
"I wouldn't worry too much about Midoriya. With that attitude I doubt you'll make it that far."
Descending farther into the tunnels of Ua Kendo and Jirou walked along slowly.
Kendo may have gotten a little carried away in their fight if the bruised body of Jirou was anything to go off of.
The two walked in relative silence, neither of them really knowing how to broach the wider subject. Coming to a stop Jirou placed a hand against one of the walls, sliding down it slowly for a breather.
"Just give me a sec, you really knocked the wind out of me."
All Kendo could do was nod at that, taking a seat on the ground next to her. Looking around the quiet hallway Kendo chewed on the inside of her mouth, trying to figure out how to tactfully start the conversation.
"...I know what happened between you and Midoriya."
Being tactful was never Kendo's strong suit...
"Yeah, I kinda figured. What with the bruised ribs and all." Laughing a little to herself Kendo did not laugh.
"I want you to know that I dont approve of your friendship...but I also realize that its not really my say in the matter." Huffing Kendo as she crossed her arms. "Just know that if you ever hurt him I swear..."
Waving her off Jirou grimaced. "I get it! Trust me. I'm well aware that what happened out there was just a taste." Rubbing her arm Jirou frowned in thought. "For what its worth I'm sorry. I don't know why I did all of that but just know I plan to make it right. I dont exactly know how I'm going to do that but I really want to rekindle our friendship. I really...missed the big guy."
There was something in her look that took Kendo off guard.
"You have feelings for Midoriya." Kendo said that, not as a question, but as a statement of fact, feeling like her mouth was suddenly dry as she absently licked her lips.
There was another long silence in the hall as both girls stared at each other, Itsuka with her face blank and Jirou staring back at her as though she hadn't registered what her classmate had just said. And then, like the end to a drawn out fuse Jirou's face turned bright red, her eyes shooting open in shock.
Waving her hands to and fro she shook her head, her jacks jerking around from the fast motion.
"W-wait wait, hold on! That's not...me and Midoriya!? There's no way! I-I mostly like girls anyway! I mean..." But as she floundered about she started to slow, her hands going back to her sides as she thought. Thinking about everything that happened in the past and going through her feelings slowly. Kendo could see recognition move across her eyes before they closed, her open palms slamming against her face and groaning. "Ughhhh, I'm an idiot!"
Even though Kendo smiled at the silly display she couldn't help but gulp nervously, her stomach twisting. Her arms going to her sides as she turned her head.
"I personally don't think you two going out is a good idea, especially considering what happened in the past...but, if you want me to put in a good word I guess I could..." Itsuka said. Almost as if she was moving in autopilot, not even sure why she was saying it or even offering. Her body tense and only letting out a relieved sigh when Jirou shook her head slowly.
"No...I'm pretty sure that ship sailed years ago. Even if there WAS something between us back then I doubt we would be able to rekindle it, even if he wanted to." Rubbing her face Jirou turned to face Kendo, giving her a smirk. "Too much bad blood between us, ya know? So don't worry, I won't get between you two."
"Wait, that's not what I..."
"Kyo!"
Running down the hall after them were three girls Kendo had never seen before, followed in tow by Momo. The three making a beeline straight for Jirou. Giving the rocker just enough time to get up before practically toppling the poor girl over again. The elegant girl watching on with a smile.
It took a second for Kendo to realize that these were the girls from Midoriya's story, her brow knitting together.
"Kyo that was crazy! I didn't know you could create tiny earthquakes with your quirk!" Bounced the one with blue hair.
"It was pretty crazy, who knew you were holding out on us this whole time." Chuckled the taller one with dark skin, her large arms raising to slug Jirou's shoulder. "We should find time to spar when this is all over!"
"Yes, I must say you put on an entertaining show." Purred the final one
"Guys? What are you doing here?" Doing a double take over the three of them Jirou looked like a deer in headlights. "Weren't you going to go do karaoke?"
"What and miss your match? As if!"
"Karaoke without you has grown boring anyway."
"You know we always have your back."
Smiling at her three friends Jirou's face dropped a little when she noticed Yaoyorozu standing there. The tall girl sheepishly walking forward, both of them talking at the same time.
"I'm sorry."
"I must apologize."
...
The group of girls laughed as they watched the two start to make up, their awkward conversation being more akin to a train wreck then a conversation. Their conversation only stopping when Kendo coughed into her hand, everyone turning to look over to her.
