23

Notes:

Last snippet at the end of the chapter is a canon bit wrote up by QAI521

Chapter Text

The bell sounded, the crowd roared, and Izuku charged, lightning crackling around him as he zero'ed in on his opponent.

Todoroki unleashed a surge of ice. Izuku leapt to the right, and charged once again upon landing. Todoroki snarled, and launched another surge at him. Izuku leapt over him, his whole body glowing green.

A pillar of ice erupted from the ground. Izuku grit his teeth and dodged to the side, avoiding the pillar. He landed amid the storm, and saw Todoroki standing there, not ten yards away. He broke into a run, but Todoroki was already moving, sliding easily away on a glittering wave of frost.

Todoroki turned to face him, and thrust out his hand. The ice erupted, forcing Izuku to dodge. He landed in a kneeling pose, and looked for his opponent. The green haired boy kept the attack, charging at Todoroki as he sidestepped another surge of ice spikes. The true successor to the Symbol of Peace lept, roaring as he did a spinning kick. He caught nothing but shattered ice as the dual haired boy slid away once more.

There was Todoroki his breath coming out in puffs of white steam as he stood some twenty yards away.

'He's getting slower,' Izuku thought. 'The ice is slowing him down, slowly but surely, like before during the War! I have to keep the pressure on!'

He broke into a run, his fist crackling with light-green lightning. Todoroki's whole body was steaming, trying to thaw the ice. His lip curled, and he thrust out his left hand. Izuku sidestepped the surge… only to see another come his way!

He grunted, jumping high once more, feeling the cold in his feet as the ice flashed past. Izuku landed, and only then noticed that there were two walls of ice; one on each side of his body.

His heart clenched as he realised his predicament, and saw Todoroki on his knees, teeth bared in a snarl of fury. Another storm of ice roared towards him, and Izuku knew that he was trapped! The walls were too high for him to jump!

So he began jumping up the walls, going from wall to wall as he used One for All to enhance his fingertips and his feet to dig into the ice, avoiding it. He then pulled upwards, avoiding the ice spikes as he leapt over the frost hallway. He looked around, and saw Todoroki backing away, his body wreathed in clouds of steam. He charged once more.

The crowd roared at the display.

"WHAT AN OPENING! MIDORIYA's GOT TODOROKI ON THE BACK FOOT!"

Todoroki took a deep breath, and Izuku charged once more. He thrust out his hand, the air in front of him turning to ice in an instant. A great wall of ice erupted out in front of him, spikes and jagged edges slashing out as it barrelled forward.

The green haired boy glanced around, trying to think. To his left was the arena's edge, to his right the ice wall he just escaped from. The wall was too big to punch through, unless he wanted to shatter his arm.

Izuku jumped to the left, landing just inches from the edge. He looked up, and saw an opening, a path to Todoroki as the dual-haired boy was thawing.

And then Todoroki aimed his hand again, but no ice spikes came surging out. Instead a flash freeze of frost came out, going faster and covering the ground as if it turned into an ice rink. He saw the ice forming around his boots.

His blood ran cold. If he jumped onto the ice wall to his right, Todoroki would trap him for sure. If he goes to the left, he will be out of bounds.

"TODOROKI IS FIRING HIS SALVO! WITH NOWHERE TO RUN, IS THIS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR MIDORIYA?!"

Todoroki glared at him, and released one last surge. Izuku clenched his teeth as the ice came towards him.

And readied himself to take it straight on.

(X)

'Go ahead Midoriya,' Shoto thought darkly. 'Will you lose here gracefully? Or will you sacrifice your arm?'

He thought back to the Entrance Exam, and at the U.S.J., when Midoriya had smashed Shigaraki's face in. That Shigaraki was not a puddle of gore proved that Midoriya had some restraint, as did his progress in getting his power under control. But with this much ice surging his way, he would have no choice.

Midoriya had two shots. Shoto had plenty, so long as he could thaw himself.

'End of the line, Midoriya!'

The surge was upon him. Shoto saw him raise his hands…

"SMAAAASH!"

The ice was destroyed, wind whipping round Izuku's hand as the wall was blasted into splinters. Shoto grunted as the blast hit him, throwing him backwards into one of his previous ice walls. He closed his eyes against the wind, forcing his mind to focus.

He opened his eyes, and gasped.

Midoriya was standing there, unhurt. His striking arm should have been swollen, misshapen, its skin an ugly red. Instead it was as strong and healthy as a moment ago.

Except for the middle finger.

'The ball throw!'

Shoto gritted his teeth as he remembered. Midoriya had passed that silly test by focusing his power into one finger. It had been so long ago that he had forgotten!

'Calm down! He only has nine more fingers!'

The look on Midoriya's face told the whole story. He was fighting back tears, biting back the agony that was surely tormenting him.

'If he's in a corner, he'll destroy himself to get out. I need only to keep attacking, and I'll win!'

A simple enough strategy, but sometimes simple was best.

Ignoring the pain in his left side, Shoto aimed his hand; just as Midoriya charged again.

"Too slow!" Shoto barked, swinging underhand as icicles erupted from the ground. Midoriya leapt to dodge them. He didn't hear the gasp of the audience as he looked up, right into the sun. Shoto closed his eyes, blinded by the glare…

Midoriya's foot caught him in the face, sending him flying across the arena. His body skipped like a stone on a pond, frost cracking at his skin with every impact, making him yell with pain.

He managed to stop, and rolled onto his feet. He rose, eyes wide with anger, as Midoriya charged again, teeth bared. Shoto conjured ice beneath his feet, the wave carrying him away, and around the unfrozen part of the arena in a semicircle. He landed, and with a snarl of rage slammed his fist into the arena floor. Splinters of ice the size of houses erupted from the ground, surrounding him.

Shoto shivered. The last time he's had this much trouble was back during the Battle Trial. He gritted his teeth, the fire within him burning hot, thawing his cold body.

It felt good, for all that he hated that power. Just a few more seconds…

He sensed a shadow over him, and Shoto rolled out of the way, barely avoiding a diving strike from Midoriya who came down, arms outstretched and coming down on one leg. The boy leapt to his feet, his green eyes meeting Shoto's own. He raised his right hand, index finger curled to flick, glowing white-hot.

Shoto conjured ice behind him, only to see Midoriya charge at him, rearing back with his left. A feint!

Shoto roared, conjuring an ice pillar and slamming it into Midoriya… right when his fist caught his jaw. Both boys flew backward from the cross counter, Shoto staggering a bit while Midoriya landed hard as he rolled across the arena floor. Shoto ran at him, his body steaming as the frost melted. Time to finish this!

Wind slammed into him, sending him flying. Instinct conjured ice walls behind him, his back slamming into and through them, one after another. Finally he stopped, slumping to the ground, and looking up at his foe.

Midoriya was standing there, shaking, his right index finger broken.

"You're insane, you know that." Shoto hissed. Midoriya's eyes flickered in surprise, and anger.

"You're… one to talk!" he barked back, baring his teeth. Shoto cocked an eyebrow.

"Really now? You're the one who's destroying his own body!" he barked, slamming his right foot down and sending an ice surge his opponent's way. Midoriya dodged, and then charged at him, green lighting arcing around him.

Shoto charged in turn, ducking and sliding to avoid a left-handed lariat. He turned mid-slide, raising his right arm. But Midoriya kicked at him like a horse, his left foot catching Shoto's arm, making him yelp in pain. Midoriya pivoted on the spot, lightning flashing around him as he kicked out again. The kick caught Shoto in his gut, hurling him up into the air.

Midoriya lashed out as he rose, cracking Shoto on the jaw with his right fist. Shoto was sent flying, hitting an ice wall and landing in a heap. He pulled himself back up, stars flashing at the corners of his eyes, and had to throw up his arms as Midoriya kicked him again, sending him crashing back through the wall.

