We are the Future: 2nd Act

Author's Note: Thanks for being so patient in waiting for the updates. I hope you will enjoy what's in store.

Chapter 13: The New and Improved Sports Festival

The Yagi Household all stirred awake at the crack of dawn when the house gave an audible shake. Toshinori stirred from beside his wife, his blonde hair sticking up all over.

"Hmmm? Earthquake?" Sleepy eyed and groggy he made his way to the bedroom window to open the blinds and let out a shocked yelp as a more forceful shake knocked him off his feet and caused the house to rumble again. He praised the gods that he'd had the house refortified after Freya got her quirk, but even the so called "unbreakable" window glass rattled from the shockwaves coming from outside. "What in the…"

"What's going on?" Hiroki yawned as he poked his head out the window of his room. His eyes popped open, the red and green spikes of his hair whipping back as a gust of wind and a blur of movement rushed by him. "WHOA! Nowaki wake up!"

"Huh? Wha?" Nowaki yawned and sat up in bed rubbing his eyes. "What is it Hiro?" He slumped over, fumbling with his glasses as he approached the window. Two seconds later he was wide awake and blinking with wide eyed surprise. "EH!?"

"Wow…" Freya sat on the back porch her eyes sparkling with delight as she watched her two older siblings duke it out in a morning sparring match. Next to her was Taro and Lily who had woken all three of them up just before four. Lily matched Freya's dazzled eyed expression and Taro sat quiet but wide eyed while slurping at his sippy cup. "Just look at them go!"

"Yay Papa Deku!" Lily squealed and clapped her hands in excitement. "He's so strong!"

"Yeah he is, but your aunt Izumi's no pushover." Freya grinned, her admiration for her older sister just increasing second by second. Despite Izuku having far more practice and strength she still held her ground and matched him blow for blow.

"I thought I recognized that sound…" Shoto smiled a little carrying Ikalgo who was watching with avid interest and a wide toothless smile. As the next rush of wind and movement he clapped his hands squealing with delight. Bakugo slumped in behind him looking irritated that he'd woken up.

"Been awhile since we've seen this…" He muttered but a smile twitched at his lips when Izumi fell from the sky and landed on all fours, creating a small hole in the ground from the impact. "For good reason."

"That all you got, bro?" Izumi teased as she crossed her arms blocking his next attack. She whipped her leg around knocking him off his feet and then grabbed him by the uniform to keep him down and punch him again.

"Too slow!" Izuku laughed as he caught his sister's punch. He rolled them over and used his superior size and weight to finally pin her to the backyard was covered in potholes from their "light" sparring match.

"No fair" She wriggled and tried to snake through but he had her good and down and she blew hair out of her face. "Fat ass."

"Shorty…" he teased her right back and then kissed her forehead before letting her up and helping her back to her feet. The two siblings shared a long sweaty hug both laughing from the rush of the fight.

"Hey are you two crazy?!" Kairi scolded as she came outside in her nightgown and robe, hair pulled back in a messy bun and hands fisted on her hips. "Are you TRYING to wreck my house?"

"Sorry mom, we started off light but I guess it got a little intense." Izuku rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and laughed.

"Felt too good to stop." Izumi rolled her shoulders. "I could still go a few more rounds. I need the practice."

"This isn't the mountains back home, Izumi." Shoto reminded her. "If you go another round you're likely to bring the police right to the door for public disturbance."

"I guess you've got a point." Izumi pouted and then glanced up at her brother. "Do you think if we begged Midnight she'd let us use one of the U.A. training facilities?"

"I've got a meeting with her later today so I can ask if we can use one before you have to leave. It would be awesome to go head to head with you without having to hold back." Izuku grinned and had Izumi smiling. "We haven't gone full power since High School. With all your added quirks I'd like to see how I really hold up now."

"We did come close to finding out ten years ago, but I've lost and gained a few quirks since then." She pat his chest. "How's that super regen working for you anyway."

