The next day, Mr. and Mrs. Kubo tried to take us out as a family, but apparently, UA had given a press release statement by this point, and the press was trying to get a sound bite from us outside of the Kubo residence. After being bombarded by a bunch of questions like, “Where did you go?”, “Can you tell us more of what happened?”, “Can you tell us more of your quirk?” “Can you tell us more about the experiments you were forced to endure?” “Was the ordeal at the USJ the reason you activated your quirk?” Mr. and Mrs. Kubo shielded us from the reporters and took us back inside, where we spent the rest of our time off, since the reporters camped outside the house, it seemed. In reality, they were probably taking shifts with their colleagues. We could have used my quirk to get around those reporters, but Mr. Kubo was sure that we would be recognized if we went out. So we watched movies, ate good food, both made by Mrs. Kubo and takeout, played board games, video games, and other stuff like that, all together while staying in their home. It was really nice, and I was sad when our days off came to an end.
On the day we were to return to school, I popped in a jawbreaker, and I tried thinking of the classroom at UA, but I couldn’t teleport to it. I will probably have to level up my quirk and train to be able to teleport to places I can’t see. For now, Ayaka and I go to a window facing the direction of UA, and I look far in the distance away from the reporters and teleport us. We continue teleporting like this until we get to UA, then we start walking like normal. I have my hood pulled up because of all the staring, and I hold Ayaka’s hand tightly as we walk the halls of our school, going to class 1-A.
Midoriya, Ida, Uraraka, Tsu, and Yaoyorozu are all here already. They jumped up and greeted us, and Uraraka, Tsu, and Yaoyorozu came and hugged us while Ida looked stiff and uncomfortable, not sure if he should join. Ida says while we hug, “I hope you had some restful days off. We missed your presence in this class.” The nerd says with his notebook open to a blank page and a pen in hand, “Sekaihowdoesyourquirkwork?Likehowdiditactivate?Howfarareyouab-” Bakugo enters by slamming the door open and says, “Tsk. It is too early for all that nerd talk. Haven’t you seen the news, you idiot? They have been bombarded with those questions already, you damn nerd. You will have plenty of time to update that damn notebook of yours, so just give it a rest.” He sighs and drops his notebook with a slump and nods and says, “Sorry guys, guess I got a little carried away there, huh.” He puts the notebook in his hand with his pen, and he rubs the back of his head while smiling that smile of his.
I smack my teeth at Bakugo, “Tsk. Thanks, I guess.” Bakugo smacked his teeth, “Tsk. Whatever, extra.” He said while wearing his usual scowl and walking in with his hands in his pockets, and sitting down in his chair. We follow his lead and sit down, and Ayaka goes inside the notebook, ready to take notes, sitting in a new bean bag chair I have drawn on another page. I have been doodling in class to work on my drawing ability and to brighten up the space around Ayaka during class. The rest of the students came in, and I turned the notebook to the class so Ayaka could wave to everybody since I wasn’t about to. Mr. Aizawa comes in and slightly nods to us and turns to the rest of the class and says, “Alright, as you guys are probably really excited for today marks the sports festival.” Ayaka asks, “Is that really such a good idea since we were recently attacked, Mr. Aizawa?” Mr. Aizawa says, “You weren’t here when I updated the class, but the higher-ups said we need to look strong, so we are going to be upping security to compensate.” We nod apprehensively.
We changed into our PE clothes and went to the stadium where they are holding the sports festival. I stuffed my pockets with jawbreakers so I could be ready at any time to teleport. We started in a tunnel, and it was just our class.
Next thing we hear is Present Mic’s voice, “HEYO! Make some noise, all you sports fans! Media hordes, you'd better prep those cameras! We are bringing you some of the hottest performances this year in UA’s festival history, GUARANTEED! I have one question before we start: ARE YOU READY?! AS OUR STUDENTS COME OUT, LET ME HEAR YA SCREAM!!” We walked out in the arena area to a lot of screams from the audience. “All these up-and-coming heroes are going to lay it all on the line for a chance to achieve worldwide fame and CELEBRITY! This first group you are familiar with and are no strangers to the spotlight! You may recognize them from surviving a villain attack! These dazzling students lighting up your screens are the hero course students of CLASS 1-A!!!” There are so many people watching! For once, I am with the nerd, and both of us are squirrely with all of the eyes on us. However, mine is hidden behind my scowling face. Only Ayaka knows how I am feeling, from my tense grip.
