Shinso Goes Bananas
Cue Song: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
The crows flew at the other teams, forcing them to swat at the birds, only to be flipped over by the Green Gorilla! "Where's a coat hanger when I need one?", cried Mina as she threw globs of non-lethal acid at the birds, only to be knocked back by a net! Mei giggled as she fired nets at Sero and Tokoyami! "Come on, shit heads, get your asses in gear!", Bakugo snarled as he fired at the Green Gorilla! Ochako blocked his shots with some floating boulders, which the Green Gorilla then tossed, knocking Monoma and Kamakiri back! Sero fired some tape, only for it to get caught in one of Mei's nets! The Green Gorilla twisted around and flipped over Shoda and Setsuna, sending them flying back! The Green Gorilla then punched Dark Shadow in the face before flipping her over his shoulder! Just then, the beast dodged an explosion and looked to see Momo aiming a cannon at him! Ochako looked over and hurled a boulder at Shoji's tentacles, knocking them away as the Green Gorilla caught the cannonball in mid-air!
"Duck!", cried Kyoka as she tackled Momo. The Green Gorilla then chucked a fastball, blowing the cannon up! The Green Gorilla gathered up Ochako and Mei, then climbed back up the mountain as Todoroki threw waves of ice at him! Just then, some of the crows flew at him, throwing off his aim! Shinso took his chance and snuck over to Todoroki's team, which consisted of Kaminari, Fumikage, who was recuperating from the beating dealt out by the Green Gorilla, and Toru. "Hey", said Shinso. "Yes?", asked Kaminari and Toru. "Hand over your headbands", ordered Shinso. Without a word, both students handed them over. "Kaminari and Hagakure have handed over their headbands", said Present Mic, "Both are disqualified". Todoroki snarled, but was then kicked aside as Mei flew in on her hover boots! She then threw a grenade that expelled blue energy, knocking the other teams back! "Uh uh", said Shinso, and he ran off.
He ran into Tetsutetsu on the way. "I got the headbands from some of the other Gen Ed kids", he said, "You?" "Got mine from the invisible chick and the Pikachu guy", said Shinso, "I was going for Ice Boy, but then, Inventor Dreadlocks attacked, and I have this thing called self-preservation…" They ducked under as a cannonball flew over them! Just then, Bondo, a student with a head that looked like a giant glue cap with eight holes in it, ran over. "I got the pink one, the tape one, and the plant one", he said. "Which one?", asked Tetsutetsu. "The Gen Ed one, obviously", said Bondo as Shiozaki used her vines to grapple with Shoji's tentacles. Koda's crows flew at more people, only for a disembodied hand to reach over and grab his headband! Said hand flew back to Setsuna, reattaching itself to the rest of her arm! Bondo was then knocked away by Shoji, losing his headband in the process! But then, Shoji lost his headband to Mei, who flew over on a jet-pack!
The Green Gorilla grunted as he picked up a massive boulder, using it to block Todoroki's ice attack! He nodded his head to Ochako, who then returned the boulder's gravity as the Green Gorilla gave it a toss! Todoroki tried to freeze it, but it didn't stop the boulder! With no other choice, Todoroki fired off a blast of flames slicing the boulder in half! The Green Gorilla roared as he beat his chest, while Todoroki glared up at him. "Times up!", said Thomas, "Teams Discovery Channel, Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, Bakugo, Shinso, and Kendo advance to the third event." "Woo hoo, we did it!", cried Mei. Koda dejectedly gave a thumbs up, only for the Green Gorilla to stomp over and grunt something. Koda's eyes went wide before he gave the Green Gorilla a smile and happily trotted off.