(X)

"WOOOOW! MIDORIYA HAS TODOROKI IN A CORNER! THIS FIGHT LOOKED LIKE TODOROKI'S, BUT NOW MIDORIYA HAS TURNED THE TABLES! AND WITH BROKEN FINGERS TOO!"

Shouta narrowed his eyes, focusing on the battle before him.

Midoriya had come a long way, no doubt about it. He had expected the fight to be over in the first minute with Todoroki's victory, most likely less. But Midoriya had not only managed to avoid being frozen in place, he had even laid blows on Todoroki himself.

"Sensei!" Shouta looked up, and Midoriya was grinning, even with tears in his eyes. He gripped his hand, the one with the broken index finger. "I… can still move!"

'So you can'. He thought, feeling a touch of pride. Midoriya had started at the bottom of the barrel in terms of students he'd let past. Yet over the course of this Sports Festival, he had surprised Shouta again and again. Still, it was disheartening to see Midoriya relapse into destroying his body again. Granted, considering his opponent he might not have had a choice. Although even if Midoriya won this, fighting Bakugo would be too much of a tall order in his condition.

'Those movements though… particularly that jumping motion whenever he leaps up to do a diving kick…'

Ahh. Of course. Parker at the Jump Test.

'Picking and choosing aren't you? Smart.' Shouta thought to himself, before he narrowed his eyes, a question nagging within him.

Why… why wasn't Midoriya going for the kill? Todoroki was struggling to get to his feet, and clearly hurt.

'We'll need to build up your durability,' Shouta mused, putting on his teacher's cap. 'Then again, none of this would be an issue and could have been resolved quickly if you had used your fire.'

He looked across the stadium, and saw Endeavor standing by himself at the top of one of the stair aisles. His flames were burning bright. Yet despite his son struggling… He was smirking in smug satisfaction.

(X)

"Get up!" Izuku yelled, panting hard. His two broken fingers on his right hand seared like hot irons, yet he forced himself to focus on Todoroki as he staggered to his feet. The dual-haired boy coughed before he turned his attention to the green-haired boy, glaring venomously.

He had to know. He had to know!

"What is a hero!?" Izuku yelled. For a moment, the other boy looked bewildered.

"The hell are you on about?" Todoroki hissed back, anger replacing his confusion.

"Answer me!"

"Why should I?" Todoroki let off another ice surge. But Izuku dodged it easily.

"Why are you here!? At U.A. Academy!?" Izuku demanded, charging once again.

The glaring dual haired boy's answer was a slam of his right foot, and took off to the side, a small pillar thwarting Izuku's advance as he circled around and raised his hand.

Only for Izuku to pivot and jump towards him, arms outstretched as he leapt over a wall.

Parker jumped like that. Arms spread wide to give him balance whenever he came down, one leg out, one leg in.

"You're here to be a Hero right!? So what's a hero Todoroki!?" Izuku twirled in mid-air, striking at the ice wave as the dual haired boy was sliding on with a spinning left-handed punch. The ice shattered, sending the ice user crashing to the ground. Izuku winced, his hand aching under the strike.

Todoroki growled between his teeth, snarling in fury as he rose from the hard concrete of the arena floor, digging into the scratches on his hands as he pushed himself upwards. "Are you a hero or a damn preacher?!" He hissed back.

"A hero... Is someone that does everything he can to save people." yelled Izuku, raising his fist towards him, eyes glimmering with tears that didn't seem to be from broken fingers. "Everything Todoroki! Not just what he thinks is convenient!"

"Go to hell!" he roared. Ice surged from his body, forcing Izuku to jump high or be caught. Below him, the ice spread across the arena floor, until only a little was left uncovered.

He landed amid the broken ice walls, gritting his teeth against the pain in his fingers.

"If you want to be a hero, you have to give everything to that!" Izuku ran at Todoroki again, the lightning from One for All searing the ground around him, drawing back his fist to strike. Todoroki's eyes widened, and Izuku's fist plunged into his gut, hurling him back.

But in that instant, Todoroki touched him. Ice surged from him, surrounding and encasing Izuku. Before he knew it, he could not move; his right half imprisoned by the ice, frozen to the floor.

Todoroki rolled across the floor before hitting an ice wall. He groaned as he pulled himself to his feet, staggering as he stood up. Izuku's eyes were wide with the biting cold submerging his broken right arm and functioning right leg. But he forced himself not to scream.

"You're shivering…" Shoto croaked. "Guess your best…isn't good enough…to beat me…"

He glanced to the side, up at where Endeavor stood; high up in the stadium, glaring down at him as people began to move away from the simmering titan of a man.

"Still…with this I can give it to the old man. I'm grateful...for your effort. But now…"

He focused on Izuku. The air itself felt as cold as winter.

Izuku glared hard, and focused his quirk into his right ring and pinky fingers…

"Wrong."

The ice exploded, sending a gust of wind at Todoroki. Izuku stumbled forward, free from the ice prison as he bit his lip, muffling a scream. All of his fingers save for his thumb were busted now. Four shots left!

"You're the one who's shivering… Todoroki." Izuku growled. "Quirks like ours have limits. You've been using your left side to thaw yourself out, but it's been getting slower and slower the more you use your ice… I can see it now."

Todoroki's eyes widened, clearly surprised.

"Everyone's been giving it their all…but you're not," Izuku went on as he panted. "You're holding back."

Tears of pain and frustration welled in his eyes.

"Your Quirk is Half-Hot Half-Cold right? Well, you're half-assing it right now!" Todoroki's eyes widened, and for a moment, Izuku saw nothing but blind irrational fury.

"Fuck you!" Todoroki's eyes burned with rage. He fired more ice, but Izuku side-stepped it easily. There was no force in it, no speed, not like before.

"Do you think you can half-ass being a hero?" he yelled, the adrenaline doing its job in blocking out the pain from his broken fingers.

"I will be the greatest hero in the world, I told you that!" Todoroki snapped back, finally pulling himself to his feet. "Now shut the he-"

His voice was cut off as Izuku reached him, grabbing him by the scruff of his U.A. uniform before twisting and slamming the surprised ice-user against the concrete. The air rushed out of the ice user's lungs, his opponent leaning over him. Izuku was breathing hard, as was the boy with the heterochromatic eyes staring up at him.

"If you don't give it your all Todoroki." Izuku panted. "Then bad things happen. People get hurt. Like at U.S.J., even when everyone was in danger and even when Parker could have died you never once thought to use it, even when it could have helped." He grit his teeth, eyes moist. "That's why… that's why you have to give it your all, every time... because people need Heroes to do that when they're in trouble. If we can't do that, then we don't deserve to be heroes!"

(X)

Shoto froze. Around him, he did not hear the ambiance of the stadium, too engrossed in the fight. The words… echoed inside him as his eyes widened. He felt as if water from the arctic washed over him, striking him to the core.

The words made the memories return, and he did, indeed remember. He remembered helping Kirishima and Yaoyorozu to carry Parker's stretcher. He remembered the glazed eyes, bruised flesh, broken bones, and the blood. He remembered the looks in their eyes, their despair and fear. He remembered how they had spoken to Parker, to keep him from closing his eyes, lest he never open them again.

But he couldn't remember ever considering using his fire.

Not once. Not even after when he wondered what he could have done differently.

Midoriya... was right.

The green haired boy had stepped away from him, allowing him time and space to get up. He heard Present Mic shout something, but he couldn't tell what.

He moved to get to his feet, noting his hands as he moved. They were shaking. They never shook normally, not from the cold of his Quirk.

"Do you wanna be a hero or not? Todoroki!" Midoriya wiped at his eyes. Ironic considering he was staring with a steel gaze, one wouldn't think he had given his tears.

Midoriya stepped forward. Shoto felt his heart sink, a terrible, sick coldness wrapping around it as he stepped back.

"But…I told you!" he yelled back, his cry almost a wail of despair. He trembled as he said it, voice choking up with emotion. Midoriya… he was right but… But! "I can't! I can't give him that! Not after what he did!"

