Issue #13: The Sports Festival Part 3: Heart of Ice
"Alright, you brought me here. So now what?" Wade asked, after a long uncomfortable period of silence.
After the cavalry battle ended, the students were taking a break to have lunch, but Todoroki pulled Wade aside, dragging him down a hallway to talk in private. However, the reason for wanting to talk was unknown, as neither of them said a thing for the past five minutes. Just Todoroki glaring at him from one side of the hallway, and Wade was glaring back at him with his arms crossed.
And even when Wade asked, the half-and-half boy didn't respond. Staring unwaveringly cold at him.
"Hey, if this is gonna take a long while, I say we should get something to eat. The cafeteria is gonna be busy." He suggested.
Again, no response. Wade knew that Todoroki was trying to intimidate him, but Wade was budging. After years of standing up for himself against Bakugo and other kids and teachers that picked on him, he wasn't easily afraid of other people trying to scare him. But Todoroki's cold intimidation was different, and it kind of unnerved him.
"I was overwhelmed." Todoroki finally spoke up. Wade was a little confused by what he said, but he let him continue. "And that made me break the promise I made to myself a long time ago."
Wade looked to Todoroki's left arm as it was in his pocket. "You're talking about your left side, right? I can only imagine the advantage it would have given you if you'd use it. So why didn't you?" He asked.
Todoroki brought out his left hand and raised it up to stare at it. "Iida and Kaminari, Yaoyorozu and Tokoyami, Uraraka...none of them felt it. At that moment I was the only one able to sense your true power. It reminded me of something, experiencing All Might's quirk back at the USJ before you took on Nemu."
Wade's eyes narrowed. "I don't know how that is, but what's your point? If you've got something to say then say it."
"I'm saying the power coming from you felt the same as All Might's."
The black-haired teen's eyes widened when he heard that claim, but scowled again. There was no way he could have learned about One-for-All, so what was Todoroki thinking?
"Walker, tell me...Are you really All Might's secret love child or something?" Todoroki eyed him coldly with a hint of suspicion.
The question left the young Walker stunned. "What? No! For God's sake! No!" His worries vanished, but at this moment he felt like he was just insulted.
"And how do I know that's not a lie?" That was the wrong thing to say, as before Todoroki could even react, Wade grabbed him by the collar of his uniform and pulled him close to his face.
"Because my father is Daniel Walker, a professional fighter, who's been dead for nearly a year!" Wade exclaimed, glaring angrily at the other boy. Todoroki looked at Wade's face in shock, realizing that he crossed a line with the Spider-Man with a matter that was really sensitive to him.
"I..."
"Forget it." Wade said, letting out a breath and releasing his rival. He would kick himself if he could, hating that he reacted like that. He sighed and glared less angrily at him. "Look, I want to be clear, I am NOT somewhat related to All Might. What the hell makes you think that?"
Todoroki sighed, figuring it was better to just continue. "Forgive me, but it's not like that at all is interesting wording. It suggests that there is something between the two of you that you're not supposed to talk about." He said knowingly.
Wade's eyes widened. He was a lot for observation than he thought, and Wade realized that his outburst made him fuck up. He'll have to be more careful with his wording if he's going to keep his second power a secret.
Deciding to leave that subject alone, for now, Todoroki got to the reason he pulled him out here. "My father is the Hero Endeavor. You must have heard of him." Wade did know about him. Second-ranked only to All Might for a long time. He was a brutal Hero that resulted in all of the villains he's captured having severe burns, leading some to criticize some combat-focused Pros about some of the injuries they inflict on villains, but Endeavor got results during combat. "Which means you're aware he's the Number Two Hero." He said, before opening his eyes and glared at Wade. "So if you're connected to the Number One Hero, All Might in some way, that means that I have even more reason to beat you."
Meanwhile, as he was walking down a flight of steps when lunch break was announced, Endeavor stopped when he heard the voice of the bane of his existence. "Yo!" All Might said in his Hero form. Standing at the top of the steps behind the Fire Hero. "Long time no see. Let's catch up, Endeavor."
The flames on Endeavor's body grew a little when he growled out. "All Might." He then turned to look over his shoulder at the Symbol of Peace. Glaring at him with hatred.
"I haven't talked to you since that press conference 10 years ago." All Might replied with a friendly tone. "It's been a while. I saw you and figured I'd come to you and say hi."
Endeavor, however, was not a man for pleasantries and turned his head away. "Did you now? Well then, if that's all you wanted to do, we're done!" He then continued to march down the stairs. Growling under his breath. "Shouting like we're old friends. What a joke."
But All Might wasn't done just yet. With his hardy laugh, the Hero jumped into the air, twirled and backflipped, before landing in front of Endeavor at the bottom of the steps. He turned around to face the 2nd Hero. "Come on! Why the cold shoulder?" He asked, much to Endeavor's annoyance. "You should be thrilled. After all, you're son's doing very well out there, just using half of his power. You must be a great teacher."
The fact that Shoto didn't use his full potential and unleashed his fire side on the boy named Wade Walker already infuriated and annoyed Endeavor, but when his greatest rival bought it up, it felt like an even bigger insult. "Are you implying something?"
"No, I want to know your secrets. How do we train the next generation of heroes?"
Endeavor got defensive. "Do you really think I'd tell you anything I've taught the boy?" He aggressively questioned the blonde Hero, before continuing on his way down. "You're all flash and no brains as usual. Out of my way!" He pushed his burning shoulder into All Might's shoulder as he walked past the man.
All Might was a little taken aback by his outburst. He knew the Flame Hero didn't like him, but he didn't think it was this much. Time changes so quickly when you're the Symbol of Peace. "Okay."
However, Endeavor inexplicably stopped halfway down the next set of steps. "Let me assure you of one thing, All Might. Whatever it takes, that kid of mine will beat you someday." He said before his mouth contoured into a wicked grin. "I'll make sure of it. That's why I made him."
Shuddering, All Might looked at the redhead with a shocked expression. "You did what?!"
Endeavor then turned his head to look at All Might. Looking at him out of the corner of his eyes. Those eyes carried a look of anger, hatred, and almost insanity as red veins could be seen in them. "He's in a rebellious phase right now, but he will take your place! I'll make sure of it!"
All Might watched in disbelief as Endeavor continued on. Walking away from him. All Might wanted to confront the Hero he had respected, but couldn't. Too stunned that Enji Todoroki would really do that.