Midoriya says while sweating, looking around in a squirrely manner, “This is more people than I was expecting.” Ida responds, “With all these eyes watching us, I hope that we are still able to give our best performances. It is another aspect of being a hero, I suppose. So we'd better learn to get used to it.” Kirishima says, “Wow, I am feeling nervous with how much Present Mic talked us up. How you feelin’, dude?” That spiky bastard says, “Not worried at all, extra. Makes me want to beat everyone even more.” Present Mic announces, “This next group hasn’t been getting as much screen time, but is still full of loads of talent! Make some noise for our hero course CLASS 1-B!!! Coming out next are our general study students of classes C, D, and E, and Support class students from classes F, G, and H! Finally, are our business class students from classes I, J, and K! GIVE IT UP FOR ALL THE FIRST YEAR CONTESTANTS!”
Ms. Midnight is on a stage here and she says into her microphone, “It is time for the Introductory speech!” Kirishima says while blushing, “Uh, someone should talk to Midnight about what clothes are school-appropriate.” Kaminari nods while also blushing, “Agree. That hero costume should come with a warning.” Tokoyami doesn’t seem to be blushing and says, “I agree, is it really appropriate?” Ayaka says, “Stop objectifying her, you guys. She should be able to wear what she wants without all of you ogling her.” Ida nods, “Ayaka is right, you should not be looking lustfully at one of our teachers. It is bad form for a hero. Also, don't forget that Midnight's costume has been approved by many agencies.” Ok, maybe this stiff stick in the mud isn’t so bad after all. Ms. Midnight cracks her whip, “Silence! Katsuki Bakugo will be giving the student pledge!” We all look at him, and I sigh, already knowing how this is going to play out… EVERYONE ELSE IS GOING TO HATE OUR GUTS.
That spiky bastard walks up the stage calmly, wearing his scowl with his hands in his pockets as Midoriya asks, “Is he really the first-year representative?” Sero says, “Well, he did place first in the entrance exams.” Some random girl comments after an exasperated sigh, “Only for the hero course students.” Sero looks bummed at her tone, “That chick obviously hates us.” Kaminari scowls, “Thank Bakugo for that one.” He gets in front of the microphone and says, surprisingly calmly, “I’m going to win.” Everyone in our class groans and wants to disappear, knowing he was going to say something like that. Obviously, his comment received a lot of boos from the other classes. I hear someone yell, “That class 1-A is just so full of themselves! Get off the stage!” Ida asks him, “Why were you so disrespectful when you are representing us all?!” The spiky bastard says while shooting them a thumbs down, “It isn’t my fault that the rest of these guys are just steppingstones for my victory.”
One of the other students yells, “I am going to crush that jerk and knock him down to size!” I commented after a slight, barely audible chuckle, “Please do. That spiky bastard needs to be taken down a few pegs.” A few of the other students in the other class laughed at my comment. Ms. Midnight says into her microphone, “Without further ado, let’s get this party started!” A few of the students around us are talking, but I am tuning them out to listen to Ms. Midnight, who continues, “Get ready to feel pain! The first game of the festival will be….” A screen behind her was spinning through a lot of choices and landed on an obstacle race, and Ms. Midnight said, “Ta-dah! All 11 classes will participate in this contest. The track is around the outside of the stadium, which is about 4 kilometers. I don’t desire to restrain anyone… at least in this game.” She says while licking her lips and continues, “You are free to do what you desire as long as you don’t leave the course!” She says as she cracks her whip and continues, “Take your places, contestants.” I pop a jawbreaker in my mouth to prepare.
Ms. Midnight says, “BEGIN!” With that, we all go inside a tunnel, and it is very cramped. I think this is part of the challenge. Ayaka says, “Let’s use my quirk to get ahead of them!” I kiss her, and we go 2D, and she runs on the wall, and we miss Todoroki’s ice attack that froze everyone’s feet in place. Once we were out of the tunnel, Ayaka made us 3D again, and it looks like our class is pulling ahead. The spiky bastard is using his blasts to stay airborne. Yaoyorozu made something to push her ahead, that annoying Aoyama is using his naval laser, and Kirishima is jumping, all of them behind Todoroki, skating ahead of everyone on his ice. While holding Ayaka’s hand, I teleport us past Todoroki and keep teleporting us into the distance of the course. The next obstacle we came across was a gorge-like area with pillars of earth scattered around, with ropes connecting them. I know they want us to walk on them, but we bypass the whole exercise.