"What did he say?", asked Mei. "Probably something inspirational", said Ochako, "You know how he is. He always has a way of lifting people up". "Sounds like you must like him a lot", said Mei. "Yeah, it does", said Mina, who had appeared next to Ochako. "W..what?", asked Ochako, "No, it's nothing like that". "Sure looks like it to me", said Mei as she walked off. Just then, Mina and Ochako noticed Momo walk over to Izuku, who had changed back to human form. "Impressive work, Midoriya", said Momo. "Same here, Yaoyorozu", said Izuku with a smile. Mina and Ochako leaned in a little closer. "I'd beware of Todoroki for the time being", said Momo, "Ever since using his flames, he's been acting more hostile". "I can just feel like he's going to try something rash as a result", said Izuku, "Do you think you could stop him if the chance comes?" Momo noticed Mina and Ochako listening, then smiled. "He'll be sorry if he tries anything", said Momo, "All that practice we did is already paying off". "Glad to hear it", said Izuku. "In fact", smirked Momo, "I know a place to get dinner after a long day of training. Why don't you join me?" Izuku froze. "This is the part where you say yes, you dunce", said Monkey from inside his head. "Uh, yeah sure, if that's what you'd like", stuttered Izuku. "Perfect", said Momo, "I'll see you soon". With that, they walked off.
"I can't believe Yaomomo got to him first", sighed Ochako. "I can't believe you two would eavesdrop on me", said a voice, making Mina and Ochako jump. "What the hell, Yaomomo?", cried Mina, "First you move in on our man, then you jump scare us!?" "Our?", asked Ochako, with Momo raising one eyebrow. Mina turned a deep shade of lilac. "Oh ho ho, who's the teasing little bitch now?", asked Ochako. "Hardy har har", sputtered Mina, "So I like-like the guy. You all do, too". "Indeed", said Momo. "No lies here", said Ochako. "Obviously, we're all competing for the same guy here", said Mina, "What do we do?" "I think it would be most prudent to let Midoriya chose between the three of us", said Momo, "Unless another solution can be reached". "I'm out of the Sports Festival", said Mina, "I'll have plenty of time to research". "Well, we should probably get ready for the tournament rounds, Yaomomo", said Ochako. "Break a leg, fellas", said Mina, "You've got this one in the bag".
As Izuku walked down the hall, Todoroki stepped in front of him. "We need to talk", he said, "Now". "Sure, what do you wish to talk about?", asked Izuku. "You", said Todoroki, "You made me break my vow". Izuku looked confused. "I swore to never use my flames", said Todoroki, "You made me break my vow". "You could've easily beaten us if you had used them sooner", said Izuku, "Why didn't you?" "Before I answer that, I've noticed that your fighting style is similar to All Might's", said Todoroki, "You're not the only one inspired by him. My father, Endeavor, was similarly inspired. However, he used different tactics. He wanted to surpass All Might, but knew he alone could never pull off such a feat. So, he entered a Quirk Marriage with my mother, so that he may use the resulting child to surpass All Might". "Todoroki, I…", but Izuku was cut off. "The only memories I have of my mother are her crying", said Todoroki, his voice barely showing any sign of emotion, "She despised my flames and one day, she poured boiling water on the left side of my face". Izuku went quiet at the revelation. "That is why I must beat you", said Todoroki, "I am going to show my father that I can be the Number 1 Hero without his fire. It is the only way to disavow him". Izuku then sent a glare at Todoroki. "Your ice only helped make the Villain at the USJ stronger", he said, "Your desire to disavow your father will only make villains like him stronger.. Look, I'm sorry that all of that happened to you, but you can't use half of your power when people's lives are at stake. That's my declaration of war, Todoroki". With that, he stormed off, leaving Todoroki dumbfounded.