"My old man is ambitious." Todoroki told Wade, looking away to the right. "He aims for the top. He used his power to make a name for himself as a Hero, but he was never able to All Might. So the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure. He's still at it, though. Trying to take down All Might...One way or another."
Wade's face had taken on a serious expression as he paid close attention to Todoroki. "I still don't understand. Why tell me all of this?" He asked. "What is this all about?"
"Have you ever heard of Quirk Marriage's?"
The black-haired teenager blinked, almost surprised to hear that subject. "Kind of. They didn't really go over them when I was in middle school." He stated with a thoughtful look.
"They became a real problem during the second and third generation after Quirks started appearing." Todoroki explained. "Strong individuals would choose a partner for the express purpose of creating powerful children. Many people were forced into relationships. They were simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages, but clearly it was unethical. My father has not only a rich history of accomplishments but plenty of money to throw at his problems. He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her ice Quirk."
Wade gasped. "You...You were the result of that marriage, weren't you? And now he's racing you to surpass All Might. Seeing you as nothing but a means to an end." He concluded, trying to keep his anger in his body. But it was difficult. The thought of anyone, even a Hero, doing such a thing was vile. Giving birth to a child and to use them for petty reasons was awful.
Todoroki nodded. "It's so annoying. I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag." He growled. "In every memory of my mother, I only see her crying." He could almost see her. Her white hair facing him as he stood behind her, as she sobbed. He reached out his left hand, only to bring it up to cover the left side of his face. Where his large scar was burned on his skin, leaving its emotional mark on his life. "I remembered she called my left side unbearable before she poured boiling water on my face." He said depressingly, as the painful and traumatic memory came back into his head.
Wade gasped in horror, not wanting to believe what he was just told. To think that his own mother, who was likely abused to the point of mental instability, would even do that her own son was an ugly image. It just made him wonder if Todoroki's mother was like his, and never truly loved him. No, that couldn't be it. But even if she loved her son, no mother should have to do something so horrible to their own child. Not even one at such a young and innocent age.
"...I-I'm sorry." He simply said, unable to find better words.
"The reason I picked a fight with you was to show my old man what I was capable of doing without having to rely on his damn fire Quirk." Todoroki said, removing his hand from his face and giving Wade a cold, dark glare that contained nothing but hatred for his father. "I'll show him that I reject his power and that I can take first place without using it."
Unbeknownst to them was that Bakugo was leaning against the wall behind them in an intersecting hallway. Listening to every word of their conversation.
Still a little shaken after seeing that glare and the story he's been told, Wade could only remain silent. 'The life that he's led was so different from mine, but at the same time, I can't help but see the similarities and differences in our lives. We both want the same thing and we're here because of our dads. But...that's where our opposite factors come into play.'
Wade remembered some of the happiest moments he's had with his dad. Like when he was only a little kid and Daniel helped him take a bath in their old apartment. They would laugh and joke with each other and playfully splash water on each other. When they would eat at the table and Wade would pump up his father's spirits for the next fight. And even when his father would come home bruised up from his fights, Wade would nurse him.
'I was born with nothing. I didn't have a Quick before getting bitten by the spider and receiving One-for-All. My dad was a nobody, just trying to provide for the two as a single father. But even so, we were happy.'
'He was born with everything. He had two power Quirks when he was born. His dad was a Pro Hero, who did everything to make his ambitions come true, even using his own son as a tool. His life sounds so terrifying. It's odd that we're aiming for the same thing despite different childhoods. Despite different reasons.'
With saying all he wanted to say, Todoroki turned and began to walk away. "It's obvious you're connected to All Might, even if you won't tell me about it." He said with his hands in his pockets. "Just know that no matter how furiously you come at me, regardless of how much of your power you use, I will defeat you using my right side. I can assure you of that."
Wade watched him for a moment. In a way, they were both like comic book heroes. Someone with a tragic backstory trying to rise above it.
Gritting his teeth a little, Wade walked out of the hallway into the outside. He went to catch up with him, before stopping a few feet behind Todoroki. "Wait!"
Todoroki stopped walking but didn't turn around to look at him.
"I can't imagine the pain you've gone through, and I can't imagine what you're feeling right now. When I received this power, it happened on the worst day of my life. When my actions..." Wade paused and didn't go any further, looking at his right arm where the spider bit him. "I've had help in the past, and continue having it here. All those that have helped me, I owe so much for them. I want to do that by becoming a Hero like All Might." His mind thought of All Might and how he came to Wade to make him his apprentice. "With great power, comes great responsibility. Those are the words that drive me to be a Hero. To be the Number One Hero, and to be a hero that saves those in trouble." He then took a deep breath and looked up at Todoroki, who turned his head to look at the Spider-Man. "You declared war on me early, and if you think a sad story is going to make me go easier on you, well sorry to disappoint you. I'm not backing down, and I'll never give up. So I'm declaring war right back at you! I will beat you, and I will win the Sports Festival!"
The half fire-half cold Quirk user stood there and stared at Wade for a moment. He didn't say anything as he turned and walked away. Leaving Wade where he stood alone. The Spider-Man sighed and made his way to go eat. Bakugo, who was still undetected, turned and walked away too.
An hour later, and it was time to resume the Sports Festival.
"Now that lunch is over, it's finally time for the last round!" President Mic announced as everyone walked back into the arena. Ready to take on the real tournament. "But before that, there's good news everyone who didn't make it to the finals! Since this is a sports festival, we've prepared some super fun side games that everyone can participate in! We've even brought in cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!"
He was about to move onto the next announcement, but Present Mic and Aizawa saw something peculiar that made them and everyone in the audience pause for a moment.
"Hold up."
"What are they doing?"
"Holy..." Wade had his mind short-circuited as he flustered upon seeing all seven of his female classmates dressed up as cheerleaders. Each of them was wearing an orange and white uniform that really showed off their curvaceous figures for a majority of the males in the stadium to ogle them.
"Looks like Class 1-A's going full-on fan service!"
Mineta and Kaminari gave each other thumbs up with perverted grins on their faces. However, this hadn't gone unnoticed by Momo, who got giant red tick marks all around her head as she yelled in pure fury. "What?! You tricked us?! YOU'RE GONNA REGRET THIS!"
With his face still flustered, Wade turned his head to glare at the two perverts. "Guys... what did you two do?!"
-(flashback)-
During the lunch break at the cafeteria, while Wade and Todoroki were still talking, Momo and Jiro were approached by the same two perverts. "Yaoyorozu, Jiro!" Kaminari said, getting both girl's attention and turned to him.