He couldn't! He just couldn't! For all those years he had been condemned to be that man's son. To live under his roof, to eat his food, to carry his name, to be beholden to his 'generosity'. This was his only revenge, the only way he could strike back. This was all he had!

And yet…his revenge had nearly killed Parker…

"So what!" Midoriya yelled back. "He's not here! And he wasn't there Todoroki! You are!"

"MIDORIYA SEEMS TO BE TALKING TO TODOROKI!" bellowed Present Mic. "WE CAN'T HEAR A THING, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S SEEN A GHOST!"

Midoriya was moving. In the blink of an eye he was there, right in front of him. "Get away from me!" Shoto tried to conjure his ice, but it wouldn't come, not in time.

Midoriya's fist hit him in the shoulder, sending him sprawling to the floor. He gasped and grunted, trying to force himself up. Damn it! No.. he can't lose! Not here!

"How can you be a hero if you don't do your best?" ranted Midoriya, eyes pleading. "What if he had died because of your grudge!? Please Todoroki! Go all out!"

All those times he has lost ever since coming here...

Deep inside Shoto, something snapped.

"You're wrong!" he shrieked, his eyes bulging with despair and anger. "He didn't die! I'll do it all without that monster's fire! And that includes… defeating you!"

Icicles erupted from the ground around him. But they were too slow. Midoriya leapt past and landed in front of him, striking him on the chin once again with a kick, and Todoroki crashed through an ice wall and rolled across the ground. Everything… hurt. Ached so much… His vision was getting blurry.

"Are you just going to get through your life holding back, Todoroki?!" Midoriya yelled. "Look at you! You're ready to fall over, and I can do this all day!" He held out his broken hand and bared his teeth, challenging. "So come at me with everything you got!" And clenched said hand into a solid fist.

"I've had it with youuuu!" Shoto let out a roar, and thrust out his hand. But it was numb, unfeeling. "Agh-!" He tried to conjure more ice, but his Quirk would not obey him. He coughed, and fell to the floor.

"TODOROKI IS DOWN! IS THIS THE END OF THE LINE FOR THE SON OF THE NUMBER TWO HERO?! IS THIS OUR FIRST MAJOR UPSET OF THIS TOURNAMENT?!"

He had to thaw. He needed to thaw! His body had gotten too cold. Already he could feel the pain of frostburn, his fingers and hands going numb, the cold spreading up his arms. If this went on, he'll start suffering from frostbite.

"No…not like this!" He fought back the tears, the pain. "I have to win! I have to beat him! I have to! I NEED TO!!" He wailed.

"Todoroki!" Midoriya yelled as Shoto felt feeling return to his arm, even with the tips of his fingers feeling numb as he did his utmost to combat the frostbite. He rose his head, seeing Midoriya standing there.

For a moment, he felt strangely…soft. Those eyes, that look on his face. Why did he look so…sad?

Shoto raged. It erupted within him like a volcano. How dare he pity him!? How dare he look upon him with sorrow!? After everything he said!

He remembered...

"I don't wanna be like him… I don't wanna be someone who scares Mommy…"

"It's all right Shoto… You want to be a hero right?"

"Ignore your siblings. They are irrelevant and beneath you, Shoto."

A hiss. A hiss of steam.

"I can't stand it mother… his left side… it's hideous… he is looking more and more like him by the day…!"

"Mommy..?"

The hiss shrieked, and Shoto burned.

"Is your dad in your pocket!? Is he in your head?!" Midoriya declared as he panted, wincing as he gripped his right wrist.

"Stop asking these fucking stupid questions!" Shoto roared at the top of his lungs, getting to his feet, feeling the fire boil within him. Midoriya… looked on the verge of tears.

'Stop giving me pity you son of-'

"Then it's your power!" Midoriya wailed, almost as if he was begging. "Not his! It's yours!"

Shoto paused, the words ringing inside his head. Words, mere words. Words of a kind he had not heard in many years, not since that day. Mere words, that should have had no power over him.

And yet…

"Well Shoto, you don't have to be like your father…"

Shoto opened his mouth, and he felt his eyes brim with tears.

He remembered. All of it.

Parker in the stretcher. The looks on his classmates after the U.S.J… Midoriya standing before him.

Mom embracing him that day when they watched All Might's interview.

The pain of the ice and frostbite around him faded, and he remembered her words. He felt warmth...

"Promise me, that you'll be the hero… that you want to be."

Shoto roared at the top of his lungs, and the center of the arena became an inferno.

"WHOAAAA! WHAT'S THIIIS?!"

The ice melted, and his body never felt so relieved.

"You're insane, Midoriya!" said Shoto in a wry tone, as the flames danced around him. "You could have crushed me! You could have won this easily. But you couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you? Fine then! Then I won't stop!"

He would never make sense of this. He would never understand him. Midoriya Izuku, the bright-eyed mumbling fool with a head full of heroic dreams, and a Quirk he could barely control. Midoriya Izuku, who could have finished him with a single blow, but instead talked himself out of the victory he deserved.

But amid those dancing flames, amid the glorious inferno of his rebirth, he saw Midoriya standing there, unfazed by the deadly heat.

He was smiling. No, grinning. It was that big, stupid, toothy grin, the one on his mask, the one that reminded him of…

He was not what he was. The old Todoroki Shoto was dead, consumed in the empyrean fire that his pain and hate had imprisoned for so long. His flame was free, and it was his.

His flame. His fire.

"Because I… I wanna be a hero too!"

(X)

"WHOAAAA! WHAT'S THIIIS?!"

The whole stadium stared as the arena erupted in a firestorm. Even the robots trying to repair the mics retreated from the steam, and the heat.

From his vantage point far up in the stadium, Toshinori watched in wonderment. He had felt such pride in Young Midoriya; actually gaining the upper hand against someone like Todoroki. And he had been confused, bewildered, when instead of going in for the proverbial kill, Midoriya had started ranting and raving, cursing his opponent.

Todoroki had vowed never to use his fire. Endeavor had said it was just a phase, just teenage rebellion. So then why was Midoriya doing this?

'No way…' Toshinori put it together in his head. 'You made him use his left side! Midoriya, are you saving Young Todoroki... from himself?'

He could see that grin on Young Midoriya's face, and felt a twinge of mingled pride and embarrassment. Still so utterly obvious. But even more wondrous was the look on Young Todoroki's face. That beatific, almost serene smile, as if he had looked upon the face of God, tears rolling down his face. As if he hadn't smiled in years.

"SHOOTOOOO!"

It was Endeavor, marching down the steps, eyes bright with joy and pride as flames danced around him. The cameras had mics trained on him.

"That's my boy! It took you long enough, but better late than never!" Endeavor ranted, his face split in a devilish grin. "This is your starting line! Your beginning! Now with my power in your hands, you will succeed where I failed and reach the pinnacle!"

He got to the bottom of the staircase, eyes burning with obsession.

"And you will make my dream come true!" He finished, reaching the bottom of the stairs.

Toshinori stared down at him.

'Endeavor. All that...for this.'

"Endeavor is cheering for his son." Present Mic spoke in a plain tone. "What a loving father."

(X)

Shoto stood by, still wreathed in fire, as Midoriya managed to stand up.

"You could have finished me, Midoriya!" he called out, triumph raising his voice. "I'll make you regret it!"

"Never!" Midoriya called back, eyes bright with wonder, still wet with joyous tears. "I'll never regret this, no matter what!"

No, there were no words. Except maybe one.

"Midoriya. You'll be a hero!" he called out, readying the power erupting from within him. From his right, ice spikes surged behind him. From his leg, fire blazed out like an afterburner. "But not before I beat you!"

"Fine!" Midoriya bent down, rearing his left arm back as green lightning surged out and cracked the ground as if he was a Tesla coil. "Bring it on! No holding back!"