"I'm going to head back." Pointing a thumb over her shoulder Kendo spoke. "Since you guys are here can you make sure Jirou gets to Recovery girl?"
Jirou looked over to her a little surprised, Momo walking forward a little with her hand on her chest, giving a soft bow.
"Of course, I will personally walk her there. Thank you for walking her most of the way."
"Sure."
Returning the gesture the red head turned abruptly and started to head back outside, each of the claws looking her over as she left. Sango giving her a wave, Shika giving an approving nod and Yoshimura placing a clawed finger to her cheek in thought, her tail swishing about.
"Now that, is a strong and confident women." Smirking her ear twitched, slowly turning to face Jirou. "Do you think we could poach her for the group? We would be a force of nature with someone like that in our little club."
Frowning back Jirou shook her head, letting out a little scoff as she pushed her body off of the wall.
"Yeah...no. It'll be a cold day in hell if she ever joined us. Trust me, mentioning that to her would be a really bad idea."
Momo wrapped an arm around her to help support her weight, the duo continuing their journey down the hall. Two of the three of her friends following behind as the leader of the claws watched Kendo walk off. Letting out a thoughtful purr she smirked...
Before following after her friends.
...
Coming out of the tunnel Kendo paused at the sight of Midoriya waiting for her. He was propped up against one of the walls with his back to her, looking out towards the field and watching as Cementos fixed the damaged stage. Walking up next to him she gave him a playful slug to the shoulder to get his attention.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
Rubbing his arm he smiled down at her. "Just checking on you. That match was a little...intense."
Yeah...not her best moment.
"My bad. I might've gotten a little carried away."
Letting out a laugh he shook his head. "If that's getting 'a little carried away' I would hate to see you go fully into something."
Snapping into place next to him they walked side by side. Happily chatting as they started to head up towards the booths designated for the hero students...now that she thinks about it she doesn't think general study students even get an area all to themselves, just a seat.
From Class 1B's private suite box, the students watched the match through the large window that provided an excellent view of the arena. The room itself was luxurious with air conditioning, refreshments in the back, and enough comfortable seating for everyone. It also just so happened to be connected to their sister class of 1A's suite box with only a thin wall between them. Not like it stopped one boy in particular from dangling over the wall and shouting at them, cackling like a mad man.
"HAHAHAHA! Do you not SEE now class 1A who is the superior class!" Monoma shouted, letting out an obnoxious laugh. 1A looking over at him annoyed as he went on his tangent, never leaving an opening for them to say anything. "It's truly pathetic how you can even THINK that you are better then us! Just give up now and maybe we will go easy on you!"
Bakugo's eye twitched as he faced forward, trying his best to ignore the mad laughing from next door.
Kaminari getting up to shout back at him. "Hey! Shut up! Jirou did her best despite her not having a battle quirk! I'd like to see you do better!"
Mina bounced in, huffing as she waved her arms. "Hey yeah! What's your quirk again? It must be so boring I already forgot about it!"
Wrapping his arms around Monoma's stomach as if he were a toddler Shishida pulled him away before he could start on a whole new tangent.
"Monoma. I would appreciate it if you stopped antagonizing our sister class. I have told you many a time that class 1A are nice."
"Let me go you traitor! You would say that since you were seen convoluting with the enemy!?"
Letting out a sigh the large hairy man set him down in a chair before taking a seat in his own. Tokage watching Monoma with a playful smile, placing her cheek in her palm.
"Aww did little Monoma not get his bottle today? Or is he just scared from his upcoming match?"
Whipping around to face her Monoma's face turned bright red in anger, doing that stuttering start up you do when you are furious.
Tokage personally loved it when people got that mad, it was really funny to her.
"What could I possibly be afraid of!? Midoriya? He doesn't even have a powerful quirk! Our match will be over in seconds!"
Letting out a laugh she shook her head before facing forward again. "Whatever you say man. I personally can't wait to throw what you said back into your face."
"I...you..." Stumbling he flailed about, getting up from his seat. "Whatever! I need to go prepare for my match anyway!?"
Everyone in class 1B watched Monoma get up and start to leave the booth, all of them letting out a collective sigh at the same time.
Passing Midoriya and Kendo on the way up he shoulder checked Midoriya as he passed, walking down and into the festival.
The two just watched him for a moment in confusion.
"What got his panties in a twist?"
Letting out a laugh at Kendo's words Midoriya shrugged back. "Beats me."