"Uh-huh? You need something?" The busty girl asked.
"Well, I'm sure you already know this, since you're like the Class Rep." Mineta said as he pointed over to the American cheerleaders as they gleefully ran across the cafeteria. "But they said all the girls had to wear those uniforms for the big cheer battle this afternoon."
"Huh!?" Jiro exclaimed with a shudder.
"That's odd. This is the first thing I'm hearing about it." Momo said, looking down at Mineta as he turned his back to them. "Are you sure?"
"You don't have to believe me if you want to get in trouble." The small boy said as Kaminari nodded with his arms crossed. Exploiting Momo's desire to please everyone around her. Even the teacher. "But this is coming from Mr. Aizawa. I thought maybe you'd forgotten, so I fingered I'd remind you, just in case."
-(Present)-
As Wade could be seen grabbing Mineta by his feet and hammering him into Kaminari's head in the background, the sexy Vice Representative dropped to her knees with a defeated sigh. "Why is it that I always fall for that little pervert's stupid scheme?" Momo whimpered as Ochaco patted her on the back. "I even used my Quirk to make these outfits..."
"Ugh! I hate those guys!" Jiro yelled in frustration and threw her pom poms on the ground.
"Well, we still have a little bit of time left before the finals start, and I kind of like these uniforms so..." Hakagure started the day excitedly without a care in the world. "How about we just roll with it!"
"Are you crazy?!" Jiro shouted in disbelief.
"Hey, Toru, you've got skills." Tsuyu said rhetorically.
"Hope everyone enjoys the little side games! Once that's over, we're on to the final event!" Present Mic announced as the jumbotron turned on to show a tournament chart on it with stars at the bottom. "Between the 16 members of the winning teams, we'll have a formal tournament! a series of one-on-one battles!"
"Aww yeah, time for us to finally show what we're made of!" Kirishima beamed as he pumped his fists. Wade stopped beating on Mineta and Kaminari and looked at the screen. "I've watched these finals every year and now I'm actually in them! This is gonna be so awesome!"
"So wait." Mina said. "Is it always a tournament?"
"Actually, the final's are always a one-on-one competition, but they switch it up every time." Wade said, doing his best to keep his eyes on hers and not on her suggestive uniform. "I remember last year was a foam sword fighting match...which sounds awesome now that I say it out loud."
"Come closer and draw lots to see who you're up against!" Midnight told the students going onto the finals. Holding up a yellow box in her hands that was labeled 'Lots'. "Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start. The 16 finalists have the option of participating in these activities or sitting out and preparing for battle. I'm sure you'll all want to converse your stamina. I'll start with the first-place team - "
"Um...excuse me." Wade turned his head when he heard the familiar voice and saw that it was Ojira with his hand raised above his head. "Sorry, but I'm withdrawing."
Everyone gasped in shock. Wade turned towards him with wide eyes. "Ojiro?! You can't be serious!" He replied.
"This is a rare chance for you to get scouted." Iida protested too, having almost been shocked by Ojira suddenly wanting to quit.
Ojiro lowered his arm with a somber look on his face. "It just wouldn't be right. I barely remember anything from the Cavalry Battle until the very end of it." He told the others. I...think it was that guy's Quirk." He explained, pointing to Shinso. Wade looked in the direction of where he was pointing and focused on him as Shinso turned his head away. "I know this is a great opportunity, and I wish I could take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me."
"Wait, hold on a second." Wade said, genuinely wanting his classmate to stay in the game. To be recognized for his talents. "You're talking about throwing everything you've done to make it this far away! Just think about it-"
"I have, okay!" Wade flinched when Ojiro responded. He then saw the look in Ojiro's eyes and finally understood. His pride's been damaged. He can't continue on and he's taking the correct path by swallowing his pride. "Everyone else gave their all in round two, but I was just someone's puppet. No way. I don't want to advance if I don't even know how I got here...I wouldn't be fair..."
"You're making way too much of this!" Hakagure exclaimed, wanting her friend to stay too. "Just kill in the finals and prove you deserve to be here!"
"Yeah, what she said! I didn't do much in the battle, either!" Mina added with a smile.
Ojiro, however, lowered his head and covered his eyes with his hand. "That's not it! I'm talking about my pride here! I-I refuse to give that up!" He said with passion. "Also, why are all the girls dressed like cheerleaders?"
All the girls sweatdropped and blushed as Wade sighed. "You don't wanna know..."
Just then, a chubby young man of average height, with short, ice-blue hair and a round face walked up to Midnight. He had large, wide eyes with small pupils, and had a sheepish and apologetic face; his eyebrows are almost always pointed upwards. Nirengeki Shoda, Class 1-B. "I'd like to withdraw for the exact same reason." He said, surprising his fellow classmates as he clenched his fist. "Regardless of how strong I am...This isn't how I wanted to get here! It would go against the values of the festival without earning my spot!"
Kirishima now had tears in his eyes. "Listen to these guys! They're so manly!"
"Well, this is an unusual turn of events..." Present Mic said.
"We'll have to see what Midnight has to say about this,"Aizawa told him.
All were silent as the students waited for what Midnight would have to say about the two boys' requests. She looked at them for a moment in silence, before breaking that silence. "This kind of talk is incredibly naïve, my boys..." Midnight said, before swiping her whip through the air. "THAT TURNS ME ON!"
Wade's body went white. As Ojiro and Shoda were allowed to withdraw, everyone else was taken aback by what she just said, he too was also shocked but for a different reason. 'Wait...I know that saying...'
"Waiting to be a Hero without a Quirk? How naïve...that turns me on!"
"...Why would you say that to my kid?"
The realization hit Wade like a lightning bolt striking down on him from the sky. 'OH MY GOD, DON'T TELL ME...DAD DID YOU...? IS SHE REALLY...? NO WAY, HE COULDN'T HAVE..." His mind continued to ramble on as he tried to process what he's just learned. No wonder he was thrown off her looks and when she called him 'Little Tiger'. There was no doubt about it.
Midnight, one of his teachers, was Nemuri Kayama.
His late dad's GIRLFRIEND!
As Wade was standing there, trembling with white eyes, jaws hanging, and steam coming out of his ears, Midnight hummed. "Now let's see. We'll have to move up two students from the fifth place cavalry team so we have enough contestants!"
