Chapter 17: Test Your Might
"Izuku you're exaggerating there's no way the internet can be that bad."
*Gabriel turns on his computer to immediately see him and V1 hentai*
"Izuku pass me the Mg-42."
Chowder is a good show, watch it.
Alright, this chapter came out wayyyy sooner than anticipated, partially because of last chapter's art and because now we've reached the big cliffhanger. I didn't expect to get through the actions scene so quickly, but man do I just love writing fights. There are some big ones in this chapter so expect to have a good time with that.
Before we begin I saw some confusion regarding Monoma and his ability to copy Izuku's "quirk". I totally forgot to state this in the story by Izuku's quirk is classified as transformation-mutation, so in Monoma's mind there should be no reason why he didn't get his quirk since it's not a stockpile quirk. That's my bad, sorry, so I'll just leave Izuku's full report here in order for everyone to see what's on his file at U.A (if I miss anything let me know and I'll add it in updates).
Midoriya Izuku Quirk File
Name: Midoriya Izuku
Age: 15
Height: 6'2
Weight: 185 lbs
Quirk: "Angel"
-Classification: Transformation-mutation
-Description: the user gains a pair of blue (transparent) wings and halo allowing for flight. The user's body apparently has been altered to withstand flying at high speeds without any signs of hindrance from wind or vertigo. The user's body also appears highly resistant and has seemingly been enhanced to a superhuman degree. The user's stamina recovery, time to heal, and physical prowess have also been enhanced to the same degree.
Alright, now that that's out of the way hope you guys enjoy the chapter.
"Of all the stupid–reckless things I've seen in my time here, what you absolute blockheads did is up there!" A small but very angry old woman ranted to a bedridden Ochako and Bakugo. "Destroying the entire arena?! Does anyone here even know the word restraint?! Bah what are they teaching you kids nowadays!"
Despite the angry words that came from Recovery Girl's mouth as she scolded the two, they were fairly accurate. Ochako and Bakugo's battle had been the most destructive fight so far in the Sports Festival. By the end of it the entire arena was left like a warzone with pieces of rubble littered across the once pristine stone
And Bakugo didn't regret it at all.
That fight, he knew that underestimating Ochako was out of the question but even he was still surprised by the sheer determination and power she showed. The blonde had tried to end the fight quickly, blasting over to her and attempting to blow her out of the arena. The moment that the brunette dodged his attack he knew he was in for a real fight.
Ochako made sure not to disappoint.
The girl had used every tactic available to her in order to surprise and attempt to immobilize him with her quirk. Her little trick of using her jacket as a decoy to draw his attention away had nearly cost him the round, luckily he was faster. Despite having the advantage in raw power, Bakugo found himself struggling to land a single hit against her. Ochako had clearly taken Izuku's advice during their training very seriously.
With every explosion he let loose, more and more chunks of stone were created for her to use against him. The girl used her quirk to evade and maneuver around the battlefield like she was mimicking Izuku's ability to fly. Putting the larger pieces in zero gravity, Ochako used them as platforms/steppingstones in order to outmaneuver Bakugo. Whenever he tried to get close to her she would deactivate her quirk, sending the pieces of rock down towards him. In response the explosive user sent wave after wave of unrestrained explosions at her.
Others would say he was being harsh or maybe even villainous, which granted the crowd in the stadium did, but they were promptly ignored. Anyone with half a brain could see that he was treating her with the respect she deserved, by giving nothing but his absolute best effort. This was best demonstrated when they reached the climatic end of their fight.
In a last ditch effort to claim victory, Ochako used her quirk to its maximum ability to bring up every single piece of debris into the air. Then like a hailstorm of rock and stone, unleashed all the pieces at once back down onto Bakugo. The blonde couldn't help but let out a feral smile at that moment, this was what a fight was about. So, he met her efforts with the same energy, putting his hands together and sending the largest explosion he has ever conjured in his life.
With her plan foiled and energy spent, Ochako had collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Bakugo likewise was forced onto his knee, letting out several deep breaths as his body throbbed from the overexertion. Yet, even as Midnight announced that he was the winner Bakugo took note of how the brunette struggled to get back on her feet. Even with nothing left, Ochako still tried to continue their battle.
Bakugo had made the right choice in not underestimating her.
"And don't even get me started on that Todoroki brat!" Recovery Girl's, frankly grating, voice pulled Bakugo from his thoughts. "Encasing another student in ice like that–unbelievable!"
'God, does she ever stop talking?' Bakugo thought. Smart enough to not say anything out loud lest he receive a painful whack to his head from her cane.
"But what do I know I've just been a Pro Hero for longer than you two have been alive!" The old woman let out a final huff. "I'll be back–don't you two dare move." She cast the blonde in particular a warning glare.
Once she left the room delved into a somewhat uncomfortable silence, at least for Ochako, Bakugo was unbothered. The brunette kept glancing over at the blonde and opening her mouth repeatedly before closing it and turning away. Eventually Bakugo grew annoyed with her timid attitude and decided to just confront her outright.
"If you got something to say then say it." The blonde stated bluntly. "Otherwise, you're just wasting both of our fucking time."
"Ah–right s-sorry!" Ochako squeaked. "I um–just uh w-wanted to say–"
"Drop the stupid ass scared mouse act." Bakugo scowled in annoyance.
"R-right just…I wanted to say good match out there." The gravity user got out "You uh did great."
"Hmph." Bakugo grunted, turning away. "You weren't too bad yourself."
