CHAPTER 185 DODGEBALL
<span style="font-weight:400">We were led to our own locker room. Changing into our costumes everyone was nervous once more. Even me. Not so much about the test but about Toga. I regretted not killing her again. She was too much of a wild card. Had killed many people before. Mainly boys, but still. I wouldn’t put it past her to kill another girl. I knew in the manga she had some obsession with Uraraka and Tsuyu, but I couldn’t remember if that was because Midoriya had a rtionship with them or what.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You alright?” Todoroki asked. <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uh yeah,” I said. “Different to actually be here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I hear you,” he said. More talkative than usual.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I noticed you using your fire side more during training,” I noted.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uh yeah, kind of realized I was being dumb about not using it,” he said. “A little eye opening when you beat me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, who cares about family stuff? We are here to fight and be heroes. Do our best, you know?” He nodded. “What about you Midoriya? I noticed you were using your legs a lot more.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You noticed that, huh? I call it my Shoot Style. I was limiting myself by only using my hands.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Got your suit upgraded too I see.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yep,” he said nudging the floor with his boot. “Have spring recoils in them. And steel toe now. Ida gave me some pointers on how to fight with my feet.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fun fun,” I said as we walked out of the locker room. We were soon heading through an underground tunnel into arge room. The other schools were mostly there already. UA gathered up together as we nervously waited.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What are there, a thousand kids here?” Red Riot asked. “What did Aizawa say the pass rate was? 1%?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Less than 5%, Kirishima,” Pikachu said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Kirishima was Red Riot’s name. I mentally hit myself. Forcing my mind to remember his name this time I thanked Pikachu for saying it. If only someone would say his name.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Starting to get a little nervous,” Jiro mumbled. The earphone girl next to me she was one of the few girls I hadn’t interacted with much.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Want to hold my hand?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">She looked at it and scoffed. Iughed rubbing the top of her head to mess up her hair. “Kirishima, what was that thing you were going to have us yell before that Shiketsu High guy jumped in.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uh Plus Ultra?” He asked, confused.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah that,” I said, ying dumb. “Let’s yell that or something.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s just going to get more people focused on us,” Momo growled.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Who cares. All these people are side characters, we are the main cast,” I said. “Come on, it’s UA’s calling card. Might as well get these people focused on us so we can beat them up and finish early.” I stuck my hand out.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re crazy,” Momo said with augh. Putting her hand on mine. Soon others did.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let’s do it. Plus Ultra!” We yelled. I felt foolish but it made the othersugh and outsiders give us weird looks.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“What the hell is plus ultra anyway?” I asked. <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s pretty much UA’s calling card,” Pikachu said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No I mean, is it like a verb or an adjective? Can I use it in other instances? Like if I wanted to say bitch p a bad guy, do I say it then?” I got a few nods. “What about if I-” I almost said came, but most of these people were virgins. “Do well on a test?” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You can use it anywhere,” Momo said, rolling her eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“There’s so much about this heroing I have yet to learn,” I mused as someone tapped on a microphone at the front of the room.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let us begin the provisional license…thing,” I tired voice said. From behind a podium he was on an elevated tform. Arge TV screen behind him he looked barely awake. “I’m not much for small talk. Let’s get to it. There are 1,540 of you here, taking this exam. We will carry out an exercise to whittle down that number a wee bit.”
<span style="font-weight:400">He sighed, his eyes drooping as he continued. “In this day and age, we are said to be living in a hero-saturated society. Ever since Stain, there are many who questions the current state of affairs with heroes. As an individual, no matter what the motive, to put your life on the line to save others, but not seeking anything in return, is he curse of the merciless society of today’s standards. In any case, many heroes have dedicated themselves to rescuing others and suppressing viins. From the beginning of an incident to the resolution. The window of time to apprehend and secure safety has shortened. All those who receive a license today will be plunged into the deep end. For those who cannot keep up with the speed, you will falter. Therefore what is being tested is speed. The first 100 examinees who achieve the required conditions will pass this stage of the exam.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">There were loud exmations from the students. They were met with no answer as the man waited for them to calm down. “I am sorry for the hand you have been dealt. But this is the way of the world. Prove that you are worth investing a license in, by doing well today. Now, I will tell you about the passing conditions. These,” he pointed to the screen behind him. On it showed a human figure with 3 circr pads ced randomly on their body. “Are targets. Each examinee will ce 3 of them on their bodies. Only exposed areas. No between the thighs, or under armpits, or at the soles of your feet. You will each have 6 orange balls. When the orange balls touch the target, they turn red. When all 3 of your targets are red. You are out. For those of you who want to pass. The first 100 people who have knocked the 3rd target of 2 opponents will pass.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well then,” the announcer said. “Once the expansion haspleted. You will have 60 seconds after the balls and targets have been distributed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Expansion?” A few people asked. The 4 walls and ceiling of the room we were in were retracted revealing we were inside of the arena. The tunnel we had traveled through lowered to be level with the now rocky terrain we were in.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Go to the tables at the sides to grab your targets and balls,” he said. “Good luck, and have fun.” The man walked away without another word and everyone was in a mad scramble to grab the targets. We had to give our names and schools for specific targets and balls. But there were enough people to pass them out.