Kendo spoke up for her team, who managed to get into the fifth place by stealing the only headband not taken by Team Walker, Todoroki, and Bakugo. "We didn't do much. We were frozen half the time." Explained the orange-haired girl as her teammates nodded in agreement. "You should give the opportunity to the team that kept fighting the whole time, team Tetsutetsu."
The silver-haired boy was shocked when he heard that. "K-Kendo...?" Tetsutetsu asked, as though it was crazy for her to just give this opportunity up.
"I'm not doing this as a favor." Kendo shrugged casually. "It's just fair."
"Seriously, you guys...! THANK YOU" Tetsutetsu cried out to God for this miracle. His team then picked the second teammate of his team to advance on: Ibara Shiozaki. She was a cute girl of medium height with green, thorn-covered vines for hair that was just below waist length, one set wrapped around her forehead a couple of times. Her eyes are squinted and dark green with long lower eyelashes.
With all the students having drawn their lots, it was time to get things started. "And so, Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki have advanced to the finals! Take a look at the bracket, my dears! These are your opponents!" Midnight announced, pointing with her whip up at the screen. The tournament bracket then showed the names of students and who they'll be fighting.
1st Match - Walker vs. Shinso
2nd Match - Todoroki vs. Sero
3rd - Shiozaki vs. Kaminari
4th - Iida vs. Hatsume
5th - Ashido vs. Aoyama
6th - Tokoyami vs. Yaoyorozu
7th - Tetsutetsu vs. Kirishima
8th - Uraraka vs. Bakugo
"Seriously! How does this keep happening?!" Exclaimed Kirishima and Tetsutetsu.
"I'll give it my all." Tokoyami said with a hint of determination.
"Good, that's all I ask that I asked of you." Momo responded with a smirk.
"I'm afraid it's the end of the round for you." Aoyama gave Mina a smug look before his eyes twinkled with sparkles.
"Can't wait to melt your butt!" Mina replied as she slammed her fist into her palm.
Wade looked at the bracket and saw that he was the first one up. And if he wins, then he'll fight Todoroki in the second round. That was a guarantee, given how powerful he was. But first, he'll have to worry about Shinso, whoever that was. "Wait, isn't that...?"
"That is you right, Wade Walker?" Wade gasped and turned around to see Shinso appearing out of nowhere. Now he remembered. He was the same kid that declared war on the class. The guy from General Studies and Ojiro's rider. "It's a pleasure. So are you excited?"
"We-"
Wade was suddenly interrupted when Ojiro's tail covered his mouth. "Not so fast!" The tailed boy growled.
Shinso smirked and walked away. Ojiro's tail remained on Wade's mouth until the purple-haired boy was out of earshot. When he removed his tail, Wade turned to him. "What the heck man? Why'd you do that?"
"You can't say a word to him." Ojiro said with a serious tone.
Meanwhile, Todoroki was looking up at the bracket and saw that he would face off against Wade in the second round. That is if he won against his opponent. He wanted Wade to advance, so he could take him down with his one hand.
"Uraraka? Who the hell's that?" Bakugo asked as Ochaco gasped in fear behind him.
"Hey legs, you're Iida, right?" Hatsume grinned as she walked up to Iida.
"Correct. I'm Tenya Iida." Iida said.
"That's perfect! I have something nice for you!"
"Okay! Let's press pause for a momentary interlude. Before the battles start, it's time for some pulse-pounding side games!"
And so, those that didn't get into the finals started playing the recreational games. In the meantime, while they were told to have fun, the final contestants couldn't relax.
They wanted to be prepared for the finals.
Some tried to rest their bodies, like Tokoyami, who was sitting up high in a tree. There were those that prepared for the fight ahead of them, just like how Iida was drinking energy drinks. A lot of them. Or try to hype themselves up, for example, Bakugo who was...staring at a wall? And then there were those that tried to calm their nerves. Todoroki did this by focusing on the fight, while Ochaco and Momo were still doing cheerleading, even though one was more into it than the other.
And then there were some who tried to come up with a strategy. In the waiting room, for example, Wade was with Ojiro to discuss Shinso's power.
The web-slinger gulped with sweat on his face. "So, he has the power to control other people?" He asked as they were sitting at a table. "Can I really take down a guy like that?"
"Yes, but only by not giving him a chance to use it." Ojiro told him before pointing to his forehead. "He didn't get into my head until I answered a question he asked me before the second round. I think that's the secret behind his power."
Wade sighed and leaned back. Looking up at the ceiling. "So don't be a smartass and don't talk to him if I don't want to lose. Got it."
"Not exactly. Even if he gets you, there's still a chance." He said, much to Wade's confusion. Ojiro looked down as his mind recollected something. "It happened during Round 2. I don't remember anything until the very end of the battle. I think we were running away when Shinso took Tetsutetsu's headband, then I bumped into this other person. It was like I woke up. I was me again. And suddenly I was able to think clearly."
"So having some kind of physical contact breaks the hold?"
"Maybe. It's only a guess." Ojiro said before leaning back. "Still I don't know how much of a shock it'd take to break his spell. And in a one-on-one match, you can't count on an outside force intervening to help you." He then stood up from the table. "Anyway, man, I hope that's helpful because it's all I know."
Wade stood up with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ojiro. You didn't have to, but I appreciate you coming to me and warn about Shinso's quirk."
Ojiro then looked at his right fist. "I know this sounds selfish, but I'll say it anyway." He then faced Wade and extended his fist for a fist bump. "Beat this guy for you and for me, alright?"
With a grin and nod, Wade bumped his fist with his. "I will."
Before they knew it, the time had come. First, the Pro Hero Cementos used his Quirk to create a stage. "That's it, I'm pretty much done here." He told Present Mic.
"Thank you, Cementos! Hey, sports fans, are you ready!" Present Mic yelled as the crowd of the Arena started to cheer loudly. "After all the action you've already witnessed, it's time for the real battles to begin! Can you feel the excitement!? These Heroes in training will only have themselves to rely on! Even if you're not a Hero, this saying holds true! You know it! Spirit, technique, strength, wisdom, and knowledge! USE 'EM ALL AND SHOW US YOUR BEST!"
Wade was currently in the tunnel that led to the outside. He was preparing himself mentally for the fight he was about to take part in.
"Hey!" Turning around, Wade saw All Might in his deflated form with a grin on his face. "Sorry I couldn't come to you and say hi. You've been great in the last games. You harnessed One-for-All." He said, giving Wade a thumbs up.
Wade sighed with a small smile. "No, not really. I'm still hesitant to use it and even when I use it, I can only go about 5%." He said, before his expression gained a discouraged look.