"Ah–thanks…but you don't have to be nice." Ochako muttered. "I've seen what others said…I know I wasn't much. They were saying how you should have taken it easy on me–"
"Who gives a fuck what those extras think." Bakugo's harsh words caused the girl to look at him in confusion. "If I didn't think you weren't a challenge I wouldn't have given you my all. That's what a real fight is, isn't it?"
"...ya, I guess it is." Ochako whispered to herself, a small smile blossoming on her face.
"Alright brats you have a visitor." Recovery Girl's voice pulled both of their attention. The short woman immediately left, leaving none other than Izuku standing before the pair.
"Bakugo, Uraraka." The greenette greeted with a nod.
"Oh hey, Midoriya." Ochako perked up, giving a friendly smile.
"Hn." Bakugo responded back.
"Not to sound rude or anything, but what brings you here?" The gravity user curiously asked.
"Just came to check in on both of you, that was some fight down there. I think Cementoss is still fixing up the arena." The quip earned a light laugh from the girl. "But I also wanted to offer my congratulations to you–to both of you." The teen continued with a blinding smile. "I'm proud of how far you've come–and I know you'll only continue to grow even stronger."
"Aww thank you." Ochako lightly blushed from the praise. "I really couldn't do it without you though. I never got to thank you for the tips you offered these past few weeks."
"I just pointed you in the right direction." Izuku nonchalantly shrugged. "It was you who put in the time and effort to improve yourself. So, give yourself some credit, you made it this far because of your hard work." The greenette firmly reminded her. "Don't forget that."
"Heh, putting a lot of pressure on me here." Ochako nervously scratched behind her head. "But I'll do my best to not disappoint!" The brunette promised with a determined look.
"I know you will." Izuku said before turning his gaze to the blonde. "Bakugo."
"...ya?" The explosive user stared at his former friend, the barest hint of nervousness in his eyes.
"I'm proud of you." The boy said seriously.
They were just four simple words, yet the weight behind them was instantly felt by the blonde receiving them. The underlying meaning behind them was not lost on Bakugo, he understood completely what Izuku was really saying. A pulsating sensation that was both uncomfortable yet oddly pleasing gripped at the blonde's heart.
"...ya whatever." Bakugo muttered quietly, looking away from the other boy.
"Alright time's up, shoo shoo!" Thankfully for him, Recovery Girl made her reappearance, ushering Izuku out of the infirmary.
'Damn nerd.' With a resigned sigh the explosive user leaned back against his bed. Waiting for the sensation in his chest to disappear. Even though a big part of him didn't want to let the feeling go.
*With Izuku*
The walk back to 1-A's spectator booth was a peaceful one as the angel recounted the spectacular battle between Ochako and Bakugo. Unlike the vast majority in the crowd, which included a good portion of Class 1-A and 1-B, Izuku understood the fierceness of the fight. While others booed and berated Bakugo for his force, the angel knew the true intention behind his actions.
Bakugo was just showing his version of respect to Ochako.
Izuku knew better than anyone that Bakugo was abrasive and very aggressive in his mannerisms, and that would be putting it lightly. However, if there was one thing the angel picked up on since knowing the blonde it was he had a unique way of showing respect. If Bakugo went all out against you it meant that he believed you to be a worthy challenger. Was it weird? Very, but Izuku simply accepted that it was just how Bakugo operated.
Unfortunately, trying to explain this to the others in his class had been rather difficult. That wasn't to say their criticism that the blonde should tone it back wasn't valid, Izuku simply tried explaining that Bakugo wasn't being malicious. Thankfully, Aizawa's commentary touched on the exact subject not too long after. Once their teacher explained Bakugo's mentality the others in the class finally understood what the blonde was doing.
"Ayy Midori, there ya are!" Stepping back into 1-A's spectator booth, Izuku was greeted by the excited wave of Mina. "Where'd ya stalk off too?"
"Paying Uraraka and Bakugo a visit." Izuku explained, taking his seat next to Tokoyami. "Wanted to congratulate them on a good fight."
"Eh, I still think Mr. Explodes A Lot could've been less of a dick about it." The pink skinned girl shrugged. "But you're right–it was a pretty awesome fight."
"I must confess, I did not expect Uraraka to use her quirk with such creativity." The shadow user said. "The way she moved was surprising yet nonetheless graceful."
"Indeed, I'm surprised she didn't get motion sick like she always does during training." Aoyama commented.
"That's only if she uses it on herself, remember." The greenette reminded. "Using her quirk to create those platforms for maneuverability was meant to mitigate that weakness."
"While still maintaining similar levels of aerial movement as if she was using it on herself." Tokoyami finished with a nod of understanding. "I believe against anyone other than Bakugo she may have won without too much difficulty."
"Naw, did we watch the same fight?" Mina waved her hand dismissively. "She absolutely could've had him."
"If nothing else she managed to push Bakugo to his limit." Izuku praised the gravity user. "Not many can claim to have done so."
"Says the guy who literally has not lost a single fight since coming to U.A." The girl deadpanned, Aoyama and Tokoyami snickering as well.
"...fair point." The angel conceded after a brief pause. "But I think with the competition becoming more stiff I'll have my work cut out for me." Izuku nodded towards the screen, displaying the upcoming fights for the next round.
Final Round
'Ashido Mina vs Tokoyami Fumikage'
'Shiozaki Ibara vs Tenya Iida'
'Midoriya Izuku vs Kirishima Eijiro'
'Todoroki Shoto vs Bakugo Katsuki'
"Yeah well at least you have a chance against Kirishima." Mina whined childishly. "Edgelord here is gonna totally wreck me!"