"Alright! Can Ochako Uraraka and Yui Kodai make their way to the stage? Izuku Midoriya and Neito Monoma please stand by in your waiting rooms! The next match is about to begin!"
"Guess I should start heading back."
"Alright!" Smiling up at the boy Kendo swatted his shoulder. "Thanks for walking me back, now go kick some ass!"
Nodding he too started his trek back down, Kendo heading into the booth and joining her friends.
"What did I miss?"
Set turning towards her bestie and blew a raspberry. "Meh, a lot of shouting. You didn't miss much. The best part was your match. Do you think Kodai is going to win hers?"
That was an interesting question...Kendo honestly had no idea. She had never actually seen Uraraka fight before...and she has only seen Kodai a few times in class. Most of the time she relied heavily on stealth, hard to be stealthy in a flat arena.
"I have no idea. Feels a little messed up to have family fight right from the get go, I hope they both don't take it too personally." Kendo said as she looked down below at the stage.
"Eh." Set shrugged. "I personally wouldn't mind fighting my little sister."
"...isn't your sister around ten?"
"Your point being?"
Snorting at the thought of Set fighting a ten year old she shook her head, her gaze looking over the members of 1B.
"Have you seen Tetsutetsu?"
"Not since the second event."
"...huh, I wonder where he ran off to?"
"Beats me."
Ochako Uraraka had never owned nice things...which was fine! She understood why that was.
Her family's construction business was struggling to stay a float in an industry over saturated with destruction and repairs. When super powered fighting is an every day occurrence it was normal for towns to get a little roughed up here and there. It also made sense for everyone and their grandma to want to capitalize on that destruction for a profit. Companies that could actually afford the newest and greatest machines flooded the market. Companies with more then double the money and man power then theirs...
She understood why she never had money to go out with friends or why she was never allowed to have the newest or nicest thing.
It wasn't because her family was neglectful of course! Anything but that! If anything her family was already incredible understanding and would give her anything she asked for without question.
It was mostly because Uraraka knew that asking for such things hurt her family in the long run...and hurting her family was something she refused to do.
So she devoted her life to wanting to be the best hero she could for her family. She spent many sleepless nights in local libraries studying, for her family. She trained constantly in the back of old construction sights, for her family. She ate only what she needed to, for her family.
Every day of her life was her training and thinking of her family...
So that's why the thought of Yui Kodai made her so incredibly mad.
Sure her and Yui were cousins but while she struggled in a family of hard working construction workers Yui was born into a family of lawyers.
She didn't know much about what caused the fight between her dad and Yui's but the two had never been close. Ochako once remembered her dad saying he would rather starve to death then come to his brother for help.
Yui's family had everything that the Uraraka's did not.
The Uraraka's lived in an old apartment in a neighborhood you definitely should not walk around at night...all while the Kodai's lived in a mansion in a really nice neighborhood.
While the Uraraka's counted their money and ate when they could the Kodai's threw crazy and extravagant parties all of the time.
and while Ochako had trained every day of her life to be a hero, putting blood, sweat, tears...and other fluids into training. In the end Kodai got a better score then her during the entrance exam...
For as long as she has known Yui Kodai everything had always been handed to the girl on a silver platter. She was known as the 'silent beauty' of her school and people flocked to her wherever she went. Boys wanted to be with her and girls wanted to be her.
Yui Kodai could have whatever she wanted in this world and now she had her sights on the boy that Uraraka liked.
That would not stand.
"Now that the stage has been literally set its time for the next event!" Present Mic enthusiastically announced, his words pumping up the crowd into another cheer.
"In one corner she's the defier of gravity! The brunette bombshell! Shes got those cute little pink cheek things! Give it up for Ochako Uraraka!"
Making her way up the steps Uraraka looked towards her opponent with a stone cold seriousness that surprised her friends in 1A. Radiating a harsh determination that was so unlike her usual personality.
"And in the other corner! She's the silent beauty, the master of all sizes! Don't blink and she's gone! It's Yui Kodai!"
Kodai walked onto the stage with a calm, determined elegance that made some of the women in the audience suddenly feel very insecure. She almost looked like a Disney princess, her shoulder length black hair tied back to show her stoic, almost bored looking face.
Midnight looked between the two determined girls with a smile, almost giddy with the seriousness radiating off of them. Wiggling in place the R-Rated hero cooed before shaking her head and getting serious herself.
"Are both contestants ready?" She called out
Nodding Uraraka slapped her cheeks. "I'm ready sensei!"
"Mmm!"