"What's the matter, kid? You're improving and learning how to control your powers!" All Might said with a raised eyebrow after seeing this.
"It's just...I feel like I've been getting by with dumb luck-"
WHACK!
All Might chopped him on the head. "OW!" Wade yelled, grabbing his head, and glared comically at him. "What the hell was that for?!"
"Because all I want to hear you say is that you'll do your best, damnit!" All Might yelled back at him. "There's no such thing as luck. You're never going to be the Hero you want to be if you keep doubting your own abilities." Wade looked up at his idol as he started to turn into his Hero form. "Listen, you've never been scared about a fight before, so why start now? Just deal with it by smiling!" All Might gave Wade a smile and thumbs up. "You've made it this far, Wade. Even if you're worried, you must stand tall! Don't forget that I'm counting on you and cheering you on!"
Wade closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, he then opened his eyes and gave his mentor a determined grin. All Might was right. He couldn't doubt himself and turned around towards the entrance. Wade wasn't going to let him down and will win this Sports Festival.
Out on the arena, flames ignited in the torches that were on all four corners of it. "Alright, audience! Let's cut to the good stuff and not stall these finals any longer! Welcome our first fighters!" Present Mic announced as the jumbotron displayed Wade and Shinso on it.
"First up is the gutsy kid that does whatever a spider can! It's Wade Walker from the Hero Course!" Wade made his entrance, the crowd cheered for him. Having gained a lot of popularity since the beginning of the games and was favored to win the match. Then Shinso walked into the arena calmly. "Verus...Sorry, but this guy hasn't really done anything to stand out yet! It's Hitoshi Shinso, from General Studies!"
The two fighters walked onto the stage and faced each other. "The rules are simple! Win by knocking your opponent out of the ring, immobilizing them or getting them to cry uncle! Bring the pain! We've got our good old recovery girl on standby! And fight dirty if you must! "Ethics" have no meaning here! Well, of course, going for the kill is a no-no! You'll be disqualified! Because a true Hero's fist flies only when in pursuit of villains!"
Cementos made a chair for him to sit in. "I'll step in if it gets too rough." He said.
Wade took in a deep breath both getting into a fighting stance. "So you can't just give up huh?" Shinso suddenly asked out of the blue. Making Wade raise an eyebrow. Wondering what he was going on about. "In a way, this is a test to see how strong your spirit is. If you know what your future holds for you, you can't worry about what other people think."
"Ready?!"
Shinso scowled. "That monkey was going one about his pride earlier."
"BEGIN!"
"But I just think he's an idiot for throwing away his chances like that." He said, making Wade growl and glare at him. But then, to Shinso's surprise, Wade then smirked and charged a Venom Blast in his right arm, keeping his impulses under control to avoid falling for his trick.
Shinso's eyes widened and he started to back away from Wade. Growling in frustration as he realized that Ojiro must have said something to Wade about his power. His mind was racing to figure out what to do to get Wade to talk. However, when his eyes wandered up to see Wade's full name. He remembered something and while it was a gamble, he had to take the risk.
"So tell me, Walker, you wouldn't happen to be related to that loser fighter "Daring Dan" Walker?" Wade's eyes widened as he stopped in place. "You know, that Quirkless loser that thought he could take on people lucky enough to have an amazing fight. He was your dad, right?"
Something inside of Wade snapped as his face turned into an expression of pure, uncontrollable rage. Blinded by that anger, Wade growled as his fist charged an even more powerful Venom Blast. He started running at full speed at Shinso. "DON'T YOU TALK ABOUT MY DAD LIKE THAT!"
Shinso grinned.
Wade's fist stopped only a few inches away from Shinso's face as the electricity around his arm stopped and disappeared. His whole body stopped in his tracks.
"That's it, I win."
Ojiro shot up from his seat and started pulling on his hair in frustration. "NO! I told you not to say anything!" He yelled.
"What's happening?" Ochaco asked, looking worried for Wade. She wasn't the only one, as Mina and Momo were sitting with her and got concerned when Shinso mocked Wade's father.
"Come on, Wade! Knock his teeth out!" Mina cheered in vain.
"Why isn't he moving?" Iida asked as he stood up off his chair.
"I warned him he shouldn't talk to Shinso when he would say something that could make him talk. Because if you do, you'll be under Shinso's control. He's the reason why I had to withdraw from this competition." Ojiro clenched his fists in frustration, as his answer earned the shocked looks from his classmates.
Kirishima turned to Ojiro. "Wait, did he say something about Daring Dan Walker? As in that super manly pro fighter with no Quirk? He's Wade's dad?!" He turned back to watch the young Walker in shock at the revelation.
Momo nodded with a somber expression. "Yes. It's a really sensitive topic for Wade, but I didn't think he would react like that." She said with a hand on her chest.
Bakugo was silent and surprised. He then hung his head down with his hair shadowing over his eyes.
"What's this? This is the first round! It should've started with a bang! The fight has just begun, and Wade Walker is...completely frozen!? He's not moving a muscle, and what's with that look on his face? Could this be a Quirk at work? Hitoshi Shinso seems to have Wade Walker completely stunned! He didn't stand out in the first round, but it's possible Shinso is crazy powerful! Who could have imagined this turn of events!? That's the festival for ya!"
"This is a perfect example of why the Entrance Exam isn't rational." Aizawa said with a tired tone.
Present Mic turned to him with a confused look. "Why's that?"
"Silence, we're onto the individual matches, I had some information compiled about our final competitors." Aizawa explained as he held two pieces of paper in his cased arms. They were information sheets about Wade and Shinso. "Shinso failed the practical exam to get into the Hero Course. Since he also applied for General Studies, he probably figured that would happen. His Quirk is incredibly strong, but that entrance test consisted of fighting faux villains. Robots. It gave a huge advantage to those who had physical superpowers they could show off, like Walker. Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing."
Back down on the battlefield, Shinso got closer to Wade's body without touching him. Looking into his almost lifeless eyes. "So here we are. You're lucky to have been so blessed, Wade Walker." He said with venom being heard in his voice. Shinso then stepped back and nodded towards the tunnel behind Wade. "Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little Hero."
Wade's outstretched fist, lowered down to his side, before slowly turning around and started walking away from his opponent. Making his way towards the white line.
"WH-WHAT!? HUH?! WALKER'S OBEYING HIM!"
"Wade, what're you doing!?" Ochaco cried out, confused as to why after Shinso insulted Daniel that Wade would willingly just give up so easily.