Around him, the ice evaporated into superheated steam. He heard Cementoss and Midnight yell out, but he didn't care. He owed it to his classmate. No holding back. The flames vanished, and Shoto unleashed a wall of ice at Midoriya. It erupted across the arena like a thunderbolt, growing like a glacier, spikes erupting from all sides.

The ice slammed into giant cement walls, crushing them as they speared past. And the fire speared through, melting the cement into molten slag.

Shoto let out a breath, his arms falling down. He saw the smoke and debris shift by his side… and there was Midoriya on the ground, maybe ten meters away, covered in bruises, his right leg mangled and distorted…

Yet his left arm was raised and glowing.

'Ah… so he didn't meet it head on…'

He had dodged it. And rolled across the ground, to be beside him.

He would have lifted his arms, but his strength was gone. He saw Midoriya lift his left arm, one finger still glowing.

He got him. But still…

'Midoriya… thank you.'

He barely felt the blow, or the impact as he crashed through the ice wall behind him; his last ice wall. Nor did he feel the grass as he landed outside the ring.

He sighed in exhaustion as the world seemed to whisper away like ash on the wind. He was so very tired.

Fuyumi always did a great job making his futon back home. He should thank her more often for that.

He couldn't wait to get back into it as he closed his eyes.

"Ack… Wait… he's inbounds!?" Midnight spoke, flustered. "Okay…Todoroki is out of bounds! The winner by ring-out, is Midoriya!"

Blessed peace.

Then silence.

(X)

Holy shit.

There were a hundred things that Shouta wanted to do right now.

First and foremost, he would beat the everloving tar out of his two stupidest students (an achievement that seemed quite impressive at this moment) for ignoring the fact that the refs were two seconds from calling the match, and they blasted through anyway. Not even Cementoss' walls could withstand Todoroki's salvo. Going full force, clashing against a villain was a surefire way to get yourself killed or have the area get blown apart, or both if the world wanted to be particularly vindictive at that moment.

Second, he would tell them right then and there that a fight against classmates was not the place to throw around the full power of their quirks. Midoriya for all the progress that he'd made no doubt was only scratching the surface of his abilities despite relapsing every now and then, and Todoroki had a literal legacy hero to show how powerful his flames could get, combined with his ice abilities made for an effective combination. Left unused they might have been, the potential for clashing super moves might not have ended as well as it did. One misstep, and that force could've fried Midoriya like a chicken or if Todoroki hadn't braced himself, he could've become the first person on planet Earth to know how it feels to have their head smash through fully formed ice and concrete in the same instant.

Shouta silently cursed his eyes. Fat lot of good his promises as a teacher were. He had been ready to stop a fight before, now the worst was this close to coming true right in front of him and he couldn't even find it in himself to look. He needed to see Recovery Girl as soon as possible, if only to make sure that this kind of battle didn't happen with the students during training, or god forbid against a villain.

Although with the two students being carted away on stretchers, the cheers of the audience and the blur of social media indicated how much they had loved this spectacle. All Midoriya and Todoroki needed was polishing. Refinement, knowing when to hold back and when not to.

And those two could easily become the greatest heroes of this generation. Perhaps greater than the previous one.

Of course, the potential of two students being permanently crippled didn't stop a certain someone.

"IT WAS BIG, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH DEAR LISTENERS! WE JUST SAW HEROIC HISTORY!!! THE BIG BLAST, THE TRUE CLASH! THE-"

"They get it," Shouta grumbled, "Big boom, had to see it."

"OH, DON'T BE LIKE THAT!" Mic said, posing for a camera that only he could see, "THAT WILL GIVE US FOOTAGE FOR A THOUSAND HIGHLIGHT REELS!"

"Fantastic," Shouta said, rolling his eyes.

Mic proceeded to wax lyrical about how this year had the biggest group of prodigies or guaranteed pro heroes, his own subtle push to help the students get some internship invitations in their inbox. Ignoring it, Shouta Aizawa focused on two figures.

The first was Midoriya, the winner of the match. What on earth was he thinking, letting Todoroki unleash his fire like that? Considering the strategy that the boy had been employing, Midoriya would've ended up with the win due to Todoroki's stubborn insistence on using only half of his quirk.

Except, it wasn't an insistence anymore, he had used it. Microphones weren't allowed on the field, plenty of phrases would get through the censors if that was allowed, so Shouta could only guess at what the two of them were talking about. Whatever it was, it was enough to get Todoroki to do what Shouta was hoping that he would do since he started attending U.A. Accomplishment or not, it was akin to telling your opponent that they had a gun at their belt that they hadn't used yet. A psychological attack at best and the single stupidest thing you could do in the middle of a fight ninety-nine percent of the time. Midoriya was smart enough to know that getting Todoroki to use his fire would do nothing but put him at a disadvantage.

So why?

The second was the Number Two Hero. Endeavor was at the edge of the arena, his massive frame towering over the guardrail to the point that it looked like he was going to crush it with a single twitch. From up here, the flame hero looked conflicted, halfway between pride and sullen understanding with a twinge of acceptance in it.

A rare look on most people, incredible to see on Endeavor's features. He watched as the medical robots wheeled Todoroki away on a stretcher. Despite putting up a good effort at the end of his fight, he was out like a light, and Endeavor moved after him, jumping down to follow his son. The more serious injuries were still on Midoriya, whose medical team was helping him off the mat and leading him towards a no doubt livid Recovery Girl.

Curious, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Estranged as he might be, a father still deserved to talk to his son.

(X)

Wow.

Like holy shit quirks were strong. Peter slumped against the wall, he'd spent the last match all but transfixed on the match on the monitor in front of him. It was like watching those old videos of Thor and the Hulk with Ned. The old Norse god bringing down enough power to shatter the campus of a college with a single swing. The green rage monster punching an alien space whale and stopping it in its tracks. Smashing… whatever physics allows Midori to summon hurricane winds from his finger against Todoroki's fire must've at least caused him to flinch.

Though, from what Ned figured, it probably would've only made him blink.

Still, that was awesome. Not the craziest thing that the young boy from Queens had seen in his tenure as Spider-man, but then again, not much could top what he had gone through.

After you become the stabilizers to a falling jet, things start appearing a little less crazy.

Peter grimaced, knock on wood and all that, because the last time he thought something like that, a space donut came out of nowhere and then…

He shook his head, he needed to be anywhere but here. Now, which way was it back to the stands again? He followed the signs till a tingle went down his spine. Peter froze at the corner of the hallway, right before the flame hero himself walked through, not noticing the American.

And if Peter could say it, what the heck did the Number Two Hero eat because he was almost as tall as All Might. Did powerful quirks just make you taller or something? Cause the height to power correlations around here frankly made no sense. Still, what was he doing here?

Peter nearly smacked himself in the head. Right, Todoroki was his son. Or weren't they both Todoroki because that was their family name? Was it… Enji and Shoto right? Stupid questions for later, Peter glanced down the hallway, watching as Endeaver took a spot next to the open entrance. A second later, he could hear the medical bots wheeling in Shoto.

Which was definitely Peter's cue to leave. This was probably one of those deep and meaningful conversations that comic books discussed, one would be remembered for years or something.

Maybe… he can stay for a minute.

"You shouldn't unleash so much power at once," Endeavor said calmly, "Your control over the flame is still too dangerous for you to use it all instantaneously. Much like using too much of your ice can give you frostbite and slow you down, using too much of your fire can leave you both dehydrated and give you burns."

There was a beat of silence, and Peter heard the older hero chuckle a little bit.

"What? You're not going to ask 'why are you so happy, I lost didn't I' were you?" Endeavor guessed coyly, "Well, that might be true, but you showed the world what your fire combined with your ice is capable of. A good first step, and it'll be the last time that you'll ever lose. You may have lost this battle, but you will win the war in the end. In time, I'll show you exactly how to walk a conqueror's path!" Peter heard a tired Todoroki sigh.

"Honestly, even if I did win, I don't think it would've mattered. I could've won, but there's no way that things could flip around so easily," Todoroki said cryptically.

