✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 - 𝑩𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒈𝒐 𝑲. x 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ✿ - broken_bones_11037 - 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia (2024)

Chapter 1: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ's ᴘᴏᴠ

Eraser Head has always been my favourite hero. I don't remember admiring a person more. While most six year olds had an obsession with Japan's symbol of peace, All Might, the only hero who really caught my attention was the underground Erasure legend.

He's always been so freaking cool.

_______

“Who's that, L/N-chan?”

I flinched away as eight year old Midoriya Izuku peered down at my A4 colouring book. Round, green eyes curiously examined my crappy drawing of my favourite hero, with elongated, wobbly limbs and a scribble of black and yellow colour to finish it off.

“Eraser Head.” I mumbled, just loud enough for Midoriya to hear. I watched his eyebrows furrow in animated confusion, before his eyes lit up and met mine.

”Is he...a hero?"

“The best." I smiled at my piece of artwork, “H-Have you heard of him?”

“No.”

“Oh...”

"But heroes are really cool! So if he's a hero, then he's definitely amazing!" He blurted out. I had clapped my hands at his statement, nodding as my smile stretched wider.

”His quirk can stop bad guys from using their powers! How cool is that?!”

”Not as cool as All Might.”

“Just as cool as him!” I corrected the green haired boy, before pointing at my cartoon, “His quirk isn't flashy like All Might's, but he's so awesome! One day I hope-”

The sudden sound of an explosion interrupted my speech. In unison, Midoriya and I glanced over at Bakugo Katsuki, the first boy in our grade to have developed his quirk.

I felt my cheeks heat up as I gazed at the sandy haired boy.

”Bakugo says he wants to a be a hero too.” Midoriya twiddled his chubby thumbs and stared intently at me ,

“He's so cool....” I giggled to myself, watching my feet swing under the wooden bench we sat on.

”We can't fall behind!” Midoriya said, “I wanna be just as cool as Bakugo!”

”So do I." I agreed, ”If I get a quirk like his, then maybe... he'll like me too!”

__________

”So what is it, Y/N?!" Eleven year old Bakugo yelled as I scrambled towards the path by the river, “You think you're better than me now?! You think your cool?!”

That particular afternoon it was eerily cold. The air was frosty and biting, the ground glazed over and somewhat slippery. Bakugo had burned my mittens that day, so my fingers were number than ever. As I ran, I felt the blood rush to my face and pulse in my ears, drowning out the sounds of Bakugo and his friends' taunts and threats.

I remember thinking - all I have to do is pass the river. Then I'll be home and forget this ever happened!

”S-Stop it, Bakugo-kun! Please...!” I had called desperately into the air as I rounded the corner, steadying myself as I skidded to the floor in my frenzy.

“Don't think for another second that you're all high and mighty! You're not! Do you hear me?!” He shrieked , storming towards my position by the river. I cowardly dropped to the floor and crawled backwards, breaths shallow and hurried as I fearfully watched his eyes. That day, I remember them being particularly dark. He was angry. Beyond angry. Apoplectic.

Bakugo shoved the crumpled sheet of writing in my face, “ Are you trying to mock me?! Is that it? You think I'm a laughing stock now just because you have a better quirk than me?!”

“No! No, that's not it at all!" I argued, ”It wasn't a joke! It's the truth! I swear it's the truth! Did you even read the letter, you jerk?!”

“Shut up!” Honda Ryunosuke, one of Bakugo's friends, rolled his eyes as I scowled at his jeering. The group kept on ignoring my pleads. They always ignored what I had to say to defend myself. Bakugo did the same with Midoriya too.

“I'm gonna be the number one hero! Not you! Do you hear me?!Not you!!!”

With what I can only describe as pure, raw rage, Bakugo lunged at me.

The blast of his explosion sent me tumbling into the river. The water was so cold. I genuinely thought I'd die. But it wasn't even the worst I'd experienced.

Because when I came into school again the next day, I was completely, utterly shunned by my class.

“Sari-chan...? W-Why won't you speak to me?” I didn't stop tugging at her cardigan until she pushed me away with a frown.

“Don't touch me!”

“What..? Why?! What did I do?” My old friend had glared at me with rage, and I backed away.

I immediately knew Bakugo had spread another rumour about me. But what could I have done?

_______

That day, I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. It was the first time death was something I'd ever thought about - at the time, it was theonly thing I could think about. It was torture sitting in that classroom with everyone's glares on me. Their whispers were like daggers, their words like poison. All I wanted was to go back home and cry. I wanted to cry for hours, days, years.

I couldn't show my face there ever again. They all hated me.

“L/N!! Wait up!!”

Midoriya had yelled as I scurried out of school later that day. I clutched my book bag in my trembling hands, ignoring my friend's pleads as I turned the corner and approached our neighbourhood. As I walked further from the school, the laughter and chatter of kids died down. Soon, it was only the odd chirping of birds and Midoriya's voice that filled the crisp afternoon air.

Midoriya was always a slightly shy kid. He was scrawny and smaller than most kids our age, yet always had this determined look on his face. The boy lived and breathed anything to do with heroes - All Might especially. That's why I'd befriended him in the first place after moving to Shizuoka Prefecture. We had our love for heroes in common.

That, and our favour for Bakugo.

It's hard to remember now, but when we were younger Midoriya often chatted about his childhood friend - Kacchan. They'd lived close to each other their entire lives. Midoriya had a habit of following the other boy around, along with the other kids in his area.

Not once did he ever speak an ill word of Bakugo. Instead, he would constantly compliment him and talk about how cool he was. Midoriya's admiration for Bakugo drew me to the boy as well. Somewhere down the line I had begun to hang out with his motley crew. That's when I'd developed that stupid crush.

“Go away, Midoriya!” I shouted over my shoulder, “If I'm seen with you then everyone will make fun of me even more!!”

Finally, the boy had raced up to step in front of me, blocking my path.

“Just tell me what happened!” He pleaded, “Why has Kacchan started to-”

“You'll only make things worse." I snapped. He flinched and shot me a hurt look. Not that I cared at the time, “ Now Bakugo hates both of us! And now I hate you!” I screamed.

That day, Midoriya and I stopped talking. We never became friends again. Instead of being lonely together, we spent our elementary days in total solitude.

______________________

“I'll kill you if you enroll at UA.” 14 year old Bakugo hissed as he shoved past me to block my path in the hallway. We were in our final year of junior high. Last week our teacher had discussed high school admission with my class, Bakugo and Midoriya included.

When I said nothing in response, he slammed a fist against the locker we stood next to, silencing the crowded hallway. Murmurs and whispers arose from the corridor. I hung my head in shame.

I wish I could say that he didn't scare me. I wish I could say he had no effect on me.

But he did. He had every affect on me.

Bakugo Katsuki terrified the f*ck out of me. And at that time, I let his abuse control my life.

”Why aren't you speaking?" He mumbled.

I said nothing.

“Why aren't you speaking?!”

“I'm sorry-"

I screamed in pain as I felt him grab a fistfull of my hair. With his friends following us, we approached the nearest exit of the school building.

Towards the public toilet. Again.

Looking back on it now, the toilet wasn't the worst part for me. It wasn't even close.

The worst part was the the stares. The eyes following me. The bystanders laughing at me. The teacher's belligerence. That was the worst part.

They did nothing for me. They only watched me suffer.

As he kicked the stall's door open, Bakugo snarled, “Are you going to enroll in UA?”

“Please stop.” I had mustered enough courage to utter. Now that I had finally spoken, he released his grip on my hair, only to dig his nails into my shoulder,

“Why are you even trying? You're a f*cking coward. You wouldn't get in anyway. You know that right?”

He was waiting for a reponse.

"You know that, right?!”

“I know." I cried out, ”I know. I know I'm a coward so please-”

”Shut up, bitch.” He clicked his tongue in annoyance, “Even now you take me for an idiot, huh? I know you're gonna enroll anyway. You self-righteous piece of sh*t. Always thinking you're better than me.”

“That's not true-!”

He took hold of my hair again, and in one swift motion, thrust my face straight into the toilet bowl. When he finally yanks me out, I quickly throw up swallowed water on the floor.

“You know what I tell Deku? I tell him to take a swan dive off the roof. You know why? So he can make something of himself in his next life. Because there's nothing for him here. And there isn't for you either. So just die, Y/N.”

This wasn't fair.

”Why do you think you're any better...?” I croaked. I felt him freeze behind me. Yanking his hand away, Bakugo seethed as I turned to watch his darkening face.

“What the f*ck did you say?"

When I didn't reply, he had taken a step forward, crouching down to my level and staring me down.

“Don't be shy. Talk. Go on. Lecture me.”

“Why would anyone wanna be saved by the likes of you?!” I snap, ”You're evil! So why do you even wanna be a hero so bad?!”

Chapter 2: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Y/N-CHAAAANNNN!!”

I barely have time to register it's Ashido Mina shrieking my name until she launches herself towards me, arms outstretched. We both land in a heap on the floor, right by the front gates of Japan's UA High School.

Quickly, Mina sits up and peers over my wincing face. Her face contorts from one of excitement to a look of fear. Hurriedly, she looks over her shoulder and calls out something to another person,

“K-Kirishima-kun!!” She wails, “I think I killed her before we could even speak in person!!”

During my entry exam for UA's hero course, I had befriended Ashido Mina, a pink skinned girl with a bubbly smile and an even bubblier personality. During the exam we'd helped each other out and stayed in contact, hoping we'd get to see each other again in the new school year. To my utter surprise, we'd bothgotten into the hero course's Class 1-A. Something I only thought would happen in my dreams!

“Nah. I think she's good.”

The boy - Kirishima - had joined Mina to peer over my face. Hesitantly, he held two fingers in front of my eyes.

“Hey...uh...what's her name?”

“L/N Y/N."

“Okay, uh, L/N-san? How many fingers am I holding up?"

“Ugh. Uh...Two." I blink and try to reorder my thoughts. He grins, showing off bright, white, sharpened teeth,

“Okay. She's all good.”

I sit up and accept Kirishima's hand as he helps me to my feet.

“Kirishima Eijirou. I'm also in Class 1-A.”

“Nice to meet you.” I giggle awkwardly before turning to Mina. This time she gives me a much smaller hug, but the feels are all still there. I pull away and grin at her,

“Mina-chan! Gosh I've missed you!!”

“I've missed you too!" She squeals, “We've got so much more to catch up on!! I can't believe we're gonna become heroes together!”

“Well...I'll see you two in class then? Ima head in.”

”See you, Kirishima-san!" I give him a wave and he responds with a thumbs up. Once he's inside, Mina nudges me.”

“Rate him."

“H-Huh?! Who? Kirishima-san?!”

“Who else, dummy? I saw the way you waved at him. And you gladly took his hand after you were helplessly sprawled on the floor-”

”Thanks toyou,I was sprawled on the floor!” I huff. She gives me a sheepish chuckle before I reluctantly say, “Well... he's pretty handsome.”

"I know, right?!” She gushes, “We went to the same middle school, but he had a total glow up...” Her eyes shift to look at something behind me as she trails off. With a gasp, she grabs my arm.

“No. Way. Look over there.”

I glance behind me, immediately recognising the heterochromatic boy approaching the entrance of the school.

“Todoroki Shoto!” We whisper in unison. The boy in question effortlessly tucks a strand of white hair behind his ear, strolling past us with his chin in the air.

“You think he's in our class?”

“He's gotta be! We're in 1-A after all!!”

“I hope he is!" I sigh, “The guy is so dreamy...”

“Okay. Enough drooling!” Mina stands straighter, “We've gotta compose ourselves. Maybe if we act all cool Todoroki-san will be interested in one of us!”

Just for a moment, her last sentence makes me shudder, but I hope she doesn't notice. Together we finally walk into the school and enter the main hallway, taking five minutes or so to finally find classroom.

“Here it is!” She grins and I grasp the door handle.

“Let's do this!”

____

You can imagine the absolute shock that coursed through my body upon findingMidoriya Izukustanding at the front of the class.

Of all people? Midoriya Izuku?

But... he's quirkless. Midoriya is quirkless... right?

“Hey, class! I'm Ashido Mina! Hope we can work well together!”

Midoriya does a double take in our direction before locking eyes on me. Not missing a beat, I stare ahead as if he wasn't there.

UA is a second chance for me. I'm not gonna let the past ruin my highschool life.

If I look at him, then I'll falter.

“My name's L/N Y/N! Pleasure to meet you all!”

Those who are already in the class greet us back. Mina leads me to the row second to last. We giggle surreptitiously as we pass Todoroki in the corner, and I share a small smile with Kirishima before I set down my rucksack by my desk. It's adjacent to a short haired girl with earphone jacks attached to her earlobes. Her right jack is plugged into her phone.

Never seen a quirk like that before...

I don't even realise I'm staring until she gives me a look and I apologise,

“Sorry! I just thought your ears were cool...”

The girl gave me a small smile, ”Don't sweat it. I'm Jirou Kyouka. You're, uh...L/N-san?”

“Yeah, that's me.” I look down at her phone. She's listening to Ghost Rule.

”Hey, I love this song!” I gasp. Jirou pauses and slowly turns back to me, eyes lighting up,

“W-Wait, you're a vocaloid fan?!”

“Did someone say vocaloid?!” Mina leaps up from her seat to sit on top of my desk.

“Yeah!” Jirou sets down her phone and unplugs her ears.

“I love Len.” I say, ”He's my favourite!”

“I think Meiko has the best voice, though.” Mina mentions. I nod in agreement and Jirou speaks up, “Meiko's v5 voice is a total improvement! She sounds so real!”

It doesn't take long for the three of us to delve into a deep conversation about vocaloid. I can barely contain the excitement within me, and as we chat with one another, my cheeks literally begin to hurt from how much I'm smiling.

I don't think I've smiled this much in ages...

My happiness is short lived, however. After a further minute or so of discussion, I'm cut off by a familiar, hesitant voice. Reluctantly, I look up.

It's Midoriya, standing awkwardly behind Jirou's desk with his hands in his pockets.

He wants to talk.

I'm somewhat surprised. As I look him up and down I realise he's changed quite a lot. He's gotten leaner - more muscular. He's definitely done some training over the break.

But still, how the hell did he get into UA without a quirk?!

I glance at the clock behind me. Homeroom starts in 10.

I guess there's time to take a trip down memory lane.

“H-Hey, uh, give me a sec. I'll be back in a few.”

Jirou and Mina nod at me. I stand and approach Midoriya, straightening my dark green skirt.

“Hey.”

“Hey...L/N-chan.”

I grimace inwardly at thechan.Midoriya and aren't friends. We haven't been for years. And it'll be a while before we are again.

What a shame. I was hoping to be rid of anything and everything that reminded me of last school year. And the year before that. And so on. Midoriya won't make that any easier

”I knew you could get in. You've always been talented.” He gives me a small smile.

“Thank you. I-I... didn't think I'd see you here.”

“I didn't think I'd be here either.” Midoriya replies quickly. A littletooquickly. But I don't question it,

“I hope we can work well together this year. A-And I get that you might still hate me or-”

“Shut up.” I groan. He stops, taken back by my words. I pinch the bridge of my nose in slight annoyance,

“Sorry...uh, okay, l-look, I'd rather not talk about it. About any of it. Okay? I believe more than anything that...t-that we need to start anew. Things are different."

He silent for a long time.

“You'redifferent.” Midoriya says. Then I smile, breathing a sigh of relief.

“Good. That's what I'm hoping. I hope I'm different now. If I really wanna be a hero, then I've gotta quit the cowardice, right? That's why I enrolled in the first place. To show them all that Ican do it.”

”Y-Yeah. You're right.” he nods his head, ”If you're gonna give it my all, then I'll do the same!”

“I'm glad.” Awkwardly, I punch his shoulder, ”Let's, uh... do well this year, okay?”

“Okay.”

As if on cue, the door to the classroom swings open and slams against the door. Immediately, the class goes dead silent, except for the frightened yelp of a short guy with.... purple grape hair (???) as he scrambles into the classroom.

“Out of my way, extra!”

Don't tell me...!

Like instinct, Midoriya and I turn to face each other. Horror is written all over the poor boy's face. I'm sure my expression is no different.

“f*ck.” I breathe out, just as I hear his footsteps stop and the class quieten,

“Deku? Andyou?!”

“K-Kacchan...? You're in Class 1-A...?!”

You've gotta be kidding. You have got to be fuc-

“I can't believe it!”

Bakugo's almost hysterical as he approaches the desk closest to him and collapses into it. Carelessly, he lifts his legs to rest on his table, leaning back to face us. Piercing red eyes glare up and down at me, but this time I don't give him the satisfaction of my fear. I stand with my arms crossed, eyeing him right back.

“You. You aren't supposed to be here.” He snarls. Before I can even say anything, A navy haired guy with glasses perched upon his nose clears his throat,

“We are all more than capable enough to be in this class. As a new class we should respect each other and-”

“Shut up, four eyes.” Bakugo snaps at the boy, who's jaw goes slack in shock at his manners.

“And Deku? How did a quirkless freak get into the Hero Course?”

"How did a total brute get into the hero course?!”

It's Jirou who speaks up,

“You don't own the place. Be quiet.”

”Go Jirou-chan!” I hear Mina whisper from behind me. I watch Bakugo. He's looking at me. There's a faint smirk on his face - and it's actually funny to me. It's funny because he thinks he still has power over me.

That couldn't be far from the truth. This time, he's not gonna shackle me down.

You don't scare me, Bakugo Katsuki!

Chapter 3: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“So what's the deal with him then?”

I'm midway through shovelling a spoonful of pork cutlet in my mouth. Shaking my head, I swallow my food and lean back. Mina, Jirou, Yaoyorozu and I are sat in the cafeteria. The hall is bustling with students of different ages and courses. Admittedly, foreign faces nowadays make me extremely happy - I don't know them and they don't know me. Perfect.

“Well it wasn't just nothing.” Jirou points out as she idly messes with the food on her tray. Yaoyorozu hums in agreement,

”That young man was quite impolite. But he knew you and Midoriya-san. Are you acquainted in any way?”

I was praying they wouldn't bring that up. The shock of them being in my classis more than enough torture. I mean - I'm still in denial.

“We went to the same middle school. The three of us.” I admit, “L-Let's just say Bakugo-kun wasn't a good person and leave it at that?”

“He still isn't a good person, evidently.” Mina huffs, “But don't let him stop you from doing well! As long as we all ignore distractions, we'll be A OK!”

I smile. Bakugo is the last thing that should be on my mind. I have much better things to think about.

Like how the Erasure Hero: Eraser Head ismy HOMEROOM teacher!!

It took every ounce - everyfibreof my being to stop any impromptu fangirling once Aizawa-sensei made his appearance! And what's better is that he's exactly how I've always imagined him! Sure, he's a little, uh...miserable and intimidating, but in a cool way! If only I could muster up the courage to ask him some questions about his work...

“Right.” Yaoyorozu agrees, “This year will go smoothly, I'm sure.”

“Gotta prepare myself to be an academic weapon!” I say. Mina groans,

“I'm 100% gonna be an academicvictim.”

Our table laughs at her comment and she slouches in her seat,

“Academics have never been my strong point!”

”You'll live, Mina-chan.” I pat her shoulder before standing to take away my food tray. As I approach the other end of the hall I fall into step with Midoriya.

“Hey, L/N-chan.”

“Hi.” I say back.

“You must've been pleased to know Eraser Head will be our homeroom teacher.”

“I was over the moon!” I gush, thinking back to the moment of realisation I'd had in the classroom. Midoriya grins,

“Well, you always were a big fan.”

“Always will be.” I reply, emptying my tray, ”Oh yeah, I totally forgot to ask." I face him fully,

”Did your quirk actually manifest then?”

“H-Huh??” The question causes Midoriya to freeze. I narrow my eyes at his sudden shift in demeanour. Eyeing him carefully, I say,

“Your...quirk? I mean this in the nicest way possible but, uh...how did you even get into the hero course?”

“Right. My bad.” Midoriya clears his throat, “Yeah, it manifested during our final year at junior high. It was really sudden but UA's always been a dream of mine so...”

“So you put your all into preparing for the entrance exam.”

“Yeah. Exactly.”

“I gotta hand it to you, Midoriya-kun.” I nudge him playfully, “That's pretty amazing. In such a short period of time as well? I could never.”

”Stroke of good luck, I guess.” he sheepishly scratches his cheek.

Good luck...huh?

“Right. I'll see you in class, Midoriya-kun.”

As I turn around, I let out a quiet scoff. Okay,as if.There's gotta be more to his quirk just showing up. I mean, that makes practically no sense. If anything, the guy probably had it all along without knowing in the first place.I should've asked what his quirk was...

_________

“Welcome back!!”

After the school day ends, I'm greeted by my dad at the front door, who is quick to usher me inside and take my rucksack.

”Your mom's schedule's changed a sh*t ton since the new season started. She'll be home later, so I'll be taking on earlier shifts from here on out.”

I take a sigh of relief. I never got to see my dad often in junior high because of how busy he was with work. That meant I was often home alone with...

”I need to know all the details! Tell me everything about your day!”

"Okay, okay! Let me breathe, jeez!”

I shrug off my blazer, kick off my shoes by the door and jump straight onto the sofa, stretching my legs,

“Okay. So induction day was good. I've made a bunch of friends too. So you don't have to worry about me, dad.”

“Are you sure? I know how some kids can-”

“Dad.” I say, “Its fine. UA - it's great there, really. The people are amazing. Each and every one of them.”

That statement is... more or less true.

“Things are different this time. I won't make you worry.” I promise him, quieter this time, ”I'm gonna do you and mom really proud and help people one day just like the heroes do...”

I gasp and sit up straight, “OMG, I didn't even tell you! Eraser Head is my homeroom teacher!!”

“What, the hero you're always watching videos of?”

I sigh, ”Yes! That's the one! He's there and he teaches and he's so cool! When we do practicals I hope he'll show off a couple of his moves...”

My dad leans over to pat my head, ”As long as your happy, Y/N.”

“I really am!”

I keep a grin plastered on my face for the remainder of the day. It's only once I kiss my dad goodnight and enter my room that I can finally let my face fall.

My bedroom is pretty simple - nothing too major. There's some storage cupboards, a dressing table, linen bedsheets and an old Eraser Head drawing i made framed on the bedside table. I always smile when I see it, but even today I couldn't bring myself to.

After swapping my uniform for an old vocaloid t-shirt and some shorts I sit slowly on my bed, letting my head fall into my hands. Time passes by and I sit like that for a while, until I lift my head up to glance at my framed childhood drawing.

I drew that in elementary school. It's dedicated to a hero I look up to.

That's why I enrolled in UA. Because I want to be a hero more than anything. I want to help people, protect those I love, bring peace to those suffering. That's what being a hero is, right?

You can't just be strong. You need to be compassionate, empathetic, open minded...

“The world is so unfair.” I mutter into the silence. Because it is. It is totally unfair.