"I honestly don't feel that much different. I wouldn't have even known my quirk had changed if it hadn't been for that accident eight years back…" Izuku admitted and laughed a bit when Bakugo came up behind him setting a heavy hand in his hair and ruffling it.

"I'll admit it is a big help with his stamina." Bakugo grinned wickedly. "Especially in bed."

"Geh! Kacchan!" Izuku blushed and looked at the kids who were within earshot.

"I didn't need to know that." Izumi shove a hand in Bakugo's face then smiled sweetly as she held out her arms for Ikalgo. "Good morning my handsome men." She kissed his cheek then kissed Shoto. "Sorry for the early wake up call. We got a little carried away."

"It's alright, it's good to see you getting back into your groove." He stroked some sweat from her temple. "You look happy, Izumi."

"I am happy." She held her baby close and tucked herself under his arm. She watched her brother and Bakugo playfully bicker all the while tending to their two kids. "Everything feels like it's falling into place. It makes all the heartache and drama that happened before worthwhile." She closed her eyes thinking of her mom and Tadashi. "I hope they're happy for us." '

"They are, Izumi," Shoto kissed her temple, not needing any explanation on who she was talking about. "I've no doubt of that."

~Day of Sports Festival~

"You changed your costume?" Freya walked into Izumi's room as she changed into her hero gear.

"You can tell?" Izumi glanced over her shoulder tugging on a glove. "It's not much different from my No Mercy gear."

"I can tell. Your no mercy gear had some grunge to it… but this feels… I dunno shinier." She crouched down to admire the straps across her boots. "Plus way more feminine."

"Yes, well the previous outfit was designed for a male persona. Now that No Mercy is an official hero I don't have to worry about hiding my gender like before." She slid a hand over the curve of her hips admiring herself in the mirror. "Feels good to wear it with pride now."

"I'm happy for you." Freya hugged her from behind and closed her eyes. "Zuku and Bakugo always said you'd make a great hero. I can't wait for you to show the world they were right."

"I dunno about that." Izumi sat on the edge of the bed and tugged her sister with her so they could cuddle together. "I became a full fledged hero on Shoto's request. I'd been determined to spend the rest of my days as a retired model and housewife… but he convinced me that I'd never be satisfied with that and he was right. I'm not the kind of person who's just content staying at home and living a quiet life. I need to be active and in the moment. I can appreciate what I have but also do what I can to help better the world both for my sake and my children."

"That's why you put together that proposal for the U.N. and Heroics Committee. You wanted your voice and opinion to be heard."

"Yep, and they'll take my word much more seriously now that I've decided to pick up my cape…" she lifted up her trademark red scarf and grinned. "So to speak."

"I can't wait for you to see the changes I made to your "Grand Valor" costume." Freya jumped up looking eager. "I changed the color palette to blues like you suggested but I also had the materials fortified so that they're fireproof and have friction resistance. I also had them add clips like the ones you gave me but they're solar panels to help me absorb and store sunlight."

"Sounds great. I'm happy that they're letting the heroes use their costumes this time around. Is it true that not all the classes are participating?" Izumi asked as she stood and wrapped her scarf around her and put her mouthguard on. Her hair was tied back in a braid that trailed down her back.

"Sort of…" Freya stretched her arms up and over her head. "All classes are welcomed to participate but it's no longer required for them to. The Hero and support courses benefit most from the event, so they added a rule that General education and business can choose whether or not they want to participate. Those that don't are required to help out at the concessions, security check, and the medical field."

"Oh that's right, Recovery Girl retired." Izumi sat up straight. "Who's in charge of healing now?"

"There's a new doctor on staff now, though I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet. They call him the "Feel Good" doctor. A few of the girls get starry eyed whenever they come back from the infirmary so I imagine he's really good looking."

"Oh really?" Intrigued Izumi pressed. "What's his quirk?"

"Incense, I think… apparently he can release some kind of aroma that can heal your wounds and boost your stamina. From what I hear there's toxicity to it so there's a limit to how much he can give you. If you're on the brink of death he can keep you stable, but that's pretty much it. So they've asked all the students to be mindful of our limits and quirk use on other students."