"Phrasing." Tokoyami muttered but was promptly ignored.
"Don't feel too bad, mon ami." Aoyama consoled with a friendly pat. "At least your defeat will be a quick one." He finished with a teasing grin.
"Oh, ha ha, very funny." The pinkette pouted.
"If it is any consolation, I believe that you will be a worthy challenge for me and Dark Shadow." Tokoyami offered the girl.
"...you're just saying that, so I won't complain when I lose." Mina gave the teen a narrowed eyed look.
"Did it work?"
"..."
"..."
"Hrk–ok you got a laugh out of me with that one." The girl let out a snort of amusement.
"Ah good that you lifted her mood, now I won't have to hear her whining for the rest of the Sports Festival." Aoyama gave a dramatic, grateful sigh.
"Ya ya very fun, Pretty Boy." The acid user rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Just because the odds are against me don't think I won't try my absolute best against ya, Edgelord. I can be pretty crafty when I wanna."
"Oh, trust me we know." Izuku bluntly said. "But both of you trying your best out there is more than enough. The fact all of you made it this far has shown how much you've grown–I'm proud of all of you." He finished softly, giving each of his friends a look that conveyed his happiness.
"Ya ya pushing past our limits and all that good jazz." Mina rolled her eyes playfully. The light darkening of her cheeks gave away her sheepishness "Jeez Midori, keep talking like that and I just might have to beat Edgelord here on principle."
"You are more than welcome to try." Tokoyami goaded with a friendly tone.
"ASHIDO MINA, TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"
The four students looked down to see that the weathered arena had been fixed so it was back in its pristine shape. With the announcement given the two respective fighters stood up from their seats. The girl stretched her arms with an excited smile while the boy calmly began to follow behind her.
"Welp better put my money where my mouth is!" The acid user gave one final wave. "Try not to faint from my awesomeness!"
"Is that what you call it now?" The shadow user muttered as he walked beside her.
"Good luck you two!" Izuku called back as the two disappeared around the corner.
The slight rustling next to him caused the angel to curiously turn to Aoyama. Said boy had seemingly procured multiple bags of snacks and had placed them where Mina had been sitting. Amused and curious about his friend's actions, Izuku couldn't help but inquire about the food.
"So…what are those for?"
"Appeasement." Aoyama flatly replied. "Once she gets back after losing in the first two minutes."
"I'm sure she'll last longer than that." The angel leaned back in his seat. "It can't be that bad right?"
*Exactly One Minute and Forty Seven Seconds Later*
"Owwww! Did you have to hit me so hard?!"
Izuku and Aoyama turned to see both, and Tokoyami and Mina re-enter the spectator booth, the latter of which held a hand to her abdomen. A small, bashful Dark Shadow was peeking over his user's shoulder. Almost as though he was trying to avoid the glare that the pink skinned girl was giving both him and Tokoyami.
"I said I was sorry!" Dark Shadow squeaked out.
"Hmph!" Mina pouted while crossing her arms and looking away.
"Fumi, Mina's ignoring me!" The shadow whined into his user's ear.
"Not too much I can do about that." Tokoyami shrugged with a 'what am I supposed to do' look.
Dark Shadow gave a noise of displeasure before his yellow eyes caught Aoyama gesturing behind the girl.
"Don't pout too much Mina, you did great out there." Izuku complimented the girl as the pair sat down. "Coating your arms in acid to defend yourself against Dark Shadow's attacks was a pretty good plan."
"Midoriya is right, if not for Dark Shadow's unique physiology I believe such a technique would have proved to be more dangerous." The shadow user agreed.
"Speaking of what exactly is Dark Shadow made of?" Izuku inquired curiously. "He looks like he's made out of mist, but he also feels way more solid than that."
"Truthfully, I don't know myself." Tokoyami answered with a shrug. "I've simply referred to it as dark energy since he doesn't seem to fit in any other state of matter."
Behind the two teens said shadow lightly headbutted Mina, getting her attention and offering up the bag of chips in his beak. The girl made a happy noise before taking the snack and beginning to munch on it. All the while reaching out with her free hand and petting Dark Shadow on his head, which earned a happy chirp from him.
Aoyama watched the two interact with an amused grin.
"That reminds me, Midoriya, do your wings and halo operate in a similar manner to Dark Shadow?" Tokoyami asked in return. "I am never quite sure if their makeup or if they are even tangible."
"That's funny, cause I wondered that myself when I first got them." Izuku lightly chuckled, remembering the first time he saw his wings. "They actually aren't tangible and kind of have a mind of their own. Whenever I need to fly they come out and when they don't they usually disappear." The angel explained to his friend. "As for what they're made of, it's some kind of hard light…which is ironic considering you can't touch them but eh whatever I guess."
"Huh, I suppose even with all the knowledge we have on quirks there are just some things we can't answer." Tokoyami said with a thoughtful hum.
"Oi! Edgelord, Prez, who do you think will win between Flash Lite or Midori's future wife?!" Mina's bubbly voice pulled the two boys out of their conversation.
"Mina…" The greenette groaned at her teasing.
"Hmm, I suppose it depends on whether or not Shiozaki is capable of keeping up with Tenya's speed." Tokoyami offered his thoughts as Izuku composed him.
"You and our brooding friend here went against both of them during the cavalry battle." Aoyama reminded the two. "Surely you would have a better understanding than anyone on both of their skill sets."
