Todoroki doesn't know what to think anymore. Midoriya Izuku kept surprising him at every turn, every time their passed crossed and collided. The teen seemed to be the definition of a mystery wrapped in an enigma. The further you dug the deeper the secrets and the surprises got. The cavalry battle started like everyone expected. Everyone immediately ganged up on the greenette's team. Wanting the ten million points for themselves. However, what he didn't expect was for said team to suddenly take off, in all their jet packed flying glory. Somehow, Midoriya managed to hold onto his headband for most of the game. Evading and dodging any attempt at his points with expertise that went beyond any of Todoroki's expectations. He could only imagine what kind of trials Midoriya had to go through in that death game to be able to pull off these moves, both tactical and skillful.

Now, standing just a couple of feet away from the boy's team, watching with narrowed eyes as the teen eluded once again his opponent; He decided it was time to execute his plan.

Waiting for the right moment, he signaled Yaoyorozu, knowing that the girl would understand what he wanted her to do.

Midoriya won't be escaping this time.

________________________________________

Izuku expected to be faced with many hurdles during this round. He even counted on some of them to be able to fulfill his plan. However, what he didn't expect was the giant, unmovable ice dome that surrounded them. Forming in a fraction of a second, almost crushing them with its sudden appearance. Todoroki really didn't pull any punches. The teen was way too serious about this game for Kirito's taste.

The stakes in this weren't high. There was no life and death situation. No carnal need for survival pushing their every action. So, why was he so serious? Why was he acting like the sky would fall if he didn't get first place?

The sky wasn't falling. His team wasn't in danger. Their lives weren't on the line.

For once a game was just that. A game.

Nonetheless, when Izuku had looked at the expression on his teammate's faces, when he'd seen the pure unadulterated determination shining in their eyes. He'd made a decision. He'd win this for them.

So, when the ice formed around them, trapping them in the cold, harsh ground, he didn't falter. Didn't cower under the intensity of the ice and fire user's glare. Nor did he hesitate to dodge the net that Yaoyorozu has flung at them.

Turning on the thrusters on the shoes Lizbeth gave him before the start of the game, he pushed the team forward, hand outstretched and reaching for one of the headbands that adorned Todoroki's neck.

However, just as he was about to take it, explosions resounded all around them, almost detracting him from the fire that had suddenly erupted from Todoroki's side, making the shadow entity next to him shy away from the onslaught of light and heat that accosted their senses.

Kirito's team was as of now, surrounded by both sides. Bakugou's team from the back and Todoroki's on their front.

It seemed luck wasn't on his side at all today.

Smirking at the knowing look adorning Liz's face and catching Tokoyami's gaze with his own, he jumped. A strange kind of nostalgia hitting him, one that brought up memories of a cold night, trapped and surrounded by similar ice pillars, blocking them from the world beyond. Feet pounding against the ice dome with a speed he'd forgotten he was able to maintain. Legs vibrating with the effort, adrenaline high, and hands poised, he ran right up the wall. Effectively dodging both Kaminari's and Bakugou's attacks.

Satisfied that this time, he was able to actually complete his climb, he reluctantly let himself fall back, flipping in the air and landing right back where he'd started. Safely nestled in his teammate's hold.

The shocked expressions adorning his opponent's faces was worth it. Especially when Dark shadow appeared behind him, a headband securely held in his beak. Having taken his actions just as they were supposed to be taken. As a distraction.

The buzzer sounding around them only served to emphasize their victory as the crowd roared from all sides.

Ignoring the murderous glares sent his way by both the fiery blond and the half cold half hot quirk user, he walked away. Satisfied with the grins his teammates were sporting.

His smirk only growing as Liz's words reached his ear, voice barely a whisper as she passed him.

"Cavalry battle: Cleared."

________________________________

"There you go, folks! This marks the end of the second round, with Midoroya's team, once again, taking the victory! Stay tuned for our next event! What is it? You guessed it! It's the one on one battles! The contestants will consist of the first four teams who made it through the second round! Now for a small break, see you in twenty!" Present Mic's voice resounded through the arena, eliciting another roar from the crowd as the students all made it to the cafeterias for the lunch break.

Turning his mic off, he turned in his chair and leaned back into his seat to look at his co-host.

"This kid..." He said, voice sounding both proud and exasperated to Aizawa's ears. "He's something else, isn't he?"