"Let's hope everyone follows that rule." She stood up and looked to the door when Izuku popped his head in.

"Hey, we need to hurry or we'll be late. It's time to go."

"Yep, we'll be right down." Izumi waved at him and then pat her sister on the head. "Ready?"

"Born ready." Freya clenched her fist. "That gold medal is mine!"

~U.A. Academy~

"I feel a bit guilty that we couldn't bring the kids along." Izuku said twiddling his thumbs in an old habit. "They would have enjoyed the excitement."

"Don't feel too bad." Shoto pat him on the back. "Your parents are showing the festival on the big screen and making it a big showing party. All of them were excited for it."

"Yeah, and it was nice of Hatsume and Eva to donate their time to help. I thought they'd both would want to come to the actual event."

"Mavis got banned after trying to sell his own babies to the large companies on site." Izumi explained and pulled down her mask to enjoy her ice cream. "The guy should know better than to exhibit at a U.A event."

"He better not teach those kids any bad habits like blowing up the TV." Bakugo complained.

"Yeah, that's your job." Izumi smirked and smoothly ducked his swipe.

"Shut up half pint!"

"Oh, I heard Bakugo…" Kirishima stood on his toes peering over the crowd and he beamed. "There they are! OI! Over here!"

"Kirishima-kun!" Izuku waved back and jogged forward. He laughed a bit when Kaminari and Sero jumped his sides giving manly hugs with a joining playful fist to the belly. "Sero, Kaminari!"

"Good to see yah, whoa hey Izumi." Kaminari winked and sent a thumbs up at Izumi. "Looking outrageously good looking as always."

"Good to see you too, Denki." Izumi waved and smirked a little when Shoto put a possessive arm around her. Bakugo shoved both Kaminari and Denki off his husband gritting his teeth at them.

"Clingy groupies, you guys never change."

"How else are we gonna get noticed with the four of you here?" Sero pointed out.

"Tell me about it." Kaminari waved his hands around in a dismissive gesture. "You guys are always stealing the spotlight. You should let us have it for a change."

"You make it sound as if you could have any of it to begin with." Jiro teased, her once black hair long and purple in a rock and roll fringe cut. She held up a friendly hand to him, behind her was a bouncing Ashido, and barely noticeable Hagakure. "Yo, long time no see."

"Yeah same." Izumi slipped into the group of girls feeling comfortable as if she had never left. Bakugo kept Kaminari and Sero under his arms fighting to keep them still and shut their mouths. Kirishima laughed at the interaction and slapped Izuku on the back firmly.

"This is turning into a regular Class 1A reunion." He laughed and peered around. " I wonder if we'll see anybody else we know."

"Owowowow…" Izuku murmured rolling his shoulders. He may have super strength, but Kirishima definitely outmatched him in durability. "Maybe, but all of us are working heroes and some work in different parts of the world now so who knows if we'll actually see them."

"True, but we know they're watching and supporting the new generation." Todoroki assured and assisted Kaminari in escaping Bakugo's choke hold. "Behave Bakugo. We have to set a good example. We don't want the younger generation learning bad habits."

~meanwhile~

"Owowowow damn it Akira that hurts!" Hiroki wriggled free of his best friend's boogie hug and fluffed out his short green spikes.

"Sorry couldn't help it. It's nice to see the old geeky you returning." He grinned and reached out to ruffle the hair again but Hiroki shoved him off.

"Put your hands on him for awhile." He pushed him towards Nowaki who was using the prep time to read and calm his own nerves.

"Okay" Akira shrugged and immediately lounged over Nowaki making him grunt.

"Hiro, don't encourage him." Nowaki adjusted so that the weight of his boyfriend didn't inhibit his reading.

"Alright losers!" Freya walked in the room in full costume and adjusted her gloves. "You guys ready?"