"Then let the next round..." Raising her whip into the air she looked over the two of them. "Begin!"
Rushing forward Uraraka made a break right for Kodai, her shoes slapping against the concrete stage. Sticking her hands out she was going for a quick touch victory right away.
Running at a diagonal angle Kodai bent down as she ran, scooping up some pebbles and rocks into her palm. Sliding to a stop she turned, putting a rock between her thumb and index finger and throwing it as hard as she could as if she were skipping stones. Flying straight for Uraraka the brown haired girl made a break to the left, barely dodging the pebble as it rapidly expanded into a bolder, crashing into the stage and tumbling into the grass.
Putting two more in between her fingers Kodai threw them, both of them growing in size as they sailed for where Uraraka was heading. Dipping to the right Uraraka felt the breeze of the bolder fly by her face, ducking under the other and combat rolling to try and close the distance.
All Uraraka had to do is just touch her and float her out of bounds, a fact that Kodai was very much already aware of.
A pebble flew straight at Uraraka, forcing her to duck away and jump back. The small rock growing big and slamming down right between two of the other rocks, obscuring her sight.
Looking from one rock to the next Uraraka blinked in realization...Kodai wasn't just aiming for her, she was making a wall. Each rock adding more pieces to the puzzle...
She was stalling for time...but why?
Whatever the reason there was no way that it was a good one.
Running forward she placed all five of her fingers on one of the rocks, easily lifting it up and pulling it over her head as a weapon...only, no one was there?
Frantically looking about Uraraka absently wondered if she was dreaming.
Wait how!? She was just here!? She had only lost sight of her for a second!?
The brown haired girl didn't have long to think about that, something flying at her from the corner of her eye, forcing her to dodge away. By the time she turned towards where the rock came from there was another coming from her other side.
Kodai was using her blind sides to slip away after each attack...
Dazed and confused Uraraka tried to put some distance between them only to step on some smooth marble like rocks left behind on the ground, quickly finding her feet tripped up from under her. Falling back her side hit the stage, staring up at the blue sky jostled.
Kodai came out of nowhere, jumping on top of her in the hopes of pining her down. Her arms pulled back behind her to prevent her fingers from touching Kodai, the silent girl pressing her shoulders against the ground.
Thrashing about she tried to free herself, her feet kicking in a hope of getting free.
In the corner of her eye Midnight slide next to them, pointing down as she started to count.
"1!"
Brown hair covered her face as she tried to free herself, her heart hammering in her chest.
No please! Not like this!
"2!"
Frantically looking around her eyes stopped on something still floating in the air. The rock she floated from earlier had continued to move upward, hanging over both of their heads untethered from gravity.
That's it!
Closing her eyes she struggled, pushing her arms closer together. Her fingers inches away from each other. Kodai was trying to hold her down but still she moved. With the last of her strength Uraraka slammed her fingers together, deactivating her quirk.
The large rock wobbling before quickly descending back towards the square arena.
If a rock that size crashed into the ground it was going to be a problem for both of them.
Midnight and Cementos looked like she had the same idea. Midnight tensing next to them, looking like she was ready to save them any second, all while Cementos put his hands down on the ground in preparation in case he needed to stop it at the last second.
Noticing it right after them Kodai jumped off, pressing her fingers together to shrink the rock back to normal size. Giving the gravity-girl the opening that she so desperately needed.
Running past Uraraka brushed her fingers along Kodai's stomach. Placing her hands on the girls shoulders and tossing her weightless body. Momentum and Uraraka's quirk flinging the stoic girl back and towards the grassy field.
This was it! She did it!
In a last ditch effort Kodai enlarged a rock in her hands, her body going straight down and slamming into the corner of the ring. Kodai's feet dangling in the air as she held onto it as if it were an anchor.
Aww c'mon!?
Uraraka internally screamed out in frustration. Getting closer and bending down she picked up a chunk of the broken stage. Spinning it around like she saw Kendo do earlier and chucking it at Kodai.
Unable to dodge it or even move at all the slab slammed into Kodai, lodging her free. Uraraka pressing her fingers together as Kodai regained her gravity and tumbled into the grass.
"Kodai is out of bounds! Uraraka moves on to the next round!"
"There we have it folks! I thought it was over for our galaxy girl yet here she is turning it around! What a crazy match eh Eraser head?"
"Yes. Kodai's plan was a sound one...but sadly not all plans make it through the practical phase. Sometimes luck is more valuable then a well thought out plan. Its important to adapt for such an occasion."