The last obstacle looks like a minefield, and Ayaka says, “Let’s use my power for this one, to help save your energy.” I nod, and she kisses me, and we go 2D and we run over the mines safely in this form and we become 3D and run the rest of the way to the stadium hand-in-hand. Present Mic announces, “WOW, FOR THE FIRST TIME IT IS A TIE! AYAKA KUBO AND HER SIDEKICK SEKAI SATO ARE OUR CHAMPIONS!” The audience cheers.... I hate that name, Sato. A name linked to me being an orphan. I never really liked it, and preferred people call me by my first name. I would rather not have a last name than have Sato. I grimace, hearing it while we wait for the next students to arrive. The next person to come into the stadium was the nerd who was crying for some reason. When Bakugo gets in the stadium, he looks like he is about to explode while baring his teeth, “No way…. THAT DEKU. NOT AGAIN."
Present Mic announces, “The rest of the contestants are pouring in! LET’S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!” Uraraka runs up to the nerd and says, “Deku! You were amazing!” The nerd stammers awkwardly, “O-o-oh t-thanks.” Uraraka says excitedly, “I can’t believe you got second place! I am so jealous!” The nerd blushes and hugs his face awkwardly to hide his embarrassment and says, “U-u-uh, it was nothing!” Yaoyorozu comes stumbling in, saying while obviously exasperated, “How could this happen?!” I see a beat-up Mineta on her back. I use my finger-whip to grab him by his neck and pull him off and yell, “You perverted bastard! You should have stuck yourself onto someone from a different class if you were going to do something like that! Fucking, idiot!” I release him when he is off Yaoyorozu, and she hugs me, “Thanks, Sekai. It was terrible!” I sigh, “I bet.” Yaoyorozu turns to the pervert who is grabbing his neck and says, “You’re the worst, Mineta!”
Ms. Midnight says, “WHAT A CONTEST! The first game is finally over! Now let’s take a look at the standings.” She motions to the board to show that Ayaka and I share the first-place slot, the nerd in second, two-toned is third, and that spiky bastard is fourth. There were a lot of names on the list I was not familiar with since they are from other classes. Ida got 7th, Tokoyami got 8th, Sero was 9th, and Kirishima was 10th. Ms. Midnight says, “Only the first 42 will move on to the next round, but don’t be too let down. There will be other moments to shine!” She says as she licks her lips. Aoyama, who was 43rd and doubled over, is bummed out that he didn’t make the cut.
Ms. Midnight says, “Now the real fun begins. A chance to shine in the limelight! Do your best!” She waves her whip by the random event generator, saying, “Let’s see what is next, shall we? I wonder… will your wildest fantasies come to life? The waiting is torture! What could it be?! Prepare yourselves for this!” She holds her hands out in perfect timing as it lands on 'cavalry battle'. Kaminari is sweating, “What?! I am so bad at those!” Tsu says, “It isn’t an individual event, so I am curious how they will split everyone up.” Ms. Midnight says, “I will explain. Participants will form teams of 2-4 people. In theory, it is similar to a playground game. However, there is one major difference. Each player has an assigned point value based on the results from the obstacle course. Sato says, “I get it. So it’s just like the entrance exams. That is pretty simple.”
Uraraka says, “That means that each team will have a different value based on which students are on it.” Ashido points at her while smirking, “Yep!” Ms. Midnight says, “Let me explain it to you all! The point assignments start at 5 and increase by increments of five. 42nd place is 5 points, 41st is 10, and so on and so forth. The point value assigned to the first place is 10 million! However, due to it being a tie between Kubo and her sidekick, we will treat Sekai like a support item for Kubo, who will have the 10,000,000 point value.”
EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE AFTER US!!!!
