Remember to Smile

Are we at the end of another season already, well how about that. First, just in case, a little disclaimer: All properties are the rights of their respective owners, I only own my OCs. No guest review questions today, but I would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone whose stuck with this and my other stories up to this point, it means a lot. Now without further ado, onto the season finale!

School Festival: U.A. Gym Gamma

It was the moment of truth, and boy what a moment it was gonna be. The gym was absolutely packed from front to back and wall to wall. Clay hadn't thought too much about it himself, but perhaps there had been at least a few people who were genuinely looking forward to their little show. A show which almost had a hole in it when Midoriya arrived late from the store, likely due to a fight he'd somehow gotten caught up in. But as the lights shut off and the curtains parted, the only thing left to do now was perform as the crowd let out a cheer.

"Do your best first years, you can do it, Yaoyorozu, Yaoyorozu!" Cheered the crowd from one section or another. 'Well we know at least one person they're rooting for,' mused Clay and Slade as they looked out into the audience to see a familiar head of blue hair sitting atop the leader of U.A.'s big three, 'But we've all got our reasons for wanting this concert to go well, so let's give it all we got.' A sentiment the rest of Class 1A seemed to share as Bakugou said his next words aloud.

"Let's kill all of U.A., with our sound!" A powerful explosion was let loose then as the lights came on and the music began. The sound of the instrument's intensity surprised everyone as Jirou, with a smile on her face spoke into the microphone.

"Thank you all for coming out today!" Cheered Jirou as the dancers moved in time with the rhythm, the band played their parts in time and the rocker girl herself began to sing:

What am I to be?
What is my calling?
I gave up giving up, I'm ready to go
The future's left unseen
It all depends on me
Put it on the line to follow my dream
Yeah

'Damn she's good,' thought Clay with a smile of his own as he tipped his shades, something he just hadn't been able to resist for the performance, a bit while continuing his part on the keyboard. Meanwhile, Slade jammed out his own guitar part while taking the occasional glance at Momo, smiling at the fact that she was smiling.

Tried all my life, I've tried to find
Something that makes me hold on and never let go
Oh

Hero too, I am a hero too
My heart is set (my heart is set) and I won't back down
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero
True heroes (true heroes) stand up for what they believe
So wait and see
So wait and see

Next came Aoyama's stunt as he and Izuku leapt towards one another, linking arms before the One for All holder flung him into the air. The navel laser student used his momentum and spun while releasing his quirk, creating an effect similar to a disco ball before being caught by Ojiro on the way down. To say it was well received by the crowd was an understatement.

What do they think of me?
Who do they think I'll be?
I could not care less, I don't wanna know
Am I doing right?
Am I satisfied?
I wanna live my life like it's meant to be
Yeah

Tried all my life, I've tried to find
Something that makes me hold on and never let go
Oh

And now came the time for Midoriya's part with the rope pull as he rushed off stage while Aoyama moved to get the piece of equipment attached to the harness he was wearing. Once it was set, that's when the ideas of the effects team all came together: Todoroki formed an oval-shaped ramp of ice, Koda released a number of pigeons, Clay sent out a few of his clouds and Momo rolled up her sleeves to fire streamers into the crowd. It all culminated in an extravagant spectacle as Aoyama was pulled up and acted as a moving light while Kirishima poured sparkling dust from the rafters.

Hero too, I am a hero too
My heart is set (my heart is set) and I won't back down
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero
True heroes (true heroes) stand up for what they believe
So wait and see

People will judge for no reason at all
Yeah they might try
To say your dream's dumb, don't listen
They may look down on me and count me out
I'm going my own way
They may look down on me and count me out
I'm a hero, I've got music

Hero too, I am a hero too
My heart is set and I won't back down
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero
True heroes stand up for what they believe
Yeah I'll be

Uraraka and Tsuyu added some crowd interaction with the frog girl swinging the gravity user out amongst the gathered students, high-fiving people and causing them to float while several of the dancers leapt onto Clay's clouds, continuing their performance on the moving platforms.

Hero too, I am a hero too
My heart is set and I won't back down
Hero too, strength doesn't make a hero
True heroes stand up for what they believe
So wait and see

I have met so many heroes in my life
Gave me the strength and courage to survive
Gave me the power to smile everyday
Now it's my turn to be the one to make you smile

But the most moving sight of all, was when timid little Eri, who'd suffered for so long, smiled and even cheered at the sight. It was the most fun she'd probably ever had in her entire life. And it made Clay glad he'd worn the shades, he could almost swear there were a couple of tears falling. As the final notes struck, there wasn't a single person in the gym who wasn't cheering to one degree or another.

A Short Time Later: Gym Gamma

"I have never seen so many blatant rip-offs in a single performance in my life!" Said Clay and Slade in summation of Class 1B's play. True to Monoma's word, the script had packed in elements from Prisoner of Azkaban, Lord of the Rings, Romeo and Juliet, and even the famed Star Wars line: 'I am your Father'. Both hero trainees did admittedly like the occasional reference here and there, but an entire act of nothing but references could get old real fast.