"Even so… you accepted my gifts. I am grateful that you came around to see reason." Endeavor smirked, given his tone. Accept his gifts? What was Todoroki Enji on about?

"Your gifts?" Shoto asked. "No… it's my power alone. And it is a great and terrible one. I realize that now… and with it..." Peter craned his head out, peeking lightly as he saw Shoto on the stretcher looking up at a hand, the back of Endeavor before him. "Is a great and terrible responsibility." Peter felt his heart skip several beats. The tone of his voice, his expression.

It was, in a way, looking into a foggy looking mirror.

"But I will perfect it. After all… I wanna be a hero too. Not the one you want me to be, but the one… I wanna be." Todoroki finished, bringing his hand down upon his chest. The massive flaming hulk of a hero shrugged.

"Hmm. Of course, whatever you say. Now, get patched up and go parking lot B. Sasaki will drive you home and you can recover there."

"No thanks. I'll stay here…" Shoto said softly. "With my classmates. During the fight, in that moment, when Midoriya was rushing forward. I forgot about you..."

"Hnn." Endeavor huffed lightly.

Forgot about him? What the heck happened between those two? Peter's mind ran wild with stupid ideas, all of them coming back to a different Star Wars reference. The American just started walking, he glanced back just in time to see the medical bots bring Shoto around the corner. The dual-haired student met his gaze and for the first time since the two met, there was nothing but calm. No rage, no fire, no sheer icy coldness, just Todoroki looking at Peter like he was just another guy on the street. Though, he did look confused after a second, maybe wondering why Peter was here. Peter puckered his lips, feeling awkward at not walking away… even though listening in on this was, intriguing, he felt a bit dirty about it.

Although Todoroki didn't seem all that offended, just staring at Peter blankly.

'Say something man! You're creeping me out!' Gotta break the ice then. The American chuckled, pointing up at the monitor at the edge of the hallway.

"Caught your match man, pretty sweet stuff."

Todoroki blinked once, nodding his head, "Thanks."

"Uh, sorry you lost?" Peter spoke in an sympathetic-yet-awkward tone.

The boy shrugged, complete indifference overtaking him.

Peter figited, "I'm ah, sure you tried your best. With your dad cheering you on."

Todoroki looked down, flexing his left hand before his eyes turned towards Peter. "How much did you hear?" Ack. No helping about it now.

Peter flinched, blushing as Todoroki blinked. "Ummm… enough…? Sorry for eavesdropping like that. I didn't wanna like, get in the way of your dad and stuff."

"He's like that." Todoroki mused with a shrug, looking down as he yawned. Guess he didn't seem to mind.

"So, you not heading home? Gonna watch the rest of the matches?"

"Yes. I am." Todoroki replied, the boy now looking up at Peter as his eyes softened, almost as if he was ashamed.

"If I am keepin' ya from the doctor's don't let me hold you." Peter raised his hands, stepping back. "Just get yourself patched up and join the class, maybe get yourself some ice cream or something when you're healed." He smiled warmly. "Deputy Rep's orders!" Peter grinned with a point of his finger. Todoroki blinked before he let out a soft chuckle and a light smile.

"Whatever you say, Deputy Representative."

With that, the robots somehow sensed the conversation was over and started wheeling him off again. Peter watched him go, more confused and curious than anything else. But… he felt happy for him. Warm inside at whatever conclusion Todoroki came to when he and Midori talked in the ring. He remembered as he looked down at his hand, at feeling the warm hand on his shoulder. A hand he so wished he could clasp again.

Peter doubled back to the stairs, that tingle running through him yet again. He better get ready for his next match, although it probably wasn't going to be right away.

Kind of needed an arena for a match.

That's right… Todoroki and Midoriya were destroying each other, and ruined the arena. All for a Sports Festival.

Just like with Bakugo and Pony.

He took a deep breath, gritting his teeth as he passed by a TV monitor showing highlights of the fights. Midoriya glowing green with lightning, ready to take on the fiery yet freezing Todoroki. And Bakugo and Pony exchanging staggering explosive strikes and hoof blows.

A Sports Festival.

He tightened his fist, focusing in on Bakugo's monitor and the upcoming match of him versus Sato Rikido. He didn't dislike Sato. He seemed like a nice guy but..

Bakugo was on the other side of the bracket.

He goes for those sugar cubes in his belt… he could web them up and end this in seconds…

No, this was not just a Festival, but an interview. Momo said it best in class a week and a half ago. Sato is his peer, his classmate. Least he can do is offer him a good showing.

(X)

"You know, when I said not to make this a habit, I wasn't expecting you two to treat it like a challenge!"

Toshinori's shoulders slumped at Recovery Girl's outburst. The shrunken hero and his successor were both trying their best to avoid the nurse's outrage, standing still wasn't the best idea, but it was the only thing they could do in the small medical room. It was only the four of them there, Young Bakugo had left earlier after the start of the last match to watch Midoriya vs. Todoroki, and Young Tsunotori was sound asleep thanks to her quirk.

"I'm sorry, but it turned out alright," Toshinori tried to play it off while flashing a smile. "I mean, he only used five total fingers. And a leg."

It didn't work, and Recovery Girl's eye twitched.

"The fact that his injuries could've been so much worse is not helping."

Toshinori paled as the nurse's eyes shifted to a rather large needle on the desk. On the bed, Young Midoriya chuckled, awkwardly scratching his cheek.

"S-sorry."

Recovery Girl turned around, her anger vanishing instantly at the sight of the teenager, sparing Toshinori from her wrath for the moment. Truly, his successor was closer to being a true hero than he thought.

"It's nothing you can be blamed for, given who your teacher is," Chiyo grumbled the last half of the sentence.

"I'm right here you know," Toshinori said, now feeling slightly miffed.

Recovery Girl ignored him, gesturing for Midoriya to lean forward so she could wrap some bandages around his fingers. The boy winced, but didn't move far within Recovery Girl's grip.

Toshinori on the other hand, gave the green-haired boy a onceover. His left leg was fine, as was his arm, but his fingers and right leg left much to be desired before Chiyo used her quirk. His fingers were being bandaged up, and Young Midoriya would be given a cane for the day. After tomorrow, he'd be good as new.

"Is this really all you can do for him?" Toshinori asked.

Recovery Girl nodded, not looking away from her work.

"Yes. With this, he'll be healed after a full night's sleep, but he's out of the Sports Festival now. He is in no shape to fight with no stamina." Midoriya's shoulders slumped.

"I guess I did bring it on myself but… I couldn't just stand by and let Todoroki anchor himself like that. I… I needed to do something." Chiyo and Toshinori gazed at him before they looked at each other.

"Honestly, you two are so alike it's frightening." Midoriya laughed lightly, as did the skeletal man.

"Figured you would want him to stand down if it's that big a deal," Toshinori commented.

"Which is why I said normally, but I'm getting soft in my old age so I'll do what I can to keep you kids going. Tomorrow you'll be good as new."

Midoriya's eyes widened, and he beamed a thankful smile at the nurse.

"T-thank you so much!"

Recovery Girl flashed him a smile.

"You and the blonde lug back there-"

"I have a name."

"Might drive me up the wall!" Recovery Girl screeched, her free hand grabbing hold of the needle. At that moment, the Number One Hero found himself in front of a foe he could not defeat. The nurse's eyes narrowed behind her visor. She sighed, "But even as thick headed as you are, this festival is one of the few chances you get to show your stuff. I might not like it, but you did your best out there. Hold your head high, young man. Your showings in the race and the War showed your potential as a hero. You'll get internship offers aplenty, I'm sure."

She pulls the last bandage tight, letting Midoriya give his hand an experimental squeeze. He barely flinched, a marked improvement from the start.

"However!" Recovery Girl screeched, rapping her cane off Midoriya's head. "Ouch!" He uttered. "That doesn't mean I'm letting you go off hurting yourself like you do. If you start flicking those fingers of yours again, they might fracture to the point that you won't be able to move them anymore, no matter what I do! That goes for your arms and legs too by the way!"