"The only loser I see is you, Freya-chan." Jean tossed her ponytail back, the marionette inspired costume bringing out her doll like features. "We're ready none-the-less."

"Big talk, Barbie Doll…" Freya cracked her knuckles stepping up. "I can't wait till face off time. I'm gonna mop the floor with your Raggedy-Ann curls."

"Oh really?" Jean twirled a finger in said curls. "Let's just hope that little venture turns out better than your entrance exam score."

Freya's temple throbbed with severe irritation at that obvious button push.

"This time you can't play mediator while the heavy hitters do all the dirty work. It's survival of the fittest Goldilocks, and you're subpar!"

"Remind me why they're our class representatives again?" Rin jerked a thumb at the two girls. His and Haru's costumes resembled wetsuits in varying style and color. They both had masks that improved their vision underwater and shoes that could adapt to any terrain.

"Because you and several others wanted a hot female to be the class rep." Haru explained as he stretched on the floor. He hoped the games had some kind of aquatic terrain so he and Rin could show off some.

"Enough squabbling you two." Shinso stepped into the room and crossed his arms. "Or I'll disqualify you both right now."

"Humph!" Both girls turned their backs on each other but remained stiff and raring to fight. Shinso sighed heavily and looked to his wide variety of students. "Despite the change of rules, there's still a fair amount of students from other classes participating. I shouldn't have to tell you that if you don't take advantage of every step up you have over them, and end up losing against them then your participation in the hero course will be highly questioned."

"Yes sir!" The group called out in strange synchronicity. Despite some nervous looks, the lot of them looked ready to fight for their positions in U.A.

"Well then, the crowds are about finished seating. It's time to take our places, so let's line up everyone!"

"You heard the man." Freya stepped up as class rep and held up a clenched fist. "Let's move out!"

~Out in the Audience~

"God this brings back so many memories." Izumi leaned over the railing in front of their seats, her eyes shining big and bright. "Even with all the wild addition, this place holds such nostalgia for us, eh Zuku?"

"Sure does… your fight with Kacchan was a definite highlight for me. I was so freaked out to watch, but in the end I couldn't look away."

"Bakugo got some grief over that loss the following year if I remember correctly." Kirishima ruffled his hair and got shoved off. "That Monoma kid riled him up over it, and Bakugo sent him rocketing out of the ring. It was fantastic."

"Monoma huh?" Izumi's suddenly happy expression vanished and she slumped back into her seat.

"Hmmm? What's wrong, Zumi?" Izuku looked worried at his sister.

"It's just a loose end I never tied up. I heard Monoma was put in the mental word after he'd lost his quirk… but that ward was the same one the Doc used." She bit her thumbnail. "We never found him or the other patients who'd been serviced there."

"Hey you're right…" Izuku started to murmur. "The tip off we got about where you'd be located had informed us that No Mercy had connections to that hospital… but when we asked permission to stake out the place we were told all of their clientele had been shifted to another hospital since the benefactor for that one had died."

"Are we seriously discussing that now of all times?" Bakugo grunted. "We can wrack our brains about that mystery after we watch the squirts in action. Besides shouldn't you be doing patrol, Deku?"

"Oh crap you're right!" Izuku jolted up from his seat. "I did promise Midnight I'd patrol the arena. I also have to check in with my team. I'll see you guys later!" He zipped by and hurried up the steps, waving to some people who hailed him.

"Damn forgetful nerd…" Bakugo muttered and lounged back, bracing a foot up on the railing. He glanced over at Izumi who still had a concerned look on her face, but her eyes were focused back on the arena. "You haven't seen any of the recent Sports Festivals have you, Half Pint?"

"No I haven't… I haven't watched the Sports Festival since I participated in it." She glanced back. "I read up on the winners but never actually watched them."

"Heh, then you're in for a treat. Principal Midnight and her staff made some real keen additions to spice things up."

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!" A familiar voice came over the intercom and Izumi's brows shot up.

"Is that…"

"Well I'll be damned…" Todoroki smiled and eyed Bakugo who grinned back. "He really did become a public speaker."