When I was at my entrance exam, there were a number of people just like me. People who wanted to be heroes for the same reasons as me. But of course, not everyone was successful. Only the best were selected.

Why was Bakugo Katsuki considered one of thebest?

I dig my nails into my skin the longer I ponder on it. Sure, the guy used brute f*cking force 90% of the time, but Bakugo was anything but compassionate. He was the farthest thing from empathetic. He was quick to anger, quick to jump to conclusions.

Stop, Y/N. Stop thinking about it.

But I can't stop. I think of the letter, where it all started. I think of Midoriya, his quirklessness, I think of junior high, I think of the damn toilet stall...

I think of the countless times I would stand on my apartment complex's balcony. Just thinking, maybe he's right. Maybe there isn't anything for me here.

Maybe I should just...

I grab one of my pillows and smother my face with it, leaning back to lay on the mattress and face the ceiling. Quickly I squeeze my eyes shut to soothe the sudden wave of emotion.

What matters is that I'm here now. That I proved them wrong. That I DID get into UA. That I WILL become a hero.

Saving lives isn't just a profession or a job.

It's a privilege.

It's a duty.

Not everyone is fit for it.

So why the hell would a demon like Katsuki Bakugo get to save people's lives, when all he did was make me wish I didn't have one?

Chapter 4: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀ ✿

✿ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

When I walked through the gates of UA the next day, I was greeted by Iida Tenya, who gave me a sort of robotic wave,

“Good Morning, L/N-chan.”

”Morning, Iida-kun. You doing good?”

“Yes, I'm quite fine. I was just waiting for Midoriya so we could walk in together.”

Midoriya...

If I'm gonna be in the same class as him for the next three years, might as well attempt to rekindle our friendship. I pause, before nodding,

“I'll wait with you.”

As if on cue, I hear Midoriya call out, “Morning, you two!" As he approaches us on the pathway. I inspect the bandage wrapped around his finger from yesterday's impromptu physical session.

“So your finger healed up, then?” I ask. He nods,

“Even now, I'm still getting used to my quirk. Hopefully I'll catch up with you two soon. You're both amazing!"

Yesterday, I learnt that Iida Tenya was undeniably fast. He had engines on his legs, like many from the Iida hero family. No surprise there. Like Midoriya, during spring break I had been training my ass off to be ready for UA. I placed 10th in general following the physical examination, while Midoriya had come 21st.

“Your quirk is quite convenient, L/N-chan.” Iida agrees. I smile bashfully,

“Well, I guess so. Still working on my physical strength though,” I continue as we walk into the main hallway, “I can't constantly be relying on my paralysis.”

“Very true. I'm sure we'll all progress as the year goes on.” Midoriya hums. Iida grunts,

“I must say, I didn't think Aizawa-sensei would use alieto encourage us. Instead of allowing us to attend the induction assembly...”

“He was so cool, wasn't he?!" I light up, “Stoic and authoritative - that's exactly what you'd expect from the most prominent underground hero!”

“He could've cut us some slack though.” Midoriya huffs.

“Hey!! Guys!! Wait up!!”

I wave at Uraraka Ochako as she catches up to walk alongside us.

“Hey, L/N-chan!” She turns to the boys, “You're Iida Tenya and... Midoriya Deku, right?”

I snort as Midoriya makes a sound of embarrassment, frantically shaking his head.

“Really? But I heard that one boy, Bakugo call you Deku. You know him, right?”

“Y-Yeah, uh...see, Izuku is my name but...” He gulps before quickly rushing out, “Deku is a nickname he's always used to make fun of me, so-”

“An insult?” Iida muses. Midoriya nods and Uraraka gasps, “Oh! I see! Sorry, I had no idea!”

She taps her chin in thought, “I dunno...it's just that Deku sounds like the Japanese word foryou can do it!!Right?”

“It kinda does, actually.” I say, more to myself than to the group. Uraraka nods,

”Anyway, I think it's really cool!”

”I guess Deku isn't so bad then...” I watch Midoriya's flustered face and suppress a laugh,

“Rather than viewing it as an insult, you should take pride in the name and reclaim it as yours!” Uraraka says. As we continue to approach our class, I fall into step behind the other two, next to Midoriya,

“Remember, he doesn't hold power over you anymore. Don't give him that opportunity.”

______

Morning classes at UA high are pretty boring. We have standard English, mathematics and Japanese lessons, which isn't really a problem for me, given I'm quite average at academics. Jirou and I attempted to help Mina as much as possible with understanding English, but it wasn't that easy with President Mic's booming voice bouncing off the walls of the classroom.

Today at lunch, I sit with Midoriya, Iida and Uraraka. We talk about pretty trivial things and gossip a bit about the heroes teaching at school, before it's time for afternoon lessons.

Where the fun starts!

I slide into my seat next to Mina and Jirou, “Excited for Hero Basic Training?”

“Yeah!” Mina punches the air, “This'll be the highlight of my day!"

“You know who's teaching us, right?!" Jirou eagerly nudges my arm as she points to the entrance of the class, where Japan's number one hero, All Might, stands in all his glory.

It's really him! All Might!!

“He really is a teacher then!!” I hear Kirishima whisper to Asui Tsuyu. The man in question is grinning as he always is on TV. His whole figure radiates power - it's so amazing!

“You'll all be extremely pleased to know...” His loud, animated voice catches the attention of us all,

“That our first lesson in Hero Basic Training will be...Combat Training!!”

“Combat training?!” I sense the fear in Midoriya's mumbles from two rows in front of me. There's a brief pang of sympathy I feel for the boy. Using his quirk already puts such a strain on his body.

“We get to wear our hero costumes!! Oh my gosh!!” Mina is practically bouncing up and down in her seat, “I can't wait to see everyone's!!”

“Me too!” I agree.

“Once you all change into appropriate attire, meet me at Ground Beta to begin the session!!”

“Yes, sir!!”

___________

“L/N-chan!! Your costume is so cool!!” Jirou and I share a high five as I follow the others out of the changing room. Not to be co*cky or anything, but I think my costume's pretty awesome too. I requested a black and purple bodysuit, with chunky, knee high boots and my prescribed glasses in robust frames, similar to that of Eraser-Head's. When using my quirk, my eyesight weakens drastically. I thought ahead and asked the Design department to manufacture glasses for me that would enhance my sight.

Proudly, I respond, “It gets even better. Watch this!”

I swiftly lift the right heel of my knee-length boot to stamp on the ground. On impact, four large, silver wheels extend from the sole to replace the heel. I do the same to the other foot and playfully twirl around.

“No way! Roller skates?!” Kaminari gapes at my boots and I clink them together, “Oh yeah! Gives me increased jump height too! Gotta be quick on my feet when needed!"

”I didn't know you could roller skate!” Mina points out. I explain, “Well, I only learnt over break. I'm not the fastest runner so I was brainstorming ideas to increase my speed.”

It wasn't just the roller skating that I did over break. I disciplined my body and my mind so I would totally prepared for Hero training.

Nothing can stop me now.

“Incredible!” Kirishima says. I grin, “Your costume's cool too, Kirishima-kun. Very manly!”

“Thanks!”

“D-Do you like mine, L/N-chan?!” Mineta Minoru taps my thigh from behind. I jump in suprise and skate backwards with a frown,

“U-Uh. Yeah. Looks great, Mineta-san.”

I take a look round at the class. Everyone's costumes are creative.

“Iida-kun's armour is impressive!" I point out to Mina as we approach the entrance to Ground Beta.

“Yeah. He looks like a knight! Aoyama-kun does as well! And Shoji-kun's costume makes him look like a ninja!”

I glance at Shoji, “Yeah! You're right! Your costumes totally cute though, Mina-chan.”

“Yeah, I know!” She giggles and twirls a strand on pink hair round her finger. I roll my eyes and lift my glasses to settle them on atop my head

“Don't get too co*cky."

“Let me have fun!”

”Looking good, class!” All Might bellows as we collectively approach where he stands, “Now, shall we begin, zygotes?!”

“Yes sir!”

“Now then! Most of the time, fighting villains take place outside. But if you pay attention to general numbers, the most atrocious villains appear within buildings - similar to these ones here!” He points at the buildings in Ground Beta, “Imprisonment, house arrest, background dealing, the whole lot! Today, we will be training and learning how to approach these situations correctly. To do this, you'll be split into three-people teams and play the role of villains or heroes. You'll be fighting indoors!”

Asui, who stands next to me, speaks up, ”Without basic training?”

“Its important to understand the battlefield and the basics with initial, blind experience! This time, there isn't a robot simulation you are expected to destroy, like what you did in the entrance exam. Things will be different.”

”So how are we to determine wins and losses?” Yaoyorozu questions,

“Will the punishment be expulsion, like with what Aizawa-sensei said?” Uraraka asks,

“Can we beat up our opponents anyway?” I hear Bakugo's gruff voice. I sense the fear of Midoriya, who is standing in front of me, trembling.

“How will we be split up?” Iida asks.

As the others continue to bombard All Might with questions, Mina sighs, ”I hope we're a team.”

“Me too. If I'm put with Mineta-san I'll kill myself.”

“Listen here, heroes!” All Might redirects our attention to him, “Here's the situation. Villains have hidden a nuclear weapon somewhere in their hideout. The heroes, of course, need to dispose of it. To win, the hero team must either catch the villains or find and touch the nuclear weapon in the allotted time. For the villains to secure victory they must keep out of the heroes clutches and protect the weapon. Think of it as capture the flag! Simple!”

All Might pulls out a bright yellow box, “To determine teams, they'll simply be a random draw. No unfairness! Work well with your partners!”

I grab Mina's hand and do a silent prayer.Anyonebut Mineta would be perfect.

”Right! Let's get on with it!” All Might begins to rapidly draw names out of the box, barely giving us time to register who's on our team.

“Team A, Midoriya, Uraraka, Iida.”

“Team B, Todoroki, Shoji, Yaoyorozu”

“Team C, Mineta, Hagakure, Sato.”

“Team D, L/N, Kirishima, and...”

I turn to grin at Kirishima, who reciprocates the gesture,

“Bakugo.”

My face falls and I curse under my breath.

“Damn.” Mina whispers, “Sorry, Y/N-chan.”

As All Might continues to call out the teams, Bakugo, from where he's standing by the far left, is glaring at me. I feel his eyes on me, but don't return the stare. At least Kirishima is on my team. Nothing to worry about here.

“Good luck, Y/N-chan!” Mina squeezes my shoulder before turning to approach her teammates, Aoyama and Asui.

“Exciting, huh?” Kirishima stands next to me. I nod,

“Honestly, I just wanna hurry up and finally use my wheels.”

”I don't blame ya. They're wicked!” He says.

“Now then! The first teams up are...heroes - Team A. And villains - Team D!”

“Aaaand we're up first. Damn.” Kirishima sighs. I glance over at Bakugo, who is still brooding by himself. Moron.

“Best of luck, Team D!" Iida quickly bows at us,

“Thanks, Iida-kun. You guys too.” I reply, carefully watching Midoriya quake in his boots. He's in a staring contest with Bakugo - I hope their little feud doesn't disrupt my time to shine.

“Everyone else, we'll head to the monitoring room to analyse their performance! Chop chop!! Villain team, enter first to set up!”

While Team A stand awkwardly by the entrance of one of the buildings, my Team and I enter the structure.

“Let's talk strategy then." I reluctantly say, “Naturally, it's best if-”

“Shut up.” Bakugo growls, “Listen you two. I don't care what the hell you wanna do. Just don't get in my way-"

Don't let him take charge!

”No.” I cut him off. ”You don't get to do that, Bakugo. So shut up and listen.” I snap. It's silent. I'm taken aback as the boy actually stops talking.

Be confident, Y/N! Be a leader!

“If you want to do your own thing that's fine. Butyouneed to stay out ofourway. I won't let you distract Kirishima-kun and I just so you can blow Midoriya's head off.”

Bakugo shoots me a look of rage, storming closer to me, “What the hell did you just-"

”You don't scare me.” Instead of backing away, I square up to him, holding his glare, ”If you wanna cooperate, then cooperate. If not, then get out of my sight.”

With that, I brush past him, “Kirishima kun, your quirk would prove pretty helpful in defense, given your hardness and all. Would you be able to defend the nuclear weapon?”

Kirishima, who had just been awkwardly watching our previous show down, quickly nodded and caught up with me, “If that'll work, then yeah!” He throws his fists together and I watch as they harden upon impact. So cool.

“Great. Midoriya-kun is definitely weaker in comparison to Iida-kun, so we should be weary of his speed and agility. I'll use my paralysis to get Midoriya-kun out of the way, and I'll try to catch up with Iida-kun..." I hum in thought, “I'll be honest, my wheels aren't enough to keep up with him, and Iida already had some sort of understanding of my quirk. It means he'll be prepared. Since I can't paralyse someone unless I look them in the eye, if I can't put him out of commission then your hardness in close combat will give us a better chance of victory...”

“Woah. You know your stuff, L/N-chan.” Kirishima says. I smile,

“Yeah, I do. Let's not waste another second.”

“Remember, Team D!” All Might's voice fills the air from the speakers within the area, “Don't be afraid to go all out or get hurt! If things get out of hand, I will step in!”

“All out, huh?” Bakugo shoves me aside to walk down the building's dilapidated corridor,

“Look's like I've got the greenlight anyway...”

Once he rounds the corner, Kirishima speaks up,

“So, you guys have history then? Like, ex-girlfriend/boyfriend situation?"

I laugh wryly, ”If it wasthatsimple, I'd never ask for anything in life again.” I shake my head, “Don't let him distract you. We're gonna win this, with or without him!”

We walk up two flights of stairs to the ‘nuclear weapon’, which is just an oversized, plastic statue of a bomb.

“Pains me to play the villain." I groan, knocking a gloved hand against the figure. Kirishima nods, “Yeah. But this'll be the first time I get to use my quirk in action!” He chuckles, ”Shame I probably won't get to see yours.”

I laugh at his comment, though inwardly I'm relieved. Don't get me wrong - I'm experienced with my quirk and know how to use it for sure, but paralysis isn't easy to control. It puts strain on my mind - the longest I can keep someone immobile for is around 57 seconds. Any longer and it'll feel like my head will explode. I'd hate to embarrass myself in front of Kirishima.

“Hey.”

It's Bakugo, who is slowly walking into the room. His eyes are on the floor, so I can't read his expression, but his open palms are twitching, almost as if he's eager to get started.

“Deku has a quirk. Doesn't he?”

Kirishima shoots me a glance before helplessly shrugging, ”I guess he does, otherwise he wouldn't be here...right? And you saw that throw he gave Aizawa-sensei yesterday. Like L/N-chan said, it definitely carries a lot of risk. We shouldn't underestimate the guy.”

“Right." I agree, “After all, we'll all be in trouble if he lands one of those moves on us.”

“But hey, Bakugo.” Kirishima speaks up, “Why do you always get so angry when Midoriya's brought up-?”

“That damn nerd..." He hisses, meeting my gaze, “So he tricked me, right?”

Kirishima gives me another look and I shake my head. Bakugo isn't important right now.

Winning this is higher up on my to-do list.

“Okay!" I hear All Might yell, “Let the Team A vs Team D round begin!”

In a flash of light and an eruptive explosion, immediately Bakugo zooms off. As smoke fills the air I wave it away with my arms, setting my glasses back on my face.

“I'm off!” I call out to Kirishima, “Let's win!”

“Right!”

With that, I swiftly activate my wheels and round the corner, jumping the entire flight of stairs below me and speeding towards the entrance of the building. I feel the rumble of an explosion below me, just as I round another corner.

That's gotta be Bakugo. What the hell is he doing - just bombarding them without any sort of plan?!

I reach the bottom floor not soon after, throwing myself straight into the chaos that's erupted. I watch Midoriya and Uraraka; they're trying their best to hold against Bakugo's force.

“Die, nerd!!” Bakugo shrieks, as a warm, orange light emits from his palm. Another explosion shakes the building, throwing the two heroes back. Midoriya immediately pushes Uraraka behind him. Bakugo laughs - his laugh sounds so evil, it's hard to believe it's coming from a teenager.

“I'm gonna do enough damage to make sure you never wished you came here, Deku!”

Bakugo runs for the said boy, but Midoriya looks determined. With a yell, he grabs Bakugo right arm andflips him over!I'm in shock as the blonde boy is slammed into the ground beneath him.

“You're like, a martial arts master!” Uraraka gasps.

“Dekuisn't always gonna mean that I'm useless!” Midoriya cries out,

“Do you hear me, Kacchan?! My Deku means thatI can do it!!”

Despite everything, I can't help but smile at Midoriya's declaration.

“What are you doing, you piece of sh*t?!Get the four eyed geek!!”

I don't realise Bakugo is screaming at me until Iida sprints past me.Crap.

Not missing a beat, I turn on my wheels and speed forward, locking my eyes on Iida's figure. As I skate, I briefly lean down the hit the round, black button at the base of both my boots.

Lets try this out!

When sending in my hero costume application, I had specifically asked for a turbo boost on my wheels. My skating on its own won't always be enough to catch opponents with more speed. The boosters the Design department had incorporated into my costume are incredibly convenient. However, they use solar energy to charge up, and there's no telling when they'll run out of juice.

Hopefully this fight will be a quick one!

Instantly, a hum begins to grow from the wheels on my feet, and suddenly I find myself being thrown forward. The newfound speed almost knocks me off balance, before I center myself and bend my knees, maximising my movement and gaining up on Iida

“This is so cool!!” I scream to myself, unable to contain my excitement - suddenly I'm lighter on my feet, and much, muchquicker. I'm so close to Iida now that I feel the hot air from his engines blowing in my face.

“You're no match for my speed, L/N-san!” Iida yells, still dashing ahead as I lean left to skate alongside him.

“We'll see!” With a grin, I push forward before leaping into the air, wheels pressed against the wall of the narrow corridor for just a second before I deftly flip forward. As soon as his gaze meets mine, I activate my quirk, and Iida stops in his tracks.

“Yes!!”I shriek, punching the air.

I did it! I really did it-

My face falls once I watch Uraraka dash past me, scrambling up the crumbling staircase and up onto the next floor.

“No! Crap!!” I exasperatedly groan.What happened to Bakugo keeping them busy?!

I hear Kirishima's voice in the earpiece I was given prior to the start of the battle.

“L/N-chan! Bakugo! What's going on down there?!”

I tap my earpiece, “Uraraka-chan's gotten past me and is approaching the second floor. You may have to-”

I grimace as Bakugo's voice interrupts me,

“Shut up and defend, extras! I told you to get four eyes!”

“I did!" I yell back, “Maybe if you weren't so busy with Midoriya-kun, Uraraka-chan wouldn't have gotten away!”

I can still keep Iida paralysed, but I'm not sure how I'll manage if I paralyse Uraraka too!!

“You can never do anything right, bitch!"Bakugo shrieks. The rumble of an explosion cuts off his voice briefly, ”Why the hell are you even here-”

I grab my earpiece and throw it on the floor, hitting my wheels again and again against it until it's a heap of wires and metal. I don't even realise how shaky my breathing is until the silence reaches me. When I look down at my hands, they're trembling.

“There's nothing here for you. So just die.”

No. No. No.

I run a quick hand through my hair and steady my breaths. I need to calm down. There's no time to think. Quickly, I spin around and follow Uraraka up the stairs, starting a mental timer in my head.

57...

56...

55...

Uraraka frantically touches two large, metallic boxes off to the side of the hallway. They immediately begin the float and I groan frustratedly.

If I'm not quick enough, she'll block my path!

43..

42...

41...

Time is of the essence. I bend backwards and duck under the metallic boxes right before they hit the ground. Once she's finally in my sight, I quicken my skating. I skidd to a halt in front of her, activating my quirk again.

”No!” She shouts before freezing in place. I smile, but that's only until the pain hits me like a ton of bricks. I suck in a breath and clutch my head, doubling forwards.

12...

11...

10...

I can't hold it for much longer!

I go to touch my earpiece, but remember I'd destroyed it in my earlier frenzy. Helplessly, I look over my shoulder at the final flight of stairs. Once I take in a deep breath, I scream,

“Kirishima!! Iida's coming your way!!!”

1...

0.75...

0.5...

I fall to my knees, grasping my head in my hands. It's not a second later that the sound of Iida's revving engine fills my ears. I watch defeatedly as he zooms past me and up the final staircase. Deactivating my wheels on my boots, I whimper.

“Damn it...”

“L-L/N-chan? Your quirk... has a limit?"

I forget that Uraraka is still frozen in place next to me, mid-stride. I'm too tired at this point to even keep her immobile. Once deactivating my quirk, she tumbles to the floor.

”Sorry. I should've warned you.”

”It's okay. Um...” I feel her watch me as I press my fingers against my temples.

”Yeah. The more people I paralyse the weaker the affect is. A-And I can only hold paralysis for so long. Around a minute, to be precise.”

“Oh."

“Yeah." I giggle, somewhat embarrassed, “Not a superhuman.”

And this entire match was broadcast to the other students. Now they all know I'm not that strong...

“T-That was amazing though! What you just did!” Uraraka protests, “You looked so cool ducking under those boxes! And you were so fast!"

“Ah...thanks, Uraraka-chan...”

She shook her head, “Ochako's fine.”

“Oh? Okay...uh..” I lift my head, wincing at the dulling pain, “You can call me Y/N then. But you should really go help out your teammate. You're giving me a good opening here.”

She gasps, “Right!"

I lean myself against the wall as she climbs the staircase, exhaling. Will Kirishima even be able to hold them both off?

The building begins to shake as a huge explosion interrupts my thoughts. I steady myself. What the hell was Bakugo doing down there?! Even though he isn't on my team, I'm starting to worry for Midoriya-kun.

I shake my head. I need to go and help Kirishima!

Swaying slightly once I stand, I exhale deeply and regain my composure.

I should be able to reactivate my quirk now!

I reach the stairs and begin to climb, just as another explosion rocks the structure. Anymore now and the guy will kill all of us.

Once I reach the room where the weapon is, I find Kirishima standing in front of it, Ochako and Iida facing him. Opening my mouth to yell, I quickly shut it again.

Stealth is key. I'll remain hidden until the time is right and I can stop them both in one act!

There's another explosion this time - one that sends me tumbling on the floor. The building shakes for at least five seconds. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see my other classmates fall to the ground too.It has to be Bakugo!

“Bakugo?! What the hell are you doing?!” Kirishima yells as he touches his earpiece, ”Are you gonna kill him?! We'll lose the round!!”

Not a second to lose!

Without thinking it over twice, I hit my heels against the wall I'm pressed to. As soon as my wheels hit the floor, I sprint to the center of the room. Iida and Ochako meet my eyes. Then, I use my quirk.

“L/N-chan!”

”Sorry I took so long!" I say, restarting the timer in my head.

54...

53...

52...