Both Ayaka and I start sweating as everyone glares daggers at us in determination. Ms. Midnight says, “That is right, folks. It is a survival of the fittest where there is a chance to rise through the ranks all the way to the top!” Ayaka and I feel the pressure already, and the game hasn’t even begun. My jawbreaker is almost completely gone, so I pop in a fresh one as well, so I can be ready. Ms. Midnight gives more details about the event, “The event itself will last 15 whole minutes. Point values will be added together to make your team total. So, to raise your team’s score, take as many headbands as you can. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up! So the more you steal, the harder it is to manage! Another thing! If your team falls down or if your headband gets stolen, you can keep playing until the 15 minutes are up!”
Yaoyorozu says with a hand on her chin, “So, it can be anyone’s game…” Sato looks at her and says, “Yeah, and since there are 42 competitors, there will be about a dozen teams on the field the whole time.” Aoyama says while looking sick and walking away to join the other knocked out students in the stands, “Sounds hard.” Ashido says, “Sooooo, if we lose our headband when it starts, we have time to make a plan to get it back.” Tsu says, “I don’t know Mina. I think we should wait and see how the teams will be arranged before we start strategizing.” Ms. Midnight says, “This will be rough. You can use your Quirks freely! However, there are still rules! If you make a team fall on purpose, I will slap you with a red card and you will be disqualified!” The spiky bastard smacks his teeth when he hears that. Ms. Midnight says, “You have 15 minutes to build your teams, so I recommend that you get started!”
Shit. Now, who in the fuck will be our teammates now that we are such problematic targets? We spot Ojiro, and Ayaka asks, “Can you team up with us, Ojiro? I was planning on becoming a tattoo and put the headband on in a way so other teams couldn’t grab it and use Sekai’s teleport to escape in hairy situations.” Ojiro thinks, “Hmmm. Sure, why not? That sounds like a good plan.” Some depressed looking dude with wild violet colored hair approaches us and asks, “Is it alright if I join, as well?” Ayaka shrugs, “Sure, I will be holding the headband in my drawing form as a tattoo on Sekai’s body, and Ojiro and you can carry her. She can teleport us out of harm’s way or use her skin-stretching ability to get us out of dodge."
At the end of the 15-minute prep time, Ayaka put the 10,000,240-point headband and jumped into my skin as a tattoo that was visible on my face, and I got on top of Ojiro and the depressed guy. He refused to tell us his quirk and was really uncooperative. He asks me, “How far can you teleport?” I say, irritated, “Tsk. Anywhere.” Though the moment I say that, it is weird. I am suddenly in a fog, and everything is numb, and I have no control over my body. I think that depressed guy did something to us. In this fog, I see all these other teams coming at us constantly in a blur. I can’t help but feel similar to that day when I was 4 and was unable to move my body to my will. I HATE THIS!What if something happens to Ayaka while I have no control?I don’t want to repeat what happened back then! This dude keeps making me teleport us away from people with no regard for my limits, and I can’t say anything to have him stop. At the end of the 15 minutes, Bakugo hits me with an explosion that brings me out of that weird, numb trance, and I say, wincing in pain, “Thanks, you spiky bastard. You actually helped me there.” As I say that, from my quirk being overworked, I passed out briefly while Bakugo was yelling at me, assuming I was being sarcastic, and my teammates held me up to prevent me from falling.
I wake up to Ayaka lightly squeezing me with worried hands, “Sekai, are you alright?” I grab my head, “That bastard did something. I had no control that whole match, and he overworked my quirk.” Ayaka says, “You mean our teammate? I think he did something to me, too. I don’t really remember much of the match. I don’t understand how we won.” They are announcing the results, and I find that depressed bastard and I use my finger whip to latch onto his neck, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO US, YOU BASTARD?!” I hear Present Mic announce, “OH NO! ROGUE ON THE WINNING TEAM! Quick Eraserhead, stop her with your quirk, my man!” Mr. Aizawa says in that same uninterested tone of his, “I can’t stop that ability of hers. According to Principal Nezu’s statement, that power was genetically engineered when they were experimented on while they were missing.” Present Mic asks, “Then how can we stop her?” Mr. Aizawa sighs, “Just watch, you loud mouth. Her partner will de-escalate the situation. I know my students.”