Thomas looked to his watch as soon as they went to commercial. "Why are you checking the time?", asked Present Mic. "I'm not", said Thomas, "This is a portable radar. I know Nezu has the likes of Mt. Lady and Death Arms watching, but I never go into a situation under-prepared. But enough about that. How are the brackets looking?" "So far, they seem alright", said Present Mic, "Might need a little time to iron out any flaws". "If I may", suggested Thomas, "I think we can start off with the teams who lost the most players, Shinso and Todoroki, and work our way up". "Right", said Present Mic, "I think for maximum drama, we should start off with Midoriya and Shinso's fight". "Excellent", said Thomas, "Now for the others, I think…"
Shinso wiped his mouth as he finished drinking from his water bottle. "Excellent work back there, Shinso", said Tetsutetsu, "I don't think we would have gotten as far as we did without you". "Thanks, but we lost half the team", said Shinso. "It's no biggie", said Tetsutetsu, "We still have a chance to win". "You don't sound so sure", said Shinso. "Yeah, well, you know how Midnight was", said Tetsutetsu. Shinso shuddered at the thought. "How come you're not nervous?", asked Tetsutetsu. "I pretty much have this one in the bag", said Shinso, "A little taunting here, a little trash talk there, and whammo! Victory is ours". "You think Midnight would allow it?", asked Tetsutetsu. "She signed off on it when I brought it up two classes ago", explained Shinso, "She's allowing it as long as I don't try anything funny". "Funny?", asked Tetsutetsu, "Like ha ha funny, or…" "Let's just say there's a reason I didn't lead with my Quirk when we were forming teams", said Shinso. "Probably for the best", said Tetsutetsu, "Not only would it have been unmanly, but if you got the wrong person like Tokage or Kuroiro…" Both of them shuddered at the thought.
Back in the bar, Lady Nagant, Kane, and Kurogiri sat in thought as Dr. Merlot worked on his laptop. "We may need more people to deal with the ape", said Kane. "No shit", said Lady Nagant, "The beast was hardly hurt from catching a flaming cannonball". "I did warn you", said Kurogiri. "Yes, you did", said Lady Nagant. "Suppose one of my Grimm could take care of the beast?", asked Dr. Merlot. "What have you got?", asked Kurogiri. "A Nevermore here, a King Taijitu there", said Dr. Merlot, "Should things get desperate, we could send in...The Final Option". "What's The Final Option?", asked Lady Nagant. "A human/Grimm hybrid", said Kurogiri, "One based on the Nuckaleeve of Scottish folklore". "W...where do you get the human parts?", asked Lady Nagant. "From live test subjects", said Dr. Merlot, "Just a reminder that All for One isn't the worst that can happen to those who fail us". Kurogiri simply nodded in agreement.
Out on the field, Midnight and Cementoss were waiting for the reveal of the final fight brackets. "They're taking forever", whined Midnight. "It's been like five minutes", said Cementoss, "At least they got that Thomas Azure guy up there, instead of tall, dark, and dumb ass". "No argument here", snorted Midnight, "If I had known he'd do that, I would've had him barred from every school in the nation". Cementoss noticed the way Midnight was gripping her whip and wisely said nothing. Just then, there was beeping from their radios. "Alright, final brackets are completed", said Present Mic, "The screen behind you is already prepped, Midnight". "Also, be advised", said Thomas, "Mt. Lady is pigging out at every food stand. Might not be enough for the rest of us". "Give me that!", said Present Mic as some noise was made in the background of the call. Midnight and Cementoss shared a look before the cameras began to roll.
"Alright, we're back", said Thomas. "Indeed", said Present Mic, "We're just about to hear from Midnight about who's fighting who". A loud crack filled the air, and all eyes turned to Midnight, who had wrapped her whip around her shoulders as she strutted along the stage. "If you're willing to indulge me", smiled Midnight, "These good boys and pretty girls are who will be facing off against each other". She gestured behind her. "Our champions of vigor shall be"…
Izuku Midoriya vs. Hitoshi Shinso
Shoto Todoroki vs Jiro Kyoka
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Ejiro Kirishima
Itsuka Kendo vs. Setsuna Tokage
Momo Yaoyorozu vs. Fumikage Tokoyami
Ibara Shiozaki vs. Mei Hatsume
Reiko Yanagi vs. Pony Tsunotori
Katsuki Bakugo vs Ochako Uraraka
"Quite the display, I have to say", said Present Mic. "But can they lay in some hay or make things out of clay?", asked Thomas, "They may go down to lay by the bay. What do you say?" "Stop rhyming up there", said Midnight. "I think Midnight is in a mood most fowl", said Thomas. "I hope she won't strangle us with a towel", said Present Mic. "No more rhymes, I mean it!", said Midnight.