“Kirishima! Move the bomb to another room. As far away as possible! But don't go to the first floor! Who knows what Bakugo's doing!”

“I see...” I hear Iida murmur, “Bakugo isn't cooperating. That's your team's weakness!”

"We don't need Bakugo!" I snap at him, ”He's his own weakness. Not ours.”

“L/N-chan...” Kirishima shoots me a look.

40...

39...

38...

“I can't hold them for more than another minute! Move the-”

The floor beneath me rumbles before bursting. I hear the shattering of glass and the crumbling of plaster and bricks as I'm thrown backwards by the sudden blast. I slam against the wall, throwing up a mouthful of blood before falling to the floor. I feel my control on paralysis loosen, before breaking entirely.

No!

“Uraraka! Iida! Now!!”I hear a cry - Midoriya'scry - to his teammates.

Does that mean...that blast was Midoriya-kun?!

“Sorry, Y/N-chan! Kirishima-kun!”

Through my blurry vision I watch Ochako place a hand against a nearby pillar, activating her quirk. She grabs the pillar and swings it - straight into the raining down bricks and pieces of rubble. The rubble shoot in our direction, straight towards Kirishima.

“Kirishima, duck!!” I shout. Rolling over to avoid the raining down stones and debris, I watch Uraraka float straight over us, past Kirishima and towards the weapon. She flings her arms around it.

“Weapon: secured!!”

“Damn it!” Kirishima yells, falling backwards in defeat. He lands on his butt, head in his hands.

“HERO TEAM...WINS!!”

I hear All Might's voice crackling on the one, unbroken speaker in the room. I tilt my head back and exhale.Damn it.

We lost.

_________

The only person in need to immediate medical care was Midoriya, following the battle. Kirishima and I were asked if we required attention, but we insisted we were fine. It's embarrassing as we return to the monitoring room. I can't even meet Mina's gaze as I, Kirishima, Bakugo, Ochako and Iida approach All Might.

“Now then. I'm proud to say that the MVP for this battle was young Iida!”

Iida?!

The boy looks absolutely flustered as he profusely thanks the hero. All Might chuckles at his demeanor.

“Can anyone explainwhyI chose Iida and not your other classmates?”

“I can, All Might!" Yaoyorozu lifts her hand up. The hero nods at her.

“Iida adapted the most the the context of the training. He understood his role and was not distracted.”

“Correct! And-”

“His other teammates became unreliable during the match. Midoriya was occupied with Bakugo, while Uraraka made the mistake of running past L/N, knowing she would be no match for her quirk. Had Uraraka attempted to reach the next floor like Iida had, the two would've had a much greater chance of victory. Uraraka could've utilised her quirk to put L/N out of commission and remove a further threat.”

Ochako grimaces next to me. All Might awkwardly clears his throat,

“U-Uh, quite right, Yaoyorozu. And-”

“Tean D was destined to fail from the beginning due to a single weakness: Bakugo. Bakugo obviously holds some sort of personal grudge over Midoriya. This distracted him from the true goal of the exercise and did nothing for his team. L/N's initial plan was a strong strategy, however she also let her feelings get the better of her. By crushing her earpiece she removed any kind of communication with Kirishima, who could've been asked for aid. Kirishima at the same time could've avoided being cornered by moving the weapon before L/N had asked him to. That way it would've made it harder for the heroes to pinpoint a location for Midoriya's last attack. While L/N and Kirishima made minor mistakes, Bakugo's lack of communication and respect for the goal ultimately costed them the match. It became a 2-on-3 rather than a 3-on-3.”

I watch Bakugo. Oddly enough, he hasn't said a word since we left Ground Beta. He's just...standing there, silently seething. Maybe deep down, he's disappointed in himself too.

It's silent for at least two minutes while everyone gapes at Yaoyorozu. She seems to be quite collected. All Might blinks.

“Right...perfect, erm... explanation. A good try from the, uh... majority of both teams. Next will be Team C heroes and Team E villains.”

Chapter 5: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғɪᴠᴇ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғɪᴠᴇ ✿

✿ ᴋᴀᴛsᴜᴋɪᴘᴏᴠ

“Bakugo-kun!!”

“Oh. Hey, L/N-chan.” I said, turning around to see the eight year old girl. A wide grin was plastered on her face, and her round eyes sparkled with excitement as she bashfully leaned back and forth on her heels.

“I just wanted to say...um...”

She seemed very nervous. But I wanted her to finish her sentence, so I kept quiet.

“Your quirk is super awesome!” she blurted out, “I-I think it's really flashy and cool and...”

I remember that made me grin. Praise like that usually would. Taking my left hand out of my pocket, we both watched as it glowed a warm orange before releasing hundreds of tiny explosions.

“I'm gonna be the best hero with this quirk!” I said proudly, “The number one hero!”

“I'm gonna be a hero too! Just like you and Midoriya-kun!” she chimed in. That made me stop. I scoffed in her face.

“Yeah, sure. But you guys will never beat me!”

___________________________

“Y/N-chan! Your quirk is so cool!!”

We were sat in a large circle in our classroom that day. L/N was situated in the middle with two of our teachers. I watched as one of them threw a green apple in the air. L/N looked up at it and the fruit froze in place.

Everyone in our class had developed their quirks long before elementary school - myself included. The only people left in our class without their own were L/N and Deku.

Well...after this day, Deku was the odd one out.

Oohs and aahs could be heard from the class as the other kids clapped at the sight before them.

“Now we have two potential heroes in this class, haven't we?” our teacher said gleefully. L/N blinked, and the apple fell with a thud onto the carpet. As our teacher stood from her kneeling position, L/N spoke up,

“Um, Miss?”

“Yes, Y/N-”

The woman suddenly stopped moving, and the class erupted into fits of giggles. L/N covered her mouth with her hands as she laughed.

“Woah...” Deku breathed, “You'd be an unstoppable hero, L/N-chan!”

“I know right?” She grinned in response. Our other teacher sighed,

“Now that's not funny, Y/N. Go on; release her and apologise.”

L/N obliged and muttered a quick apology, which sent the class into another round of laughs, our teachers included. Everyone else seemed to smiling.

Everyone except me.

________________

“Forward march and here we go! Members of the agency Bakugo!” I sung happily as my friends and I marched around the park.We were playing Heroes, a stupid game my elementary friends and I would play after-school everyday.

“C'mon, team!" I yelled, “We've gotta defeat the bad guy! Lets-”

“Bakugo-kun?”

L/N tugged at my sweatshirt,

“Yeah?”

“Can I play your game too? Mom says I can hang around here until the sun sets!”

“Hmm. Fine. You can join Deku at the back. I'm the leader, okay?”

“Okay!”

We played for a while longer after that.

“There he is! The bad guy!” I pointed at the imaginary villain we were up against, “He's the most powerful villain the the whole world! Only the strongest can take him on!”

“Let's do it together, Bakugo-kun!” L/N shouts from the back of the line. She leaves her place next to Deku and meets me at the front, determined look on her face.

“My quirk is just as strong as yours! We can do it if we work together!”

_______________________________

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“I didn't even think about how this would be an issue!” I groan as Mina, Jirou and I watch the paparazzi swarm countless students outside the main entrance. I lean back from the window, “Good thing the UA barrier's there. Can you imagine running away from news reporters in your own school?”

“I could become famous!” Mina cheers. Jirou shivers,

“I don't even wanna think about that.”

“News of All Might being a teacher's seriously shocked everyone, huh?” Midoriya muses. Iida nods,

“It's like the whole country can't get enough of our school. We ought to be proud!”

“Got that right!” Hanta Sero grins, “I'm still bragging about it to my junior high friends!”

”Me too!” Mina and the boy share a high five, just as Aizawa-sensei shuffles into the room. Immediately we all head back to our seats, waiting for our teacher to begin the lesson.

”Well done everyone for the combat training exercise yesterday. I received videos and results of each of your performances...”

Eraser Head watched all of our matches?! Which means he saw me...?

Oh crap!!

I can't help but put my head in my hands. I made a mockery of myself yesterdayandmy idol witnessed it.

”Don't be so down, Y/N-chan.” Jirou whispers. I groan quietly,

“I'm never coming back from this.”

“Right. Bakugo.” Aizawa says, “You're talented. So don't act like a kid.”

sh*t! Is he giving all of us advice?!

“I know...” Bakugo mutters in response.

"You too, L/N.”

I jump and snap my head up to face Aizawa, who drones on, “You're a natural leader. Take Bakugo's immaturity as a lesson. Don't be fazed by those around you. Keep the confidence.”

”Y-Yes sir!” I stutter, not bothering to hide my smile. I turn to Mina, who quietly squeals,

“Itoldyou you were great!”

I hear Bakugo grumbling from his seat as Aizawa continues.

________________

“Today's basic hero training will be led by three teachers.” Aizawa states, “Myself, All Might and another pro hero.”

Perfect! A chance to prove myself to Aizawa-sensei!I think as I lean back in my chair.

“We'll be studying rescues. Shipwrecks, disasters - everything in between. You can decide whether you want to wear your costumes or not. I honestly couldn't care less.”

Rescue training -thisis exactly what I've been waiting for! The true cause of a hero is saving lives after all. This is just one step closer to becoming a pro!

“A pick up bus will be waiting for you all outside. The area is off-campus. Hurry it up, all of you.”

___________

“Where's your costume, Deku?" Ochako asks the green haired boy as we exit the school. He shuffles forward awkwardly,

“It kinda got ripped up during combat training.”

“Oh yeah, forgot about that. At least-”

“CLASS! GATHER ROUND!”

My eye twitches as I watch our new class representative, Iida, beckon our class over, “To ensure that this bus ride goes smoothly, form two lines by your student numbers!”

“He's really embodying the role, isn't he?”

We enter the bus and reluctantly sit by student number. I'm next to Tsu and Kirishima. As the bus finally leaves our school, the frog-like girl speaks up.

”I was just thinking...your quirk is a lot like All Might's, Deku. Ribbit.”

Huh. I never thought of that before. She's right.

“R-Really?! That's totally odd!” Midoriya quickly responds.

“That's true Tsu, but All Might doesn't get hurt whenever he uses his quirk.” Kirishima argues.

“Either way, Its cool to have a superman style quirk like that. You can do all sorts of flashy moves." I point out, “Pretty ideal for a pro hero.”

”Flashier quirks also tend to gain more popularity with the public, ribbit.”

“Yup! My hardening can be strong, but it's not all that flashy.” The red head says. Midoriya frantically shakes his head,

“No way! Your quirk could easily pass as a pro hero's!”

“My navel beam is very flashy and elegant!” Aoyama pipes up. Mina and him are sitting opposite us. The pink skinned girl giggles,

”You always get a stomach ache after using it, Aoyama-kun.”

The boy scowls and the rest of us laugh.

“If we're talking about flashiness and strength, then Todoroki and Bakugo have definitely got the coolest quirks! With those, they're bound to become popular after graduation!” Kirishima exclaims.

“But Bakugo's always mad, ribbit.” Tsu counters.

”Yeah." I add, “Doesn't seem like he'll be popular at all.”

The bus goes silent and Bakugo sits straighter in his seat. Midoriya mumbles a quiet, “Oh, crap.”

“What the hell?!” The blonde boy stands, “It's like you seriously wanna fight, huh?!”

I point at him, “See?”

Kaminari speaks up, “We haven't even known each other that long and we've already weeded out the egoist of the group.”

Mina shrugs, ”Bakugo-kun and Y/N-chan went to the same middle school.”

“So that means you went to the same junior high as Deku?” Ochako from her seat at the back asks. I hesitate before nodding.

“But at least we can all see Bakugo's personality is crap steeped in sewage.” Kaminari concludes, a grin plastered on his face. I snort and Sero laughs at his comment.

“What's with that vocabulary, dumbass?!” Bakugo grits his teeth, “I'll seriously murder you!!”

Jirou sighs loudly and scoots away from the yelling teenager. I frown,

“Jirou-chan, we can share my seat if you want.”

“Shut up, bitch!” Bakugo snaps. I ignore him and glance at Midoriya. The boy is looking at us all in disbelief - he's utterly incredulous. When I meet his gaze he gives a look as if to ask,is Kacchan seriously being teased instead of doing the teasing?!

Call me evil, but it's sickeningly sweet to see - Bakugo being made fun of by other people. A year ago today, I wouldn't believe a universe where Bakugo was belittled would ever exist. Yet, here we are. At UA, in the same class, just like junior high. Except this time, I'm the one insulting him.

Lovely.

”What a vulgar conversation.” Yaoyorozu tuts next to Ochako, who replies, “It's totally funny though!”

“Shut it, you lot. We're here.” Aizawa grumbles as the bus slows to halt. He ushers us all out of the minivan, and I admire the glass dome in front of us.

“No way! It's Thirteen!!” Midoriya gushes as we approach the pro hero, clad in a boxy space suit and helmet.

Thirteen holds a record for the massive number of people they've rescued as a pro hero. They're the exact same kind of hero I wanna be when I'm older!

“Let's head in without delay, shall we?”

This is beyond cool!!

The interior of the dome is even more extraordinary than the outside. It's like an enormous simulation of each disaster one could come across as a hero - shipwrecks, landslides, rivers, earthquakes. You'd find anything here.

“It looks like Universal Studios Japan!” Kaminari gasps. Thirteen proceeds further into the dome, arms spread wide,

“It's a training ground I made with different types of accidents and disasters! It's called the Unforseen Simulation Joint, or USJ!!”

Incredible!!

“Okay, wow, so cool, amazing. Now where's All Might?” Aizawa yawns as he joins Thirteen at the front of the crowd, “He was supposed to meet us here.”

I watch as our teacher bends down to Thirteen's level, who whispers something in his ear. He sighs and nods.

“Can't be helped. Shall we begin?”

“Yes, yes.” Thirteen faces my class, ”Before we start, allow me to say a thing or two. I'm sure you're all aware of my quirk, Black Hole. I can suck up anything and turn it into dust!”

“You've saved a lot of people with your quirk!” Midoriya says. Thirteen nods.

“Yes. Unfortunately, it's also a power that can kill. Incredibly easily. I'm sure some of you have quirks like that. With that in mind, please remember that some of your abilities can kill with one wrong step. Be cautious. I hope once you leave here today, you understand that your powers aren't for you to harm, rather they are for you to save lives. That's what being a hero is, after all.”

“Thirteen's so cool!” I whisper to Mina, who nods eagerly.

“Alright then.” Aizawa speaks up, “First-”

The crackling of electricity cuts our teacher off. My class and I look up at the lights surrounding the dome, which begin to shut off one by one.A power outage?

”What is that...?”

I turn to look at what Ochako is pointing at, spotting the fountain, which has begun to spittle and slow down. The air in front of the water begins to warp and stretch, before a deep purple mist forms. Aizawa's eyes widen in horror as a pale, skinny hand reaches forth from the mist, which has now grown bright yellow, narrow eyes.

“Gather together! Don't move!” He yells, ”Thirteen! Protect the students!”

Wait...

Villains?!

“Is this like the entrance exam? Where the lesson started straight away?” Kirishima asks,

“I don't think so ...” I hear Midoriya mutter.

“Class! Don't. Move!” Aizawa repeats. He grips the yellow glasses resting round his neck and lifts them to his eyes. Despite the situation, I squeal.

“I-Is he gonna use his quirk?!” I start tugging Mina's arm, “Oh my god, I've never seen him use it in person before! I might faint!!”

But when I look at my friend, she isn't smiling. She's just staring at the villains walking sluggishly through the mist.Towards us.

“This isn't a test! Those are villains!” Aizawa confirms.

There's a blue haired man leading the horde. It was him that had stretched forth from the portal earlier. Multiple hands grip at his neck, arms, wrists and finally his face. I hear his raspy voice murmur,

“Thirteen...and Eraser Head, huh?”

The mist retracts and forms a figure next to the supposed leader, “We were told All Might would be present today. Damn it...”

“The trespassing the other day was these scumbags after all...” Thirteen takes a stance. Aizawa nods.

“The symbol of peace....and he's not here?”

The blue haired man laughs sad*stically, “Maybe he'll turn up if we kill a couple kids-”

Immediately, Aizawa's eyes begin to grow bright red. The bundle of cloth round his neck shoots upwards and floats around him. He grabs at the material.

This is real...? They're really gonna fight?!

“N-No way...” Ochako shakes her head, “How did they get into a hero school of all places?!”

“What happened to the trespasser sensors?” Yaoyorozu steps forward and Thirteen turns over their shoulder to face her,

“We have them, of course, but...”

“They have them all over the school.”

It's the first time I hear Todoroki Shoto open his mouth. His voice is calm, collected - almost as if this isn't a big deal, “It means they have someone with a quirk that can do this. They might be fools, but they're not dumb. This surprise attack was carefully planned with some sort of goal in mind.”

“Begin the evacuation.” Aizawa stands next to Thirteen, “Try calling the school. We may need backup.”

“They may have interfered with the radio waves.” Thirteen sighs. To my surprise, Aizawa turns to Kaminari.

“Kaminari, try contacting the school with your quirk too.”

The said boy gulps, but nods and touches the antenna sitting on his right ear.

“A-Are you seriously gonna fight them yourself?!” Midoriya hurriedly calls out, ”With that many, even if you can erase their quirks...”

He's right. Eraser Head's fighting style is capturing and erasing the enemy 's quirk. A frontal battle is...

“Take this as a lesson.” our teacher says, “You can't be a hero with just one trick. I'm leaving it to you, Thirteen."

Before anyone can protest, he leaps up into the air and cloth in hand, slides down towards the villain horde. Some of the opposition at the front take a fighting stance, potentially to prepare their quirks. As Aizawa dashes forward, they stop.

“H-Hey! My quirk!” I hear one of them say.

“What the hell's going-” In one quick motion, Aizawa wraps his cloth around a group of the villains, lifting them in the air and slamming them into eachother with extreme force. The villains collapse, unconscious.

“Woah...he's such a freaking badass.” I whisper.

“It's Eraser Head!" I hear another villain shout. A buff, heteromorphic guy sprints forward.

“Erase, huh? Are you gonnaerasemy quirk too, little man?!”

“No. I can't." Aizawa admits, ducking behind the guy's lunge. The heteromorph turns to face Aizawa, only to be met with a punch - right to the face. The force throws the villain into the air, where he's quickly captured by another of Aizawa's cloths. He swings the guy in mid-air down towards him, sidestepping at the last second. The heteromorph slams into another group of the horde, rendering them all unconscious.

“He's well-versed in hand-to-hand combat." I breathe out, “And he's wearing goggles to hide how his quirk works. Genius.”

We all watch helplessly as he continues his pursuit on the horde.

Eraser Head truly is a hero.

“This way, class!” Thirteen beckons us towards the exit behind us and we follow.

”Eraser Head looks so cool fighting by himself against a lot of people!" Midoriya says,

“You've got that right!” I hear Sero reply, “We've got such a cool homeroom teacher!”

A couple metres away from the exit, the same purple mist from before appears and begins to cover the floor. It rises to form a figure with piercing yellow eyes.

“We won't let you out alive." It sneers menacingly. Thirteen stands, determined in front of the form.

“Nice to meet you all. We are the League of Villains. It may be presumptuous of us...but we have invited ourselves into the home of the heroes, UA High School. We wish to kill All Might.”

What?!

The capsule encircling Thirteen's index finger opens as she points it forward, readying her quirk. But she stops. Mina lets out a horrified gasp and we watch Bakugo and Kirishima sprint forward.

“Stop!" Thirteen shouts. But it's too late.

The dome rumbles and Bakugo lets out a deafening explosion. Orange light interferes with my vision, and I steady myself, careful not to tumble to the ground.

“Oh dear....how dangerous...”

The smoke clears and the purple mist still hovers in front of us, unfazed, “That's right. Even if you are students, you are excellent golden eggs.”

“You two! Move away!” Thirteen orders. The purple mist twists to form multiple tentacles, letting out a eerie chuckle,

“My job is to scatter you all and torture you to death!”

“What the-?!”

The mist fills my vision and envelops us all. It's impossible to hear or even see beyond its grasp. A wind begins to push us all back, and before I know it, we're being separated. I hear screams as a couple of us are thrown backwards. Mina shrieks and I loosen my grip on her hand.

“Mina!” I yell. I can't hear her reply.She's gone...?!

There's a sharp pain that courses through me. I blank out for a couple seconds at least.

When I wake up again, I'm sprawled on the floor.

“Ow...” I groan, straightening myself. Squinting my eyes, I reorient myself and reorder my thoughts.

His quirk must've warped me somewhere...but what happened to everyone else?! Is Mina okay?! How did this even-

“Get off me.Now!!”

I look down to meet...Bakugo's face?!

I'm sat directly on top of him. He's glaring at me, cheeks blazing scarlet.

Oh

My

God.

I shriek and leap off of him, scooting away. The boy picks himself up and scowls,

“I'm so gonna kill you-”

I'm about to snap back a reply, until I catch movement from the corner of my eye.

Villains?!

“Look out!” I yell. Bakugo turns to me, just in time to see the burly man with an arm canon sprinting right for him. He snarls and throws himself out of the way. With a loud bang, the villain lands on the floor.

“We're in the collapse zone!” Kirishima, who has appeared beside Bakugo, calls out at us, “L/N! Can you stand?!”

“I'm good!” I respond, gathering myself from the floor and hitting my heels against the wall behind me. My wheels spring out from my boots and I lower my glasses to my eyes. As if on cue, a swarm of villains begin to filter into the room. I step closer into the centre, back to back with Bakugo and Kirishima.

“Hey hey!” Kirishima chuckles, “Team D reunion, huh?”

“Shut it, dumbass.” Bakugo seethes. Our opponents in the room stand in a circle around us. They don't move - just watch us.

“They want us to attack." I whisper, realisation hitting me, “We've gotta get out of here and meet with the others!”

“I don't need you to tell me that, idiot!” Bakugo yells as he leaps forward, hands at the ready. With that, the villains also run forward. I hear Kirishima's arms harden behind me, and I lock eyes with the three villains closest to me, activating my quirk.

59...

58...

57...

56...

Kirishima doges a punch and strikes two villains simultaneously with his hands, “L/N! Can you stop them all?!”

“I've only got a minute!”

49...

48...

I sidestep away from an incoming villain, looping my arm quickly around his neck and flipping him over my shoulder. Once he slams to the ground, I dig my wheels into his chest, keeping him in place and meeting his glare. He freezes, and I barely escape one of Bakugo's explosions from my left.

Cursing, I fall straight into a wall, “Spacial awareness, Bakugo!”

There's another opponent approaching me. I stop them immediately, and a sharp jab of pain shoots through my head.

sh*t! I've paralysed too many-!

28...

27...

26...

The three others I had paralysed earlier begin to twitch from their positions.

Any longer now and they'll break free from paralysis!