The depressed dude, unable to speak, wears a smug smirk as he sweats a cold sweat. I yell at him, “I’m going to kill you, you bastard!” Ayaka hugs me and says, “Sekai, let him go. I don’t like what he did to us either, but this isn’t right.” I stammer with tears forming in my eyes, “B-but he brought back so many bad memories for me when he did that.” Ayaka sheds a few tears on my behalf, “I’m so sorry, my love.” I release the asshole, and I hug her with both arms, “D-don't apologize. I was so scared something would happen to you, like it was with my mom when I couldn’t move to my will back then.” As I say this, a few tears fall from my eyes. She squeezes me tightly and says, “I am here. I am not going anywhere.” Ayaka says, “Hey, let’s go get some food, and I’m sure you will feel better.” I nod and wipe my tears while we follow the rest of the students to the lunchroom.
Sir Floof and Garlic were hungry around this time, too. They smelled the food in the lunchroom and immediately came out. The girls all squealed seeing them, and they showered them with pets and belly rubs that they thoroughly enjoyed. For a minute or two, every one of them forgot that we came in here to eat because they were so excited to see them. We asked Sir Floof and Garlic what they wanted on the menu, and Garlic used his vines to point to a taco salad that was loaded with a little bit of meat garnish, and I used my finger-whip to point and ask Sir Floof, and he chose fried chicken. He must have really liked it. We ordered our food and took it to our table, and we put Sir Floof’s food and Garlic’s food on the table, and they joined us sitting in the seats beside us and they place their feet adorably on the edge of the table and eat. I made sure the chicken was in manageable pieces for Sir Floof so he wouldn't choke. Ayaka and I sat near the end of the table and left enough space for them to eat comfortably and not get in other people’s way.
As we eat, Yaoyorozu asks, “So, where did you get those strange, adorable creatures?” Ayaka says while warmly smiling at Garlic, “We rescued them when we were lost, and they wanted to be our friends. They apparently have quirks, too.” Jiro slams her chopsticks down, “SHUT UP! No way! What can they do?” Ayaka says, “Garlic over there has a grass-type quirk. Hey, Sekai. What kind of quirks does Sir Floof have?” I reach over and pet him since he is right there, and I say, “Well, he has a quirk that allows him to lower the defense of a target, raise the attack power of any ally, and he even has an attack quirk that never misses its mark among other quirks that seems like he will learn naturally later as he grows up. Though I don’t really understand how they can learn quirks, it apparently is a natural process.”
They all dropped their eating utensils, and Hagakure asks, “They sound really powerful, are they really safe to be around?” Ayaka nods, “Yep! We cuddle with them every night. Right, Garlic?” Garlic chirps adorably in response after a bite of food. Tsu then asks, “Did I hear that correctly? You made it sound like you sleep together regularly.” I blush furiously and take another bite of food, and Ayaka says, “Well, duh, because we do.” I choke on said bite of food. Jiro asks, “Are your parents really ok with you sleeping in the same bed as your girlfriend? I know my parents would probably freak.” Ayaka nods her head, “It was their idea in the first place.” Hagakure groans, “Man, you two are so lucky! You are not only in love but already living together?” I wish I were Ayaka and could fade into the background right now.
After lunch, we return to the field where we all gather at the edge with the other girls. We were told that the girls had to dress up in cheerleader outfits, but I absolutely refused. Ayaka and the others participated, though. Sir Floof and Garlic are playing with each other beside me, and Garlic is dangling his vine whips over Sir Floof while he is on his back, adorably reaching for the whips. Present Mic’s voice is announcing, “It is about time for the last round to begin, devoted sports fans! Before that, for those who didn’t make the finals, I have good news for you! We have set up some super-awesome side games that all students can participate in! We even have cheerleaders all the way from the USA to get everyone riled up! Hey- hold up!” Mr. Aizawa says, “What are those idiots doing? Wait, what are those things?” Present Mic says, “Looks like class 1-A has gone full-on fan service, folks! Not only with the outfits, but whatever those adorable things are!” Mineta and Kaminari are giving each other a thumbs up while Yaoyorozu yells at them, “I am going to get you back! You are both going to regret this!”