"He certainly has potential." And wasn't that something, coming from Aizawa.

"I just wish he'd open up more. At least now he has people who understand what he's been through." Mic chuckled lightly, a fond look in his toxic green eyes. "UA somehow attracts survivors, it's funny, really. How the kids who are seen as damaged monsters, want to be heroes the most."

"Are you going to tell him about the others?" Aizawa asked, voice uncharacteristically soft, concerned.

"Not yet. He needs time to adjust."

"You do too, you know?"

"It's different for me Shou, I wasn't always on the front lines, I didn't watch the person I love die, I didn't sacrifice myself to save everyone." Taking a breath, he continued. "Kirito... he's just a kid. He shouldn't have had to go through all that. I was the hero. I was the grown up. I should have done more."

"That's bullshit and you know it." Aizawa's voice was unwavering as he spoke. "You helped those kids. Izuku told me everything you did for them. He told me how you assisted the players, how you fought for them. Stop thinking about what you could've done and start thinking about what you can do now." Clearing his throat, he looked away, breaking the intensity he'd held in his gaze. "You're being an idiot and you know it."

"Aw Shouta! I knew you cared!" Yamada cried out, hugging his co-host in earnest.

"Shut up."

___________________________________

"You just had to do that stunt again didn't you!" Lizbeth teased, hands flailing as she leaned forward in her seat, right across Izuku In the cafeteria. "At least you didn't face-plant on the ground this time!" Her laugh made most of the room's occupants turn their way, but she didn't seem to care.

"Did that really happen?" Kirishima asked, curiosity and eagerness obvious in his voice. "That move was awesome though! You ran up the wall like it was nothing!"

"You should've seen him the first time!" Liz seemed to get even more excited with Kirishima's eagerness directed at her. "The ice was so high and he managed to run so far up, it was amazing! But then BAM! He slips and the next thing you know he's falling right back down and into the snow." She gushed happily, eyes distant as if she was seeing it happen right then and there. "Any other player would've died from the fall alone. Not Kirito though, his HP was off the roof."

That sobered her right back up though, the atmosphere suddenly getting heavier. Loaded.

"That's so manly!" Kirishima exclaimed, not noticing their sudden change in attitude and atmosphere but breaking it nonetheless effortlessly. "You're so cool M-"

"Midoriya." A voice cut in as if continuing Kirishima's sentence. "Can I talk to you privately?"

Turning around, Izuku found himself face to face with Todoroki. The boy looked as stoic and serious as ever, standing there, back straight, posture completely composed.

"Sure thing Todoroki." Izuku responded before any of the table's occupants could protest.

With that, he followed the ice user out into a deserted hallway.

______________________________________

The silence stretched in the space between them as they both leaned against a wall, facing each other.

Todoroki's heterochromatic eyes seemed to hold a certain graveness to them, making the hair on Izuku's arms stand on end. He knew that gaze, he's seen it many times in the early mornings. When the darkness from his nightmares would slither and emerge, following him into the waking world, reflecting itself in his eyes through the mirror.

He didn't wither under its intensity, nor did he try and break out of it. If Todoroki had something to say to him. He'd wait for him to gather his thoughts. Patience was something he'd been forced to learn.

"Have you ever heard of quirk marriages?" That... Wasn't what he expected.

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"My father has been trying to surpass All Might for a very long time." Todoroki's voice was low as he spoke, steady. "He tried everything to become stronger but when he realized that he couldn't do it, he came up with a plan. If he couldn't surpass All Might, then he'd create someone who could do it for him." The anger in his voice was prominent when he continued. "He forced my mother into a quirk marriage, trying to create the perfect offspring. A child with both his power and my mother's. After failing at this with my siblings, he finally got what he wanted with me."

"Half cold half hot." Izuku breathed in realization. "The perfect combination."

"I was just an object to him. A tool he could use and train into the perfect weapon. Everything to surpass All Might."

"Is that why you don't use your fire?"

"My mother... do you know what she told me as she poured boiling hot water onto my face?" He continued before Izuku could voice his surprise. "She said my left side was unsightly. So that's why...That's why I can never use my left side. I can never give him the satisfaction. I won't use his quirk. Ever. I'll win with my own power, with only my ice."