Midoriya paled slightly, looking down at his hand. Toshinori could see a hundred thoughts rush through the young man's mind, and no doubt he would start up another creepy mumble-storm if left unchecked.

The blond man cleared his throat, cutting Midoriya off before that could start. He offered an assuring smile.

"I wouldn't worry too much, you've come a long way with One for All already. Just have to get stronger is all. With the internships and my training, you'll do just fine."

Midoriya's lips started to quirk up, only to stop as his gaze clouded over.

"Even so… did I say 'I am Here' All Might?" He asked, and Toshinori offered a face-splitting grin.

"Beating the son of the Number Two Hero, along with your Race and War performances? You did splendidly Midoriya and hey," He put his hand on the boy's shoulder and gave him a thumbs up. "You didn't make it to the top now. You'll get there someday." The young boy smiled back, nodding.

"You're right… still, I was looking forward to my next match if I won…"

"With young Bakugo," Toshinori finished. The old hero put a hand to his chin, remembering the blonde's last match. Rather barbaric but when your opponent forced your hand, there wasn't much one could do other than roll with the punches, sometimes literally in his case.

"Due to the circumstances regarding the previous match, and with reports from the infirmary," stated Midnight over the loudspeaker as Cementoss finished fixing the arena on the TV screen in the nurse's office. All occupants save for a sleeping Pony looked up. "Although he won in his match, Midoriya Izuku is unfit to continue due to the severity of his injuries." The bracket showing Midoriya facing against a smirking Bakugo appeared, with the blonde taking up the screen. "Bakugo Katsuki will advance to the Finals by default!"

"Kacchan is in the finals now…" Midoriya looked over to the other side of the bracket. Peter Parker was about to face Sato Rikido, and afterwards it would be Asui Tsuyu clashing against the sole remaining member of Class 1-B, Shiozaki Ibara.

"Don't worry about that now." Toshinori sat beside the green-haired boy, elbows on his knees. "For now, focus on your recovery and join your classmates. I'm sure you'll want to see the rest of the tournament."

Though now, all those memories were far away, what mattered now was Midoriya's drive. For all the book-smarts hidden away in that head of his, he was as reckless as Toshinori was in his early days. Going above and beyond what was needed, no matter the consequences to himself. A mark of a hero, willing to give everything and more. With that last battle, if push came to shove, Midoriya would hurt himself again, no question about it.

Toshinori tried not to sigh, because that was probably his fault. His insistence of using this as his pupil's first big showing had backfired. Not that he wasn't proud, words couldn't describe the growth that Midoriya had shown.

But as a teacher, he couldn't bring himself to ignore the possibility that things could progress too far. The memory of Bakugo going above and beyond to achieve victory against Midoriya were all too clear. And if he needed another reminder of what Midoriya might do, he only needed to look at the bandaged fingers and the cane by his bedside.

And to Tsunotori who slept behind the curtains.

Yet, as his mentor, Toshinori couldn't bring himself to stop him from his first big moment. There was no better stage than the Sports Festival, not with so many heroes watching for the next Number One Hero.

Jesus, if only Nana was here, she'd know what to say. He was sure this was easier when Sorahiko trained him.

But the old hero wasn't here and for now…

Midoriya was a good listener and kept his word, outside of that slip-up telling Bakugo about his power. A warning not to go too far should suffice, along with showing his unwavering support to his student when he needed him.

'Heh, what do you know? I'm starting to get the hang of this teaching thing.' Toshinori thought to himself.

"H-hey check it out, the next match is starting, you don't want to miss that."

Recovery Girl's eyes narrowed to slits, but she glanced back just long enough to notice that Toshinori wasn't just trying to save his own skin. Present Mic was announcing the next match, and from the looks of it, one side was far more focused than the other.

(X)

"AND NOW WE HAVE RIKIDO SATO VS. PETER PARKER! A CLASS 1-A SLUGFEST! PARKER DIDN'T HAVE MUCH OF A GOOD SHOWING IN THE LAST MATCH! PERHAPS THIS IS WHERE HE BEGINS A SLIDE?" Present Mic said aloud. "WE ALREADY HAD ONE UPSET, SO ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!"

Peter stood, hands in his pockets. Across from him, Sato let his fist fly in a practice jab. His breath was racing in his ears and his heart beat like a drum. Guy looked like he was getting ready for a big boxing match, like Mike Tyson bracing himself for the fight of his life.

It was a bit too much for a sporting event, wasn't it?

Oh, who was he kidding at this point? Peter sighed lightly.

Sato actually went as far as to crack his knuckles, shifting his feet like a football player about to take off.

"You're really into this, aren't you Sato-san?" Peter inquired.

The big man nodded, "Always wanted a crack at you since the quirk assessment tests, all that really showed how far I needed to go with Sugar Rush." He smiled. "You're a good dude Parker, but I ain't gonna be holding back! I gotta make my mark too!"

Peter let out a sigh. "Alrighty then. Let's do it."

Peter glanced over to Midnight, the heroine winking at him but offering no assistance despite his pleading gaze. What was that look for?

"Are both sides ready~?" Midnight cued.

"Yep," Sato said, doing his best impression of a bobblehead.

Peter gave a thumbs-up.

"Then let the match," Midnight raised her whip, "begin!"

Sato's left hand flew to his pouch, going straight for his sugar cubes before plopping them in his mouth. His eyes whited out as he charged, roaring. Peter raised his dukes, and saw him throw a barrage of punches, yelling out. Peter blocked and parried each one, and whichever got through his guard, he dodged with his head. He was like a blur, as was the muscular taller boy before him.

"LOOK AT THAT! SATO IS ON THE ATTACK, BUT PARKER IS DEFENDING AND DODGING BY A HAIR!"

Sato reared back a big right, and Peter dodged.

"Jeez, I know about sugar highs but you're on cloud nine or something! Is this with just sugar or all sweets!" Peter asked. Man he was fast, but Sato drooling… didn't help in his cool factor.

"Raaaaagh! Hold stiiiiill!" Sato lashed out with a kick, to which Peter hopped up and over him, avoiding his hands as he yelled. He saw the bulging brute pivot and charge, lashing out with a punch as it crashed into the concrete, wrecking it.

"Excuse me! My face is up here!" Peter blurted out, standing up as he kept on the balls on his feet. His opponent pulled his fist out, shaking out the dust and debris and ignoring the burises on his hands.

"Groaaaaaah!" Sato led with a shoulder charge, dust kicking out behind him from the sudden burst of speed, and Peter got low and under him. His hands reached up, grabbing his shirt as he used his force against him and judo flipped him out. His momentum was carrying him towards the wall and too fast!

"I gotcha!" The brown haired boy aimed and fired two web bullets, plucking the tunnel with web as a spider's web formed.

And Sato landed in it, wobbling and bouncing like a big bug.

The entire arena was flabbergasted.

"HOLY SMOKES! THAT WAS A QUICK ONE! PARKER WINS WITH A RING-OUT!"

"Oh come on! I didn't even land a hit!" Sato yelled, his eyes lucid as he came down from Sugar Rush, struggling in the webbing as Peter walked over, hands once again in his pockets as he removed his web shooters. He went over, tugging and removing the web strands from the wall as he helped the muscular boy down.

"It'll dissolve in an hour, or just use some heat and it'll melt." Peter assured. Sato was frowning, looking down at the ground as he climbed back to his feet.

The crowd roared their approval, and Peter tried throwing out his best smile again, waving to the crowd. Which only made his nerves worse because they just got louder.

They really loved this fighting stuff. Guess this what it was like in Rome then.

Still, one more fight down… He looked across the arena back in his suite, seeing a certain blonde sitting with his chin on his closed fist. His brown eyes met his sharp ruby red.

One more to go.

"And you're mine." Peter muttered darkly under his breath, walking back into the tunnel.