“DIE!!!’ Bakugo shrieks as his hands come into contact with the villain closest to him, As he lets out another explosion, the building we're in begins to shake. A minute later, the shaking stops, and the building goes quiet. Kirishima pants, hands on his knees,

“I-Is that all of ‘em?!”

“They're all so weak..." Bakugo rolls his eyes.

16...

15...

I need to hang on a bit longer!!

The pounding pain in my head grows with each second that passes, but I shut my eyes and concentrate, careful not to break my control.

It's real this time,I think,If I can't hold up, then the guys I've already paralysed will break free and -

“Hey.”

I freeze and glance at Bakugo. His expression is somewhat neutral, minus the slight scowl casting his face. He's approaching me.

“Release the paralysis.”

“W-What...?”

“You heard me, idiot. Let go.”

“But-”

“Hurry up and let go, btich!”

I don't even think before blinking. The tension in my head disappears, and in one swift motion, Bakugo points his open palm at the crowd of oncoming villains, letting out a bright explosion.

The building rumbles again, but when the smoke clears, the villains are all on the floor. Unmoving.

I gape at Bakugo.I knew he was strong, but jeez! He put all of them out in one move?!

A pang of jealousy twists in my stomach, but I push it down. He clicks his tongue in annoyance.

“Dumbass. Why did you even use your quirk knowing how damn weak it is?!”

“Hey, Bakugo!" Kirishima pleads, “That's enough-”

“Listen!” Bakugo ignores the red head, shooting me a look,

“....Next time we're in a situation like that, make sure everyone you freeze isn't too far away from each other.”

He turns away and I can't see his face, though he continues,

“That way when I attack, they'll all be in the blast radius. It'll...m-maximise the effect, you hear me?!”

Oh.

Oh?

He's....giving me advice?

For a moment - just a moment - I feel somewhat grateful. Instead of complaining about how I put both him and Kirishima at risk, he's telling me how to avoid the situation next time.

He's telling me to rely on him.

But why?

“There's nothing for you here. So just die.”

“Just die.”

When I stay quiet, he stops in his tracks,

“So what?! You're not gonna thank me?!” He growls, turning over his shoulder with a darkened look.

That pisses me off.

“As if you of all people deserve a thank you. Or have you forgotten?”

”W-Woah, guys! Let's cool it!” Kirishima steps in-between us, “Great Teamwork, Team D!”

“Shut it, spiky head!”

I ignore his comment and pinch the bridge of my nose, “I'm worried about our classmates with less offensive quirks. We need to go and find them.”

“Why should we? If these small fry are the ones assigned to us, then everyone will be fine, right?” Bakugo counters. I stop,

“They're small fry toyoumaybe. But not everyone's on your level. They might be struggling.”

“On that note," Kirishima says, “Were you always so calm and...rational, Bakugo?”

“WHAT DID YOU JUST-”

“I thought you were more like a, uh...you know,DIE DIE DIEkinda guy.” Kirishima chuckles at the thought.

“I always am calm and rational, you spiky-haired punk!!” Bakugo bellows, hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“Yeah, that's more like it..."

“Tch. If you two nerds are worried about them then go find them yourselves!”

He marches out of the building. Kirishima and I share a look, before following him.

“Maybe he's right.” Kirishima murmurs, “Hey Bakugo! Believing in our friends is totally manly!! We'll follow you!”

I shoot him a desperate look.

Speak for yourself, Kirishima!!

“I really think we should -”

A loudBOOMcuts me off, and the entire dome trembles for a moment. A strong, short wind blows in my face, before stilling and quieting. I immediately think back to combat training yesterday.

Midoriya's attack!!

“That was Midoriya!” Kirishima exclaims. I nod.

“They're definitely in trouble!”

“Quit whining and-”

Screw it!

“You two do whatever you want, I'm going back to the center!!”

Chapter 6: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sɪx

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sɪx ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“I can't believe you've got a quirk now too, L/N-chan!" Midoriya sighed as he gazed at the 10 coloring pencils frozen in the air. We were sitting in the classroom during recess that day - the day after my quirk had shown up. Around our table were many other kids in our class, watching as I threw more pencils up in the air one at a time, paralysing them in place.

“When are you gonna bring them all down?” A girl behind me questioned.

”I could do this all day!" I respond with a smile. Leaning over to grab a nearby container by my table, I set it in front of Midoriya.

“Can you throw these for me?”

He co*cked his head to the side in confusion, “This? Why?”

“I'll show you, silly! Now do it!”

Midoriya hummed in agreement. He reached for the box and swung it up in the air.

“Charge.” I whispered.

The box instantly flew sideways, whizzing straight past Midoriya's head and out the open window. The green haired boy next to me gasped in fear and flinched. I clapped my hands,

“I've been working on that for ages! I even gave it a name!!”

I remember how proud I felt when those around us begin to gasp and marvel at what I'd just done.

“Waah... your Quirk's so cool, L/N!” Midoriya had then held his hand out for a high five, which I gladly reciprocated.

Not even the sky was my limit as a kid. To be frank with you, I never even had a limit. Everyday, I felt practically unstoppable.

“I can't wait to show Bakugo-kun!”

___________

“Let's start then!!” eight year old Bakugo Katsuki stood with his arms crossed, determined grin on his face.

It was after school, the last day before summer break. I was in the courtyard with Bakugo, a group of his friends and Midoriya Izuku. The others had formed a semicircle behind the two of us; Bakugo and I stood face to face on the patio.

“We'll see once and for all who has the best quirk out of the two of us!”

It was around the fifth time that week that the boy had pressured me into having a ‘quirk showdown’ with him - to see who could really be a hero out of us both. After a while of him asking, I gleefully agreed. Only because I cared about impressing Bakugo and earning his favour.

Looking back on it now, he must've seen it all as a true competition. It was almost as if the thought of usboth becoming heroes never crossed his mind. He wanted to be the sole star.

I, on the other hand, wanted to shine along with him.

“For the first round, let's use this area! I'm gonna use that tree right here!”

He pointed to the oak tree with bright green leaves, situated next to the slide by the playground.

“I'm gonna destroy it!”

“Yeah!!"

“You can do it!”

“Show her you're the best!!”

“D-Don't hurt yourself, Kacchan!” In the midst of others' cheers, Midoriya had stood, clamping his hands together nervously. Without even waiting for me to agree, Bakugo lunged towards the tree, pulling both his hands back as an orange glow formed in his palms.

Once he released the explosion, the unscathed leaves shook uncontrollably, and the birds in nearby trees squawked, escaping the blast's clutches.

Cheers erupted from the others as they admired Bakugo's handiwork. The entire front of the tree was charred, while many of the leaves were black and brittle, burnt pieces fluttering towards the ground.

“S-So cool...” I had muttered, turning to face Bakugo, “You're so amazing!!”

He looked to me, flashing a genuine, wide grin. I remember how much that made my heart flutter.

It was the first and last time he'd ever smiled at me.

“Might as well quit now, L/N-chan! You'll never beat me!”

I had looked around the courtyard, desperate to find something that would blow away the other kids. To the left of me, there were a couple teenagers on their skateboards, pulling off tricks here and there. The playground was in front of me, next to Bakugo, though there was nothing to see there.

Turning over my shoulder, I looked behind me.

I remember right by the road, stood a tall crane and a couple of builders. They were transporting a large pile of massive, wooden planked boxes into a wide, metal container - right next to the courtyard. I look over at the colossal courtyard space, then back to the crane.

Will it work? I thought to myself.

“Heroes never give up!” I exclaimed, stepping towards the roadside, “Prepare to be amazed!!”

The group turned and glanced in the direction pointed at.

”It's dangerous round here, civilians!” I said in the most booming voice I could muster, “For your own safety, hide behind these bushes!” I paused,

“B-But don't look away! I want you to see what I can do!”

“Go, L/N-chan!” Midoriya cheered. Bakugo laughed. I grabbed his wrist and briefly squeezed it before pulling him forward,

”Watch me, Bakugo-kun!”

With that, I stepped forward confidently, towards the nearest builder in a yellow hi-vis jacket. I tugged on his belt, and he looked down at us.

“‘Scuse me, sir.” I said, ”Can I borrow one of your boxes?”

I heard Bakugo mutter, “What is she doing?” behind me. The builder scoffed,

“Please. Go back and play with your friends, girl. This is dangerous business.” He pulled away from my grip and turned back to the crane. Despite his refusal, I didn't falter.

Back then, I'd rarely give up.

I glanced up at the crane; it was just about to drop another wooden box in the container below.

All I had to do was wait for the right moment...

“Watch this, Bakugo-kun!!”

As soon as the crane dropped the box, I activated my quirk. It froze in place - right in mid-air, just like the colouring pencils did that other day.

I didn't stop there, however. I didn't think it was enough. I truly wanted to impress him.

“H-Hey! Little girl, what are you doing-?!”

“Charge.” I whispered.

Once the words left my lips, a sharp jab of brief pain shot through my head. My eyes followed the cube as it then soared with incredible speed, straight through the sky, cutting through the air. It landed with a rumbling thud in the center of the courtyard, trembling the ground in its wake.

I did! I really, really pulled it off!!

“Somebody call the police!"

“No way!!”

“Can Bakugo even do that?!”

“Oh my God!!”

“L/N-chan...your nose is bleeding! A-Are you okay?!”

Midoriya had ran forward to approach me. A pack of tissues was in his clammy, right hand. Frantically, he picked one out of the pack and lifted his hand to dab at my nostrils. When he pulled away I watched my red blood stain the cloth.

Oddly enough, I didn't really care at the time. I was too happy to even register the pain. Because I'd finally shown him. I'd shown Bakugo that I was just as strong as him!

Maybe now... he'd like me back. And we could become heroes.

Together.

But when I gazed over at the blonde haired boy, he was glaring at the box in the courtyard, teeth gritted, hands clenched into fists.

You could say...that day was when it all started. When it all began to fall downhill

____________

I hope my friends are okay!Was all I was repeating in my mind as I skated away from Bakugo and Kirishima, weaving in and out of the various structures within the USJ.

It sounded like all the commotion was coming from the shipwreck and the entrance. I should check there first.

I round a corner and spot the center of chaos. Thinking fast, I hide behind a building and peer at the horde. Gasping in horror, I spot my homeroom teacher, his head slammed into the ground by a burly-looking monster straddling him. The skin above Aizawa's elbow looked as if it was...

Eroded away?!

“O-Oh my God...” trembling fingers reach up to my lips. I begin to anxiously bite at my nails.

What the hell am I supposed to do?

I can't do anything!

Aizawa-sensei's gonna die!

”Why did you use your quirk knowing how damn weak it is?!”

I really can't do anything!

The burning sensation of tears cause me to shut up my eyes.I'm scared.

Breathe, Y/N.

“O-Okay. It's okay. I-It's okay...”

My voice breaks and I bite back a sob. I can't just stand here.

I need to be brave.

My wheels!

A bulb lights up in my mind. I look up at Aizawa. Behind him is the entrance to the USJ, exactly where Thirteen, the purple mist, and...

My friends! They're alive!!

I need to get to them!

I know if I stop to think, the sudden burst of courage I have will leave me just as fast!

Not missing a beat, I bend my knees, exhale, and zoom forward. I sprint right into the chaos, past the left side of the horde - right towards Aizawa.

Make this quick, Y/N!

The monster holding him down straightens to eye me. I don't give it the chance to react. Activating my quirk, I freeze him in place, just in time for me to reach Aizawa and drag him away from the villain's grasp.

“L/N-CHAAAANNNN!!!!” Mina shrieks from the entrance. My knees buckle from the weight on my teacher, and I tumble to the floor.

Right in front of the blue haired guy!!

“S-sh*t!” I gulp, fear grasping hold of me. With my concentration broken, my paralysis releases the monster from a few seconds prior - leaving me totally vulnerable.To my left is the shipwreck, and I don't spot Midoriya, Mineta or Tsu, but I can hear them telling me to move out of the way.

The man in front of me is silent. He pauses, before deeply chuckling, pale, wrinkled hand outstretched towards me.

No! No, no-

I shut my eyes and wait for an attack to hit me.

But...

It never does.

When I open my eyes again, and I'm in the air, being carried through the sky by All Might himself.

He's here! Thank God!

“That was incredibly brave, young L/N.”

“T-Thank you...” I whimper, clenching my eyes shut and not looking down until we're back on the ground. He sets us on the floor, right next to Tsu and the others by the shipwreck.

“All of you, take yourselves and your teacher to the entrance. I have business with these bad guys.”

“All Might! Y-You can't!” Midoriya protests, “H-He's too stro-”

“Young Midoriya...” All Might's grin widened,

“It's fine. Take your teacher.”

____________

School was shut temporarily following the USJ incident. Many people were seriously hurt - All Might, Aizawa and even Midoriya included. We were all told to take it easy, but the incident was all I could think about.

And when we all returned to school, the events of that day were still the only thing people could talk about.

I lean by the wall next to Hagakure's seat as she speaks, “Did you see the news last night?! We were all on screen for a couple minutes!”

Oh yeah. USJ's been all over the news too...

“Guess your dreams of becoming famous came true, Mina-chan.” I look in her direction - she's pissed,

“I was totally ugly that day! All the smoke and dirt messed up my hair!!”

“At least you were seen!” Hagakure sighs, “I wasn't noticeable at all...”

“Butman,the news channels wouldn't let up. They made it a huge deal!” Kaminari points out.

“You can't blame them,” Jirou says, “Besides, we're in the hero course that consistently pumps out Japan's top pros. You'd expect UA to be prepared for this kinda thing.”

“Who knows what would've happened if the teachers weren't where they were at the time.” Sero muses. Mineta groans,

“Don't say that!! Thinking about it makes feel so anxious!! Anymore and I might piss myse-”

“Be quiet, scum!!!” Bakugo yells from his seat at the front. Mineta yelps and shuts up, just as Iida speeds into the room,

“PREPARE FOR HOMEROOM, CLASS!!”

Its too early for this crap...

“Everyone shut up and sit down.” Aizawa groans as he stumbles into class, wrapped head to toe in bandages with his arms secured in medical casts.

”S-Sir?! You're back way too soon!!” Midoriya gapes at our teacher, who sluggishly sits at his desk.

After the sh*t he went though, the guy's still standing! That's exactly why he's my favourite pro!

“Enough about that. Let's talk about the UA Sports Festival, shall we?”

Sports Festival?!

”Isn't it a little too dangerous to be hosting a sports festival?! After...uh, you know; the USJ incident?!”

“What if they attack again?!"

“It'll put other students at risk!”

“Ironically, the school board firmly believes the Sports Festival will prove to the public that we're holding up well after the events of last week.” Aizawa sighs, ”I don't necessarily agree with it, but the Festival's happening and it's an important opportunity for you guys. We've gotta prepare.”

“It can't be that important...” Mineta whimpers, “I-I mean, the League of Villains are still a massive danger!”

Midoriya leans back in his seat and turns over his shoulder, “Wait, you've never seen the UA Sports Festival, Mineta?”

”Our festival is one of Japan's most anticipated events.” Aizawa says.

“Of course. All the top heroes come to watch.” Yaoyorozu adds, her eyes glittering, “For scouting purposes!”

“After we graduate, it's typical to join a pro agency as a sidekick. Competing in the festival and being watched by all the pros give us a chance to show off and create initial connections.” Kaminari says. Jirou rolls her eyes,

“A lot of people lose their chances to become independent after that. You'd totally be one of them, Kaminari.”

”Hey!!”

“Right.” Aizawa sighs, “Joining a famous hero agency will give you not just opportunities, but experience and popularity. Time is limited. Preparation is key. One chance a year. That's three chances for you to prove yourself and secure a future.”

“Yessir!!”

“Homeroom dismissed.”

Chapter 7: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sᴇᴠᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sᴇᴠᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Hey, doll.” My dad's face appeared round the corner of my bedroom door. With a start, I sat up in my bed and slammed the paper I was writing on to my chest. He raised an eyebrow.

”Now what are you hiding-?”

”NOTHING!” I yelled quickly, muttering a quiet apology not long after, “J-Just... you're not allowed to see it, okay?!”

“Why?” He questioned, smirking, “Is it a love letter?”

“What's it to you?!” I had stuck my tongue out at him and turned away. He entered my room fully, sitting at the edge of my mattress.

“Well...I could help you with whatever you're writing?" He suggested. I vigorously shook my head.

“It needs to be perfect,” I slowly held the paper at arms length, “Otherwise he won't accept it.”

“So it is a love letter?”

“No!! N-Not, uh...not exactly.” I admitted, “It's more like an...‘I admire you and wanna be you’ type of letter.”

He gave me an expectant look. I sighed and flung myself back on my bed.

“Okay! Fine! Maybe it is a c-confession letter, or whatever.”

“Is it that boy you talk about heroes with? What's his name...uh, Pindoria?”

“Pfft! You mean Midoriya? No, of course not!” I rolled my eyes, “He's too wimpy. It's someone way cooler."

“Whoever it is, you're way too young for that kind of thing." My dad shrugged, “Plus, you need my blessing.”

“What?!" I gasped, incredulous, “B-But that's not fair!"

“You need to focus on your career first! Once you're a big-shot hero you'll have way more fish in the sea to choose from. This guy probably isn't all that. And you're 10. Stop daydreaming.”

“Why did you even come in here?!” I whined, smothering my face with my pillow. My dad got up from my bed and patted my head with a chuckle,

“All I'm saying is, he's probably that special.”

𝔻𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝔹𝕒𝕜𝕦𝕘𝕠-𝕜𝕦𝕟,

im writing this letter because i have a lot of things ive been keeping secret for a while.

ever since we were younger and you got your quirk, i always thought you were r̶i̶l̶l̶y̶ really talented and cool. i used to always wanna be as o̶u̶r̶s̶o̶m̶e̶ awesome as you.

when i got my quirk, i was h̶a̶p̶i̶ happy because it meant i could maybe become a hero like you.

i thought we c̶o̶o̶d̶ could become heroes together and save the world.

but i also need to confess something else. i also wanted to become heroes with you b̶e̶e̶c̶o̶z̶ because i̶ h̶a̶v̶e̶ a̶ r̶e̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ b̶i̶g̶ c̶r̶u̶s̶h̶ o̶n̶ y̶o̶u̶

i r̶e̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ y̶o̶u̶

Bakugo-kun, i want you to understand that i think i have a crush on you. youre super amazing and i want to be your girlfriend

from L/N

More than anything, I wish I could turn back time.

I wish I could go back to the past, knock down my bedroom door, and beg 10 year old me to shred that stupid letter to bits.

Maybe if I never gave Bakugo the letter, it wouldn't have gotten so bad.

But who am I kidding? He would've still torn me apart anyway. Not because of the letter. Not because I always defended Midoriya. Not because I always annoyed him.

It was because he saw me as a threat. He was jealous of me - just as I was jealous of him.

That's why he wouldn't stop destroying me.

_____________

“L/N Y/N, yes?” The doctor monotonously asked us as my parents and I entered his room. My mom nodded and we sat on the three chairs faced opposite him. The bald man had a clip board and ballpoint pen in his hand. He clicked it rhythmically against his papers, staring at it,

“So it says here your quirk is...kinetic manipulation, correct?”

“That's what we registered it as legally." My dad answers. I remember the feeling of his worried gaze on me as I stared at my feet, keeping silent.

“So what's the problem here?”

“She can't use her quirk." My mom replied, a hint of frustration and irritancy lacing her voice, “Her abilities have become limited. The majority of what she used to do just... doesn't work anymore.”

“Can you explain this more for me yourself, Y/N?" The doctor asked me. I jolted and let out a quiet yelp.

“Go on. Tell the doctor you haven't been feeling well." My mom nudged me. My hands trembled in my lap and I shivered.

It was silent for at least a minute as the adults in the room expectantly stared at me, waiting for me to speak. But I couldn't - I hated talking back then. I did anything and everything to avoid it.

My dad sighed, “She used to be able to move things, slow them down, uh...you know. Normal kinetic manipulation type of things. Only by looking at them. But she's been complaining about headaches and such. A-And she can't do most of those things anymore. The best she can do is stop movement for a couple of seconds. But she tells us it hurts. Isn't that right?"

He was still looking down at me. I hesitate before nodding. The doctor hummed,

“So what are your quirks?"

“Nothing too special." My mom said, “I can stop a living thing from moving for a few minutes by touching them. Her dad can create solar energy.”

“Though it's quite limited." He added. The doctor nodded, “So it seems as though your child inherited the basis of her quirk from you, ma'am."

“That's correct.”

“Did you experience any of these issues as a child?”

“None of the sort.”

”I see.”

The doctor scooted his chair back towards his computer, setting down the papers and typing away at the keyboard, “Your daughter has a quirk that can do a lot of things. It's quite strong. We can assume that the quirk itself is too much for her to handle at the age she's at.”

“But she wasn't always like this.” My dad argued, “She could do amazing things with her quirk with no trouble from the moment it developed.”

“I understand that. So this isn't something that slowly began to be a bigger issue?”

My dad gulped and glanced at my mom. She muttered a quiet, “Oh please," under her breath.

“W-Well recently Y/N has had trouble at school...”

“Stop." I said, finally lifting my head to catch his gaze. I shook my head frantically at him. His eyes softened.

The tapping at the keyboard stopped. My mom groaned a quiet, “Here we go.” and rubbed her forehead, exasperated.

“Trouble? What kind?”

I gave my dad a hard stare, which he ignored, turning back to the medical professor,

“She's recently been targeted. By, um..a couple of bullies in her class. The kids at school aren't so nice to her. At all. She's been suffering from panic attacks and a lot of strong anxiety-”

“It's not really bullying, sir." My mom was quick to interrupt, “I mean, she's fine really. I've checked her body and there's never any marks or bruises-”

“It's not always physical though.” My dad protested, ”I've even seen it myself when I'd come to meet her at the school gate. There's this particular group of boys. They'll call her names and insult her...”

”But she'sfine. That's not the issue, is it Y/N?" My mom nudged me again. I shrugged.

“She's been prescribed anxiety tablets and has been taking them well, but the panic attacks won't let up. It's been affecting her heavily and I have reason to believe it may also be affecting her ability to use her quirk fully.”

“Please, honey. You're making it out to be worse than it is.” My mother waved her hand dismissively, “Besides, I've told you I'm friends with one of the boys' mom. They're both lovely. Y/N's always just been a little sensitive."

A little sensitive?

“Your husband may be right ma'am.” The doctor responded, “You said panic attacks and anxiety, yes?”

“Right.”

“Its no secret that our mental state can also affect our physical wellbeing. It's quite possible for her, erm...issues, to also affect her quirk. It's a relatively new concept, but not entirely foreign."

He leant back towards his computer and did a bit more typing. He then turned the monitor to face us. Presenting a formal-looking article. In big black letters at the top it read,

AiQD

“I don't understand." My mom looked the doctor up and down. He pointed to the heading,

“AiQD. Anxiety-induced Quirk Deficiency.”

