This Is Me

Ch 7: Sports Festival Begins

“You're a disgusting disgrace” 

Those words ran through Akira’s head over and over again. She sat in the corner of the ante room for the sports festival. She had run into her father on the way in to the arena. She hadnt approached him, but he had her. 

“Don't embarrass Hitoshi today.” Her father had told her. When she looked confused at him and asked what he meant. “You're a disgusting disgrace and I'm glad you changed your name. You should have just died with your mother that day.” Then he walked away. She had walked to this room in a daze and just went to sit in the corner. 

“Akira?” A voice called her name softly. “Akira, are you alright?” Akira finally looked up to see it was Midoirya. Akira opened her mouth to say she was fine but no sound came out. She was doing everything she could to not cry. 

“I'm ok, Midoirya,” Akira finally said in a soft voice. She looked back down and away from him. “You should be preparing for the festival, not worrying about me.”

“You are my friend Akira,” Midoriya said as he sat next to her. “You can always depend on me.” Akira didn't notice Iida and Uraraka also walking over. Akira thought about it for a moment and then slowly told Midoirya what happened. How she ran into her father and what he said. 

“You're Not the disgrace,” Midoirya said. “Sounds like he is.” Midoirya kept his voice calm even though he was shocked and kind of pissed off at Akira’s father. 

“Akira,” Iida said softly, having heard what was said. “ Sorry for eavesdropping but You are an astonishing person. You are strong and brave. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. You have every right to be alive.”

“He’s right Akira,” Uraraka said from beside Iida. “I'm sorry I overheard what you were saying. You deserve happiness just like everyone else. You don't need someone like that in your life.”

Akira looked up at them, shocked. She had never had such support outside her uncle and Aizawa. She had never felt this accepted anywhere other than home and her special hangout. She couldn't stop the few tears that escaped her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Akira wiped her face with the edge of her shirt.
“Thank you guys.” Akira said. “It's never been easy being myself around others. Constantly in fear. But you guys are amazing friends.” She gave them all a soft smile. “Thank you for making me feel better.” She needed to push her feelings down so as to compete today. She would show everyone that she was strong no matter what. She would be an amazing hero with her friends at her side. 

“Anytime Akira,” Midoirya said. 

“Always,” Uraraka said and Iida nodded. 

“Midoirya,” Todoroki called to him.

“What is it Todoroki?” Midoirya asked as he got up and walked over a bit.

“On an objective basis, I think I’m above you in terms of practical strength,” Todoroki said. “You’ve managed to get All Might’s eyes on you, right? I feel no need to pry into that but I'm going to beat you. I'm not here to play nice and make friends, but whatever.”

“Looking at it objectively,” Midoirya said. “I have no idea what you want from me. Telling me all that. You're definitely stronger than me. I think the vast majority of people are probably no match for you.” Only Iida saw Akira scoff at this. She felt she could take Todoroki. “Even so. Everyone - even kids from other departments are aiming for the top with all their might. So I’m going to go for it with all my might, too!”

“Hey Todoroki,” Akira said standing up. “Don't think you have this in the bag just because of your declaration of challenge with Midoirya. There are a lot of us here going for the top and not all of us feel you're stronger than us.”

“Yamada,” Todoroki said. “I'm surprised you're so full of fight with what happened between your father this morning.” Todoroki had been close by and heard it first hand. Akira flinched and her hands turned into fists.

“Well I have amazing friends who have my back,” Akira said. “And family who supports me and loves me.” She noticed Todoroki grimace at that himself. “Besides, strong emotions fuel my quirk even more. There's no way I'll lose today. I got something to prove myself.” Todoroki just nodded.

~~~~~~

The first challenge was an obstacle race. Akira raced forward quickly and with ease. Years of playing running sports and running every day gave her good speed. When a wave of cold almost hit her, she jumped high and used her voice to push her high and forward in a flip. She was glad she learned that on the first day. She landed in a crouch and then kept running hard. “Not today Todoroki.” She said to herself. 

Next obstacle was giant robots. She had heard about these from the entrance exam. She dodged and weaved through the robots. Using her agility and speed to move through small spaces. Robots trying to hit her only hit themselves or other robots. She didn't want to use large scale attacks as it would hit others as well even with her directional speaker on her neck. She had put in the paperwork to use it during the festival.

Next was a deep hole in the ground. She easily walked  the tightropes though it slowed her down. She had been around fourth place but she was falling back towards eighth. The tenth. As people passed her with quirks that let them get over the hole faster and easier. 

Last she came upon a minefield. Akira chuckled. “Cake.” She let out a loud trill and exploded mines in her way. Making the way safe for her to run forward. She even knocked some other contestants to the side with the explosions. She ran past them easily and secured seventh place behind Iida. “Damn I need to work on my versatility and control of my quirk.” She told herself. 

“Congratulations  Akira,” Iida said. 

“Congrats to you,” Akira gave him a soft smile. “You came in ahead of me.”

“Only by a moment,” Iida said. “What you did in the minefield was impressive. I almost lost my balance a couple times as you made those things explode.”

“Thanks Iida,” Akira smiled softly. She looked up at the screen and saw her cousin got through as well at 28. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second event was announced as a human cavalry battle. “Yamada,” someone said behind her. “I want you on my team.” She turned to face them and was a bit surprised. 

“You want me?” Akira asked. “Why?”

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And thats the end of this chapter. Who do you think is asking Akira to join them?

Thank you for reading. 

Please vote and comment. Let me know what you think so far.