HIATUS Reader X MHA (Isekai)

Le Tournament Arc: Round 2

(A/N - Not me forgetting I had a book to write)

It dawns on me that my battle would most likely be the easiest thing I've ever done in my life.

Iida was my "opponent" (and totally not my victim).

Am I really not going to have to use my quirk until the semi-finals? That's just fucking sad.

I stood in the sands of the battlefield, blood rushing through my head so loud it almost drowned out Present Mics voice.

My focus was centered on this. I'd always loved the thrill of a fight.

The smell of sweat and iron drenched the air, accompanied by the sting of anticipation from the crowd. The gazes of expectations and curiosity of people so mindlessly entertained felt so much like the stories of gladiators.

That's all this is, really. A fight between trained soldiers, the weak weeded out and cast away while the victors drew in the spoils. Of course, the real benefits went to the host, who took the money from training and those so very curious viewers.

Iida's eyes were narrowed at me, no doubt trying to predict my next move. He was in a runner's position, one knee bent while the other was stretched out behind him. His face was painted with determination, a promise he would give his all. "I will fight you to the best of my ability, Kamiko! May the best hero win!"

It's a shame that 'his all' could never even begin to touch on my least.

An easy grin drew on my lips while I relaxed. My hands were in my pockets, showing no intentions of moving. But my eyes were analyzing the situation with a critical touch. "You will always be the better 'hero' Iida, but do you really think you could win against someone like me?"

"Begin!" Midnight announced with the crack of her whip.

Iida rushed forwards at me at full pace, an unstoppable object.

Unfortunately for him, I was not an immovable object.

I waited, watching him get closer and closer.

His flat hands brushed just in front of my face as I stepped to the side.

Iida ran forwards still, feet skidding as he stopped in a panic just before the edge of the disqualifying circle.

"WHOA! I DIDN'T EVEN SEE HER MOVE! WHAT IS THIS SPEED? " Mic screeched, that annoying announcers' voice still in use.

"That's saddening, Iida." My voice is a taunt, dripping with judgment. "I would have thought somebody so fast would have been able to keep up."

Iida turns with an audible 'snap'. His eyes blaze with passion. He runs at me again, this time his arms are outstretched as he gets closer, meant to intercept me.

I sigh, and my thighs tense as I push myself high off the ground.

The world seems to spin with me as I swing my leg out in a roundhouse.

My foot makes contact with the side of his head.

Breaths are held as time slows dramatically.

Iida's eyes are blown wide as his hands ever so slowly reach to cover his face. Sweat falls from his face, making a quiet splattering noise for anyone listening closely. His eyes roll into the back of his head as he begins to collapse slowly.

My leg comes back, and I land facing away from him. I won't need to look back to know I landed a K.O.

Time seems to resume as Iida hits the ground with a quiet 'thump'.

The crowd's cheers surround me in seconds, roaring with malicious glee as Midnight declares me the victor in this little blood game.

I basked in the approval for a few seconds before walking down the tunnel that would lead me to the class.

Selwyn appeared once more at my side with a puff of golden smoke. "Your heart rate is lower, I take it you're calming down?" His gear shaped eyes gave me an analytical once over.

I nodded, trying to unclench my jaw while I picked at my nails in an attempt to get the sand out from under them. "Punching bags are effective."

He nodded, focusing those sarcastic geared eyes on me. "Yeah, I can see that."  He moved in front of me and blocked my passage, his cooled metal hands resting on my shoulders with a comforting weight. "Would you please stop for a second?"

My teeth dug into the inside of my cheek as I pushed out a breath through my nose roughly. "If I stop, who's to say I'll be able to keep going?" My hand went to scratch at my arm before Selwyn stopped it.

"Your arm is already red. Stop scratching at it before you draw blood." He lightly slapped my hand, careful not to hurt me

I huffed again but removed my hand from the irritated zone anyway.

"Hey, you're not there anymore." Selwyn's voice softened once more, into a comforting tone. "You don't have to cover up your feelings anymore. You're not a soldier in anyone's army, so please just let it out. Can't you trust me enough to confide in me?" His eyes were lined with a dark substance that was presumably oil, and his brow was drawn into concern.

I looked at him for a few seconds, before I pulled him into a hug.

He stroked my hair softly as he held me tightly.

Tears begin to fill my eyes and drip down my cheeks, soaking into Sel's shirt. "He's not here  and I'm not in that damn house anymore, so why does it feel like I never got out?" I let out a shaky breath. "Look at me, I'm still fighting in a fucking ring for people to watch and judge while they critique me from their high fucking horses."

"But you're not fighting for them anymore, you can fight for you." Selwyn whispered, his head resting on top of mine.

"But isn't that too selfish?" My voice cracked as I turn my head up to see him.

"No, kiddo, it's not. It's not selfish to survive." His voice was warm as he looked down at me with a brotherly love.