"True, but–no offense to your girlfriend Midori–" The remark earned another groan from the boy. "It was our Prez here that we were mainly focused on. Kinda hard to forget when he punched a cannon ball into space."
"Considering Midoriya single handily dismantled three 0-pointers I'd say that was the least memorable thing he has accomplished." Tokoyami noted as he recalled the first round.
"Oh, ya he did do that." Mina blinked before looking over at Izuku. "Midori what the heck man, you're totally upstaging us here." She said with friendly indignation before her look turned sly. "Is it because you're trying to impress that 1-B girl huh?"
Blushing with a noticeable red tint to his cheeks, Izuku made the smart decision that he would spend the rest of the round in his waiting room. There was no way he could handle any more teasing from the girl. She knew what she was doing, intentionally filling his head with thoughts of Ibara that would throw him off his game.
And damn it she was really good at it too.
"I'm going to the waiting room." The red faced teen quickly got up. Mina cackled like a hyena as she caught his flustered face. "I'll be sure to let Aizawa-sensei know that homework has been too light for us." Izuku threatened just as he left.
The sound of Mina screaming no put a small smirk on his face.
*With Izuku*
Watching the battle unfold between Ibara and Tenya had helped Izuku calm down from his flustered state. Though it was a quick fight, there had been no wasted movement between the two. Izuku was impressed with how both of them utilized their quirks to their fullest potential in order to achieve victory. Ibara used her vines to attack from a distance and defend against Tenya's attacks. While the other teen used his engines to maneuver around the battlefield with incredible speed.
Though Ibara put up a good effort, Tenya was ultimately able to secure victory with his superior movement and precision. It was somewhat saddening seeing Ibara get eliminated from the tournament but seeing the content look on her face afterwards alleviated that feeling. She was clearly happy with the effort she put forward today, so what else could Izuku do but share in her joy. It was a shame he couldn't talk to her after the fight, he would have loved to congratulate her in person, but the angel supposed he'd have to settle for another time.
Right now, he has his own battle to fight.
Not many people in class 1-B, or even 1-B for that matter, had the type of quirk that could contend with Izuku's raw power. However, Kirishima was not one of those people, in fact Izuku would go as far to say he had the perfect quirk to contend with him. The redhead's ability to harden himself not only massively increased his defensive abilities but gave him extra power behind his hits. During the spars they had Izuku likened the other boy's hits to that of a Specter or even a Swordmachine if he really put everything into his punch.
The angel had not underestimated anyone yet and he certainly wouldn't start now with Kirishima.
Stepping onto the field once more, Izuku confidently strode onto his side of the arena, Likewise Kirishima appeared just moments later, his trademark toothy grin on full display. He was clearly looking forward to the fight and frankly so was Izuku. The greenette was ready to really put his training with Gabriel to the test.
"Wow folks, things are really heating up now that we're halfway through round two of the final round!" The DJ announced, with the crowd roaring in agreement. "But I think this match is going to be the hottest one yet!"
"Both contestants have close range battle oriented quirks. This match is going to be as straightforward as it gets." Eraserhead added onto the commentary.
"Sometimes a fight is just a bare knuckled beatdown between two people!" Present Mic sprung off his co-host's comment. "But I think I speak for all of us that we aren't complaining! So, let's get this brawl started!" Those within the stadium gave a thunderous cheer of approval.
"You boys know the drill, win by immobilization, ring out, or by making your opponent give up!" The heroine raised her whip. "Are both contestants ready?!"
"I'm ready!" Kirishima's smile grew. "Let's do this!"
"Yes, let's." Izuku returned the grin. "Ready."
"Then…"
*Crack*
"BEGIN!"
Without wasting a second both teens surged forward towards the other, Izuku's wings appearing behind his back and Kirishima's arms becoming rough and jagged. The latter pulled his right arm back and threw his fist towards Izuku. Swiftly dodging under the blow, the angel brought his own arm up and wrapped it around Kirishima's chest.
Izuku used the lariat move to throw the redhead onto his back before quickly flying a few feet into the air. Kirishima rolled to the side, narrowly escaping the greenette's knee as he descended from the air. The sound of stone cracking under the force of Izuku's strike could be heard. Both fighters got up from their respective positions, charging forward towards one another once more.
This time Izuku was the one to initiate the first attack, using his wings to give him several inches of height for an aerial haymaker. Raising a hardened arm, Kirishima's skin lightly cracked under the blow as he blocked it. However, he was able to rear his other arm back and deliver a punch to Izuku's cheek. Said teen let out a small grunt from the hit, retaliating by dipping underneath his opponent and wrapping both arms around his midsection.
As the two flew higher in the air Kirishima was able to get in several more hits to Izuku's unprotected face. When the redhead attempted to strike again, the angel's hand caught his fist in a tightening grip. In one fluid motion, Izuku flung the redhead over his shoulder towards the ground once more. Using his hardened arms Kirishima skid along the ground with the distinct sound of two rocks grinding against one another.
"Hah…hah…I knew you wouldn't disappoint Midoriya!" Kirishima shouted, a wild grin on his face. "I'm so fired up right now!"
"You aren't too bad yourself." Izuku chuckled back, floating down to the ground several feet away.
"Whaddya say we stop playing around and go all out huh?!" The redhead offered. Ripping the sleeves off his uniform and revealing his hardened arms.
"I thought you'd never ask." The angel smirked back. Pulling his gym uniform over his head and tossing it to the side, leaving him in his black tank top.