"I thought you were smarter than this." Todoroki's eyes widened and narrowed but Izuku plowed on, he needed to say this, even if he had to be blunt about it. "Do you honestly think that in a life or death situation, you'll have the luxury of holding back? If a civilian's life was on the line, if your life was on the line, would you still hold back? Would you let them die for your own selfish desires?" Leveling him with his own steady glare, he continued. "You can't win if you're going to half-ass it anyway, so think about that the next time you're in that arena." Turning to walk away, he looked one last time at the Fire and ice use. "Besides, don't you think it's about time that you stop letting your father dictate your actions?"

With an offhanded wave, he walked right back to the arena. He was the first contestant scheduled to fight, after all.

________________________________

"Ladies and gentleman! Welcome back, just in time for the third round! The first competitors to fight in this fated match are the following! The one who's been on an unbelievable winning streak, baffling the crowd with his ingenuity, resourcefulness, gut, and sheer power! Class 1-A's very own IZUKU MIDORIYA!" The cacophony of cheers and applause intensified as he stepped into the arena, the sunlight shining right into his eyes as he crossed the threshold into the open air. "Going up against him is 1-B's own Copy cat! Having gotten fourth place in the cavalry battle with his cunning abilities and his awesome quirk! Please give it out for MONOMA NEITO!"

Monoma looked way too smug as he stepped out of the tunnel. Marching with an air of confidence, bordering on arrogance. Izuku had to give it to him. The kid didn't show any hint of fraying nerve.

"Contestant in positions! Fight!" Midnight shouted, her voice clear and loud for all to hear.

Monoma was running before she even finished her sentence, charging straight at him, hand outstretched ready to touch him.

Izuku wouldn't make it that easy for him, even though he was curious as to what would happen.

Easily dodging the hands coming his way, he sidestepped the other teen, almost making him stumble as he failed to stop his charge.

"Class 1-A." He scuffed, "You guys really get on my nerves. Do you really think I came unprepared?" his hair extended and swayed, vines forming at the ends, poised and ready to attack.

"Impressive quirk, I'll give you that."Izuku said before he could stop himself. "But it will take so much more to take me on." The vines moved at an incredible speed, coming at him from every direction. They reminding him of the monsters in the lower dungeons. Jumping up and kicking off an incoming projectile, he slowly but surely dodged his way, through the onslaught of vines and plants and right at Monoma.

Twirling into a roundhouse kick, he sent the teen stumbling further back, wheezing and trying to regain his composure, Monoma didn't see the next hit coming.

However, just as Kirito was about to land his punch, a vine shot out, snagging his arm in its grasp. Thorns digging painfully into his flesh, enough to draw out blood.

He didn't falter though, didn't hesitate as he ripped his arm right out of its hold, flesh tearing as the thorns were forcefully pulled out. Some of them remained embedded in his arm though. Giving Izuku the perfect weapons for what he had planned.

Pulling out three thorns, he activated his blade throwing skills, combining it with his acute vault skill, making it harder for Monoma to see the thorns sailing towards him.

The boy cried out as two thorns embedded themselves in each of his shoulders and one of his legs. The pain distracting him long enough for Izuku to land a good hit. Activating his martial art skills, he sent Monoma flying right out of bounds. Hitting the wall on the other side with a thud.

Wincing slightly, he mentally berated himself for using this much force. Although he was still holding back, he couldn't let his self-control waver.

"MONOMA IS OUT OF BOUNDS! MIDORIYA WINS!"

______________________________

"Is he going to be okay?" Izuku asked hesitantly, hands clenching and unclenching into open air, a habit he picked up. Except usually there would be a sword in his grasp.

"Don't worry dearie, he took a hit to the head and those thorns really got him but he'll be okay. A nice nap and he'll be up and about in no time." Recovery girl assures, eyes shining knowingly as she glanced at his fidgeting hands. "You should take the time to rest, your next match is in a few minutes, and these kinds of fights don't take long, especially not in the first few rounds."

"You're right, I'm sorry again for this." He bowed low, ignoring the exasperated smile she shot him as he walked out.

Out and right into the waiting form of the number two hero.

"Endeavor." His voice was cold but he didn't care. He held no respect for the man in front of him.

"Izuku Midoriya. You've shown incredible power, however, you're quirk is still a mystery to me. It doesn't matter though. I'm here to tell you that you won't stand a chance against my greatest creation. My Shoto will beat you." And oh if that didn't get his blood boiling. He wanted to challenge the man right then and there to a duel. Cursing the fact that there was no such thing in the real world, he just leveled the hero with a glare of his own. One he reserved only for his enemies.