"Snap out of it, Wade! You can't just give up!" Mina yelled, wanting to see Wade win more than anything.
"He can't walk out of the ring! He'll lose the match!" Iida yelled, waving his arms around.
"He can't hear you! I just said he's under Shinso's control! No matter what you do, Wade won't snap out of it!" Ojiro said with his gritted teeth.
Momo created a pair of binoculars and looked through them. Looking over Wade's body as he walked toward the exit, she gasped when she saw one noticeable detail. "He's right! Something's wrong with Wade!" She shouted, getting everyone's attention. "His eyes are all white and blank!"
Everyone gasped when they heard that, but Kaminari was confused. "Yeah, so what?"
"His eyes are a bright sea green color, idiot." To everyone's bigger surprise it was Bakugo that said that, scowling as he watched Wade.
Meanwhile at the hero stands, All Might could only watch in fear as his successor walked across the field like a zombie. "What is this power?"
They were all witnessing Shinso's Quirk: Brainwashing! It allowed him to assume control of anyone who responds to one of his statements, forcing them to do as he says. It has to be willingly activated by Shinso, who otherwise can hold normal conversations with other people without having to brainwash them.
This was rather interesting for Aizawa. A powerhouse like Wade should have won this match easily, but now it looked like he was going to lose. From the result of the fitness test, even without using his full power, Wade was still able to outperform most of his classmates. And when he uses his full Spider-Quirk, he destroys all records in an instant. Shinso's stats, on the other hand, are worse than the below average in any event where he couldn't make use of his Brainwashing-Quirk. Even if they fought without powers, Wade would certainly win. No question about it. But now, he's going to have to overcome Shinso's Brainwashing. Either way, this match will be over quickly.
Wade was now getting really close to the edge of the ring, and All Might was starting to panic. 'What're you doing, kid!? Get back in there and show them what you're made of!'
Meanwhile, all Wade could see was blurriness and darkness. His mind was racing to find a way to get him out of this mess. 'What's happening? I can't stop...my body. I have no control! I can't think straight. No! Oh God, not like this! I have to stop myself! Even after Ojiro warned me, I couldn't keep my emotions under control. This is all my fault! Now...Now I'm going to lose… Because of me… I'm sorry, everyone...I failed...'
However, in an instant, something happened. In the tunnel in front of him, a light sighed brightly that it almost blinded him.
Then, eight soul-like silhouettes appeared in the tunnel. All had golden eyes that shined.
Suddenly, rainbow-colored energy started to form and combine. Enveloping Wade as he felt unmatched power coursing through his body.
Wade's arm started to glow as his veins shined red, and his blue electricity started to sparkle.
But he was just three footsteps from crossing the white line.
"Even with a Quirk like this, I have my own dreams of becoming a great Hero. So, lose for me."
Wade's foot was millimeters away from going over the white line when suddenly, he unleashed a Venom Smash from his hand! Sending out a shockwave that made Shinso brace himself. All Might looked in shock. Midnight, who was standing to the side, waiting for Wade to cross the line, watched in astonishment as Wade started gasping for air. Some lightning from his Venom Smash sparking. His feet were back on the ground and he hadn't crossed the white line.
"WHAT'S THIS!? WALKER'S STOPPED JUST IN TIME!"
After panting, Wade turned his head to glare at Shinso. Now he was very pissed.
Aizawa saw this and was shocked. He used his Venom Smash and broke his hand to free himself of the Brainwashing. Creating a shockwave to remove the effects of Shinso's power.
Midnight looked at his feet and saw that his feet hadn't pasted the white line. 'Your son's really become something, my love.' Nemuri thought with a smile before swinging her whip towards Wade. "Wade Walker's still in bounds!"
"Oh wow...that was close." Ojiro let out a huge sigh, sitting back down with his hand on his chest
"YES! Way to go, Wade!" Mina cheered, jumping up and down with her hands in the air.
"Good job, Walker! You still got it!" Iida shouted.
Ochaco sighed in relief. "Thank goodness...That was close."
"He actually had me worried for a second there, but Wade was still able to amaze." Momo said with a relieved expression.
Wade looked down at his left hand. It was broken and was hurting badly, but it was still usable and will heal at a slower rate. Nevertheless, he could still make a fist and can still fight.
Shinso stared at Wade in disbelief. Shocked that he could actually break free. This has never happened to him before. How could this have happened? "N-No that's impossible! What did you do!? TELL ME!"
Wade covered his mouth with his right hand, wondering just what the hell he just saw at that moment. The light, the power, and those people. He didn't know any of them, but it was like they were reaching out to him and granting him more power. Taking control of him and helping him get out of the Brainwashing.
Was that One-for-All? Were they the people that had it before him?
"Say something!" Shinso yelled at him. Snapping Wade out of his thoughts and he took in a deep breath. He still had a fight to finish.
He smirked at Shinso, and slowly moved his hand up, passing it across his face as he activated his camouflage and disappeared. The crowd and the other classes were taken aback by his next move.
"Wait, WHAT!? He disappeared!" Present Mic shouted as his sunglasses almost fell off his face.
"It's part of his Quirk's abilities. Apparently, some spiders had the ability to blend into their surroundings." Aizawa responded knowingly, hiding the smile under his scarf.
"That explains that but what about his electricity?"
Shinso looked around nervously, he didn't know he could do that. Just how many powers does this lucky person have? He had to get him to talk again. So, he brought his smirk back on his face. "You Quirk allows you to do so many incredible things. Kinda makes me jealous."
'I felt the same way.'
"Thanks to my Quirk, I've been behind from the start. Someone who has blessed like you with such a powerful Quirk would never understand, would you?"
'I do understand. And I have been blessed!'
"You've been blessed your whole life! You're so lucky! To be blessed and given a Quirk that'll help you reach your goal! SHOW YOURSELF AND SAY SOMETHING, YOU DAMN LUCKY BUG!"
'I've been blessed by others! That's why I can't lose!' Wade reappeared in front of Shinso with a fearless glare. Startled, Shinso gritted his teeth and threw a punch.
Wade caught the punch with his damaged hand, clenching his teeth as he held back from screaming in pain.
With a Venom Blast changed in his right hand, Wade punched Shinso right in the stomach at full force. Shinso yelled in pain as electricity coursed through his body, Sending him flying back, out of the ring, and landing on the glass ground. All of the wind knocked out of him as he curled up on the ground, holding his stomach in pain.