"You heard it here first folks! Luck is more important then a good plan! Plan nothing!"
"...that is not what I said at all."
She did it? She did it!?
Bouncing in place Uraraka's smile grew across her face, looking over to the cheering audience and just taking it all in. Looking back towards the grass she paused, her smile slowly disappearing.
It's funny.
Uraraka had finally won, she should be feeling happy about her hard won victory. She should be celebrating! Bouncing off of the walls with joy.
But turning and seeing Kodai stumble back to her feet, blood dripping from her busted eyebrow and down into the grass. She paused.
Their eyes met and Uraraka saw a level of sadness behind Kodai's eyes that she had never seen before.
Was...was that always there?
But just like that it was gone. The blank faced girl turning away and limping off of the field.
Ochako Uraraka had finally won, she was moving on to the next event and got to show up her snobby cousin. Yet, she did not feel happy.
Instead she just felt sad.
In front of a locker in the waiting room Midoriya sat on a bench, his foot anxiously bouncing in place. In the background he was listening to the after effects of the fight between Uraraka and Kodai being played on a tv in the corner of the room. The two had put up a pretty good fight despite everything not being in their favor. It's not like either of them were able to show off their quirks well in an empty stage. Still, he wasn't exactly surprised by the outcome.
While neither of the girls were outright brawlers Ochako Uraraka had the advantage due to her quirk being able to work on more then just objects. Kodai's skill set was more akin to a stealth hero then someone who fought head on.
Why was the sports festival so tailored towards people with physically powerful and flashy quirks? It hardly seemed fair...
Turning away from the tv he looked down at his phone, turning the thing in his hand. He knew deep down that he was really just trying to distract himself from what he needed to do. Taking a deep breath he dialed in a number, punching in the buttons as if it were second nature. Holding it against his ear he could hear it start to ring, a hand going to his knee as he bounced it in place.
It rang once, then twice but before a third time there was a click. His mother's happy voice leaking out through it.
"Izuku! It's so good to hear from you! Your father and I have been glued to the tv since the very start of the sports festival, isn't that right dear?"
There was a pause on the end of the line, his grip growing tight around his phone as he waited with baited breath. A faint cough came through followed by a rough worn down voice that he had never heard before. He sounded what Izuku could best describe as tired.
"That is right Izuku...your mother has been trying so hard not to be too loud else she wake up the entire hospital." Letting out another round of coughs he sighed. "She's been doing that little bounce in place thing she does when she is anxious."
Izuku's bouncing leg stopped.
"I have not, stop being such a liar Hisashi!"
It was hard to swallow, like his throat had completely closed up on him. The phone slightly cracking from how hard he was squeezing it. Izuku tried so hard to keep his voice even, to not give away his frustration towards the man.
"H-hey dad."
"I see you still got your stutter after all these years. Feels good to know that some things never change."
How would you know what has changed? You were never around?
"U-uh, yeah..."
"Do you remember the time when you were little and I used to..."
"W-was there s-something you wanted to say? Dad." Glaring at the wall Izuku could feel himself shaking. "If so you s-should just say it already."
More silence and for a moment Izuku thought his phone might've died, the faint sound of shuffling on the other end.
"Right...my apologies."
The hurt in his father's voice filled him with immediate guilt, his gaze flickering to the floor.
"I just, wanted to let you know...how proud I am of the man you have become, Izuku."
Clenching his jaw he pulled the phone away from his ear, blinking to try and stop the tears. Why was he even crying anyway? He wasn't supposed to be sad, he was supposed to be angry.
Mad that his father was never there for him. Mad that even now he still wasn't really there for him. Mad that he took his mother from him when he desperately needed her.
Yet he couldn't help but feel more mad at himself for still letting his father yank all of his emotions around even after all of these years. He thought that he was finally over his father leaving and yet just hearing a few words from him whipped emotions around him like a hurricane and made him feel like a small trembling child again.
The man was a stranger now after living longer without the man then with him. He had so much he wanted to say to him, to curse and shout. To throw his entire life of non existent parenting back into his face. To kick and scream...
But there was no point kicking someone already at the bottom.
Despite everything he was feeling he put a smile back onto his face, even though there was no one else in the room. Putting the phone back to his ear to speak. "Thanks dad. Can you put mom back on the phone? I wanted to ask her something."
The sound of shuffling before his mother's voice came through.
"Is something the matter Izuku?"
Swallowing he nodded like she could see him before stopping himself.