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mind putting them on for me?” I asked Toru.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Where?” She asked after throwing hers all over her chest.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“My back, straight up my spine,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Such a show off,” she mumbled but did so. I had wanted to try to get away with 1 target. But it was too much of a hassle, things were moving too quickly. “Good luck,” she whispered.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re not going anywhere,” I said, grabbing her. Kissing her cheek she pushed me away.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Time to get serious,” she said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I am,” I admitted. “It’s time to reveal your ultimate move.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“All targets and balls have been passed around!” A voice announced. “60 seconds until you may start.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You think I’m strong enough?” She asked, getting the idea as we looked around.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Definitely,” I said, trusting in herpletely. “Just a wider range. Gather up you guys!” I announced to those in UA around us.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ll see you guys,” Todoroki said. “Hard to go all out with people around.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Same!” Bakugo growled. The 2 headed off in opposite directions.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Bakugo wait up, bud,” Kirishima and Pikachu were soon following them.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Guys, we should stick together,” Momo said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry about them, they’ll be fine,” I promised.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“30 seconds,” the announcer asked as people scrambled away or tried to move away from us.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Question is, do you all want an easier win?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What do you mean?” Midoriya asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Toru has been working on a move. It will make it so we can ambush everyone,” I said. “We could stick together for a bit. A few of us could pass, but you’ll have to trust her.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“15 seconds.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Will it work?” Momo asked, she knew what was up.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“I think so. If we cram together,” Toru said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Let’s do it,” Tsuyu said. The others nodded and we were soon huddling together.
<span style="font-weight:400">“10… 5…1, begin!” The announcer yelled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Get UA!” Someone yelled from behind some rocks. People ran out from behind rubble, running closer to us. I flipped them off as we disappeared from sight.
<span style="font-weight:400">Those in the group waited nervously as the groups stumbled and slowed down around us. “Are we invisible?” Midoriya asked in amazement. We all turned to Toru at the center of us. She was visible now. Wearing basically underwear it was cheap stuff she could throw away. Her costume was normally simple gloves. She kept the thin ck bra and booty shorts just in case she needed to bring others into the fold.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, but they can hear us,” she whispered. My greenish yellow haired girlfriend smiled at me. Her hands up in the air as she made all of us invisible. “I expanded my invisibility bubble. The light is bending around us.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“So cool,” Ma said as we stared at the other’s outside the bubble.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Head in the game. Time to take out some bad guys,” I said. People continued to get closer. There were a good 30 stupidly still looking for UA. “On 3 drop the bubble, babe.” Our ssmates took out balls, readying themselves. “1-2-3,” I quickly announced. The bubble dropped and the group around us jumped. They were soon pelted with balls.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“And our first 25 participants were knocked out at nearly the same time. All by UA students. Those who knocked out 2 people, your targets will now be green. Please head to the South exit,” the announcer said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">We turned to see Ma, Ida, the tail guy, the navelser guy, Tentacle, Jiro, the sugar guy, Mina, and tape guy had passed. “Nice,” I said. “Almost half the ss, already done.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What the hell?” Tape guy, Sero I thought his name was, said. “You didn’t even throw.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Neither did Toru,” I said. “Come on. You guys get out of here. We still have to pass.” I looked around, it was Uraraka, Midoriya, Momo, Toru, Tokoyami, Tsuyu, and I.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Feels kind of cheap,” Sero said. “Way too easy.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s easy because we work and trust one another,” I said. “And they didn’t see iting. Go on, I hear peopleing.” The group grumbled but was soon on the way.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m guessing you don’t want to do that again?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Not really,” Midoriya and a few others said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Strip, babe,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You don’t have to tell me. Clothes are so restrictive,” she said, taking off the thin bra and booty shorts. Tossing them to the side she only wore her gloves, shoes, and the 3 targets. She could make them disappear, since she had so much control of her quirk, but short bursts was all she could manage with the big stuff. She had nned on showing it off during the finals test, but she had won without needing to.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh no, you’ve be a nudist,” I said. But then felt someone draw closer. “Heads up, we got peopleing.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The group prepared themselves as a barrage of balls flew our way. Midoriya jumped up, kicking them away with the wind pressure of his blow. Momo created shields that she and Tsuyu hid behind. Tokoyami used his shadow puppet to sh balls away. And Uraraka flew out of range of them. One of the people from the other school pushed his hands to the ground and the Earth began to shake at our feet.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">An earthquake breaking the rocks around us, it was simple for me to grab and throw people to a collective location. From there we started a constant back and forth. My Haki at full range I was able to sense when people made a move. We made tactical ns to iste people. Making our own mini-groups we ventured out. Person by person we passed. Until it was only Midoriya and I left.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“See you soon,” I waved to Toru as she left. She left sadly, worried about me. “So, it’s you and me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“It is,” Midoriya said nervously. By how he was acting, I was worried that he thought I was serious about hitting on guys. But he cut in, “Weston,” he said. “I have something to tell you.