Everyone stared with jaws hanging down by how quick and incredible Wade was in ending the fight.
Snapping out of it, Midnight raised her hand and made the announcement. "Shinso is out of bounds! Walker advances to the next match!"
The crowd cheered in excitement for Wade as he looked up at the sky with a deep breath and let it out.
Wade then walked across the stage and jumped down from it, landing next to Shinso, who was still laying on the floor, sulking. The things he said still ring in his mind. "Shinso...why do you want to be a Hero?" He asked, looking down at him with a serious expression.
Shinso's eyes widened when Wade asked the unexpected question. He looked up at him from the corner of his eyes, before averting them. "You can't help the things you long for."
Wade smiled and crouched down. "You know, we're not so different from each other."
Shinso looked up at Wade with a raised eyebrow. "What?"
Wade looked at his right hand where the spider bit him that fateful day. "I was a late bloomer. I was Quirkless for a long time and I was sure that my powers would never come." He lied. He didn't like to lie, but he had to make Shinso understand. "But even before that, I wanted to be a Hero like All Might. To be a hero that saves those in trouble. However, before my powers awakened, I was ridiculed, just like you. But I realized what my dad told me a long time ago and it's driving me to be a Hero...With great power, comes great responsibility."
Shinso's eyes widened when he heard that.
"Don't you ever let what people say about you and your awesome Quirk bring you down. No matter what!" Wade said and held out a hand for him. "It's not about what you've got and don't get, but what you do with it that makes you a Hero. And you can be a Hero, so go beyond Plus Ultra!"
Shinso stared at Wade with widened eyes filled with awe and surprise. Despite disrespecting his dead father and his classmate, he was still wanting to help him. The determined look in his eyes remaining. Shinso grabbed Wade's hand and was pulled up to his feet. They then heard all of Shinso's classmates shouting and congratulating.
"You were awesome out there, Shinso!"
"You had us on the edge of our seats!"
"You're the shining star of us General Studies guys!"
"You did just as well as the spider-guy!"
Shinso just stared at them with a look of heartfelt wonder. They didn't care if he lost, but that he did not get up and were proud of him. Even some of the Pro Heroes were impressed with Shinso's performance.
"That Quirk would be great against villains. I wish I had it."
"What the hell's U.A. thinking? Putting him in General Studies."
"Well, they can only admit so many. That's just how it is."
"There's only so much you can do when there's such a large gap in their battle experiences. What a shame."
Wade smiled hearing all the comments the Pros and students had for Shinso. "I'm sorry about insulting your dad." Shinso suddenly said, Wade went a little surprised as the purple-haired boy had his back turned to him. "But depending on the results, they'll consider our transfer into the Hero Course. Remember that. Even if it didn't work this time, I definitely won't give up. I'll get into the Hero Course, get certified, and I'll definitely become a better Hero than any of you guys!"
Shinso then turned his head to look at Wade with a smirk, watery eyes, and balled fists. "And when that happens, I'll be waiting for my rematch, Walker!"
A soft smile grew on Wade's face before nodding. "I'll be waiting too." He patted Shinso's shoulder before walking away.
As Shinso watched him leave, he started to realize he was wrong about Wade. Until recently, Shinso thought this guy was just a show off like the rest of Class A-1, he even thought the rumors about him were nothing but tittle-tattles. He could understand now, Wade didn't have those powers because he was blessed with it, it could be both a blessing and a curse, just like his. At that moment, he found a new drive to become a hero, not to mention he now admired Wade's determination, especially those words that were echoing through his mind.
'With great power, comes great responsibility.'
Recovery Girl was wrapping Wade's left hand in some bandages after using her powers to fix it. "There. That should do it." She said. It'll take some time before he's fully healed, so it was mostly a precaution.
Wade nodded and sighed. Looking down at his damaged hand. "It was hard to really smile during that fight." He said with a depressed tone. "I let my emotions get the better of me again."
All Might sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "In all honesty, I'm surprised you didn't do worse to him. I heard some of the things he said about your dad. That really hit you home, huh kid?"
"It's not only that. It's still shocking just how much alike we both are. But I couldn't go easy on him." Wade said, looking determined. "I've got to keep my eye on the prize and win this thing! Just like you said."
Recovery Girl leaned back in her chair. "Oh, you poor little darling. Have you been putting too much on him again!" Recovery Girl accused before backhanding All Might in the side of his ribs. Making him yelp in pain.
"It was necessary and that hurt!" All Might exclaimed, holding his side.
"Hey, All Might. During the fight, I had some kind of vision." Wade told All Might. This got his teacher's attention, and he looked up at Wade. "There were… 8 or 9 people, I'm not all too sure. But when I was under Shinso's control, it felt like my brain was all foggy and I couldn't think straight. But when the vision appeared, I felt overwhelming power going through my body, and I was about to regain control of my hand. Suddenly, I unleashed that Venom Slash and then everything went back to normal. But one of the figures had eyes just like yours, All Might. Do you...think that was all the people that've used One-for-All in the past pushing me on? Like spirits?"
All Might shivered in fright. "Spooky! I'm a g-g-g-ghost?!"
"What!? You didn't know?!" Wade yelled, now freaking out too.
"Actually, I saw something like that too, in my younger days." All Might said more seriously with his arms crossed.
"Really?"
"Yes. It is a clear sign that One-for-All is becoming your own power. And it's also a sign that it's powering up your Spider-Quirk."
"I think it's like a trace of the user's spirit that's left behind in One-for-All when it's passed on. Don't worry, whatever you saw it wouldn't be interfering with your progress in the future, I'm sure. In other words, that vision isn't what got rid of the Brainwashing effects. Regardless of what you saw out there, it was your passion that allowed you to overcome Shinso's power. Even if it was only long enough for you to move your hand and expel some energy."
Wade deadpanned and rubbed the back of his head. "That was just a lame explanation..."
"Said the kid who got his Quirk from another dimension!" All Might replied with a smirk.
"Touche."
"More importantly, you shouldn't be worrying about who you're fighting next." All Might.
Wade's eyes widened, realizing that he'd totally forgotten about that. "Crap! You're right! I need to see the rest of the fights! Thank you both very much!" He yelled as he ran out of Recovery Girl's temporary nurse's office. "Bye!"
"You're welcome!" Recovery Girl called as the door closed itself. As they heard his footsteps become softer and softer before being unable to be heard, there was a stark silence in the office. "So, he saw you there too?"