Quirk...deficiency...?

“This is frankly quite impossible. My daughter doesn't have any sort of quirk deficiency." My mom stood up and My dad rolled his eyes,

“Sit down, dear. Just listen.”

“Like I said, it's a relatively new concept. AiQD comes under the umbrella of trauma based illnesses. In extreme cases, trauma based illnesses can affect quirks. For examples Y/N's. Essentially, whatever your daughter has been dealing with has traumatized her greatly. To the extent where it's been affecting her quirk. Now she can't use it fully."

“Oh my God..." My mom groaned. My dad nodded.

“Okay. It's okay. We have a diagnosis. We know what's wrong.” In that moment he had reached down to squeeze my hand. The gesture wasn't reassuring in the slightest.

“I'm telling you, this trauma, er... whatever it is, can't be possible. It's really not an issue.”

“Do you have any other suggestions, ma'am?” The doctor sighed. My mom kept quiet. With that the doctor hummed.

“I see.”

“So what do we have to do? What prescription will you give us?”

“Oh." The doctor stopped. He gave us all a sympathetic look.

That's when I knew things were bad.

“AiQD is, um...not necessarily curable...”

“What?!” My mom snapped. The doctor quickly continued,

“Her anxiety and panic attacks, like you said, are potentially stemming from her struggles at school.” He picked up his pen and papers once more.

“I regret to say this but the damage has already been done. Whatever she's experienced has scarred her. It may have developed over time. It may have been a particular event that put serious stress on her mind. Even if she overcomes these...issues, there's no telling whether her quirk will return fully. Like I said, Anxiety-induced Quirk Deficiency is very new. Until further research is done on the concept, I really can't...”

I drowned out the rest of what he continued to talk about. My vision at that point had begun to blur. Tears dropped from eyelids onto my clenched fists; I attempted to bite back the sobs lodged in my throat.

The realisation hit me. Like a massive ton a bricks.

How was I supposed to become a hero without my proper quirk?

How was I supposed to achieve my dream? Was there even a point anymore?

What was I supposed to do...?

I didn't say a word the entire journey back home. I remember not really thinking. Or feeling. Just...existing.

Maybe it was the shock. Or the strong grief.

I'd never be able to use my quirk again.

My mom and dad argued a lot after that. I don't blame both of them. Especially my mom. After all, deep down I knew she really cared. Or maybe she was just disappointed in me. Either way, the house was solemn for days, maybe weeks at most.

Of course, my dad had tried to cheer me up. I remember he tried all sorts of things. We went out and got ice cream, watched movies together, played games. But the hole in my heart wasn't going anywhere.

Anxiety-induced Quirk Deficiency. It's a rare type of PTSD most common in juveniles. A mental illness that prevents them from using a quirk to it's full extent. The effects is semi-to-fully permanent.

Despite what the doctors told us, my parents wouldn't give up. They bought me anxiety pills, antidepressants, put me in therapy - even took me abroad to see a specialist doctor. Nothing worked. Nothing changed. I couldn't control kinetic energy anymore.

I still can't.

I can't create it, or bend it to my will. The only thing I can do is remove it from an object or person. But the effect's weak. My illness won't allow it to last that long.

My quirk didn't fully reappear again during elementary. Neither did it during junior high. At 13, we had to re-register my quirk from Kinetic Manipulation to Paralysis. Because that was all I could do.

I was weakened. And it was allhisfault.

_________________

It seemed like hours until lunchtime finally started following our morning classes. Our class is sat in our homeroom, chatting eagerly about the Sports Festival.

“I'm getting all pumped up!” Kirishima rubs his hands together, “This is the first proper step we're taking to becoming pros!”

“It really was worth coming to UA!” Sato grinned. Tokoyami nodded, “We'll still only receive three chances. Let's not waste them.”

“I'm getting pretty nervous now...” Hagakure says, “I really need to stand out this time round!”

“That's the spirit. I hope we all get recognised for our performances...” I sigh.

“What'll I do..?” Aoyama muses as he twirls around, “I guess I dont have to do much. I stand out just by being still!”

“Good for you, Aoyama-kun...” Hagakure mumbles, rolling her eyes.

“You're super lucky, Shoji!” I hear Kaminari say, “Your brawn stands out on its own!”

“I guess so...but there's no point if I cannot show them my usefulness. That's what matters most.”

“Don't worry, Kaminari. I'm sure you'll stand out anyway." Jirou chuckles. We all know what she's talking about.

“The true star of the show.” Mina jokes.

“Stop that!" Kaminari whines.

“So, you excited, Y/N-chan?” Mina asks me. I nod,

”Obviously! It'll be so cool to show off my moves to top pros! Aizawa-sensei can see me too!” I fan my face at the thought.

But...

“At the same time,” I mumble, “I'm not really sure how I'll manage. Other than my wheels, any ability I do have is pretty, uh...limited.”

“Don't let that stop you!" Midoriya chimes in, “I mean, look at me! I can barely even control my quirk. If anything, the Sports Festival will be a learning experience!”

“Right! I'm gonna try my hardest!!” Ochako agrees. I nod, “Yeah. You're all right. I'm just overthinking things.”

“Right, I need to piss..." I mumble, approaching our classroom door. I slide it open.

Only to be met with an entire crowdof people, staring at me curiously.

“W-What..." I stutter. Iida joins me by the door,

“What business do you have with Class 1-A?!” He orders, marching in front of the crowd.

“Yeah! Get outta here! You're blocking the way!" Mineta yells. Bakugo shoves past the boy, hands shoved in his pockets.

“What do you think they're doing? They're here to scout out the enemy. We're the ones who made it out of the USJ incident.”

He weaves past myself and Iida, standing a center metre away from the crowd.

“There's no point in doing this. Out of my way, extras!”

“Bakugo! Enough usage of that word! It's incredibly impolite!" Iida barks. Bakugo scoffs, “Like I care.”

“Hmm.”

I watch behind Iida as a boy pushes to the front of the crowd. He has slanted, tired eyes and a mess of light purple hair on his head.

“I came to see what the famous Class A was like in the flesh." He yawns, “But you seem pretty arrogant. I hope all the students in the hero class aren't like this.”

“Oh no...” Midoriya mutters. I can just imagine the scowl on Bakugo's face as he steps forward. The purple haired guy continues,

“This makes me disillusioned.” He sighs, ”There are a bunch of people who enrolled in General Studies or our other courses because they didn't make it into the Hero course. Did you know that?”

Bakugo grits his teeth, but stays quiet. The other boy keeps talking, “The school has left those of us a chance. Depending on the results of the Sports Festival, they'll consider one or two transfers into the Hero course. Naturally, that means they'll transfer some people out.”

Seriously?!

“Just saying to you 1-A people. If you're too laid back, I'll sweep your feet from under you. Don't get carried away. Take this as a declaration of war, if you wish.”

“Damn, this guy isn't playing...” I say under my breath,

“He's really bold...!” Ochako shifts nervously. Midoriya is still muttering to himself beside her.

“This guy's right!”

Another boy with spiky grey hair yells from the back of the crowd. Like a sea, the other students part sideways to allow the boy to approach our class.

“I'm from Class B next door! I heard you guys think your cool now 'cuz you fought villains! It'll be embarrassing if you fumble on the battlefield!!'

“Tch. Extras.” Bakugo sighs as he walks straight past the boy and the crowd, completely ignoring their presence.

“Are you ignoring me, bastard?!!!” the boy shouts.

“Bakugo! Come back!” Kirishima calls out, “You're the reason why they started hatin' on us!”

He looks over his shoulder, “Please. That doesn't matter. As long as I rise to the top, I couldn't care less.” He keeps walking, past the crowd and down the corridor.

“They definitely hate us now.” Jirou shakes her head. Kirishima clenches his fist,

“So simple yet so manly! Bakugo spoke like a true man!”

Jeez...

“There's truth in his words.” Tokoyami replies.

“Why are you guys agreeing with him?!” Kaminari slaps his forehead, “The guy just made countless enemies in the span of a minute!”

“Right!" Mineta agrees, “We're all screwed!!”

As much as I hate to admit it, Bakugo might just be right. The Sports is in two weeks. That's gotta be enough time to get a load of training in.

I think back to the USJ incident, where Kirishima, Bakugo and I were at the collapse zone.

“Why would you use your quirk knowing how damn weak it is?!”

A minute. That's how long I can hold Paralysis for.

It's such a joke.

One way or another, I've got to figure out how to push that boundary further - otherwise the only thing I'll do at the Festival is humiliate myself in front of the entire arenaandlive television!

A minute, huh?

If I seriously put my all in it, then just maybe I can hit two!

______________

Before I knew it, time passed by quicker than ever. I spent the two weeks training like crazy - not just by myself, but with Ochako and Mina as well. The Sports Festival was probably the most important event of the year after all.

I have to make my mark! It's all or nothing!

My classmates and I sit in the 1-A waiting room, all of us clad in gym kits. I'm especially nervous as I sit with my friends; hero costumes were forbidden to ensure fairness amongst all competitors. That meant I didn't have my glasses or my wheels. Just my paralysis to rely on.

I hope all that hard work will pay off...

“I really wanted to wear my costume!" Mina complains, “First impressions are super important!”

“I wonder what the first round'll be..." I say, just as Iida opens the door.

“Everyone! Are you ready? It's time!”

sh*t!

_________

“IT'S TIME FOR THE FIRST YEARS TO ENTER THE ARENA!!!” PresentMic's booming voice fills my ears as we exit the room and approach the stadium,

“ARE YOU READY?!!”

Ready as I'll ever be...

“INTRODUCING: HERO COURSE'S CLASS 1-A!!!”

We finally enter the light and the deafening cheers of the arena. I look round the stadium, eyes widened,

“There's so many people!"

“Will we even be able to do that well with all of their eyes on us?” Iida muses, “Then again, this is part of the training required to become a hero.”

“Damn, I'm sh*tting bricks!” Kirishima says, “Hey, Bakugo. You nervous too?"

The said boy has a smug grin plastered on his face, “Hell no. I'm just getting more into it.”

“THEY HAVEN'T GOTTEN AS MUCH ATTENTION, BUT REST ASSURED, THEY'RE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH! PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR HERO COURSE'S CLASS 1-B!!!”

The shouts and cheers grow louder as our neighbouring class, 1-B, enters the arena, looking as confident as ever.

“NEXT, SAY HELLO TO THE GENERAL STUDIES CLASSES C, D AND E!!!”

Oh, gosh...

“They look scary..!” Kaminari whimpers.

“GIVE IT UP FOR THE FRESHMEN'S SUPPORT COURSE CLASSES F, G AND H!!”

“I forgot about them!" Mina moans as another horde of students enter the arena.

“LET'S NOT FORGET THE BUSINESS COURSE CLASSES I, J AND K!!!”

By the time everyone's in the stadium, I start to seriously grow nervous.

“Time for the player pledge!!”

We all turn to face a large block situated in front of our crowd. There stands pro hero Midnight, hands on her hips as she looks us all over.

“Quiet, first years!" She yells, ”Now, first off, representing Class 1-A, we have Bakugo Katsuki!”

Excuse me?!

“Who the hell nominated him?!” I hiss, glaring at Iida, “He's totally gonna make us look bad!!”

“I'm not dumb enough to make such a decision, L/N!!” He protests. Our class watches helplessly as he steps forth and up onto the block next to Midnight.

“Oh no...”

He takes the microphone prepared in front of him, facing us. The crowd goes silent, as do we, awaiting his next words.

”I pledge...” He begins,

“That I'll be number one.”

You've gotta be sh*tting me!!

“I knew he'd do that!!" Almost all of my class whisper in unison.

I groan as boos from the other classes fill the arena, covering my face with my hands.

“How embarrassing...” Yaoyorozu mutters as Bakugo, quite proudly, steps off the block and back towards the crowd.

“Bakugo! This is disgraceful!!” Iida barks as the boy brushes past him, “Now they truly despise us all!! Do you not think of your classmates?!”

“Did your old school shove a stick up your ass? Or were you born with it?" He snaps back, walking past.

“Look at him! So overconfident!" I hear someone say. It's the grey haired guy from a couple weeks back. He's in Class 1-B.

“I'll totally crush him!!”

Once every other class completes their pledge, Midnight takes center stage,

“Now, let's get started right away! The first game is what you could call a qualifier!”

Please don't be anything too hard...

“AN OBSTACLE RACE!!”

“f*ck, I'm dead." I accidentally say out loud.

“You and me both...” I hear Midoriya mumble.

“All 11 classes will participate in this race!" She explains, “It will be the length of the stadium's outer circumference - 4 kilometres!”

But I haven't even got my wheels!!

“Our school's selling point is freedom! In this race, anything goes! Knock yourselves out!! As long as you stay on course, nothing is prohibited! Take your places students!!”

Crap. Crap, crap, crap, crap.

I turn to the right of me. Mina seems absolutely fine. She's got nothing to worry about after all - her quirk allows her to secret acid, so shooting it from her fingertips will definitely give her a boost forward. On the other side of me is Ochako, who has a determined look on her face. She can literally make herself float; she'll be fine.

But what about me?!

I haven't got my wheels, just a limited quirk that can do absolutely nothing for me. I'll be left behind with the General Studies and Business course students!

My fingers reach up to my lips and I begin to bite at my nails, stomach twisting in fear. I didn't even take my anxiety pills this morning.That'll only make things worse!

I watch the holographic count down hovering in the air opposite the crowd of students. Focusing on my breathing, I count to ten

I'll be okay. I have to be okay. This is my chance!

”AND...START!!!”

Immediately, I'm thrown forward by the rushing students, forced to run alongside them as we pass though the starting line and into the first stage of the course. A sharp elbow jabs me in the chin, and I'm shoved backwards as Todoroki dashed forward, freezing the ground below him.

The colossal crowd of first years stop in their tracks as they watch him continue through the course.

Oh, God! I'm so done!

Those who were within the distance of Todoroki's ice effect start to protest, enraged.

“Hey! I can't move!"

“It's freezing over!!”

“This is so unfair!!”

I watch my classmates. Bakugo leaps forward and propels himself with his multiple explosions. Aoyama shoots right past me with his navel lazer, and Yaoyorozu quickly creates a long metal pole from her shoulder, throwing it forward and using it as leverage to advance.

They're all going right for it!

“I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY THAT EASILY!!!” I hear Bakugo yell as he gains on Todoroki, Yaoyorozu not too far behind him.

I've gotta stop focusing on them, otherwise I'll be left behind!

But what do I do?! I've got no tricks for this-

Wait a minute...

I quickly analyse the mob of students. Some of them have dashed forward, like Kirishima and a couple 1-B students. Others are waiting behind like myself, while the remaining horde are frozen in place by Todoroki's ice.

I need to get forward.

I remind myself that thinking over things will only waste time. I need to be fast. So without giving it a second thought, I lunge forward.

“Hey, you!” I scream at nobody in particular. Those in front of me turn around to face me. Not missing a beat, I activate my quirk.

58...

57...

56...

I've paralysed so many people, I already feel the after effects coming in. I need to make this quick.

But how do I get over the ice?! I've only made an opening for other people!

Then I stop.

I've removed the kinetic energy from everyone in closest to me in peripheral vision. They can't move, no matter what.

So if I use them as leverage...

Yes! That's it!!

I grab the person closest to me on the ice and hoist myself onto their shoulders. As soon as I leap off of them to grab the next student, I release the paralysis on them.

Of course! If I use them as stepping stones to get across, I'll quicken my pace instead of slipping around on the ice!

I glance over at Mineta. He has the same sort of idea as me, using his balls to quickly get across the ice. I don't even pay attention to what I'm doing, and fall flat on my face before realising I've run out of people to paralyse as leverage.

Guess I'll have to walk across the rest...

Groaning, I bend my knees and begin to cautiously waddle on the ice, careful not to slip or fall backwards. Surprisingly, it doesn't take me too long to make it off the ice. Not wasting another second, I continue along the path, watching Mineta, who has dashed ahead of me.

“TAKE THIS, TODOROKI! MY SPECIAL ATTACK-”

“Mineta!!" I hear Midoriya shriek, but it's a second too late. A mechanical claw whacks the short boy right into the air. He flails around futilely before tumbling to the floor in a heap.

I look up and spot the exact same faux villains from our entrance exam.

Things are just getting harder!

“LOOKS LIKE SOME UNEXPECTED OBSTACLES HAVE FOUND OUR FIRST YEARS! WHAT'LL THEY DO??!!”

A couple metres ahead, the robots face the incoming mob of students. They're so huge, I know damn well I'll faint on the spot attempting to paralyse any of them.

I'll have to work around it! But how?!

Ahead of me, Todoroki stands tall, completely unfazed. Ice begins to grow from the ground beneath him, and stretches up into the air. He runs up on the makeshift slope he's created, right towards the robots. I can only stare and watch as he totally freezes the zero-point faux villain before him.

This is so rigged!!

I can't complain, though. After all, he's not just opened a path for himself, but the others as well.

“Hey! We can get through in-between its legs!”

No, something's not right....!

A couple students shove past me to make a run for it past the robots. I watch in horror as the unbalanced structure slowly begin to topple over leaving shards of ice and debris in its wake as they crash to ground.

“TODOROKI SHOTO FROM CLASS 1-A IS THE FIRST TO MAKE IT THROUGH! AMAZING!!”

“H-Hey! There's somebody trapped under the ice!!"

Someone got caught up in it?!I think,They're definitely a goner!!

The mob gasps as a hardened hand shoots upwards from the pile of ice and robot parts on the ground.

Kirishima!!

“LOOKS LIKE KIRISHIMA EIJIROU WAS UNDERNEATH ALL THAT RUBBLE! AND UNHURT, AS EXPECTED!!”

Wait a minute...

Beside Kirishima, another student breaks free from the pile of wreckage. It's the grey haired Class B guy from earlier. Except his skin is a smooth, metallic material!

“CLASS B'S TETSUTETSU ALSO APPEARS, UNSCATHED BY THE ROBOTS!”

Their quirks are so similar....

I watch my other classmates run forward, using their own quirks to propel themselves ahead. Dejected , I run behind them.

This really isn't my strong point. The best I can do for now is stay out of sight and let them do all the hard work!

_______________

It isn't long until the chunk of us in the lead reach the final part of the obstacle course - a mineland.

Damn it...

I watch those in the lead sprint forward; Todoroki and Bakugo. In the crowd of those scrambling to catch up, I find Iida, readying his engines by the beginning of the mineland before taking off. Tsu to the left of me hops forward and quickens her pace.

Again, I'm left behind while my classmates advance. What do I do now?!

Midoriya is standing not too far away from me. Looks like he's in the same predicament I am. Sucks for him.

But something's different.

In his grip is a metal plate from one of the earlier faux villains. He raises it in the air, and then digs it into the ground, resurfacing various landmines and carefully placing them in a pile beside him.

That idiot! What is he doing?! He's wasting...wait a minute...

It clicks in my head.

I knowexactlywhat he's about to do.

And I can't miss my chance.

I stand still and watch him continue to gather more landmines. The mob of first years hurriedly pass me, shoving me out of the way as I keep my eyes on Midoriya's figure. Even Mina passes me, but quickly stops,

”Y/N-chan?! What are you doing?!"

“Don't worry about me!” I give her a thumbs up “Focus on getting ahead!”

She pauses, then nods and takes off. I realise Midoriya has stood straighter, quickly admiring his handiwork before taking a few steps back, green metal plate raised in front of his face.

It's now or never!!

Without giving my crazy idea a second thought, I barge past any other straggling students in my way, lunging for Midoriya justas he jumps forward - on top of the metal plate, andstraightonto the pile of landmines.

We both shriek as we're propelled with extreme force into the air. I shut my eyes and wrap my arms and legs round Midoriya's torso.

“L/N-CHAN?! I-IS THAT YOU?! WHAT ARE YOU-”

“YOU'RE FREAKING AMAZING, MIDORIYA!!" I yell as we soar through the air, past those struggling in the mine land and stillgaining altitude.

“WE'RE GONNA DIE!!”

“I'LL HELP YOU IF YOU HELP ME!!”

“DID THEY DO IT BY ACCIDENT OR ON PURPOSE?!! BEHOLD CLASS 1-A'S MIDORIYA IZUKU AND L/N Y/N: HOLDING SEVEN SECONDS AIR TIME AND COUNTING!!!”

We both scream as the metal plate Midoriya holds reaches its highest point - nosediving straight towards the ground.

But right for Todoroki and Bakugo!!

“I'll paralyse them both!” I yell over the sound of wind whizzing past us, “So don't worry!!”

”Y-You'll really do that?!” Midoriya shouts, ”How do I know you won't freeze me too?!”

“You helped me! I'll help you! Trust me!!”

“MIDORIYA AND L/N ARE DESCENDING!! THEY'RE GONNA PASS OUR LEADING HEROES!!!”

As soon as we zoom past Todoroki and Bakugo, I look over my shoulder to catch their stare.

“Gotcha!!”

“L/N HAS FROZEN HER OPPONENTS IN PLACE, SECURING HER AND MIDORIYA'S LEADING POSITION!! GENIUS!!”

54...

53...

52...

I grin at Present Mic's commentary.

You hear that, heroes?! Watch me!!

49...

48...

“Crap!! I didn't think of our landing!!” Midoriya exclaims as me near the ground. His yell startles me so much, I accidentally lose my grip on Paralysis, cursing.

“Damn it, Midoriya! You cut my flow!!”

“AAAAND PARALYSIS' EFFECT IS BROKEN!! TODOROKI IS HOT ON THE DUO'S TAIL! BAKUGO ISN'T SO FAR BEHIND! IT'S THE FINAL STRETCH!!”

They're gaining on us!!!

“DON'T LET GO OF ME, L/N!!”

I shut my eyes as we near the ground, saying a silent prayer and preparing for impact.

But it never comes.

I let out a shriek as we tilt upside down. Midoriya deftly flips us upright, slamming the metal plate down on another landmine as Todoroki and Bakugo rush ahead. The mine throws us forward. We cut through the air again and straight over the remaining mineland, tumbling to the dirt path following it.

Midoriya exhales, but I don't let him take a breather. Grabbing his wrist, I sprint forward.

“RUN, YOU IDIOT!!”

“OUR LEADING DUO HAS PULLED THEIR LANDMINE TRICK ONCE AGAIN! THEY'VE CLEARED THE AREA IN AN INSTANT, RUNNING FOR THE FINISH LINE!”

Bakugo and Todoroki are close behind us - that much I can tell, but I don't look back, I just run, dragging Midoriya along as we whizz down the path and into a metallic tunnel.

Come on Y/N! A little more...!

“THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE WINNER! WHO WILL EMERGE VICTORIOUS?!”

Right before we reach the light at the end of the tunnel, Midoriya rips his hand away from me, surging forward.

No! sh*t! He's gonna beat me!!