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhh kay,” I said. “I’m not into dudes.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Not that,” he said, blushing. <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then what?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You uh, you said that the League kidnapped you because they thought you were All Might’s sessor…”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, right. Don’t worry about it,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“What?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry about it. I know you are,” I said. He looked at me shocked. “What? Bakugo didn’t shut up about you being quirkless when school started. Of all of us, All Might is always seen hanging out with you. Oh and every one of your kicks and punches you named after an All Might move. I mean, I know you’re a fanboy. But so is Bakugo, and he named his stuff differently. He has a huge explosion, and didn’t called it the United States of Smash? Come on.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh,” he said,ughing nervously. “How long have you known?”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“A while?” I lied. I didn’t admit I knew the whole time. “Don’t worry about it though. Just because I was kidnapped and almost sold into sex trafficking to keep you safe.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You said they weren’t going to sell you for sex trafficking.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Who can remember? I was delirious in fear,” I retorted. “Either way, good for you man. You’ve gone from quirkless to probably the 2nd strongest pretty quick. After me of course.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right,” he said,ughing. “You really aren’t mad?” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. But if it will make you feel better, you can owe me a favor,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Works for me,” he said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I got it, you can be my human shield for the rest of the exam.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhh no,” he said.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">I put on faux outrage. “Let’s see if I ever do you a favor,” I said. Heughed as we walked through the rubble. Both of us in a good mood as we walked. That was until I saw her. She appeared out of nowhere. Throwing a knife I pushed Midoriya out of the way of it’s path. Toga in the guise of the Shigetsu girl I noticed her targets were still ck.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I found you,” she said, staring at me as Midoriya and I ran in opposite directions. But she went for Midoriya. An expert with knives she tossed another one. Stabbing him in the hand with the knife throw. Midoriya stumbled as I ran for them. She grabbed the knife, and kicked him off the ledge we were on. Midoriya tumbled off but lightning streaks covered him as he powered up. <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Toga, you bitch,” I spat.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You know me?” She asked, turning quickly. A wide smile on her face as I stopped a few feet away. My mind had been ying through scenarios of what should happen here. I decided on winging it.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course, you took my gift,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Your gift?” She asked. I walked to the ledge seeing Midoriya fighting against some other students down below. He soon had thest one hit and his targets turned green.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m alright!” I yelled down. He waved, concerned as he stared up at us. <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“You sure?!” He yelled. I nodded and waved again. He reluctantly headed out.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, my gift,” I said. “Do you not feel strongertely?”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“A little,” she admitted. “I thought it was your blood.”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“It was in my blood. And now that you’ve tasted it. You have awakened a new power in yourself,” I said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“A new quirk?” She asked, amazed as she looked at her hands.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Simr, but different. Anything that affects quirks, won’t affect this power,” I said. ying the ever wise vampire that granted special powers to his followers. “You can do amazing things with it. Strengthen yourself, walk on water…other gifts.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“How?” She asked, almost desperate in her urge to know.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Training,” I said. “It’s not a switch. You have to learn how to manipte it.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Okay, teach me,” she said without hesitation.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“What about your silly little league?” I asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fuck em,” she spat. “I-I never felt that way before. I thought I knew what love tasted like. But your blood.” She practically shook in excitement. I was starting to get more into this act. It might actually turn out to be in my favor.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“No,” I said. “Roronoa will train you.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“What?” She asked, perking up.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Roronoa, your friend. He has told me about you,” I said. “He can train you how to use it. He and I are partners in this undertaking.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Undertaking?” She asked, her eyes widening. “What are you doing?”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well, one of us has infiltrated the heroes. The other has infiltrated the viins,” I said. “Huge ns are in the works, Toga. ns spanning for years. We want to bring this current system down. From the inside. The heroes? The League? They are nothing to our real goals. And you, are now caught in the middle of it.” <span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“What do I need to do?” She asked, her eyes wide as she still wore the face of the girl from Shigetsu.
<span style="font-weight:400">“For now, train, and follow Shigaraki. Roronoa or I maye to you if we need something,” I said. “But you caught me off guard here. Why wasn’t Roronoa told about it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Shigaraki told me about it this morning,” she said. “I was supposed to get that green haired kids blood.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Any idea why?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No,” she said without a thought.
<span style="font-weight:400">I nodded. “Fine, do what he says. But are you really mine so easily, Toga?” I asked. Surprised by how well this was going.
<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">She nodded quickly, but then shook her head. “Can I…try some more blood?” She appeared nervous to be asking. I really did feel like some vampire master then. Unsure what to do I pulled her to me. She giggled, biting into my chest. Toga moaned loudly as she drew my blood in. Almost orgasmic in her euphoria to taste me. All the while my face had a very disturbed look.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unsure if I made the right call I had no idea where this would lead. A crazy girl at my beck and call might be useful. Then again she could bite me in the ass. Only time would tell which she was.