"It's time to get this show on the road!" Koda aka Anima called out through the speakers, wearing shades and waving his hands around. "All you heroes that came from far and wide to witness these youngsters compete are in for something grand!"

"There's no way!" Izumi laughed and looked back at Jiro. "If any of us had gone for that kind of job I thought you would, EJ."

"I do radio biz once in awhile, but Koda is actually the one who took some tutoring with Present Mic to get past his shyness and improve his vocal range. I guess some of the kook rubbed off on him cuz the guy did a complete 180."

"So I noticed, holy crap."

"Well that's great," Izumi slapped the back of her chair with enthusiasm. "Good for him!"

"Now presenting the contestants! You know em, you love em, it's the students of class 1A and 1B of the hero course!"

The fireworks popped as the students filed out in their costumes all looking young and eager to please the roaring crowd. Freya stood smack front and center of her class, flanked by her nephews, Akira and Jean. The top five students lead the pack of potential heroes, and all of them took a quick glance to the side at their competition from the rival class.

Class B had their own band of misfit potential. Eyes burned hot with competitive fierceness, bodies standing straight and tall with pride and confidence. Both sides felt the instant spark of rivalry and it fueled the fire.

Koda went on to announce the competitors from other classes, more than half the general's students stood out in school uniforms looking to topple the heroes and make a name for themselves. The support course students were decked out in gear, ready to use their technical prowess to their advantage.

The students gathered together in front of the stage, a single figure standing atop of it. With her golden locks pulled back in a high ponytail, Melissa Shield stood in front of the students. She wore a full body suit in navy blue and had the UA crest over the breast and back. Across her waist there was a belt that she kept several transportable items she felt she would need to act as referee.

"Welcome everyone!" Melissa smiled brightly and waved a hand. "I'm so happy to be participating this year, and I wish all our participants good luck. To start us off, Principle Midnight has invited a special guest to say a few words of encouragement. Please welcome the Number 1 Hero...Deku!"

"EH!?" Aside from Bakugo, everyone else gawked as Deku leapt from the audience and landed in front of the stage. The crowds of people roared to life, cheering on the Son of All Might.

"I thought he was just on guard duty…" Izumi questioned Bakugo who just snorted at her.

"Midnight added an extra stipulation. She wants Deku to make his presence known, kinda give an F-You to the villains that would dare try and interrupt her Sports Festival."

"Wow… that does sound like something she'd do." She laughed and leaned forward a bit in her seat to watch her brother take the stage. Her brother wasn't much for a public speaker, often rehearsed his speeches to death, but there were occasions when he spoke from the heart that often riveted others and created a lasting impression. Which one would this speech be she wondered?

"Thank you, Melissa-san." Deku took the microphone and waved to the crowd smiling. "Hello everyone, thank you all for coming out to see these young talented heroes. The Sports Festival holds a special place in my heart. My first year at U.A I wasn't sure of my abilities, or if I'd be accepted by those around me. I wanted to do well, to make my family proud, and prove that I could live up to the high expectations I knew people had for me. Looking back on it now I wouldn't have been able to push myself the way that I did if it wasn't for the other participants giving this competition everything they had."

He looked at the young group and touched his heart.

"You guys are full of potential, some that you may not even be aware of. I know competing can be both exciting, and frightening, but you'll never reach your maximum potential if you don't put your full effort forward. You guys are the future, and we're counting on you to rise to the , Reach past your limits, give it all you got and more. Go beyond… PLUS ULTRA!"

"PLUS ULTRA!" The entire stadium echoed his words and cheers along with them. With both the students and the crowd fired up for the competition it was time for the Festival to begin. What the excited crowd didn't know, was that this would be a competition they wouldn't soon forget.

~Ask Briry~

Briry: I apologize again for the long delay of this fic. There's several things I was arguing with myself over, and I decided to just do what I wanted and ignore the hiccups. Hope you are enjoying it.

Next Chapter: First Hurdle