“BY A MERE MILLISECOND, MIDORIYA IZUKU HAS MADE IT FIRST TO THE END OF THE RACE!! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR WINNER!!”

I roll onto the grass below me and turn to face the spherical ceiling of the dome, cheers and shouts filling the air. Midoriya collapses next to me, panting heavily.

“I-I've never...run so fast...i-in my entire life!!”

I sit up and immediately punch his arm,

”Seriously f*ck you, Midoriya!! I was gonna win that!!" But we're both smiling as we share amuchdeserved high-five, just as Todoroki makes it into the open field.

In third place!

I really did it! I beat them all!! Even him!

I stay sprawled on the floor for a long time, catching my breath while Midoriya's gathers himself up and faces the crowd. One by one, other students begin to finish the course. I curse under my breath.

I may have come second, but it's not as good as first. I should've stopped him when I had the chance...

“Y/N-CHAAAANNNN!!”

Mina's glistening face pops into my view. I sit up and she joins me on the grass,

“That stunt you pulled was beyond cool!!” she gushed, “You just grabbed onto Midoriya without hesitation! How did you even know he was gonna do that?!”

“I saw him earlier..." I pant, “I just... wanted to take a chance.”

“Look alive, competitors!!” Midnight yells into the microphone in her place on the box,

“Take a look at the results!!”

Like bees in a hive, the students begin to swarm around the holographic results table. Mina pulls me up and drags me towards the commotion.

“I'm pleased to announce that the top 42 competitors have made it into the next round!!”

Mina squeals in surprise, shaking me back and forth,

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my GOD!!! You got in Y/N-chan!! You really did it!! I'm so proud!!”

Mina placed 45th. So close!

Yet she's still celebrating my success? Isn't she upset?

Before I know it, I start to tear up. Grabbing Mina, I pull her into a crushing bear hug.

“Y/N-chan?!”

“M-Mina...!!” I wail, “You're seriously the best friend I could've ever asked for!!”

Chapter 8: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Look who it is?!”

Eleven year old Bakugo's sneer reached my ears as I slid off my school shoes by our elementary's gate. The last thing I wanted was another confrontation, was what I thought as I shoved my school shoes in my locker and quickly put on my sneakers. Frantically, I scrambled for the door, clutching my bookbag and hurrying away from the sound of his voice.

A rough hand then grabbed my collar and yanked me towards backwards. I yelped in pain and fell on my butt. Looking up, my eyes widened as Bakugo peered over me, dark look on his face. Behind him was Honda, one of his closer friends and Midoriya, shifting awkwardly to his left.

”So you're really ignoring me now? You still think you're better than me, bitch?”

I ripped away from his grasp and wordlessly stood, though my trembling told him all he had to know.

“So are you scared then? Or did you not get the memo by the river last week?”

The river...

“I-I need to go home-”

“Shut up!!” He grabbed my arm and spun me round to face him. Midoriya looked horrified. Teary eyed, I glared at him.

“Y-You're still hanging out with him, Midoriya-kun?!"

He looks away. I continue,

“At least I had the guts to defend myself and you! The only thing you ever do is cry!!”

His gaze softened in that moment.

When I think about that particular day, I realise how wrong it was of me to say that.

I mean, why would Midoriya want to fight back anyway? He used to do that all the time - trying to protect Bakugo's other victims. That never got him anywhere. It made sense for him to stop.

“I told him to leave you alone and look where it got me!” I cried, “And you have the nerve to show your face to me now?!”

I continue to berate Midoriya, almost forgetting that Bakugo and Honda were present.

”K-Kacchan...” Midoriya whimpers, voice barely above a whisper, ”L-Leave her alone. Please. She already said sorry last week -”

“Who asked you, Deku?”

“H-Huh?” the green haired boy caught Bakugo's stone cold glare.

“Who asked you, Deku?”

He flinched and stepped back, “I-I...”

”Why are you always playing hero? We all know you can't be one anyway.” Honda mutters. Bakugo grins,

“Yeah, you got that right.”

“Go on, Midoriya.” Honda turned his back to me, obscuring the other boy from my view, “Leave. This hasn't got anything to do with you now.”

“You should mind your own business!” Bakugo yelled as he pushed me to the floor. My heart begun to pound in my ears as I hastily scooted backwards,

“Why are you focusing on them? You don't have to worry about Midoriya. Worry about me! I'm the powerful one here!”

“I said I-I'm sorry-”

“Shut up!!”

He raised his hand up, palm facing me as explosions danced along his fingertips, “You think you can just apologize and get away with it?! Nobody gets away with mocking me!!”

“I wasn't trying to mock you!” I protested as the tears grew over my eyelids and tumbled down my cheeks, “Everything I said in that letter was true!! I wasn't lying!!”

“Actin' all high and mighty ever since you got a stupid quirk! You think your power's better than mine?!”

“No!! No, I don't!!” Shutting my eyes, I vigorously shook my head. Why wasn't he understanding?!

“Yes you do!!” he yelled back, “Otherwise you wouldn't have given me that stupid letter!!”

When opened my eyes and glanced up at his face, I remember seeing his red eyes. They were glistening with tears - tears that never fell.

Maybe he was just as upset as I was. Or maybe he was just angry. I don't really know.

”Look at you.” He muttered, “A hero? Don't make me laugh. You're too scared to even admit how you feel to my face-!”

“That's why I gave you the letter!!" I protested, “Because I was too scared to tell you how much I-”

“Save it!” He scoffed, “You think I'm an idiot?! You gave me that letter because you think you can become a hero and I can't!! I'm telling you now that I'm gonna be the number one hero! Not you! I'm the best!Not you!!”

“What is going on out here?!”

A frail, croaky voice called out to us by the exit of the school. I looked over Bakugo's shoulder and spotted the elementary's gardener, a hunched, balding old man with wrinkles etched into his forehead and squinting eyes.

“Bakugo! Let's get outta here!” Honda shouted as the gardener wobbled slowly down the stairs, approaching us. The boy nodded and made a move to run, but I desperately grabbed his trouser leg,

“B-Bakugo!” I cried, ”P-Please listen!! I promise I didn't mean to-”

He raised his hand and swiftly swung it down towards my right cheek. The impact left me sprawled on the floor.

“If you wanna act like the good guy, then fine.” He stepped over my leg, “Just know that from here on out, I'll make you and Deku's lives a living hell!!”

__________________

“As for you remaining competitors!” Midnight began as she stood from her podium in the center, “The second round will be...”

“A CAVALRY BATTLE!!!”

Cavalry battle?!

So it's not an individual event, right...?

The group of remaining contestants start to murmur and whisper amongst themselves. I turn to Ochako and Tsu, who look just as confused as me.

“Quieten down and let me explain!!” Midnight bellows, “This is how it'll work: the participants can form teams of two to four people as they wish! It's basically the same as a regular cavalry battle. But one thing that's different is, based on the results of the last game, each person has been assigned a point value!”

A sinking feeling takes hold of my stomach as Midnight continues, “Each team will be worth different points depending on who's in it! Each person's points go up in fives! So 42nd place has five points and 41st place has ten! And...the point value assigned to first place is...”

“TEN MILLION!!”

Seriously?!!

Everyone in the crowd, including myself, turn to find Midoriya, who looks as if he's regretting all his life decisions.

I take it back. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't come in first place.

“That's right! It's survival of the fittest! With a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!! Now then, the time limit for this round is fifteen minutes! Each team is worth a total of it's members' points! The riders will wear a headband with that number on their foreheads. The goal is to try to grab each other's headbands until the time runs out!”

Yes!!I think,finally something I can do! As long as I paralyse targets one at a time, I won't go over my limit!

“Try to keep as many points as you can!" Midnight yells, ”Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up! It'll be harder to manage them! The most important thing is, even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls, you're not out! This is a cruel fight where you can use your quirks if needed! Alas, it is still a cavalry battle! Red cards will be dished out to those trying to make people fall on purpose!”

“Damn..." I hear Bakugo curse behind me.

“Not a second to lose!! Make your teams! You've got 15 mins to build strategy!!"

A timer pops up on the hologram before us. Before I can even turn to Tsu, a hand is placed on my shoulder.

“L/N...Y/N. Is that right?”

When I turn around, it's the purple haired guy from the General Studies class - the exact same boy who had threatened our class a couple weeks prior!

“That's me.” I answer. He smiles and I'm immediately taken aback. Why is he way more handsome up close?!

“I'm Shinsou Hitoshi, and I think we'd make a good team. Join me?”

Oh my God, he's asking me?!

I look round at my classmates. They're all teaming up with each other.I feel like a traitor.

And I don't even know what Shinsou's quirk is!

I glance at Midoriya and snort. He's completely isolated. He catches my gaze and shoots me a pleading look.

Maybe I should...he did help me after all.

But when I look back at Shinsou, his eyes are calm - almost convincing. But I have no idea who he is. Do I really wanna take that chance?

Then again, my quirk is reliable in a situation like this. Whoever I team up with won't really be a problem...

I sigh, looking back at Midoriya and mouthing an apology.

“Alright, Shinsou. Let's team up.”

He smiles, ”Thanks. I noticed your quirk during the obstacle race. Some kind of immobilizing affect, huh?"

“Paralysis, yeah.”

“But it has a limit, correct?”

I inwardly groan.I forgot the whole arena saw me lose control - which means Aizawa-sensei must've too!!

“R-Right... I can freeze objects and people for a minute at a time, but the effect weakens with every extra thing or person I stop.”

“Incredible..." He muses, “Quite a formidable quirk, when you think about it. No wonder you're in Class 1-A.”

Is he complimenting me? O-Or hitting on me?! Someone pinch me!

“We need a couple more teammates. Any ideas?” Shinsou asks. I look round at the competition, immediately spotting one of my classmates.

”Ojiro-kun!” I call out. The boy with the tail glances is my direction, looks around, then back at me questioningly. I beckon him over.

“Team up with us?” I ask him. He glances at Shinsou, who's face rests neutrally. Then, nods,

“Sure. I was hoping someone with a lot of points would ask me.”

“Is this good?” I look up at Shinsou, silently admiring his chiseled jaw. The boy hums in thought,

“We could use another player. Class 1-A if possible.”

“Damn. I think our classmates are already taken -”

“Pardonnez-moi!”

I look to the left of me and spot Aoyama, who's doubled over clutching his stomach. He wobbles towards us, face pale with nausea.

“D-Do you guys need another member?" He laughs nervously, hopeful light in his eyes. Shinsou turns to me,

“Your call.”

I though he put himself in charge!!

“U-Uh...”

An ideal member would've been Tokoyami, I think as I watch the said boy join Midoriya's team. It seems as though he had the same idea I did. But no matter. Aoyama will be fine.

“Yeah.” I say, “You can join us, Aoyama.”

“M-Merci beaucoup!!”

“Okay. Let's talk strategy.” I say, ”Aoyama, is your navel lazer completely out of commission?”

“Not for much longer. G-Give me a minute and I'll be back to shining again!”

“Right...”

Shinsou glances at Ojiro's tail,

“Ojiro, was it? Your tail gives us a massive advantage...” He thinks for a moment, ”I believe it's best if we have you on the one of the sides. You can fend people off with that. Since erm...” He gives Aoyama a look, “There's no telling when you'll be able to use your quirk again, we'll put you at the front. L/N will be the rider. I'll take the other side."

“Isn't that a bad idea...?” Ojiro argued. Shinsou smiles,

“Regardless, L/N's quirk will be our main weapon.”

“Ah, true.”

“Your quirk, Shinsou.” I say, “What is it anyway?”

He winks at me. My heart flutters,

”You'll know when you see it.”

Damn, this sweet talker!!

“ARE OUR COMPETITORS READY?!”

Cheers erupt from the massive arena. Ojiro and Shinou crouch down, and I hoist myself on either on of their shoulders.

“This good?” Shinou adjusts my leg that rests on his left shoulder, hand on the back of my thigh.

I'm gonna faint!!

“Y-Yeah. Y-You're good. I-I mean, I'm good. It's good.” I stammer. He notices my nervousness,

“Dont't be on edge. I have a good plan.”

“Right. I'm counting on you all." I say, leaning forward to grab Aoyama's shoulders,

“Let's win!”

“3...2...1...”

“START!!!”

My team is almost immediately knocked off their feet as a swarm of students race past us, right towards Midoriya's team.

“Sucks for them...” Ojiro mumbles, “So glad I didn't join that team."

“You and me both...” I say.

“You said you have a plan, Shinsou." I glance down at him, “So what do we do?”

“Blend in.” He answers, ”Let's run for first place's headband."

My group begins to advance, trailing behind the majority of the students who have begun to tail Midoriya's team.

“L/N, move!!” Ojiro suddenly yells as a rubbery, pink object shoots straight past me. Our team stops in our tracks and I maneuver out of the way as the foreign item retracts. We all follow it's path, only to find Shoji running straight for us.

“H-He can do that too?!” Aoyama groans.

“No..." I say, peering closer, “No! sh*t! Tsu's on his team!”

Upon further inspection I find Mineta and Tsuyu, hiding within Shoji's arms and concealing themselves from the rest of the players.

“Dodge!”

We move backwards and nearly tumble over. Shinou grits his teeth,

“Don't falter, guys.”

I hope I'm not blushing!

Shoji's team run forward and straight past us in Midoriya's direction. I'm silently grateful - Midoriya's value has definitely taken the attention off of us. We'll easily be able to blend in as long as we don't cause a scene.

“TEAM MINETA ARE ADVANCING ON MIDORIYA!! HIS TEAM WILL HAVE TO MAKE A MOVE!!”

Midoriya's team - thanks to their new support course's friend - are able to avoid Shoji's advancement by taking off into the air.

”They can fly?!” I hear Mineta screech.

“Tch. We need to approach this differently.” Shinsou murmurs.

I look down at him , thinking back to two weeks ago when he'd approached my class. He seemed dead serious about transferring into the hero course.

This is a big deal for him.

But what's his quirk?!

“To your right!!” Shinsou yells, and I look over at Hagakure's team.

“Mon dieu!! ”Aoyama cries as Hagakure is propelled forward by her team,

“I love you, L/N-chan, but I gotta stand out!!”

“L/N! Stop her!”

You mean her entire team?!

I don't give myself time to worry, and do exactly that. The familiar throb of pain fills my mind, but I push the feeling down, only exhaling once they've completely stopped in their tracks.

“Nooo!! L/N-chaaan! Please!!”

My team approach her, and I slip the headband from her.

“No hard feelings, Hagakure-chan! Okay, guys! Let's move it!”

As soon as we're out of her team's reach, I release the paralysis on them, watching sympathetically as they tumble to the floor.

“You've got great reaction time.” Shinou comments.

”You've got a great eye.”

He complimented me again!!!

“MIDORIYA'S TEAM IS A MENACE! BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE REST OF CLASS 1-A'S TEAMS ARE SLIPPING BEHIND! WHAT'S THIS?! BAKUGO'S TEAM HAS ZERO POINTS!!!’

“No way...!” Ojiro gasps.

Bakugo, who's riding on top of Sero and Kirishima's shoulders, growls in rage as he reacts a second too late to a Class 1-B student snatching his headband.

“TEAM MONOMA TAKES SECOND PLACE!!”

“sh*t! We've dropped down to sixth!!” I say, “We need to make a move!!”

“Looks like 1-A's too simple minded...” Monoma chuckles as his team passes a seething Bakugo, who yells, “The hell did you just say, bastard?!!”

I suddenly feel my two headbands slip off my neck, and hurry to grab at them.

But it's too late.

I can only turn and watch in horror as Todoroki's team whizzes past us.

“No!” I shout, “Damn it, they've taken our bands!!”

“TODOROKI'S TEAM IS CLOSING IN ON MIDORIYA!!”

“Just like that, we've got zero points...!”

“WHAT'S THIS?! BAKUGO HAS RECLAIMED HIS BANDS PLUS ONE MORE FROM MONOMA!! THE RANKS KEEP CHANGING!!”

We're falling behind!! Any longer and we'll -”

“L/N!! The team to our left!!!” Shinsou shouts. I spot the orange haired girl from class B. She's got a lot of bands.

“Who's she?!"

“Kendo!!” Shinsou yells. Her team turns around and I immediately stop them in place. Pain shoots through my skull

“Ugh...”I let go of Aoyama to clutch my head. Shinsou yells at the group,

“Onwards!!”

We run for their team and with a trembling hand, I snatch all of her bands from her neck.

“TEAM L/N BUMP UP TO SIXTH PLACE! BUT IS IT ENOUGH?!”

Relief washes over me as I released Kendo's team, exhaling.

”Let's just pray this'll be what we need to get through....” Aoyama whines.

”It's not enough!!” Shinsou grits his teeth.

Damn it. I'm letting people down again!

“START THE 20 SECOND COUNTDOWN!!!”

I look in the direction Shinsou's eyes are examining. He's watching Testsutetsu's team - they're in third place.

“I think it's time...” Shinsou mutters. He looks up at me,

“Ready to see my quirk?”

What the hell is this guy planning...?

“Towards the metal guy!” He orders, and my team sharply - almost robotically - turn left, narrowly avoiding another attack from Mineta's team.

Tetsutetsu's team take a stance as we stop in front of them. He scowls,

”You guys aren't takin' any of ours! Got that?!”

Shinsou tilts his head mockingly and laughs. As he speaks, he lifts his arm to point at Tetsutetsu.

“Give us your most valuable band. Now.”

Tetsutetsu pauses. He's still for a couple seconds.

“Hey! What's wrong?!” One of his team members ask. I watch their eyes widen as their leader wordlessly reaches for his face...

And loosens the 550 band from his head!!

“10...9...8...”

Is this for real?! He's just taking it off!!!

“Grab it, L/N!!" Shinsou shouts, and I waste no time in doing so, snatching his band and yelling at my team to run for it. We instantly snap around and run to the other side of the pitch, avoiding any incoming teams or attacks.

Once we're in a safe position, I feel Ojiro buckle slightly underneath me.

“H-Huh....How did you...when did you...what?!”Ojiro is just as incredulous as I am as Shinsou looks forward towards the hologram, just as the countdown concludes.

“TIME'S UP!! THAT'S A WRAP FOR THE CAVALRY BATTLE!!!”

I can't even hear what Aoyama mutters as the crowd hoots and hollers from the outskirts of the arena. My team sets me down on the ground, and the adrenaline pumping though my veins promptly stops. I wobble and Shinsou holds my shoulders, steadying me.

“Okay?"

“Y-Yeah..." I pause, ”Wait a minute!! How did you even-"

“My quirk," He replied in a calm whisper, hint of a smile gracing his features,

”That's what it can do.”

Like...mind control or something?!

That's really hot,I think, and immediately regret afterwards.

“IN FIRST PLACE WE'VE GOT TEAM TODOROKI!!! SECOND PLACE IS TEAM BAKUGO!! THIRD PLACE IS TETSU- WAIT A MINUTE!!!”

Next to me, Shinsou smirks, arms crossed over his chest proudly,

“WHAAAAT?! L/N'S TEAM HAS LAST-MINUTE BUMPED UP TO THIRD?! INCREDIBLE!!!”

Behind us, Tetsutetsu's group are aggressively arguing with each other, his team members yelling and insulting him while he protests and defends himself.

“Thanks for your hard work, guys.”

Without even turning back, Shinsou lifts a hand to wave at us before striding away. I gape at him.

Aoyama vomits on the floor next to me.

“FOURTH PLACE IS TEAM MIDORIYA!! LOOKS LIKE TOKOYAMI MADE A LAST MINUTE DECISION THAT LANDED HIS TEAM IN THE TOP HALF!!”

“Who even is that guy? What's his deal?!" Ojiro asks me as we watch Shinsou strut forward towards the podium. With my mouth still wide open, I helplessly shrug.

”I-I wish I could tell you. But I have no freaking clue...”

”THESE FOUR TEAMS WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINAL ROUND!!! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR FINALISTS!!!”

______________

The hour lunch break begins, and together, Ochako, Yaoyorozu, Iida, Midoriya and I walk out of the stadium behind the earlier competitors.

”I didn't see the showdown that was going on with your teams earlier,” I admit, ”But whatever was going down, it must've been awesome! I mean, the crowd was going wild!”

“Thank God Tokoyami was there when we needed him...” Midoriya sighs, then glances at me,

“How in the world did you get third? I don't mean to be rude, but when I checked the results table you were in sixth place with 15 seconds to go!”

“Thanks to me we were in sixth." I mumble, ”I couldn't keep up with all the paralysing and lost focus. Yaomomo, your team came out of nowhere!”

“Todoroki truly is a genius." She comments, “Honestly, he stood out more than any of us. E-Er...maybe not Kaminari, though.”

We all peek a stare at the short circuited boy, waddling next to Mineta behind us.Damn.

As we enter Class 1-A's waiting room, Mina attacks me with a surprise hug.

“Y/N-CHAN!! Congrats!!”

“Thanks!” I grin. She turns to Ochako,

“You were amazing!!! That last minute fight between your team and Todoroki's was so cool!!”

“Super scary though! And I'm so tired!!" The brunette groans, sitting in the chair nearest to us. Mina latches onto her arm, pulling her back up,

“Come on, you! Let's put some food in your stomach! To the cafeteria!!”

We leave the waiting room and follow the rest of our class to grab lunch. Collectively, we sit on tables adjacent to each other's - in full blown discussion about everything that had just transpired.

“Who was that boy you teamed up with, Ojiro-kun?" Hagakure asked. Ojiro turned to me,

“Shinsou Hitoshi. But I was gonna ask; did you know him from before or something?”

The eyes of my classmates then all shoot in my direction. I giggle awkwardly,

“W-Well not really. He approached me himself and asked to to join my team. Totally mysterious.”

”Woah," Kirishima says, “He was really was a mystery man - Tetsutetsu told me he took his headbands last second! How did he even manage that?!”

“Not even I know." I say thoughtfully, “But it's something to do with his quirk. And I'm grateful for his last minute intervention. I wasn't a very reliable rider.”

“We secured third place however, cheri!"Aoyama passes my table with a twirl, before sashaying away. Mina giggles at him,

“The guy looks a whole lot better.”

“I'm glad. He projectile vomited all over the grass after the cavalry round. So gross.” I shudder at the memory. Mina pokes me with her chopstick,

“Enough about that. Let's talk about Shinsou~”

“Oh myGod,Mina!" I hiss. Jirou, who's sitting opposite us, speaks up,

“You were totally lovestruck. Don't deny it.”

“I-I was not!" I lie, rolling my eyes, “He was just, uh... really brooding. And kinda emo. Like, he had eyebags and looked as if he hadn't slept in days.”

Quietly, I mumble, “He looked depressed...i-in an attractive way-”

“I KNEW IT!!" Mina's fist slams against the table with gusto. The girl triumphantly grins, “And naturally, I was thinking the exact same thing!”

“Oh, god...” Jirou groans as Mina pokes her, scolding the other girl to lighten up.