Kirishima scrapped his arm together, creating sparks as he beckoned for Izuku to come closer. Unseen, but not unfelt to Izuku a small bit of Light began to course through his body, filling him with more divine power. His blue wings spread out menacingly as he levitated off the ground, channeling a bit of Gabriel as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Woah it looks like that was just the warmup folks!" Present Mic continued to hype up. "I think both our fighters are ready for the real deal now!"
Flying with inhuman speed, Izuku dashed towards the redhead, who suddenly had a surprised look when the greenette suddenly appeared in front of him. Kirishima barely had enough to bring his arms up in an x-shape to block Izuku's fist. Yet, even with his hardened skin the force was still able to send him skidding back along with concrete.
Luckily for him he was prepared for the angel's next assault, perks of seeing Izuku in training beforehand. Izuku's attempt to grab the redhead were countered by the latter grabbing his arms and hardening his legs. The ground splintered as unstoppable force met immovable object, creating a minor shockwave as the two collided. Hardening his head, Kirishima reared back before giving Izuku a headbutt.
Yet, once he pulled back he saw that it had very little effect on the greenette.
"Good, you're learning." Izuku praised him with a grin. "But I won't go down that easily! Comminuo!"
Rearing his own head back, the angel returned the headbutt, momentarily stunning Kirishima which loosened his grip. Pulling his arms from the other boy's grip Izuku gave two quick jabs to his unarmored abdomen. Kirishima let out a painful sound, shifting the hardness from his legs to his stomach to protect himself. However, by then the angel had already changed targets, performing a sweeping kick that knocked Kirishima off his feet.
Following this attack, Izuku grabbed the redhead by the collar of his jacket midair before slamming him roughly into the ground. Thankfully, Kirishima was quick enough to harden his back in time. Thinking quickly Kirishima pulled his leg back and threw a sharpened kick at Izuku's midsection. In order to avoid the blow, the angel was forced to relinquish his hold on the other boy, wings flapping as he jumped backwards.
"Neither will I!" Kirishima promised, getting on his feet and sprinting forward. "Red Rush!"
The redhead unleashed a barrage of hardened punches at Izuku, but the angel met the assault with one of his own. Both boys traded volleys of punches, neither relenting no matter how many hits they took. With each passing moment the damage could visibly be seen on Kirishima's body and arms, his hardened skin showing noticeable cracks. Izuku had a few light marks where Kirishima had hit him but compared to the redhead he was practically woundless.
Kirishima attempted a right hook towards Izuku's face, but the strike was swiftly blocked and countered with a punch straight to his armored chest. The angel followed up with two sharp jabs to Kirishima's side, causing the latter to let out a sharp pained gasp. Using his wings, Izuku front flipped over the boy, quickly wrapping his arms around his torso and lifting.
*Crunch*
The German Supplex created a large spider web of cracks along the arena's floor. Once he let go, both teens scrambled to their feet, but Izuku was the faster one. Kirishima threw a frantic punch in order to give himself breathing room. The greenette easily dodged the blow by taking a step backwards before ramming into Kirishima's crouched form with his shoulder. The bash created another creaking sound as the redhead was sent tumbling backwards from the force.
Izuku immediately followed after the boy, flying in the air grabbing Kirishima in a mid-air grapple. The angel spun around before slamming his opponent into the ground once more, quickly grabbing him again and repeating the process. After the third slam Izuku wrapped his hand around Kirishima's leg and threw him into the air. Surging after him, Izuku pulled back before giving the teen a fierce punch to his exposed stomach.
"Gah!" Kirishima gasped as the blow connected.
*Crash*
Soaring through the air like a red bullet, Kirishima hit the ground with a thunderous crash where he tumbled for a few feet. Only coming to a stop when he dug his hardened fingers into the concrete. Izuku remained floating in the air, watching as the other boy struggled to get to his feet and taking note of the cracks across his body.
'His quirk can only handle so much before it breaks.' The angel thought. 'This last clash will determine who wins.'
"Man Midoriya–hah I knew you'd be strong…hah…hah…but this…hah..this is something else." Kirishima took several deep breaths, giving an excited grin.
"It's been a good fight, Kirishima." Izuku agreed, wings spreading to their fullest length. "But I think it's time we–"
"Ended this? You read my mind." The hardening user finished, the majority of his body becoming jagged.
The two shared one last look, understanding and respect conveyed without the need for any words.
In that moment the two rushed forward with both teens pulling their arms back in preparation. Once they were no more than a few feet from another they threw their respective punches towards the other. Fist met fist in a clash that was not just heard but the whole stadium but felt.
*Boom*
A palpable shockwave emanated from where the two boys made contact, one that reached even those within the stands. The cheering crowd fell dead silent as did Present Mic's bombastic commentary. Everyone leaned in with bated breaths as Izuku and Kirishima maintained their position.
…
…
*Crick*
After a few tense moments the sound of rock being splintered apart could be heard, alerting everyone to who had one this battle. Kirishima's hardened fist crumbled as did the rest of his body, his quirk finally deactivating after such a tense fight. With his energy spent the redhead would have collapsed onto his face if not for Izuku quickly supporting his body.
"I…I can't go anymore…I surrender…" Kirishima let out weakly.
"And Midoriya wins by surrender!" Midnight announced to the crowd, which reignited the excited cheering.
"What an incredible match! I wouldn't want to play punchies with those two, I'll tell you what!"
"Kirishima's quirk helped even the playing field against Midoriya's speed and strength. Along with giving him some defense against Midoriya's attacks." Aizawa summarized with a pleased nod. "But Midoriya was able to wear down Kirishima's hardening quirk with his relentless attacks and superior techniques."