(X)

"HELL YEAH YOU SEE THAT!?! THAT'S THE FUTURE NUMBER ONE, BABY!"

"Can you at least pretend that you're on duty right now!?!"

Yu winced at the sound of Shinji's voice. Peeking behind her, the wooden hero seemed ready to throttle her with his vines and by the looks of things, Death Arms wanted to help him. A bunch of other civilians were also giving her some looks, and not the kind that she appreciated for business. She laughed it off, waving at the civilians and dropping back in step with her companions on their route.

"What am I going to do with you?" Shinji asked in exasperation.

"Sorry," Yu chirped.

Shinji gave her a flat look, his eye twitching.

"Sure you are."

Yu tried not to look too embarrassed but it still showed.

"Oh, don't be like that, Shinji-"

"No," The wooden hero said, instantly taking the wind out of Yu's sails, "You've been stopping at every monitor and jumbotron to watch Parker and frankly… I don't care anymore."

Yu tilted her head as Shinji's shoulders slumped, even Death Arms gave him a concerned glance. Eventually the hero known as Kamui Woods straightened up and shook his head.

"Yu, I hate to say this, but we're not taking the kid."

Yu felt her eyes bulge out of her head as she rounded on her co-worker.

"What do ya mean!?!" Yu screamed, "He'd be a great fit! He's nice, local, smart, strong-"

"And I have eyes, ears, and a WiFi connection," Shinji said, cutting her off and producing his phone for show.

"The hero boards have been going crazy over your kid, as well as Endeavor's kid and that Midoriya guy. All three of them have gotten the interest of some in the top ten," The wooden hero explained. "If you know what's best for Parker, you'll let him grow under one of them. Not one of us. Trust me, I want him too, but we're better developing someone on the lower end. If you want your Ward to be a better hero, the Top Ten will nurture Parker."

Yu started to say something but Shinji showed her the screen. Every pixel was dedicated to the live feed of discussion between the pros. Several accounts stood out, marked with their large top ten monikers.

"I… see your point," Yu said, deflating.

"Look on the bright side," Death Arms said, "At least the Top Ten are interested in this year's crop."

"Indeed we are."

Yu shrieked, nearly jumping out of her skin and into Shinji's arms at the sound. From the stands, several civilians muttered as the ninja hero Edgeshot came into view from behind the stands.

Shinji gave the elder hero a polite bow, and jabbed Yu with an elbow in an effort to get her to do the same. She pouted for a second before settling on a kind wave and a smile.

"My apologies for interrupting your conversation," the ninja said, "I couldn't help but overhear."

"It's fine. Not like we were discussing classified stuff," Death Arms said with a shrug.

"Though I believe who you're interested in sending internship applications is?" Shinji guessed, straightening up again.

Edgeshot chuckled good-naturedly.

"Hardly, the information will be public as soon as the Festival finishes. Though considering the feats of this year's group, I wouldn't put it past a few heroes to have already sent their applications out."

"Have you?" Yu asked out of reflex.

She wilted under her companions' glares but Edgeshot actually nodded.

"I've had several sent out so far," Edgeshot admitted, "Yourselves?"

Yu beamed, "We were-"

"Going to wait till the end of the festival," Shinji interrupted. "On the clock and all that. Aren't you on the clock too?" He asked with crossed arms.

"A wise choice, but being in the Top Ten has its privileges" Edgeshot said. Glancing up, the ninja hero took notice of the Jumbotron. Yu and the others looked as well, and the finished arena filled the screen.

And two young ladies stepped up to the field.

(X)

She wasn't going to win this.

"AND THE LAST MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND! CLASS 1-B'S SHIOZAKI IBARA VERSUS CLASS 1-A'S ASUI TSUYU! TALK ABOUT A MATCH OF CONTRASTING STYLES!"

Avoid and possibly knock her opponent out of bounds? Maybe, but chances are that Asui wouldn't be able to match Ibara in anything other than maneuverability. One vine might be enough to hold her down, and if Asui tried to use her tongue, it would simply serve as an appendage for the vines to latch onto.

Her stomach fluids wouldn't hurt her, Ibara didn't need to move to win this. A combination of her acid as well as a roundabout kick would be Asui's best bet.

"Are both contestants ready?"

"Yep," Asui said.

"Quite."

"Then let the last match of the quarterfinals begin!"

Midnight-Sensei brought her bullwhip down and Asui bolted to the right. She hopped along the edge, and a literal wave of vines came from Ibara's left side to meet the frog girl. Asui leapt into the air, and the vines followed her like locusts. Asui spat out her tongue, latching it to the ground. She pulled, landing on her feet and bounding straight toward Ibara the second her feet touched the ground.

Ibara looked surprised at the speed but the other half of her hair came up to defend her. Asui dipped under it, the greenery barely managing to miss her. And suddenly, she was right there.

Asui lashed out with a kick that would net her the win.

Only for a vine to sprout out of the ground and catch her foot in midair. The world twisted as Asui felt weightless for a moment only for a vine to wrap itself around her mouth. She caught sight of Ibara giving her one last glance before dropping Asui out of bounds.

"Asui is out of bounds! Shiozaki Ibara moves on!"

Huh, guess that was it. "Good match." Asui stated with a shrug. Well… she seems to be taking it well. With a quick wipe-off of her tongue, Asui bounded for the stands, not even bothering with the stairs and leaping up to her classmates' seats. Kirishima and Sero clearly didn't expect it, flailing in their seats as Asui soared overhead.

"Hey." Asui said, settling in a seat on the edge of the stands.

"Hey Asui," Uraraka patted her peer's shoulder, a sad smile on her face, "Sorry you didn't win."

"Eh, it Happens." Asui replied with a shrug. "Not like I could have done much. Hopefully I gave the scouts enough to work with."

Uraraka jerked back, clearly not expecting that. From the way everyone else was looking at her, no one else did either. Well, at least she had gotten this far. More than likely it would be enough to land her an internship position.

In relation to thinking about the future, what was the next match going to end up like? Hopefully without destroying the arena but knowing the contestants, she couldn't be sure.

"AND NOW WE ARE IN THE SEMI-FINALS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" Present Mic declared with glee. "WHILE MOST YEARS HAVE A FINAL FOUR, WE HAVE ESSENTIALLY A PLAY IN TO THE FINALS! DUE TO MIDORIYA'S INJURIES AND BEING UNABLE TO CONTINUE, BAKUGO ADVANCED AS ALLUDED TO EARLIER! SO, OUR NEXT NEXT MATCH, AFTER A LITTLE PATCH-UP..." Ibara looked down at the ground. Oh yes, she'd used her vines under the concrete. She looked back up, seeing Peter Parker stand up from his suite and jump down to the arena floor, much to the sudden shock of his fellow classmates. He landed, unhurt as he stood up.

His face was set in stone. "...IS SHIOZAKI IBARA, THE STOIC BEAUTIFUL ASSASSIN OF CLASS 1-B! VERSUS! THE ACE OF CLASS 1-A! PETER PARKER! THE REWARD? ONE TRIP TO THE FINALS AGAINST THE BLONDE BOMBER BERSERKER, BAKUGO KATSUKIIII!" Parker was walking forward, although his eyes shifted to the jumbotron as he narrowed his eyes. Ibara followed his gaze.

And saw Bakugo's smirking disposition. He was the one who had defeated Tsunotori, her friend and classmate. Parker was a friend of hers, and thus he too was a friend.

Still, for her teacher to call her an assassin. How uncouth.

They got up close, the sun beaming down as the vine-haired girl looked at the stoic American boy.

"Hey Shiozaki." He stated, hands in his pockets.

"Parker." Shiozaki nodded, stepping away as Cementoss stepped forward to patch and smooth the arena over. "Forgive me but I will be blunt. You wish to avenge my classmate, yes?"

"Let's say I owe someone a knuckle sandwich, as the American saying goes." Parker replied, taking a deep breath and pulling one of his hands out. "You want a piece of him too, huh?"