Yaoyorozu falls into a depressive slump on her knees and sighs, “How do I always end up falling for that dumb pervert’s schemes?” She starts crying, “I even used my quirk to make all of these outfits.” Sir Floof sees her slump and prances over to her and rubs on her to cheer her up, which makes her giggle. Jiro throws her pompoms and yells, “UUGGHH, I hate both of them so much!” Hagakure seems to be the only one into it and is lifting her pompoms energetically, “Well, there is still time before the finals start, and not to mention these outfits are cute, so… How about we just go along with it!” The last part, she said, really animatedly. Ayaka loves her energy, and she smiles and does a coordinated cheer with Hagakure. Jiro yells at them, “Are you two crazy?!!” While Tsu says, “Wow, Toru and Ayaka, you both have skills.” If Ayaka wasn’t into it, I was fully prepared to beat the shit out of those two perverts.Since she is smiling that beautiful smile, I will let their stupid antics slide this time. Present Mic says, “Everyone, have fun with the side games!”
We are in front of the stage where they have the brackets for the round robin tournament on the screen with question marks at each contestant’s spot. Kirishima says, “Hell yeah, now we are going to get to show them exactly what we are made of. I watch these finals every year, and now I am in them!” Ashido asks, “Wait, is the final event always a tournament?” Sero says while making a fist, “The finals are always a one-on-one contest, but the type of contest is switched every year. Like last year, they had a foam sword fighting tournament.” Ms. Midnight says, “Come a little closer so you can draw lots to see who you are going to fight against, then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games. The 16 finalists can participate or sit out on those activities. I am sure that you will want to conserve your stamina for your future battles. Let’s start with the first-place team.”
Ojiro raises his hand, “Um, Midnight? Excuse me. Sorry, but I have to withdraw.” Everyone gasps, and the nerd says, “No way.” Ida says, “This is a rare chance for you to get scouted. Are you sure?” Ojiro says, “I don’t feel right about it. I barely remember anything from that cavalry battle until the end of it. I think it was because of that guy’s quirk.” Ojiro clenches his fist, “I know this is a great opportunity and I really do wish I could take advantage of it, but it just doesn’t feel right.” The nerd says, “Just think about this.” Ojiro says, a little annoyed, “I have, ok? Everyone gave their all in that round, but I was just someone’s puppet. I don’t want to go on to the next round if I don’t know how I got there. That isn’t fair.” Hagakure raises her arms up and down in protest while still holding her pom poms, “You are making too much out of this! Just kill it in the finals and prove you're supposed to be there!”
Ashido smiles, “Yeah, what she said. I don’t feel like I did much in that battle, either.” Ojiro smacks his face, “No. That isn’t it. I am talking about my pride. I REFUSE to give up my pride. Also… why are all the girls dressed like cheerleaders?” The girls groan, and Ayaka raises her hand and says, “I am going to withdraw from the finals for the same reason as well!” I raise my hand and say, “I’m out if she is out!” Kirishima has his fists balled passionately and has tears in his eyes, “Listen to them! They are so manly!” The spiky bastard next to him says, “You do realize that two of those three are girls, you idiot?! Tsk.” Kirishima says passionately and unwavering, “They don’t have to be a man to be manly!”
Present Mic says in a dejected tone in his mic, “That is a weird turn of events.” Mr. Aizawa says, “Midnight is in charge, so let’s wait and see what she has to say.” Ms. Midnight says, “This talk is incredibly naive, children. That turns me on!” She cracks her whip and says, “Kubo, Ojiro, and Sekai, you are withdrawn!” A lot of the students mumbled in sync, “Did she say it turns her on?” Ms. Midnight continues, “Then we will have to move up three people from the fifth-place cavalry team so we can have enough contestants.” Some girl with long red hair says, “We were frozen for most of it. Honestly, we barely did anything. Isn’t that right?” Her teammates nodded in agreement, and the redhead continued, “Instead of choosing us, choose from a team that actually kept fighting the whole time, like Team Tetsutetsu.” The guy with grey spiky hair says, “Kendo!”
The redhead, whom I assume is Kendo, says, “What? I am only doing this because it is fair. It isn’t a favor.” The spiky grey-haired guy clenches his fists and passionately says, “Seriously, you guys! Thaaaaaank Yooooou!!” The grey spiky dude, the girl with vines for hair, and the guy with a weird face stayed behind while the guy with the headband left the arena. That guy with the spiky hair is apparently the one named Tetsutetsu. He salutes his teammate who wasn’t selected while crying like a loser… I know I was just crying earlier, so shut it.