________________

“ALL RIGHT EVERYONE! IT'S TIME FOR OUR FINALISTS TO ADVANCE ONTO THE LAST ROUND!!!”

”I'll never get used to all the noise...” Jirou mumbles as we step back into the center of the stadium. I agree with her as we look up at Present Mic, who's in the commentary box with Aizawa as he announces the final round.

”I'M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE LAST ROUND WILL BE TOURNAMENT STYLE - ONE ON ONE!! WHERE THE FUN REALLY BEGINS!!"

“One-on-one matches?!" I hear Kirishima exclaim, “I can't believe I'm gonna stand on the stage that I watch every year on TV!”

“I know, right?” Ochako agrees, “It's so exhilarating!!”

Midnight, who has returned to her place on the podium, holds a yellow box in both her hands,

“Now then, let's draw lots to determine each bracket!”

I look round at the competition. There's a chunk of my own class who I'm standing with, plus a whole lot of Class 1-B, who are currently giving us looks that could kill.

“Damn, they're scary...” Kaminari whispers behind me. I then spot Shinsou, behind the crowd with a calm look on his face.

This guy...his quirk is more powerful than he lets on. Hopefully I don't have to face off against him!

“Without further ado, let's -”

“Excuse me!!"

Off to the left of me in the crowd is Ojiro, his hand shot in the air. Everyone turns to face him as Midnight allows him to speak.

“I-I...I'm withdrawing!”

Cheers are replaced by murmurs and gasps from the arena. My brows furrow in confusion.

“Ojiro?! But why?!” Midoriya exclaims,

“This is an opportunity to be seen by pros!” Iida reminds him. Ojiro shakes his head. He turns to me.

“L/N...” he hushes his voice, “I-I don't remember a thing from the last couple seconds of the cavalry battle.”

What is he...

“I don't understand." I whisper, “What do you mean, you don't remember?!”

“You said we got in third place...becausethat guyordered Tetsutetsu to give us his bands.” he gestures towards Shinsou, who meets my gaze. I quickly turn away,

“Right. That's right. So what do-”

“His quirk...his quirk had something to do with it. I can't remember that ever even happening!! I think-”

“Ojiro, you're not making any sense! Enough about that!" I cut him off, “This is a rare chance for you to show the pros what you're made of! Whether you feel like you won or not, you can't throw this out the window!”

“Sorry, audience...”I hear Present Mic murmur. The crowd quietens down, “Looks like there are some... technical difficulties, hehe...”

“Ojiro...”

He shoots me a defeated look.

“Ojiro!! I accept your withdrawal from the final round!!" Midnight announces. My eyes widen,

“You can't be serious...!”

Ojiro looks beyond embarrassed. He covers his face with his hand, facing the floor, “S-Sorry, guys. I don't really know how to say this, but something's up with that guy and I don't wanna take any chances of facing off against him.”

With that, he pushes through the crowd and walks off. Midoriya taps my shoulder,

“He mentioned Shinsou, right? What did he mean?"

”I-I'm not sure...” I watch Ojiro helplessly as he exits the center of the stadium.

Something's up. What did he mean when he said he didn't remember anything?!

“Looks like we'll move someone from the fifth or sixth placed groups in the cavalry battle to take Ojiro's place!”

Midnight scans the sea of remaining students.

“Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu!! You'll be taking Ojiro's place as our sixteenth candidate!!” She points at the steel-skinned boy, who's jaw goes slack in shock.

“M-Me?! Really?!”

“Yes!! Now, no time to waste!”

"COMPETITORS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE!! FEAST YOUR EYES ON THE BRACKETS FOR THE FINAL ROUND OF UA'S SPORTS FESTIVAL!!!”

Chapter 9: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɴɪɴᴇ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɴɪɴᴇ ✿

✿ ɪᴢᴜᴋᴜ ᴘᴏᴠ

“DAMN IT! WHAT THE HELL'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?!”

I was watching from behind the brick building as 14 year old Bakugo grabbed L/N by the arm, flinging her straight into the garbage cans by the corner of the alleyway. I shut my eyes and winced as the girl landed on the floor with a huge thud. The bins clattered loudly as she crashed into them, toppling over and spilling their contents over her bag and uniform.

Bakugo took a step forward, palm out, open and emitting tiny explosions. Shakily, L/N lifted her head up to meet his glare. The boy was silently seething, free hand clenched into a fist by his side.

“You think you're above me don't you?”

”No...” She answered monotonously. Bakugo didn't like her reply. He kicked the bin right next to her into the wall. L/N flinched as it banged against the brick.

“Yes you do! You think you're so much better than me! That's why you're looking down on me!! THAT'S WHY YOU'RE NOT FIGHTING BACK!!!”

Fighting...back?

She used to do that, once upon a time.

It had been a while since I saw her retaliate.

Then again, it had been a while sinceI had retaliated against Bakugo too. After all, with each passing day, the bully grew stronger.

Somewhere down the line, I genuinely believed he'd kill me if I ever stood up for myself.

L/N didn't say anything more. An enraged, frustrated shriek filled the air as Bakugo lunged forward, taking L/N by the collar of her uniform.

“FIGHT ME WITH THAT DAMN QUIRK OF YOURS!!!”

The boy smiled sad*stically, breathing quick and shallow as he leant towards her ear,

“You told us how cool your stupid quirk is. You showed us how cool your stupid quirk is. SO STOP f*ckING AROUND AND FIGHT BACK!!!”

________________________

I poked my head round our classroom door, spotting seven year old Bakugo and his group of friends sitting round his table.

“Izuku?”

I remember skipping towards his table, before pausing, “O-Oh! I almost forgot!”

I ran back to the classroom's door to grab her hand, before dragging L/N into the room. Bakugo's brows furrowed in confusion.

“Kacchan, meet L/N! She joined today.”

His youthful face twisted into a frown. From behind me, L/N spoke up,

“Midoriya-san told me you like heroes too.” She smiled, “Who's your favourite?”

A grin stretched across Bakugo's face,

“Who do ya think?! All Might, obviously!”

”I think All Might's cool too!!” I said proudly. Bakugo continued,

“When I get my quirk, I'm gonna train to be a hero and be the best one day! Nobody can beat me!”

“I wanna be a hero too!!” L/N and I cheered in unison.

At that point in time, nobody made fun of me. We were seven after all - kids my age usually dreamed of being as strong and renowned as All Might himself.

Back then things were pretty simple. So was Bakugo.

______________________

“Are you okay, Midoriya-kun?”

Eleven year old L/N sat down on the grass beside me, drawing her knees up to her chest. In both of her hands, she held a box of plasters and a first aid kit. Heaving with sobs, I slowly nodded, my head facing the floor as I watched my tears drop onto the ground.

“W-Why are you even here?” I sniffed, ”Kacchan will start hurting you too...”

“He already hates me anyway." She whispered. I had shook my head,

“He definitely will once he sees you helping me.”

“You used to always help everyone else.”

I remember lifting my head after she said that. Her eyes were also filled with tears. They bubbled over her bottom lids and rolled down her face like a leaky pipe.

“When we were younger.” She started, “When he'd just gotten his quirk...and was picking on people, I remember you always stepping in. Always telling him to leave them alone.”

I shrugged helplessly.

“But nobody ever helps you now. Now that he picks on you...they just pretend nothing is happening. Nobody's returned the favour." She hiccupped, ”S-So I thought, I have to make you're okay. Because you always did the same for everyone else.”

“Once he starts with you, you'll regret everything you're doing." I muttered. She shook her head,

”No. I won't. I'll help you and defend you without ever regretting it.”

She lied. I know that much now.

But at the time, I wholeheartedly believed her. We had always been good friends after all - I'd looked out for her, so it made sense for her to look out for me, right?

The day after she'd helped me with my wounds, and promised to take care of me, Bakugo chased her to the river.

And when we came back to school that next week, everything changed. She changed.

But I could hardly blame her. The only person I could blame was myself.

Maybe if we'd never been friends; if I hadn't gotten her involved with Bakugo in the first place, he wouldn't have been so mean to her.

But regardless, we grew apart.

___________________

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Listen closely to the bracket based on the the results of the draw!!” Midnight points to the holographic screen in front of the finalist students,

“I don't remember anything from the last seconds of the cavalry match.”

As I search for my name of who I'm paired with on the screen, I'm also deep in thought. Whatever spooked Ojiro, it spooked him real good. Hopefully I'm not gonna be facing Shinsou in the first match...

“Huh...? Shinsou...” Midoriya murmurs as he approaches me, “That's who I'm up against. The guy from your cavalry team, right?”

I blink slowly, “O-Oh, yeah, that's -”

“Midoriya...Izuku, right?”

We both jump and turn back to find Shinsou stood behind us, same calm, neutral expression gracing his features. I surreptitiously look the boy up and down, taking my sweet time eyeing his face.

“T-That's me-”

With incredible speed, Ojiro, who has appeared again beside me, shoots his tail behind Midoriya and wraps it round his mouth, preventing him from speaking any further. Shinsou gives Ojiro a careless glance, before smiling and walking off.

“Ojiro?! What are you doing...?!” I say, but trail off as I meet his eyes.

He's...scared?

“Neither of you should talk to him from now on. I-I'm telling you, something's not right....”

He shoots me an apologetic look,

“A-And, uh...L/N? You have bigger issues to worry abou-”

“HUHHH?!!! I'M WITHHER?!!”

Midoriya and I freeze.

Could it be that I'm with...

The world around me seems to slow down. There's this dreadful sinking feeling in my stomach. I suddenly feel very, verysick. My throat closes up, my mouth goes dry.

No. No, you're kidding me-

“L/N? Y-You're with Kacchan?” Midoriya follows my eyes up to the screen, where my name and Bakugo Katsuki's are printed.

Right next to each other.

I lift my arms, let out some sort of defeated groan, and helplessly cover my eyes with my hands. My stomach starts doing somersaults and I feel the blood drain from my face.

”T-This can't be right...” I rake my fingers down my cheeks, ”Is it a joke?”

“Good luck, L/N.” I hear Ojiro's encouragement from behind me as he squeezes my shoulder and walks away, but I'm too distracted to properly thank him. My eyes have already met with Bakugo's who's stood with his hands in his pockets, smirking.

“There's nothing for you here. So just die.”

I feel my hands begin to tremble and my palms begin to sweat. Any kind of courage I gained over spring break before high school - any sort of bravery or determination I cultivated in that time...

Justleaves me.As quick as that.

I'm f*cking terrified.

“S-sh*t...” I say to myself, “sh*t, sh*t...”

“L/N.”

Midoriya grabs my shoulders and spins me to face him. He's smiling.

”I know what you feel.”

“What?” I narrow my eyes, “What are you talking about? You don't."

He shakes his head,

“Ido,L/N. I really do. Because he'd scare the crap outta me too. Don't forget.”

I open my mouth to protest - to lie and tell him that I'm perfectly fine, but Midoriya continues,

“How do you think I felt that day? During combat training? Knowing I'd be facing off against the one guy that made my life a living hell? I wasbeyondhorrified. I wanted to run away. And that's okay.”

“I-I'm not scared.” I say firmly, ripping his arms away from my shoulders, “And I don't want your-”

“Why are you so ashamed of how you feel?” He whispers.

I pause.

Of how I feel?

“I'm...”

“L/N." He repeats, “What you said to me at the start of the school year...about moving on and not looking back at the past, it stuck with me. And I agree with you. You can only ever move forwards. But it's also okay to be scared. It hasn't been that long after all. And I've learnt that healing...it takes time."

Time? Healing? What the hell is this?!

“But-”

“I believe there's true strength,” he whispers, ”In being able to admit that you feel fear. Because as much as you might think that you've moved on, it's not so easy to forget everything we went through.” He pauses and sighs,

“W-What I'm trying to say is that I understand you. And I get that you feel you've grown and overcome that fear - and maybe you have-”

"Yeah." I snap, “I have. So stop talking to me as if I'm a reclusive cause-"

“That's not what I'm trying to do!" He protests, “All I'm trying to say is that I was scared too. And I don't...want you to think it's bad thing for feeling the same way.”

I grit my teeth and stare at the floor. Midnight is still talking above us on the podium, probably explaining how the final round will work. I'm too focused on my thoughts to listen.

I'm so disappointed.

All that work over spring break.

All of that time I spent telling myself that I'd change - get stronger,bestronger.

All those times I'd look in the mirror, forcing myself to believe he had no power over my emotions.

It was all for nothing.

“Had it been anyone else, this round would've been exciting.” I mumble.

Midoriya has this weirdly knowing smile on his face,

“I know.”

“But it's him.” I reluctantly continue, He nods encouragingly.

“Right.”

“And I-I guess... I'm not particularly happy about that. I don't want to fight him. Because-”

I pause and squeeze my eyes shut,

“B-Because sometimes the thought of Bakugo still terrifies me.”

Content, Midoriya gives me an affirmative hum.

“I believe in you.” he says, “And I'm sure all our friends watching believe in you too. Whether you win or not, it'd be incredibly brave of you to face him.”

There's a glint in his eye. I laugh wryly,

“Guess I should take my own advice.”

______________

Together, my class and I sit in the lower stalls of the arena's spectating space. Mina's sitting crossed legged to the right of me. Iida's sat in front, and Ochako and Hagakure are taking up the left. Above us in the commentary box, Present Mic is announcing the first match of the first year tournament. It's Shinsou Hitoshi Vs Midoriya Izuku.

“So glad he's before us.” Ochako sighs. I agree. I've got a lot of time to kill before my match with Bakugo.

And a lot of time to mentally prepare.

“You think you'll win against Aoyama?” Mina asks Ochako. She nods confidently,

”Of course! I can definitely do it!”

“That's the spirit!" I give her a thumbs up, “Who knows, he'll probably end up vomiting again in the middle of the fight.”

Ochako turns pale, “I hope he doesn't. It'll throw me off.”

____________________

After Midoriya's successful showdown with Shinsou, he returns to the spectating space, where our class congratulate him. He sits with us as we watch our classmates one at a time enter the stadium, fighting either a Class 1-B member, or each other. With each passing match, the sinking feeling grows in my stomach.

Anymore now and I think I'll genuinely vomit.

I know I said I was gonna mentally prepare myself. Truth is, I have no ideahow to mentally prepare myself. So while we watch our friends fight one after another, I sit, shaking like crazy and clenching my sweaty palms. The feeling of Bakugo's eyes on my back doesn't help matters either.

When Iida and Hatsume's match is very clearly about to conclude, I shoot straight up from my seat.

”Y/N-chan?” Mina looks worried, “You look ill. Like, as if you're gonna die.”

Wordlessly, I exit the spectating space. Ochako and Hagakure call after me, but I don't look back.

I need to hurl first, and then pray to God.

I rush through my unordered thoughts as I hurry to Class 1-A's waiting room. Where I find Bakugo Katsuki. Just my luck.

I'm gonna puke.

Not missing a beat, I turn on my heels and am about to leave the room. But a gruff voice stops me.

“Hey.”

Bakugo barges past me, hands shoved in his pockets like usual. With a glare, the boy leans down to my ear, hissing,

“Prepare to lose.”

I let out a pathetic whimper - immediately slapping my palm against my mouth afterwards. Once hearing my sound of distress, a triumphant grin grows on his face. He knows what he's doing.

Bakugo marches away, towards where he'll enter the stadium for the start of our fight.

Our fight.

It begins to seriously register in my brain once I watch him round the corner and disappear into the light of the arena. Realisation sinks in like poison.

Our fight.

I'm going to fight Bakugo.

He's going to fight me.

I can't do this.

I can't do it.

I can't.

I can't.

I sink to my knees on the floor, right as Mina's yell reaches my ears from the end of the corridor. I hear multiple footsteps - she's definitely not alone. Great.

Now they'll all see how wimpy I am.

“Is she okay?!”

Mina takes my shoulders and heaves me upwards. Ochako's on her knees next to my shuddering frame and Yaomomo sits on the floor in front of me, unbuttoning her gym shirt.

“Yaoyorozu-san!! W-What are you doing?!" I hear Midoriya's voice, but I can't see him in my peripheral vision.

“What do you need?” The girl asks me calmly, “Inhaler? Buspirone? Alprazolam? Water?”

I'm too busy hyperventilating to catch my breath and give her an answer. Instead, I lift one of my fingers up.

”One. She's saying one.” I hear another voice - Iida's, as Yaomomo nods, opening up her shirt. Tiny, crystallised blue and red sequins grow from her abdomen. A plastic, yellow and grey object stretches from her skin and into the open. It clatters onto the floor and Ochako snatches it from the ground, handing it to me.

“Goodness, can we quicken the pace?!”

After taking a couple breaths through the inhaler, I slowly turn my head up to glare at the bluenette,

“Stop talking. My brain can't keep up."

“I think she's okay." Midoriya sighs in relief as I tiredly rest my head against the metallic wall of the corridor. A soft breeze passes by us from the opening of the hallway - where our match is supposed to be starting any minute now.

“Listen to me, Y/N.” Mina takes my hand as I take another puff of medication, “I don't care about what Bakugo did to you as a kid. All I know is that you have togo out there. Now.”

Tears welling up in my eyes, I shoot Midoriya a stone cold glare,

“You told them?!”

“I didn't know what else to do!”

“And that's not the point right now!" Ochako cuts in, ”Y/N-chan! Please! You can't miss out on this chance! Remember what you said?!" There's a light in her eyes, “About wanting to make up for what happened during combat training? You wanted to show Aizawa-sensei what you could do!"

“Not against f*cking Bakugo!” I wail, “Anyone else would've been fine!”

“PREPARE YOURSELVES, AUDIENCE! THE NEXT FIGHT - BAKUGO KATSUKI VS L/N Y/N IS OUR FINAL MATCH BEFORE THE NEXT STAGE!!”

”Oh jeez...” I hang my head as Present Mic's voice reaches the hallway by the exit.

“If you won't go yourself, We're dragging your ass.”

”Language, Ashido!!”

Ignoring Iida, Mina picks herself up from the floor. She grabs my left arm. Ochako holds my right. I let my whole body go limp as they attempt to haul me off the floor.

“Could use a little help here!!”

While Yaomomo buttons up her shirt, Iida and Midoriya grab my waist, hoisting me onto my feet. Mina has to steady me again as I briefly stumble, before finally finding my footing and standing straight.

”Okay. Good?” She asks me. I wordlessly look away. Her eyes soften,

“I'm sorry. Don't blame Midoriya. I was the one who pried. But we'll talk about it after you win, okay?"

”I'm not gonna win-”

“Well, whatever happens!" She snaps, “I don't care how it'll end. Channel your emotions into every move you take! You're a strong person, Y/N-chan! Don't let him make you think otherwise!”

Since when did she get so smart?

“Remember what you said earlier?" Midoriya asks pleadingly, “About taking your own advice? Can you do that, just for this fight?”

“I ASK YOU ALL TO GIVE OUR COMPETITORS A WELCOME AS THEY ENTER THE STADIUM!!”

I lean past Ochako and hurl the fried chicken I bought from one of the stalls an hour earlier. Ochako squeaks in surprise and Iida immediately turns away. Coloured sparkles drift from Yaomomo's left palm as it produces an unopened back of white tissue papers. Frantically, she rips it open and takes two from it's confinements, dabbing at my mouth.

“Come on! Let's go! Heave!!”

After stepping over my erm...mess on the floor, the group half lead me, half drag me towards the exit. We near the light at the end of the passageway - I spot Bakugo standing at the opposite side of the widened cement area. He's stretching his arms above his head carelessly.

I'm gonna fight Bakugo.

Bakugo's gonna fight me.

“There's nothing for you here. So just die.”

“Okay. You gonna puke again?” Mina squeezes my shoulder and I pause before shaking my head.

”Sure?"

”I-I think.”

“One last pump?”

Yaomomo hands me the inhaler, which I take gratefully. After a few more quick puffs, I give it back.

“Right." Ochako's pats my hand, ”You can do it. We'll be cheering you on! No time to lose!"

They push me out into the open.

This feeling of... embarrassment hits me. I feel naked, exposed - like an open book for everyone to read. They're all staring at me.

Their eyes won't go away.

When I look back, my friends are already sprinting down the hallway, towards to the spectating space.

“LOOKS LIKE L/N HAS FINALLY MADE AN APPEARANCE - Oh...she looks pretty ill. Is this even allowed?”

My face heats up in shame as the arena quietens. Hushed murmurs arise from the crowds. Humiliated, I sluggishly approach the cemented fight zone, head hung low.

“You look like sh*t!”

Bakugo's loud insult hits me like a ton of bricks. I strain to lift my head, exhausted. A couple laughs arise from the audience.

”I'll be honest, you look almost as bad as you did last year. Nostalgic feeling.”

”Why did you even use your quirk knowing how damn weak it is?!”

“You're a f*cking coward.”

”There's nothing for you here. So just die.”

“BEAT HIS ASS, L/N!!”

Both mine and Bakugo's heads snap in the direction of the shout. My jaw slackens as I gape at the audience.

Was that f*cking Midoriya?

“YEAH! SHOW HIM WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!!” Mina cheers from the lower bleaches.

“YOU CAN DO IT!” Jirou yells.

“YOU'RE AMAZING!!” Ochako and Iida shriek from their seats.

My friends continue to scream at me from the crowd. I wipe my face as tears fall from my eyelids.

“Okay." I whisper to myself, before looking up at my class and nodding.

“ALRIGHT! ermm...looks like she's fine now. GIVE IT UP FOR OUR FIGHTERS!!!”

The hollers of the crowd return as Present Mic counts down from 10 within the commentary box. I feel my heart pounding inside my ribcage - faster and faster as I meet Bakugo's eyes. His face is dark.He's not happy.

“Looks I'll be proving to you once again why you'll never make it big, bitch.”

Chapter 10: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“LET THE BAKUGO KATSUKI VS L/N Y/N MATCH...BEGINNNN!!!!!!”

I wince as the audience's chaotic shouts and cheers surround me.I feel like my eardrums are gonna explode.

I inhale and exhale deeply as I set my sights on Bakugo, who takes a step forward. Pushing down the still fresh feeling of nausea in my stomach, I take a stance. He laughs,

”I'll make this quick and save you the embarrassment.”

I almost buckle to the floor out of fear as Bakugo speeds right towards me. It's the thought of my friends and their support that gives me enough courage to duck and roll out of the way - just as Bakugo reaches the position I was in a moment ago. He whips his head round to glare at me. I scurry to the other end of the fight zone.

Given the state I'm in right now and Paralysis in general, there's no way I'll be able to win against him.

I can only avoid his advances for now.

”Not this crap again!” He yells at me. I stand taller and focus on steadying my breathing, loosening the tension in my mind and stretching my numbing fingers.

”So what?!!” He shouts over the sound of the crowd, “You're just gonna dodge me?! Same old bitch from junior high, huh?!”