"Revenge is a heinous thought to carry, but…" Ibara mused, taking his hand and shaking it. "I do wish to fight for my class' honor and for her. Tsunotori did remarkably well, her growth evident over my tenure here. I had hoped to match my strength against her in the Finals." His grip was strong and firm.

"Me too." Parker replied. He saw Shiozaki bow, and he returned it in kind.

"As the American saying goes…." Ibara brought out her English pocketbook. "Let ze besto man win." She uttered, and Parker smirked lightly.

"Yeah." They stepped back. "I'm not gonna hold back, word of warning."

"Neither am I." The green haired girl did her best to focus. Parker has been the best showing of the Festival by far objectively. She will have to pull out all the stops to triumph, and deliver righteous retribution to his berserker of a classmate.

"Alright, the arena is fixed up. Don't go as far as Midoriya and Todoroki did, or I am stopping this fight, alright?" Cementoss stated, standing up as the two students looked over to him, both nodding.

"WHAT A SHOW OF SPORTSMANSHIP! EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE FROM RIVAL CLASSES, PARKER AND SHIOZAKI SHOOK HANDS! I THINK WE ARE IN FOR A BIG ONE, FOLKS!" Present Mic yelled as Parker and Shiozaki took their places on the arena floor. Ibara looked up, seeing her class cheering and hollering for her to win. Peter saw Class 1-A cheering too, save for Bakugo who was leaning forward with scrutinizing eyes. Todoroki was watching impassively, while Yaoyorozu looked… almost concerned.

Parker has always been someone who looked cheery and bright, with a nice joke at the ready too as Tsunotori always described him. His attitude during the War from the highlights she had seen confirmed that.

Yet he looked focused, dead-set on winning. Serious. His brown eyes darker.

Well, Ibara wasn't planning on losing either, returning her gaze with one of equal intensity. They were both friends of Pony. And they had to pay it back to that brute a hundredfold.

"Both contestants are ready!" Ibara brought her hands up in prayer, while Parker slapped his web shooters on, bending down with his hand to the ground and legs spread wide. Getting ready to jump towards her eh? The vines in her crown moved, coiling like snakes.

"Let the Finals play-in match...!" Midnight brought her whip up, and cracked it.

"Begin!"

(X)

Recovery Girl's Quirk was the best Quirk ever.

At the very least, that was what Pony thought.

Her muscles still burned from exhaustion, the burns still stung, and her head felt like a herd of buffalo had trampled over it. But compared to the agony that it had been before she had used her Quirk, it felt a lot better. That hadn't meant the woman had let her off the hook though, the aging hero having given her a stern lecture about not pushing herself too far anymore.

She was also told on no uncertain terms that she wouldn't be getting out of the cot anytime soon, something that had grated on the Texan's nerves. As much as the humiliation of defeat stung, she didn't want to miss out on Peter's matches. Not after he had taken the time to come down here and offer his sympathies for her loss.

A luminescent blush spread across the blonde's face at the memory of Peter patting her head, and the warm smile that had seemed to engulf her entire world. She supposed she was fortunate that the experience had left her tongue-tied – otherwise she might have blurted out her feelings for him right then and there.

But despite his condolences and her words about how well she had done, she had still lost.

Bitterness clung to heart even as she tried to shrug it off. Peter wouldn't have been bitter if he had lost to someone (not that she thought he would) he would laugh it off with a smile and congratulate the victor. He was just that sort of person who could find a chance to be kind even to someone that was considered his opponent.

"You'll get him next year, ok? We'll both get stronger."

"Yeah… we will. Together."

Those had been the words they had exchanged, and part of Pony hoped that he would recognize the meaning behind her statement…but she doubted that she had that kind of luck.

With a sigh, Pony pressed her head against her pillow as she stared at the monitor screen. A concession to those who had lost, a chance to watch the other matches if they were too injured to carry on. She appreciated the chance to watch Peter, but it wasn't the same was being there in person to cheer him on like he had done for her both times.

Ring.

Pony pulled her eyes away from the screen to glance towards her cellphone and the caller I.D.

MOM

"Hello?" She asked as she answered the call.

"Sweetie!" Came her mother's voice, the warmth, and pride evident even over the line. "We saw your matches and are so proud of you! I swear your father was shedding a few tears – yes you were – he was so impressed with your performance."

"Thank you," she managed to get out even as the tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. The doubts of how well she had done in that last much clung to her thoughts, but Dad was a Pro. If he was impressed, that meant she had to be doing a good job right? Assuming he wasn't just saying that because she was his little girl.

"Are you okay sweetie? That last explosion looked like it hurt."

"It did, but Recovery Girl helped a lot, I'm feeling better," Pony said. She hoped that would be enough to ease Mom's concerns, she tended to go into extremes when she thought something bad had happened. "I'm still bummed that I lost though."

"I know sweetie, but you should be proud of what you've accomplished in such a short time. You're standing as one of the strongest students in your year right now, and you're only going to get better."

"Really!" She squeaked out. Since when was she considered one of the strongest?

"You haven't checked out social media yet, have you?" Came the amused question. "It's been blowing up about you over here, a lot of people are impressed to see an American as one of the top students of U.A."

The fear that she would be treated differently because of her nationality had always been a fear of Pony. More than one person during the course of her stay in Japan had told her off and stepped on her dream, and on the really bad nights, she had almost believed it. Peter had been the one to convince her that she was still worthy of being a hero and had pushed her to greater heights than she thought possible. To now hear that she was being praised…it was something she was going to need to see for herself.

"So…who is it?"

"I'm sorry?" Pony asked, not quite understanding the question.

"The boy."

"I…I don't know what you're talking about," came the hurried response even as her cheeks heated up. This…she knew that her crush on Peter was pretty much an open secret among her classmates, but this really wasn't a conversation she wanted to have with Mom. Not without a few days to prep herself at least.

"Hmmm."

"I don't!" She protested.

"Hmmmmmm."

The bead of sweat that rolled down her forehead had nothing to do with her exhaustion. "I mean…maybe there's a boy?"

"Is it Parker? I remember you talking about him all the time while you were getting ready for the entrance exam. And quite a bit after that too." She could almost hear the triumphant smile in her mother's voice, and it took everything she had to not groan. "He certainly looks like a nice boy, but your father is going to want to threaten him before you start doing anything ser…"

"It's not like that!" She said, lowering her voice a little at the glare Recovery Girl gave her. In hindsight, she doubted talking on the phone counted as resting, but it wasn't like this was her fault. "I…I haven't even told him how I feel yet."

"Why not?"

It seemed such a simple question. As though the butterflies and nervousness that racked her like nothing ever had before (not even the entrance exam) weren't important. As though all she needed to do was walk up to him and confess her feelings for him. "I…I wanted to impress him. He's one of the best students in our year and he's done so much to help me, I…I wanted to show him how good of a hero I was."

"Sweetie." The compassion in her mother's voice was evident. "If he's anything like what I've seen of him so far, you didn't need to do that. And if you did, well then that's a sign you should be looking for someone else."

"I know…but after everything that happened I just…" The words caught in her throat. They had been in class when Vlad had been called out, and once she had heard what had happened, that Peter had almost been killed…

"I wanted to do something for him."

"…you've got it bad, sweetie."

She…really didn't have an answer for that.

And not just because she was blushing so much she couldn't answer!

"Pony, if you really like this boy, tell him how you feel. I know it will be hard, it took your father two years to work up the courage to ask me out, but you'll feel a lot better afterwards."

"What…what if he doesn't say yes?"

"It will be awkward, and you'll be sad," came the answer without hesitation or embarrassment. "But I don't think he's the type to end a friendship because of something like that. Your father had to ask me out twice before I said yes. But whatever happens, it's not the end of the world. So stay strong and tell that boy how you feel about him."

"Okay," The blonde Texan said as she wiped away the tears.

Just make sure you think things through, as much as I want grandchildren I—"

"MOM!"