As Izuku was getting ready to go on stage, he felt invisible arms wrapping around him. "Hagakure, what are doing?", he asked. "I have a secret to share with you", whispered Hagakure, "Shinso has some kind of weird mind Quirk. When we answered him, a haze grew around Kaminari and I. I think his Quirk only works if you respond to him". "Thank you for the warning", said Izuku. "Also", said Hagakure as she squeezed Izuku a little tighter, "Word in the stadium says that it's not just Yaomomo who has her eye for romance with you". "Now you're just being ridiculous", scoffed Izuku. "I'm as serious as a heart attack", said Hagakure, "If you don't believe me, watch how Ashido, Uraraka, and Yaomomo react to your fight". "OK", said Izuku, who was still skeptical. "My man", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind, "That's three girls who like you, one of which, I remind you, just asked you out!" "Remember", said Hagakure as she let go, "Don't respond. Don't respond. Don't respond".
Izuku let those words flow through his head as he headed to the arena. "In this corner", called Present Mic, "We have the Sultan of Slam, a guy who knows just how much monkey the business needs, Izuku Midoriya"! Izuku chuckled nervously as he heard the crowd cheer him on. "In the other corner", said Thomas, "We have the Voice of Terror, the Gen Ed kid you wouldn't want to meet on the battlefield, Hitoshi Shinso"! Shinso then stepped up in front of Izuku, with Midnight standing between them. "Alright, boys", she said, "I want a nice, clean fight. No dirty moves, no needless prolonging of fights, just you, your Quirks, and your skills". "Got it", said Izuku and Shinso. "Begin!", proclaimed Midnight with the crack of her whip.
Izuku and Shinso circled around the ring, waiting for the other to strike. "You know", said Shinso, "I was always picked on for my...'villainous' Quirk. I was hated by all, especially by the kids with Heroic potential like you. People like you have everything handed to you. Do you even know it's like to suffer?" "Shut up", snapped Izuku, only to feel a haze crawl over his mind. "Too easy", smirked Shinso, "Walk outside the ring." Against his own will, Izuku walked toward the line. Shinso smiled, but lost his smirk when Izuku's face changed to an ape-like visage. The boy then ignored his order, walked right over, and kicked Shinso in the nuts! Thomas and Present Mic winced in pain at the sight. "How..?", asked Shinso. "I figured your oh-so-villainous Quirk wouldn't work on a split personality", said Monkey, "Oh, where are my manners. I'm his brother, Monkey".
"An impressive strategy by that system", said Thomas. "System?", asked Present Mic. "That's what it's called when two independent personalities inhabit the same body", said Thomas, "I just wonder what he plans to do next". At that moment, Monkey hoisted Shinso above his head and tossed him out of the ring. "Midoriya wins", declared Midnight. Shinso laid on the ground, defeated. A shadow loomed over him and he looked to see Izuku extending a hand out to him. "Let me help you up", he said. Shinso took the hand and was pulled up. "If what you said is true", said Izuku, "Vlad King should be able to help you out with that. He's always giving seminars on Quirk discrimination". "Thank you", said Shinso, "But be warned. The rest of the Sports Festival won't be easy". "Don't worry", said Izuku, "My other half and I love a good challenge".
Later on, as Shinso was walking back to the lockers, he was stopped by Midnight. "Good job today, Shinso", she said with a smile. "I have your example to thank", said Shinso with a bow. "Even if you didn't make it here, I still think you have what it takes to be in the Hero Course", said Midnight, "Even your trash talk was restrained. I suppose those lessons in detention stuck". "Maybe a little too well", said Shinso, "I think Tetsutetsu is taking it a little harder than usual". "Tell him if he needs to talk, Vlad King and I are always around to listen", said Midnight, "If he doesn't get better, find either Nezu or Hound Dog." "I will", said Shinso. "For now, know that I'm proud that you've both learned your lessons", said Midnight, "And I can't wait for the day you join the Hero Course". In spite of himself, Shinso smiled softly.
To Be Continued...