"Todoroki isn't yours." Before the man could interrupt he plowed on. "He's his own person and he'll fight only for himself and his own goals. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have any say in it. This goes to say that, no matter what, if he wins or if he loses, you will remain number two. So, don't get too excited."

Masking his hatred for the man with a smirk, he walked away. Ignoring the intense heat that rose and threatened to sear into his retreating back.

___________________________________

"This marks the start of our next round listeners! Please welcome back the unbeaten IZUKU MIDORIYA versus, the Ice king TODOROKI SHOUTO! Fighters in position!"

The temperature seemed to drop instantly as Todoroki leveled him with a challenging glare. Hand already up and poised to unleash his quirk on him.

"Fight!"

Almost instantly a wave of Ice was sent his way, the sheer force and speed almost made him falter.

He knew what he was about to do would be risky. Knew it had a fifty percent chance of actually succeeding. It didn't stop him from going through with it. He didn't hesitate in front of a full-grown dragon. Why would he hesitate now?

Although he didn't have his swords, he still had his skills. He just had to channel them through his arms instead.

Crossing his arms in front of him and bracing himself, he willed his duel blade skill to activate. Picturing and imagining the effects perfectly in his mind. His brain conjuring the image from previous experiences and turning them into reality.

The ice hit him with an overwhelming force, making him dig his feet into the ground in order to stay upright. The harsh wind stung his unprotected skin, making it swell and redden with the cold.

His gamble seemed to work though. For the ice didn't crush him nor did it push him back. Instead, when the dust settled and the clouds around him resided, his body held true. He was left standing there, hands still positioned, bruised from the impact but not broken. Shattered ice lying not too innocently at his feet.

"Ice won't be enough for this fight Todoroki."

Another wave of ice was sent his way, this time stronger than the last. He still didn't budge.

Then another and another. His arms were aching by then, bruises prominent against his pale skin as he stood there. Posture firm and unwavering despite the pain.

"Why are you going this far? Hurting yourself! Did my old man put you up to this?"

"You're focusing on the wrong thing Todoroki! Endeavor isn't here! He's not the one fighting you! Stop looking away!" His voice sounded harsh to his own ears, emotions prominent in his tone, unyielding determination in his eyes.

Another wave of ice, this one weaker than the rest.

"You're not going to last very long! Look at me Todoroki! I'm still standing! Stop holding back!"

"I'm not going to use his power! Stop trying to get me to use it! I won't give him the satisfaction!" Anger, as clear as the sky above them shined in the boy's eyes, threatening to take over his entire being.

Another wave of ice, but this time Izuku didn't have to use his skills to dodge it.

"IT'S YOUR POWER NOT HIS! STOP HOLDING YOURSELF BACK!"

As if a switch has been flicked, Todoroki's eyes seemed to glaze over, his stare looked to be a million miles away. The anger he previously held seeping right out of him, manifesting into an inferno Izuku had never seen before. A fiery hell on earth that spoke of years of unspoken emotion and suppressed anger and sadness. But more importantly, it spoke of a newfound freedom. Of hope.

"Thank you." Todoroki's voice was barely above a whisper, so much so that Izuku almost thought it was a creation from his own racing thoughts.

At that moment, Izuku didn't care about winning anymore. Nor did he care about fighting. The quest he'd set for this particular match had been cleared.

So when the air lit up with both friction and heat, expanding and exploding into an explosion of ice and wind. He let himself be swept away. Let his feet slide until they were out of bound.

He was still standing, he could still fight but he found no reason to.

Todoroki looked at him with newfound respect from his position in the ring. Head bowing in a firm nod, eyes never leaving his own for a second.

"Izuku Midoriya is out of bounds! Todoroki wins!" 

Authors note:

Hey guys! first of all Merry Christmas! Hope you're all okay! i'm sorry for the long wait! It's been a very frantic year! So many things happened and I can't begin to talk about them. From the explosion that happened in my country and my home to moving away and starting college and homework and tests and everything! I really didn't have any time for myself.
Hope you guys like this chapter! I finally found the time to finish it! Hopefully with this small vacation until the start of the new year, I'll be able to write more!
Thank you for sticking with me!