"I'm just glad our own performance went off without a hitch," said Iida as he pushed a cart of Todoroki's melting ice away. Any response Clay or Slade would've had to that was interrupted by Midoriya running back into the gym. He'd been explaining the real reason as to why he'd been late, a battle with some internet villain named Gentle Criminal, to Hound Dog, All Might and the other teachers. It was about this time that Mirio Togata and Eri managed to make it back into the gym as well.

"Ah, Midoriya, Clay," said the lead member of U.A.'s big three with his trademark smile, "You guys did fantastic work up there."

"It was scary at first with that loud noise," said a smiling and clearly happy Eri, "but then everyone was hopping around to the music, and a flash before Deku went away, then it was cold with a spinning light. I think someone said 'wow', and I said 'wow' too!" She tilted her head in confusion for a moment when Midoriya wiped his eyes, but he was smiling when he said his next words.

"I'm glad you had a good time Eri," he said as he tried to keep more tears of joy from leaking out. Clay wasn't faring much better.

"Yeah but you two shouldn't be!" exclaimed Mineta as he came by carrying some large ice chunks, "one of you was already late and now you're both slacking off!"

"Midoriya's had a harder day than you, so lay off," said Clay as he brought one of his clouds by and sent Mineta sliding away to where Bakugou was melting the ice. "But he is right, we should probably finish up here before getting to the rest of the festival."

"Right," said Izuku before turning to Eri, "Don't worry, we'll be done soon. So just stick with Mirio for now." The horned girl nodded in understanding as the two U.A. students went off to continue their clean up. As they proceeded, the occasional words of 'good job' and 'we had fun' were thrown their way from other students outside of the gym. Class 1A responded humbly to all of them, save for a couple of students from the support course. One was relatively tall with a long chin and duck tail hairdo while the other was a girl with short pigtails.

"We're really sorry!" They both said, "We watched your performance to criticize it!" The two proceeded to run off after that.

"I wonder if those were some of the students who were feeling stressed that Mister Aizawa mentioned," commented Kirishima. "But if they were, then that means our feelings really did reach them!"

"Yes," said Iida as he adjusted his glasses, "but I'm sure there were some students who didn't watch, so we must continue on so that our feelings rea-."

"I think it'll be fine," said one of the other students with a smile, "we heard what you all wanted to accomplish with this show. Well we got it loud and clear, so now we'll tell the others and pass on your feelings to those who didn't watch your show."

"Thank you for your kindness!" Said Iida as he bowed respectfully, and in his usual stiff manner.

"Well I got a better idea," said Bakugou as he stepped forward, "find all the ones who didn't watch it and bring them here!"

"Hey it's fine, jeez," Said Ojiro as he had to pull Bakugou back. For obvious reasons it was better if his particular feelings didn't reach the rest of the students.

"Could we hurry this up?!" Exclaimed Mineta as he came racing by at a surprising speed with more ice to dispose of, "If we don't hurry we're not gonna get good seats for the Beauty Pageant!"

Shortly Thereafter: Beauty Pageant Stage

"Let it be said that the only reason I'm here is because Eri wanted to be here," commented Clay as the Beauty Pageant got under way. A large outdoor stage with a catwalk had been set up specifically for the event, and the current contestant out was Itsuka Kendo, who looked surprisingly good in the blue dress she wore. It lacked shoulders, allowing her muscular arms the necessary freedom for a martial arts demo. Said demo involved her quickly smashing through multiple boards with her well-honed chopping technique, which received a number of applause.

Next up was Kenranzaki riding atop a solid gold version of her own face with tank treads and arms that stood a good ten to twelve feet tall. "Now I know where the majority of her votes come from," commented Slade, "the Support Course loves her machinery." Clay and most of the other class simply shrugged at that while little Eri wondered why a beauty pageant had a giant face rolling around everywhere.

Next up, the final contestant and star they'd all come to see, Nejire Hado, whose elegant form was covered by a light blue dress which went down to her knees and resembled swan feathers. 'I recall she tried to be flashier than Kenranzaki last year,' thought Clay, something he'd learned while giving Eri a tour of U.A., 'wonder what she's got planned this time around?' His question would be answered in the form of Nejire floating into the air with the yellow energy of her quirk trailing behind her, creating a sparkling affect as she smiled happily and floated around, almost like an innocent fairy. To put it simply, her performance was pure elegance, a magical and entrancing dance which left everyone in awe as she landed back on the stage as if she weighed nothing at all.

It came as no surprise to Clay, Mirio and Midoriya when the crowd gave a thunderous roar of approval at the sight. "The results for the pageant shall be announced at 5 PM!" Called the show organizer as the crowd began to disperse.

"Guess we'll need to kill some time," said Clay as he crossed his arms, "so, what should we do next?"