"Man Midoriya, you're a really tough guy." Kirishima complimented him with a wince. "I don't think my quirk has ever been pushed so far before."
"You took quite the beating and still kept fighting; I'd say you were really good out there." Izuku helped the other boy off the stage. "I'd go as far to say you were really manly even." The angel threw the redhead's favorite word at him.
"...Midoriya…you're a real bro…" Kirishima cried very manly tears as he was helped to the infirmary.
"Heh." Izuku lightly chuckled at the reaction, expecting nothing less from his classmate.
*With Bakugo*
'Hmph as if the nerd would lose.' The explosive thought as he watched the fight come to an end on the tv in his waiting room.
Bakugo wouldn't exactly call Kirishima weak by any means, in fact he considered the loud redhead to be one of his stronger classmates. If anyone besides Todoroki and Izuku had a chance at beating him it would have to go to Kirishima easily. However, despite this, Bakugo would never think he had a chance in hell against Izuku.
Izuku's power was just simply too much for Kirishima to handle, even with his hardening quirk to try and even the playing field. Though Bakugo had to hand it to the redhead, he lasted longer than he would have assumed. With the battle reaching its end, the blonde's thoughts quickly shifted to his own fight coming up.
The mere thought of Todoroki caused Bakugo's features to shift into an annoyed scowl. His previous conversation with the half and half user was still fresh in Bakugo's mind. Though the way Todoroki spoke about his quirk still pissed Bakugo off, it wasn't nearly as bad as the fact that the blonde knew he wouldn't listen.
Ochako had given him a good, Kirishima clearly gave his all against Izuku, hell even that pink girl tried her best against the shadow user. Regardless of how fast the fight was, everyone in the previous battles were clearly putting in the effort. Which only served to piss Bakugo off even more since he was now going up against the one guy half-assing it.
'That fucking half-half bastard better use everything he's got, or I swear I'm gonna blow his sorry ass away.' The blonde tsked to himself with an irritated look.
"TODOROKI SHOTO, BAKUGO KATSUKI PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"
Lifting his feet off the table, Bakugo stuffed his hands in pockets and left the briskly waiting room. Traversing down the halls and through the tunnel the blonde stepped out into the middle of the stadium. He promptly ignored the roaring crowd, glaring straight ahead at the only person who mattered at the moment.
Todoroki was already in the arena, a bored expression on his face as though he already knew the outcome of the fight. The teen's nonchalance only served to further anger Bakugo, who gave the half and half user a deep scowl.
'Bastard thinks I'll go down like I'm some extra.' Bakugo grinded his teeth in irritation. 'I'll fucking show him.'
"This is it folks–the fight I'm sure all of us have been waiting for!" Present Mic began. "We have the bombastic, explosive happy demolitionist–it's Bakugo Katsuki! And the King of Cold, cooler than any ice–it's Todoroki Shoto!"
"Alright boys, let's try to keep this match contained as much as possible–we just fixed the arena!" Midnight said, looking down at both teens with a warning look. "Are you two ready?!"
"...whatever." Todoroki muttered indifferently.
"Let's fucking go." Bakugo said more to Todoroki than to the Pro Heroine.
*Crack*
"START!"
Predictably, Todoroki wasted no time in unleashing the same attack he used against Monoma, sending a wave of ice at Bakugo. Said blonde was frankly insulted that the dichromatic teen thought that had even the slightest chances of working. Using a series of explosions to rush forward, Bakugo met the glacier head on with his palms held out. Once he disappeared in the chunk of ice, there were murmurings of whether or not the fight was already over.
"You should call this match." Todoroki monotonously said. "He clearly can't move so just declare me–"
*Boom*
*Boom*
*Boom*
The ground shook violently as a series of explosions echoed throughout the stadium, surprising Todoroki especially. The teen's eyes grew wide when the wall of ice in front of him shattered to a hundred pieces. The angry, almost feral, eyes of Bakugo met Todoroki's own surprised stare, with the former pulling his arm back again.
"Declare you what huh?!" Bakugo sneered as he let off another explosion that rocketed him forward. "You think you're gonna win that easily?!"
As the blonde missile rapidly approached Todoroki began constructing a wall of ice while also creating a trail of frost as he backpedaled. However, his defense was easily blown apart before he could finish making it. As he reached him Bakugo delivered an explosion directly to his opponent's chest. Said boy was forced to use his quirk to quickly construct a chunk of ice to catch him from going out of bounds.
Just as he began to get to his meet, Bakugo's shadow loomed over, arms behind him as he used his quirk to close the distance. Creating a thin layer of ice, Todoroki was able to slide away just as the blonde reached his position. Another explosion was let out where the dichromatic teen had been, destroying his ice structure.
However, with this opening Todoroki brought his foot up before slamming into the ground, sending a trail of ice spikes towards Bakugo. The attack proved as fruitless as first, with the blonde easily stopping the path of ice in its tracks. A small, barely noticeable shiver shook Todoroki's body, but he quickly brushed it off.
"Are you even fucking trying?!" Bakugo shouted. "This isn't a fight you can half-ass! You better give me everything you got!"
"...you've been lucky so far." Todoroki huffed with a twinge of irritation. "I'll stop playing around now."
"Ragh!"
Thoroughly pissed by the other boy's words, Bakugo unleashed several power explosions that sent him speeding towards his opponent. The dichromatic teen slammed his hand onto the ground, creating several thick pillars of ice to try and knock Bakugo out from the air. However, using his quirk, the blonde was able to quickly maneuver out of the way of any obstacle that tried to take him down.