"I uh...spoke with Bakugo recently."
"...oh." Her mothers voice didn't sound surprised like she was caught in a lie. She more sounded neutral, like she was expecting this to happen one day.
"Yeah. He mentioned that he was in an accident and that his mother tried to contact you."
Bouncing his knee he turned away to stare at the TV, watching the slow process of rebuilding the stage.
"Yes." His mom said. "I've spoken with Mitsuki a few times over the years."
Why was this so hard for him to ask?
Shifting his weight he frowned. "Why...why didn't you..."
"Why didn't I tell you what happened?"
Closing his eyes he nodded again.
"Izuku...you know I love you very much right?" Of course he knew that, it's one of the few things in this world he knew for sure. "That being said you can be a little...too forgiving at times. We had just moved, you were finally starting to adapt to your new home. Finally starting to come out of your shell again...and then there was that thing with that Kazuki boy. I was worried, that if you found out Bakugo was in trouble you would run back to your abuser to help him."
What? There was no way he would do that...right?
Blinking in thought he absently turned his head.
Would he have gone back to Bakugo and tried to make it work? Run back into his bullies arms like an abused ex?
He was not sure. His silence must've scared his mother because the next thing she said came off nervous and afraid of the answer.
"Izuku...are, are you mad at me?"
"No, never." His answer was immediate, not even needing to think on it. "I love you very much mom."
He knew that she just had his best interest at heart.
"I love you too Izuku, so so much."
She let out a small hiccup through the phone letting him know she was crying. Blinking at his tears he smiled through blurry eyes.
"Hey hey, you don't have to cry. You know I start to cry when you cry."
"I-I know, I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize either."
"Can Izuku Midoriya and Neito Monoma please make their way to the stage! Hitoshi Shinso and Hanta Sero stand by for your match!"
Giving the piece of plastic a comforting squeeze like she would be able to feel it through the phone he sighed. "I got to go mom."
"Ok Izuku! Go kick some butt!" He could even imagine his mother punching her chubby arms as she said it.
Letting out a laugh he hung up the phone, sliding it into his pocket and making his way out of the breakroom and into the stadium.
Stepping out of the tunnel he squinted against the sun. The sound of cheering people getting louder as him and Monoma stepped up their sides and onto the stage. From the opposite side Monoma was staring right at him with a taunting smirk.
"It's about time for the third match to begin!" Mic hyped up. "In this corner! He's the mean green fighting machine, he surprised everyone by taking first place in the second event...dont look now it's Izuku Midoriya!"
Waving at the crowd Midoriya gave his best smile for the audience.
"and in the other corner! It's the blond haired terror, also taking first place in the second event because they were teammates! Neito Monoma!"
Turning to glare up at the announcer stand Monoma scoffed, obviously offended at his que in. Walking forward a little Midoriya stuck his hand out.
"Best of luck Monoma."
Swatting the hand aside the blonde glared back at him. "Oh please, like I need luck."
"Are both contestants ready?" Midnight inquired.
Walking forward Monoma slammed his fist together, smirking confidently as silver metal drifted along his body and covered himself in a layer of armor. Cockily tilting his head as he spoke.
"Oh, I think I am very ready for this fight. You could say...that I've been waiting a while for this."
Blinking back surprised Izuku Midoriya couldn't help but be reminded of something that happened to him many years ago. A time of fall leaves, pumpkins and Halloween mask. For the first time in a long time he was reminded of a bully blasting straight from his past.
"Not bad, you've gotten even better since last we fought. I have a feeling I'd have a hard time fighting you in a dojo." Placing a hand down along a concrete wall next to him Izuku watched as the concrete crept up his arm, slowly spreading to cover his entire body. Standing up he slammed his concrete fist together with a wicked grin. "But this is the real world and in the real world I can do this."
Notes:
Is this what you wanted you animals, a bunch of young adults punching each other!? Cause this is what you get! Two one on one fights, all full of emotions and drama and a lead up to a third!?
Jirou took her beating like a champ and went down swinging despite her very strong opponent, gaining a little respect along the way.
We get to see more of the dynamic between Uraraka and Kodai along with their fight. I knew that this was a fight that had to happen but I honestly had no idea how to write it. The two have very item and situational based quirks so putting them in a empty stage together without said items was weird.
We got two different types of daddy issues!
And finally we have something I've been wanting to write for a while now. Monoma vs Midoriya.
Stay tuned to find out what happens next!