"I think I might have a few ideas on that," said Mirio with a smile on his face. The day would fly by from that point on as the group visited food stands, a haunted house, ran an obstacle course, admired the various inventions of the Support Course and took pictures of each other doing various funny activities with cardboard cutouts. Five O'Clock rolled around in no time and the results announced were still a bit surprising, but welcome. Nejire Hado had at last achieved her goal of being the beauty pageant queen. As far as good days went, this had been one of the best at U.A. so far that year.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end as Izuku, Mirio and Clay stood at the gates of U.A. with Eri and Aizawa. "I hope you were able to have a lot of fun today," said the One for All wielder, "but before you go, surprise!" The U.A. student produced a candy apple from practically out of nowhere.

"Where in the world did you get that?!" said a surprised Mirio, "I couldn't find them anywhere."

"I was worried there wouldn't be any after I looked at the program for the festival," explained Izuku, "so I bought some ingredients while I was out this morning. It turned out to be a lot easier to make than I expected, though I still had to borrow some food coloring from Sato."

"Well you should be able to see her again soon enough," said Aizawa.

"This tastes even sweeter than I imagined!" gushed Eri happily with a cute smile and a bit of the candy coloring on the side of her mouth.

"I guess we both better learn how to make them," said Clay as he patted her head, "just in case. 'Til then, take care of yourself Eri."

"I will!" She replied happily before continuing to nibble at the treat Midoriya had gotten her. With a final good bye, the U.A. students all retreated back onto the school grounds.

"Ah, what a day," said the Cloud Wielder as he stretched a bit, "seems like forever since the last time we managed to have any fun."

"I hear that," said Slade as he fell into step next to them, "it feels like everything we've had to do lately is complicated by one thing or another."

"Well we all knew going in that being heroes wasn't an easy endeavor," said Mirio with his usual smile on his face, "though I still manage to have a good time most days."

"That's probably because you can actually walk a few blocks without running into a villain attack," Clay pointed out, "Both Slade and Midoriya had to get into fights today just to make sure the concert could still happen."

"It wasn't really that big of a deal," said Izuku as he rubbed his head, "what made all of this worth it was being able to make Eri smile again."

"I suppose you got a good point there," said Clay as his expression grew thoughtful, "we've all had to be so focused on doing big things to get noticed that it's easy to forget not all heroics are flashy. Sometimes all you got to do to be someone's hero is just be there to help out. Give a gift, a reassuring word, a vote of confidence, treat someone to a meal, or even just being a shoulder to cry on can make all the difference in the life of a total stranger."

"Yeah, it really can," said Midoriya with a slight sniffle, "thank you both again, for being my friends."

"Don't sweat it," said Slade as he put a hand on his shoulder, "you've always had a good heart, and having you as a friend has been life changing for us too." As usual, Izuku had to do his best to stop the waterworks upon hearing Slade's thoughts on the matter.

"Uh, Clay," said a voice from a nearby tree. Looking over, the group say it was actually Jirou peeking out from behind the trunk, "could I talk to you for a bit?" Everyone else glanced at the cloud user, awaiting his response.

"You guys go on ahead," said Clay, noticing Jirou was a bit apprehensive for some reason, "I'll catch up with you back at the dorms." His friends seemed to accept this easily enough as thy bid him a quick farewell before he stepped over to where the rocker girl was. "Something wrong? You seem a bit fidgety."

"Well I had a good confidence booster with the show earlier," replied Jirou as she slowly approached Clay, "but actually walking up to you now, I can feel it sinking fast."

"You got nothing to worry about from me," said Clay, "I mentioned it during the cleanup, but you put on a damn good performance up there."

"Yeah, it was a good feeling being able to take something I love and use it to help others," said Jirou, "and I have you and everyone else to thank for encouraging me."

"That's what friends are for after all," said Clay, "and I need to thank you too. The amazing music you chose for us to play helped a little girl remember how to smile. We saved her from a villain, but it was your song that saved her innocence." Jirou's face turned bright red upon hearing the praise as she nervously tapped her jacks together.

"Yeah, about the whole 'friend' thing," said Jirou, "the reason I'm nervous is because I'm not sure if we can be after what I'm about to do." Clay tilted his head in confusion, not sure what to say when Jirou suddenly leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The cloud wielder froze in place as a feeling he couldn't even begin to describe coursed through his body. His heart pounded in his ears and the temperature felt like it had skyrocketed, yet at the same time he felt happy in a way for some reason.

When she pulled away after another moment, Clay was stunned beyond words. "I-I know this seems, o-out of the blue. But for a while now, you've been my hero." The rocker girl turned and hurried away then, her face very much resembling a tomato. As for Clay, when he finally regained some cognitive function he reached up and felt where Jirou had kissed him. 'I guess today's been life changing for more than a few of us,' he thought as he looked towards the sky. And for the first time in a while, the future looked brighter than ever.

And here we are, at the end of another season of My Hero Academia and another season of Hailstorm. Once again I'd like to thank all of you, my fellow readers, for your continued support and input on this and all my other stories. It really helps keep me going on the tough days. So let me know what you think of Vol.2 so far in your comments and reviews and feel free to throw any neat ideas my way as well. And with luck, I may see you all next season! 'Til then.