Upon reaching Todoroki, Bakugo pulled his arm back in a clear telegraph that he was going for the chest. In response, the half and half user brought his arms together and created a miniature shield in order to lessen the incoming blow. What he didn't expect was for the attack to be a feint and for Bakugo to give him a devastating knee to his unprotected stomach.
"Grk!" Todoroki gasped from the sudden pain, dropping his guard as he clutched his abdomen in agony.
"I thought you weren't playing around anymore?!" Bakugo taunted, delivering a harsh punch to the other teen's face. "Come on then! Hit me–fight me!"
Giving a low growl, Todoroki slammed his foot onto the ground, freezing the concrete and trapping one of Bakugo's feet. However, before he could even think about following up, Bakugo let loose a minor explosion. Easily freeing him from prison and allowing him to send another explosion directly into Todoroki's stomach.
He dragged the dichromatic teen through the air for several seconds before flinging him backwards once more. Todoroki tumbled several feet, being forced to use his ice in order to catch himself again. Hearing the sound of explosions, the teen pounded his fist onto the concrete, creating a large circular platform that brought him high into the air.
Another shiver, this time more violent, wracked Todoroki's body as he struggled to get to his feet. By the time he was able to regain his balance Bakugo had already used his explosions to reach him. Throwing his hand down in a frantic arc, a circular jagged wall of ice appeared between the two teens. It didn't last long as Bakugo blew it away before pouncing on the weary Todoroki. A foot was implanted directly onto the half and half user's chest, forcing him onto his back against the icy structure.
"You're getting slower, almost like your body can't handle you creating so much ice." Bakugo pointed out. Pressing his foot harder into Todoroki's chest and leaning down with a condescending look. "If only there was some way you could use to heat yourself up huh?" He sarcastically spat.
"N–never…I'll never use…his quirk." Todoroki said through chattering teeth.
"Tch." The explosive user let out an annoyed sound. "Then get the fuck out of way. I'm not here to fight a half-assed hero wannabe." He lifted his arm, preparing to deliver the explosion that would end the match.
Panic overtook Todoroki as he began to thrash against the weight on his chest as much as he could. Yet, no matter what he did, all his efforts were in vain as Bakugo stared down at him with a look of pure disappointment. And in that moment seeing Bakugo's uncaring eyes staring back sparked something within Todoroki, igniting his second wind.
"...no…no…NO!" Todoroki let out, surprising Bakugo. "I will not lose!"
Slamming his fist into the icy platform again caused it to shatter into a hail of tiny crystals and sent both boys plummeting to the ground. Bakugo quickly kicked off the other teen's chest, using his explosions to safely get himself back to the ground. Likewise, once he was gone, Todoroki created a slide of ice that he surfed down until his feet touched the arena.
Doing a quick roll to not trip over himself, the dichromatic teen threw several waves of large spikes of ice towards Bakugo. The number of attacks forced the blonde to let out several large explosions in return, blowing each icicle into useless chunks. However, before he attempted to retaliate Todoroki stomped on the ground, turning half of the arena's floor into an icy trap. Bakugo was able to avoid being immobilized by using his quick back up where Todoroki's quirk wasn't able to reach.
'Now we're getting somewhere.' Bakugo thought with some satisfaction.
"Did Father put you up to this?!" Todoroki heatedly asked.
"The fuck are you talking about?" The blonde responded in confusion.
"Don't play dumb I heard you two talking–how he wants you to push me in the 'right direction'." He quoted with a look of pure anger. "What did he offer you huh? An internship, a spot at his agency once you graduate?! Whatever it is isn't enough because I'll never be his pawn! You nor anyone else will ever make me use his quirk!"
A palpable silence was forced between the two as they stared at one another. Todoroki breathing heavily after his rant and Bakugo staring with an unreadable expression. A look that was very quickly replaced by sheer, unbridled rage.
"...who the fuck do you think I am?!" Bakugo snarled back. "You think I give a fuck about what your old man says–about what you want?! Fuck you! Me and everyone else are here giving it everything we got, and you have the nerve to stand there and think it's all about you!"
"I made a pledge, I will never–"
"Oh, fucking shut up with that bullshit!" The blonde threw his hands up in frustration. "You think you can brood like some emo fuck and think that excuses you from putting in any kind of effort! Get real! You'll just become another forgettable hero if you think you can go through life thinking like that!"
"I swore…I would never use his quir–" Todoroki's anger grew weaker as Bakugo continued his rant.
"IT'S NOT HIS QUIRK!" Bakugo exploded figuratively this time. "It's not your old man standing in this ring–it's you! It's your fight–your life–your quirk! So, stop living in his shadow and be your own fucking hero!"
"..."
A thoughtful look came across the half and half user's features as the weight of Bakugo's words fully began to set in. Though he couldn't see nor begin to understand what was going through Todoroki's mind, the blonde knew enough that his words were having some effect. A brief look of sadness crossed the teen's face before it was replaced by one of steely resolution. Even before he could see it, Bakugo could feel the growing heat emanating from the other boy.
And Bakugo couldn't stop the satisfied grin from stretching across his lips.
"You're right." The flickering of flames began to spread across Todoroki's left side. "It's time I stop letting my father control me and be my own hero."
"Fucking finally." The explosive user cracked his neck, hand sparking with tiny explosions. "Let's go!"