All Might closed his eyes and tilted his head down a bit and sighed. "That's a good thing."
Meanwhile, Todoroki had exited out of Player Waiting Room 2 he was in and was marching his way towards the tunnel that would take him out to the arena. His mind was a bit distracted by how Wade won the fight with the Brainwashing boy. 'Walker won, huh? Of course, he would.'
Shoto turned the corner but stopped when he was the one person he didn't want to see or talk to since the start of the games. "What do you want?"
That person was Endeavor, who was leaning against the wall in the middle of the hallway. "You're acting disgracefully, Shoto." He said with a hint of venom in his tone. But Shoto wasn't having any of it. He ignored him and continued to walk past him. "If you'd simply used the power in your left side, you would've had an overwhelming victory in both previous rounds. It's time to stop this childish rebellion of yours. You have a duty to surpass that imbecile, All Might."
As he walked past Endeavor, Shoto's anger grew more and more with every word out of his father's mouth.
"Do you understand what I'm saying? You're different from your siblings. You're my greatest masterpiece."
"Is that all you have to say to me, you bastard?" Shoto hissed with his back to Endeavor. Now angrier than he's ever been in a long time. "I will win and advance using only mom's power. I wouldn't give you the pleasure of seeing me use yours!"
Endeavor's eyes narrowed and looked away. "Even if that works for you in this tournament, you'll soon find the limits of that power."
Wade managed to find his way to the Class 1-A box before a sudden pink blur rushed him. "Woooo! Wade, that was awesome! You were amazing out there!" Mina squealed as she wrapped her arms around him in a bear hug. He blushed as her chest pressed up against his chest. Meanwhile, Kaminari and Mineta both glared at Wade with jealous looks.
Even Momo and Ochaco were looking jealous at Mina. "I-I...Thank you, Mina." Wade said, noticing that the other two girls had jealous looks on them, which made him even more nervous.
"We saved you a seat!" Iida said, standing upright and pointing to a seat between Ochaco and him, not even noticing the jealous looks. Wade nodded as Mina let go of him and walked back to her seat. Wade then looked towards Ojiro and saw the tailed boy giving him the thumbs up. The Spider-Man smirked and returned the gesture.
"Wade, how come you never told us that your dad was the Daring Dan?" Kirishima asked with a grin. But then Mina rushed over and slammed her hands on her childhood friend's mouth.
"No, no, it's okay." He said with a smile at Mina before approaching Kirishima. "You know about my dad?"
After Mina let go of him, Kirishima continued with a grin. "Heck yeah! I used to watch all of his fights when I was younger!"
"I'm a big fan of Daring Dan too!" Sato replied as he stood up from his seat. "We didn't know you're his son!"
Kirishima was pleased to know some people also knew Daring Dan, but as he turned back to Wade he noticed Wade was looking dejected, even when he was trying to keep his smile. "Hey... I'm so sorry about what happened to your dad. But for what it's worth, he was one of the manliest fighters I ever saw."
"He's right, while people say he was just a quirkless, they don't understand he was one hell of a fighter that anyone has ever seen." Ojiro responded out of sympathy.
Wade wiped off the tears. ""Thanks guys, that really means a lot to me." He answered with a small smile.
He also noticed the rest of the class were silently giving him condolences. While some of them didn't actually know Daniel Walker, they did hear about the incident, and of course they were shocked to learn that Wade was the son of the man who sadly was the victim of a villain attack. Nevertheless, Wade was happy to know that the righteous boy and the muscled man, probably a few others too, had respect for his dad like his pink friend. However, looking past Kirishima, he saw something that caught his attention.
It was Bakugo, who was looking down with his eyes still shadowed over his eyes.
Wade looked at him for a moment, wondering what he was thinking about. But then his attention changed over to the next fight when Present Mic came on the announcements.
"That's enough standing around! It's now time to start the second match of the first round. Let's welcome to our next players in the ring!" The crowd cheered as the jumbotron displayed the images of Todoroki and Sero.
"He's got skills, but at the expense of some really creepy-looking elbows. From the Hero Course, it's Hanto Sero!"
"Hey, that was uncalled for." Sero responded, stretching his arms.
"Vs...An early front runner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good! Someone who rightfully got into the Hero Course based on recommendation, it's Shoto Todoroki!" Shoto didn't respond to Present Mic. All he did was look down with his hair covering his eyes. "And now for the second match of the finals! Ready...BEGIN!"
"Man, I don't really feel like I can win this fight..." Sero said at first, before surprise attacking him by quickly shooting his Tape at his classmate, wrapping him up. "But I don't feel like losing, either!" Sero yelled and began swinging Todoroki's body towards the white line. It looked like the match was going to be over as quickly as it'd begun.
Until...
With a frightening glare, Todoroki said. "Apologies."
It all happened in an instant.
The stadium shook when it happened, leaving those that weren't watching the game wondering what caused it.
As for the audience, everyone was gawking at the sight they're staring at.
When Todoroki planted his foot on the floor, he unleashed his ice on Sero and created a gigantic glacier wall that resembled a crashing wave that was instantly frozen. Large enough to reach over the entire stadium's wall, and block out the sun. Shoto let out a sigh of cold air as his right side was frozen in many places. With the tape around his body completely frozen, it didn't take much to break free of it.
As for Sero, he was near completely frozen, minus his face. Trapped in the ice, Sero shivered as he stuttered out. "Um...d-don't you-t-t-think you went o-overb-board?"
Midnight, who was also frozen on the right side of her body, said as she shivered, "Tell me the truth, Sero. Can you move at all?"
"A-Are you k-kidding? Obviously not. M-M-My body's f-f-f-freezing!" Sero responded with his teeth chattering.
"Sero has been immobilized and is unable to battle! Todoroki advances to the second round!"
Everyone was silent for a moment. Trying to process what they'd just witnessed. However, some Heroes took pity on Sero and started a chant. Saying 'Nice try' to him in an attempt to make him feel better for his crushing defeat.
Todoroki then walked up to Sero's frozen body. "Sorry. It was a bit much." He said before placing his hand on Sero's chess and started to melt the ice. He looked away. "I was a little upset, that's all."
As the crowd shouted to make Sero feel better, and as Todoroki took that moment to melt him out of the ice prison he made, Wade couldn't help but feel afraid. He knew this was what he was going to be facing when the second round began. There was no escaping it.
However, as he watched him, Wade's burning desire to save those in trouble flared in his heart. Not for Sero, but Todoroki.
Because at that moment, he seemed very sad.