Using his explosions to launch him in the air, Bakugo then shot forward, using his quirk to spin rapidly in a tornado. The cold air around Todoroki began to heat up exponentially as he lifted his left arm with bright flames burning in his palm. The sheer power of both of their attacks was visibly felt by all in the stadium. So much so that Cementoss and midnight attempted to stop the clash before it happened. The former created several thick walls of concrete and the latter attempting to use her quirk to put them to sleep.
"Howitzer Impact!"
"Flashfreeze Heatwave!"
However, both Pro Heroes efforts were in vain as the two teens easily destroyed in the structures and burned away Midnight's aroma with the immense heat. All watched the jaw-dropping spectacle of explosions meeting fire, which created a blinding blast that left the entire stadium shaking. The shockwave from the impact visibly knocked people off their feet and forced those with sensitive hearing to protect their ears lest they wish to go deaf.
As those within the crowd began to reorient themselves, all they could see in the aftermath was the thick mushroom cloud of smoke. Immediately medical bots were sent onto the field, with Cementoss and Midnight quickly going in to find the two boys. After a few tense moments the smoke began to clear revealing the state of Todoroki and Bakugo.
The former was lying on his back, the left side of his uniform burned off and his eyes closed with clear unconsciousness. The latter was on his hand and knees, the tattered remains of his jacket hanging off his form. Breathing heavily, Bakugo struggled to get to his feet, nearly falling as his knees wobbled unsteadily. Standing on shaky legs didn't stop Bakugo from raising his fist in the air victoriously.
"And Bakugo wins by knockout!" Midnight quickly announced before rushing to catch the boy as he nearly face planted onto the ground. Missing the pleased smile on the blonde's face as he allowed himself to drift into unconsciousness.
'Heh, good fight.'
*?*
*Tick*
*Tick*
*Tick*
*Tick*
*Boom*
V1's optic narrowed in annoyance as it lost yet another round of minesweeper. It didn't understand how certain humans were able to play the game so optimally. It was capable of forming complex equations in the fraction of a second, yet even it could not find a consistent pattern.
Whatever, V1 liked to see a human try and ricochet a bullet three times into the head of a Streetcleaner.
*Beep*
The sound from the terminal caused the machine to toss the device in its hand behind it with a loud crash. Going over to the terminal V1 saw that the update for the gateway had finished and was waiting for its input. Without any hesitation the machine pressed the button to activate the portal, not wanting to spend a single second longer on Earth.
Like before the portal began to spark with otherworldly energy, electricity crackling loudly as the space between Earth and Hell was torn apart. Yet this time, V1 watched as the vortex of red began to swirl at the center of the gateway. Tendrils of crimson energy latching onto the metal frame as the portal continued to expand.
'Finally, it was time.'
Gripping its revolver with unrestrained malevolent glee, V1 wasted no time in jumping straight through the gateway. So much blood, so much fuel and now V1 had unlimited access to it and the machine couldn't be happier. V1 was going to really take it's time this go around, slaughtering the souls of hell was a once in a lifetime experience after all.
'Time to raze some hell.'
*With Izuku*
Sitting in the waiting room, waiting for his next match, Izuku decided to read a few pages from the Bible in order to pass the time. Bakugo and Todoroki's fight had completely destroyed the arena and forced an intermission while Cementoss fixed it. The two had been immediately rushed to Recovery Girl, where the heroine said they were fine but still unconscious at the moment. Izuku was glad he left when he did because he did not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath when both boys woke up.
Which led to the angel here, reading a few pages from his tome.
'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' Izuku read the passage with a curious look. 'Hmm, it seems like the Father is guiding us to face the unknown without fear because He is with us. That is…comforting–to know that even at the darkest hour He is still beside me.' The greenette thought contentedly.
*bzzt*
"Hmm?" Izuku lifted his eyes from the Bible, glancing around the room for the curious sound. When he found nothing the teen gave a shrug before turning back to his page once more.
*BZZT*
"What was that?" Hearing the sound much louder now, the angel closed his book before strapping it to his hip.
Glancing around the room his eyes quickly landed on his forearm when he felt an unnatural tingling sensation. There was a thin strand of crimson electricity that crackled and sparked with otherworldly power. Before Izuku could even think of investigating further his whole body became surrounded by the same energy. Until eventually, with a single loud pop, Izuku suddenly vanished from the waiting room.
Leaving not a trace of what happened to the angel behind.
"Izuku taking Gabriel to an electronics store*
"Alright we need to get you a new phone, which one do you—"
*Izuku turns around to see Gabriel staring at a new Android commercial*
"IF THEY RELEASE THAT MACHINE IT WILL BE THE END OF ALL OF US! NOOOO!"
*Gabriel activates rage mode*
Dun dun dunnnn, I heard you guys like cliffhangers how this one huh? V1 doing V1 things and Izuku suddenly disappearing? I wonder if there is a connection ;)
Strap in me boys and not boys, cause these next two (maybe three) chapters are gonna be filled with all that good ULTRAKILL stuff. I'm pumped, and as thanks for getting the story to 1k kudos on AO3 and 1k follows on FF I want to make those chapters as exquisite as I can for you all. I want so say so much but I'm restraining tf out of myself so I need to make these author notes a bit shorter than normal. Hope you guys liked the fights in this chapter, I really enjoyed doing them. And let me know what you think about Bakugo's character, I'm trying to tone him down since he's moving in a different direction while also keeping his fiery personality.
Translation(s)
Comminuo = Crumble
Next Chapter: Chaos