I don't offer him a reply. This only angers him further. Immediately, he leaps off his feet, propelling himself forward with explosions to quickly reach my position.

”You're a f*cking coward.”

Just for a moment, I falter - that's when I realise I've run out of time to duck out of his way. Shutting my eyes and sucking in a breath, I activate my quirk, stopping him in place.

“L/N'S USED HER QUIRK TO STOP HER OPPONENT IN HIS TRACKS! BUT IT LOOKS LIKE SHE CAN'T HOLD IT FOREVER!!!”

“Damn it..." He snarls while I double over and clutch my forehead, grimacing at the pain.

Get it together, Y/N. Don't embarrass yourself any more than necessary.

Limping and still holding my head, I slowly walk to the other side of the cemented area, straight past the immobile Bakugo and to the edge of the other side. I sigh as I deactivate my quirk; Bakugo tumbles to the floor and the throb in my head subsides.

”WHAT'S THIS? WILL L/N SERIOUSLY KEEP DODGING BAKUGO'S ATTEMPTS? OR DOES SHE HAVE A TRICK UP HER SLEEVE?”

Crap. I can't do this forever.

Bakugo scrambles up from where he was sprawled on the floor. Staring at the ground, he breathes heavily. I stand still and watch him silently. Even the crowd's noise has died down a bit.

“ARE THEY GIVING EACH OTHER A MINUTE TO CATCH THEIR BREATH? WHEN WILL THIS FIGHT GET INTERESTING?! Seriously, anymore now and we'll have to set a time limit...”I hear Present Mic mutter into his microphone.

A couple boos can be heard from the audience. A large chunk of them begin to chant, ”FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.”

Bakugo finally looks up. His red eyes are practically black. He's beyond just angry - anyone could see that.

”I hate you." He mutters, before repeating it louder,“I hate you!!!”

Breathless, I relax my stance and think of what to say.

Clearing my throat quietly, I croak,

“You've told me that already.”

With a growl, he launches himself forward and up towards my face. It catches me so off guard, I barely have time to freeze him in place.

The boos grow even louder now.

My breathing becomes shallow - quickened. Sidestepping out of the way while wincing in pain, I move to the other side of the zoneagain.Then, I release him.

“THIS FIGHT ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE!!”Present Mic announces,“IS THIS A LOST CAUSE? DOES L/N HAVE A PLAN?! WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!"

He's trying to entertain the crowd,I realise.

All I'm doing is prolonging the inevitable.

I'm going to lose against him.

It's only a matter of time.

“Always looking down on me!” Bakugo's entire frame is shaking with rage. The boy's face is twisted into a scowl. I've seen that expression so many times - it still scares me regardless.

“Is that all you're gonna keep on doing?!" He snarls, ”Looking down on me?! Thinking you're better?! Huh?! IS THAT IT?!”

I begin to shake my head.

“Y-You always say that!” I hiss, “All the time, you claimed I was looking down on you...is that what you think?"

”I don't think it. Iknowit.”

“Liar...” I whisper. Then I cry it out. Louder.

“You're a liar!!!”

“I'mthe liar?! Quit f*cking around!!”

“LOOKS LIKE THE TWO WOULD RATHER FIGHT WITH WORDS!! Wish we could hear what they're arguing about...”

I curse under my breath.I can't lose this.

I can't.

Aizawa-sensei is watching.

My friends are watching.

Everybody's watching.

Even my parents at home are watching.

I think of mom.

Mom.

She's already so disappointed in me...

“You're the one that looks down on me!” I take a step forward, trembling, “If not then why did you torture me in the first place?!”

“Because you always acted like you were better!!” He shot back, “You constantly talked about your quirk being strong!! Stronger thanmine!!You constantly showed off to everyone around you!! You made me look like an idiot!!!”

“So you admit it?!” I yell, “You were jealous of me?! That's why you did what you did?!”

“STOP ACTING LIKE THE VICTIM, DAMN IT!!!”

I pause.

Is he...

Is he crying??

It's subtle - those in the crowd wouldn't be able to see it - but forming in the corners of Bakugo's eyes are tears.Tears.

They fill up his eyelids, bubble around the surface - but they don't fall. They only glisten in the sun, while I watch him from the other end of the arena.

“THAT LETTER YOU GAVE ME WAS MOCKERY, YOU HEAR?!” He shrieks, “ALL YOU EVER DID WAS MOCK ME!! AND THEN YOU STOPPED FIGHTING BACK!!”

He throws his head back and laughs. But it's not any laugh. It's more like a cry of frustration, anger - sadness.

But what did he have to besadabout?

Back then he had everything.

Friends, a functioning quirk, supportive parents, courage, popularity.

Everything I ever wanted. That wasall he had.

“YOU THOUGHT YOUR QUIRK WAS TOO GOOD TO BE WASTED ON ME!! THAT'S WHY YOU PLAYED VICTIM - ACTED FOOL. LIKE A WEAKLING EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE ANYTHING BUT-”

My heart's pouding so quickly now, I clutch the fabric of my gym kit over it, hoping it would somehow sooth my nerves.

“Bakugo...why do you think I never used my quirk on you?! I wasn't playing the victim. I was the victim!!!”

“Shut up!”

“No! It's time you listened to me!” I yell, “I can'tuse my quirk anymore!!! I can't!!! I-I can't...”

When I begin to properly cry, Bakugo pauses for a second.

“You..." He watches me carefully,

“... can't?”

“I-It stopped...” I confess. The stinging sensation of tears cause me to shut my eyes. Unlike Bakugo's they roll down my cheeks and onto the cement I'm stood on.

“It juststopped.I-I can't...it doesn't work anymore. It hasn't for years now...”

“DAMN LIAR!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!”

Bakugo lunges for me. But my head hurts too much to stop his movement.

I think back to combat training. Deku and Bakugo's fight on the ground floor...

With strength I didn't evenknowI could muster, my hands reach for his outstretched arm, grip his wrist and flip him over my shoulder. He lands with a thud right by the edge of the fight zone. An inchaway from the out of bounds area. There's applause from the audience.

“FINALLY!! SOME ACTION FROM L/N!!!”

Bakugo makes a move to stand up, but I press my foot down on his chest, holding him in place.

“SCREW YOU!!” He bellows. My eyes snap down to his hands. They're turning orange.

He'll blast me out of bounds!!

Without wasting a second, I drop quickly to the ground so I'm straddling him. Swiftly, I reach for both of his hands.

f*ck. They burn.

I grunt in pain as I try with all of my might to pin his hands above his head. But I know it's a lost cause.

I can't beat Bakugo when it comes to raw strength!

But when his force against me weakens for a second, I realise he's more upset than he let on.

There's a cheer from the crowd as Bakugo finally stops struggling against my grip. He goes limp on the floor beneath him, panting. I make a move to activate my quirk, but the pain is too much, so I hold him there, catching my breath as I shut my eyes and count to ten.

When I open them again, he's looking right at me. Only this time, I can't quite place what emotion he's feeling.

“f*cking fight me. Stop looking down on me." He seethes, “I'm just as good as you. If not better.SO USE YOUR DAMN QUIRK!!!”

“SO STOP f*ckING AROUND

AND FIGHT BACK!!!”

The memory of that day in the alleyway plays like a broken record in my mind. I watch his face. His expression is almost pleading - desperate.

For a moment, just a moment, I feel...sympathy.

The sympathy quickly turns into rage. With my left hand still pinning his arms down, I raise back my free arm and punch him right in the face.

The satisfaction that courses through me islongoverdue.

“THIS IS WILD!!! THE FIGHT'S GETTING PHYSICAL?!!!”

Bakugo doesn't take that well. With new strength, he pushes himself up and shoves me off his body. I roll over myself and end up on the floor. His knees are either side of me, caging my body in.

sh*t!

“You bitch...” he pants. I lift an arm to throw another punch, but he pins it down, scowling.

“Fight me, damn it!! Why won't y-you...” his voice cracks.

“I can't use my quirk anymore! How many times do I have to say it?!” I shout in his face. Using my knee, I kick him in the abdomen. He loosens his grip on my arm, and I snatch the chance to escape, pushing him off of me and quickly standing. I rush to run away, but he grabs my ankle and I trip, falling straight back onto the cement. The cheers of the audience are louder now. I can barely hear Bakugo as he whispers,

“This is exactly why I'll never let you forget.”

“Oh,please.I could never forget.”

I attempt to scramble away as he drags me by the ankle closer to the edge beside him. I turn over so I'm sat on the cement, pulling harder than ever as I try to escape his grasp.

“It's all your fault!" I cry, ”You made my life hell and my quirk paid the price!! Now I'll never catch up to you!! I'll never be as good as you!! I'll always be behind!!!”

He stops pulling. I sigh pathetically, covering my eyes with one of my hands, “I'll never be able to do what I could when we were kids. I can't move boxes, or pencils or whatever!!!Don't you get it?! I can't anymore! So why are you still so angry?!!!”

Leaning up, I grab on his wrist and yank it off my ankle. Bakugo deftly rolls away as I lunge to attack him. Grabbing my arm from behind, the boy begins dragging me to the other end of the fight zone. I kick and push, but for some reason, his grasp is of pure steel.

“You ruined every chance I had...” My voice is hoarse. We're a mere centimetre from the out of bounds zone - but he stops.

“I didn't even have the balls to face you earlier. Y-You know that?”

“Shut up. Stop pulling sh*t out of your ass.” He insults me, but doesn't make a move to end the match. So I continue,

“I was so scared of facing you. Because no matter how hard I try, the memories of everything you put me through won't leave me alone. So it doesn't matter what you do. I can't forget. I'm as good as quirkless now!” as Bakugo tugs me out of the fight zone, I mutter, “So don't worry about me surpassing you. That won't ever happen...”

When I'm finally thrown out of bounds, Bakugo doesn't spare me a second glance.

He won. That's something he loves to do.Win.

Oddly enough, he isn't smiling.

Why isn't he smiling?

__________________

I couldn't show my face after my pathetic loss to Bakugo. That was the last thing I planned on doing. So instead of watching the rest of the Sports Festival like everybody else, Mina joined in me in Class 1-A's locker room.

I'd be totally lost without Ashido Mina around.

We watch on the TV in the room as a raging Bakugo is presented with a gold medal upon the podium for the closing ceremony. Mina rolls her eyes,

“This punk! He got first place andstillhas something to yell about?!”

“Tell me about it." I murmur, sighing as the broadcast of UA's annual Sports Festival comes to a close. I lower my forehead to the table.

“You sure you don't wanna go see Recovery Girl? Your hands look kinda bad.”

I lift my head from the table to inspect my palms, ”Just minor burns. I didn't touch his hands for too long. They'll heal in time.” I pause,

“Mina?”

“Yeah?”

“You should go to our friends. Don't stay cooped up in this place all depressed."

She replies, “ Only if you come too.”

I think back to my fight against Bakugo. How I'd lost -stupidly - to that good for nothing brat.

I spilled the truth about my quirk and he didn't even believe me.

What's worse is that half the world probably saw my defeat. I failed miserably.

“No.” I mumble, “After what happened there's no way-”

“Did youseeMidoriya's fight with Todoroki? I'll be so real - that was more embarrassing than yours. You're not alone.”

Oh, crap. She's right.

“Uh...alright, fine.”

“And, Y/N-chan?”

“Yeah? Mina, what's wrong-”

The pink skinned girl leaps out of her chair and springs a surprise bear hug on me. We tumble to the floor.

“I'm not judging your history with Bakugo. In fact, I think you're brave for going to fight him anyway. Even if you did lose. And I don't know what you and him were talking about back there, but Idoknow that you put him in his place. So I'm proud.”

“Mina!” I wail, “I've shed enough tears today!!”

“Right,” she giggles, “My bad.”

We stand from the floor and I stretch my arms over my head, suddenly feeling a lot better,

“You go outside. I'll be there in a sec, ‘kay?”

“Alright!” She winks at me and skips towards the exit, shutting the door behind her.

I fall back in my chair, smiling.

Yeah, I lost pretty badly. But I also realised something too.

I've got the best friends ever. And I've been taking them for granted. Even Midoriya.

“Ugh...” I groan to myself, “I really should apologise to him at some point. Maybe toda-”

The door to the locker room squeals as it creaks open. When I turn round, I find Bakugo standing in the doorway.

Why do I keep running into him like this?!

For a guy who was raging on the TV screen five minutes ago, he looks pretty...neutral. The gold medal is still looped round his neck. His gym kit is torn and damaged from the multiple activities he'd partaken in.

I'm about to ask him bitterly what he's doing here. But I'm soashamed.I can't even utter one word. Instead, I turn away and stay quiet.

Bakugo doesn't say anything. He doesn't move either. After a minute or two, I look up. He's just...standing in the doorway still, shifting awkwardly on his feet. I raise an eyebrow.

“...What do you want? Why are you here?”

“You're so f*cking persistent.” He snaps, marching up to the table I'm sitting by. He slams down a plastic, clear jar on the wood.

“What in the world do you-”

“When I was younger,” he began reluctantly, “I-I, uh...hurt myself with my quirk a lot.”

I stare at him expectantly. He purposely avoids my gaze,

“My mom used this to help with injuries. Y-Your hands look like sh*t so...”

Don't tell me...is he offering help?

Please.

“Why would I want help from you?” I spit, “I'd rather Satan himself-”

“QUIT WHINING!!”

I flinch and shut up. He immediately freezes, “Ugh, I'm so-...damn it...just shut up.”

He grabs the chair on the opposite side of the table. It scratches against the floor as he drags it up next to me, plopping down on it and grabbing the jar. I scoot away,

“I don't want your help, Bakugo. I don't even wanna see your face."

“Likewise, bitch." He shoots back, “So sit still. Then I can finish and we can go our separate ways.”

“I-”

He reaches for my right arm that's resting on the table. I watch him hesitate. We share a look before he quickly glances away, huffing and taking my hand.

“Ouch..” I wince as he props my hand up against his arm. Bakugo inspects the injury.

“Why the hell did you sit here like a dumbass instead of going to Recovery Girl or something?!”

“Mina said something like that...” I mutter in response, embarrassed.

Guess I really should've gone, huh?

Bakugo opens the jar. It smells of jasmine.

“You're supposed to apply this to injury and wrap it up for a couple days." He explains quietly as he takes an excessive amount of cream from the container. Deftly, he presses his fingers against my palm, massaging it into my skin and spreading it across my hand,

“After two days, unwrap the bandages and reapply the remedy. After a couple repeats, your hands will be fine, I guess.”

“You're surprisingly good at this.” I accidentally say out loud. He scowls,

“I just told you, my mom did this for me when I was a kid!”

”O-Oh, my bad.”

From his pocket, Bakugo retrieves a roll of white bandages. The boy quickly unravels around 30cm worth of bandage before using his teeth to rip away from the roll.

”Hold your hand out.”

I do as he instructs, watching him wrap the material round my palm and knotting it in place. It's awkwardly silent in the room as he does this.

What the hell is even happening?!I think to myself, an hour or so ago, we were literally screaming at each other in the stadium.

He said he hated me.

And now he's...

“Is it true then?”

“H-Huh?”

Bakugo gestures for me to give him my other hand. I oblige as he repeats his question,

“W-What you said. When we were fighting. About your quirk.”

He's already staring at me when I look up at him. Quickly averting my look, he clears his throat and takes another generous amount of cream from his jar. As he applies it to my left hand, I respond,

”I'd rather not repeat it.”

“Why'd you tell me then?”

“Heat of the moment.”

He stops and gives me a look. I gulp.

“I was upset. A-And a bit scared. And frustrated. It slipped out.”

”Whatever.”

He rips another length of bandage away from the roll, wrapping up my second hand. Once he's done, he looks me up and down.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?”

“No.”

With that, he stands from his seat and collects his items from the table.

“Thanks.” I whisper, staring at the floor.

“Don't thank me." He mumbles. Once the door shuts behind him, I let out a breath I didn't even realise I was holding in.

What just happened?

Chapter 11: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Dad?”

I was stood over the dining table, peering down at the initial admission form for UA High School's Hero course. My father turned around from where he was busy at the counter. There was this hopeful glint in his eye.

“I know you said you didn't want to enroll...but your mom and I know how much being a hero means to you.”

Not this again - was what I was thinking as I sighed and sat at the table,

“Dad. I-I can't. I'll embarrass myself in the exam. And I already told you what he did to me when he found I wanted to-”

“Look behind the papers, doll.”

I gave him a curious glance, before reaching for the sheets and shuffling them. That's when I found the UA High School's General Studies admission form.

“You want me to enroll in the General Studies course?”

“I want you to rely in both. And in secret. We won't tell your school.”

I reach for the papers, but stop myself. My dad watches me carefully,

“UA's your dream. H ero or not, I know you're destined to go there. That's why I want you to enroll for both courses.”

__________________

With a sigh, I plop into my seat in class to prepare for morning homeroom.

“So many people talked to me on my way here.” I grumble, “They kept on saying how amazing I was for facing off against the guy who got number one.”

Jirou snorts and I whack her arm in response, “It's totally unfair! I don't wanna be reminded of that match. Plus, they disregarded my performance in the cavalry battleandthe damn obstacle race!”

“Me too...” Kirishima groans as he slides into his seat, “Everyone on my train kept asking me if Testsu and I are twin brothers.”

“Twins?!"Mina bursts out laughing and Kirishima scowls, “Just because our quirks are similar! We don't even look anything alike!”

“Some elementary kids told me ‘don't worry about losing’ when I walked past their school...” Sero sighs as he approaches his desk.

“Don't worry about losing, ribbit!” Tsu chimes happily. The boy whines in frustration and we giggle at Tsu's comment.

“Morning...” Aizawa mutters as he slides open the classroom door and enters the room. Immediately, we all return to our homeroom seats and quieten down, answering our teacher with a polite “Good morning!" In unison.

“Okay. Listen up and listen well. We're having a special hero informatics class today.”

“Oooh!" Mina whispers, “What does that even mean?”

“I'll explain once you shut up, Ashido.”

The class chuckles at Aizawa's remark. Mina sinks into her seat, cheeks flushed red.

“Code names." Aizawa says, “You'll be coming up with hero names during this special class.”

Hero names?! Yes!!

The class lets out an excited cheer. Our teacher rolls his eyes.

“This is related to the pro hero draft picks I mentioned the other day.”

Right, after the Sports Festival...I recall. Following the ending of the Festival, Aizawa had explained to our class that our performances would affect what pro hero agencies or heroes themselves would take an interest in us and our careers as aspiring pros.

After my, erm...embarrassingbattle with Bakugo, I tried my hardest to keep the draft picks off my mind.

“Draft picks typically begin in earnest during your second and third years. But being recognised during your first year means the pros definitely see potential in you as a student and your future career. The earlier you're recognised for your skills, the better.”

“Damn...adults are mean.” I hear Mineta mumble under his breath. Aizawa shoots him a glare before continuing,

“Right, Here are the totals for those with offers.”

I forget I'm in class for a split second and lower my head down on the table.

I wanna go home...

“Todoroki and Bakugo got the most offers, as you can see.” Aizawa points to the hologram presented on the board, which displays a list of our names and how many offers were distributed amongst each of us. Below Bakugo and Todoroki's names are Tokoyami, Iida, Kaminari, Yaoyorozu, Kirishima, Uraraka and Sero. They all have quite a lot of offers.

”Damn. Todoroki got second place yet has more offers than Bakugo...” Kirishima observes the display carefully.

“What did you expect?” I speak up, “I imagine most agencies would be scared to offer a place to him. I mean, he had to be restrainedduring the closing ceremony.”

“THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?!”

Mina and Sero snicker. I avoid his glare as he shrieks,

“AT LEAST I GOT TO THE FINALS, PIECE OF sh*t-”

“I'll kick you out, Bakugo.” Aizawa warns him, sighing before rubbing his forehead in exhaustion.

I reach forward to grab Ochako's shoulders, shaking her excitedly,

“I can't believe you got offers!! That's amazing, Ochako-chan! I'm so proud!!”

“Ah!! Thank you so much! I'm really surprised!!” The girls slaps her reddening cheeks, “Honestly after losing against Aoyama-kun of all people you'd expect him to have offers over me...”

“Your quirk's really versatile, though!” Midoriya muses, “You can do all sorts of things with Zero Gravity.”

“I guess, hehe..."

“Congrats to you too, Iida-kun!” I say. The boy in question turns in his seat to give me a small smile. Mina giggles,

“I guess being played by Hatsume paid off!”

“So it did.” Iida agrees.

“Midoriya! I can't believe you didn't get any offers!” Mineta gasps. The other boy sheepishly laughs,

“There's always next time, I guess.”

“You too, L/N-chan!" Tsu speaks up, “You're quirk's very useful. I thought you'd get at least a couple of offers.”

“There's always next year!” I quickly reply, not really wanting to talk about the events of the Sports Festival.

“Well, whether you all got offers or not, you still will be participating in internships with pros.” our teacher reminds us, “Anyway, regarding your hero names: these can be changed throughout your academic career as they are temporary. It's important to think about it carefully though. If you make a bad decision now-”

“-you'll pay hell for it later~!!” Midnight sashays into our classroom as she finishes off Aizawa's sentence. Mineta and Kaminari share a perverted look as the pro hero approaches our teacher smirking.

“Jesus...” Aizawa mutters, ”Midnight is basically here to make sure you don't ruin your lives and pick horrible hero names. Have fun. Don't do anything stupid, Mineta. Now -”

“U-Um, Aizawa-sensei?” I lift my hand up. He glances half-heartedly in my direction,

“What? Make it quick.”

“How did you pick your hero name?”

”I didn't.”

“H-Huh...?” I stare blankly at the man, as does Midnight and the rest of our class as he shrugs dismissively.

“I didn't. Present Mic picked it for me.”

Oh. That's helpful.

With that, Aizawa picked up his sleeping bag, climbed into it, and instantly shut his eyes.

“Okay, class!” Midnight then addresses our group, “Who has their names ready?”

“We're presenting them?!” Sero hisses. Jirou groans and I sigh.

Hero name....what the hell do I call myself?!

“I've got mine,professeur!"Aoyama stands and strolls towards the front of the class. Midnight nods and steps aside for him to stand by the front board.

“My name is...Shining Hero: ‘I Cannot Stop Twinkling’!”

“Give me a break!” Bakugo shouts. The class erupts into laughter. Aoyama pouts.

Why is it an entire sentence...?

“A lot to work on with that.” Midnight says, “It'll he easier if you take out the ‘I’ and shorten the ‘cannot’ to ‘can't’. But that's only if you seriously want your hero name to be a whole phrase...”

“I'll go next!” Mina's hand shoots up. I gape at her,

“What is it?!”

“You'll find out in a second, silly!”

She skips up to the board whilst Aoyama sits down.

“My hero name is gonna be....‘Alien Queen’!!!”

When nobody applauds at her announcement, I silently shake my head at her.

“Damn. Never mind.” Dejectedly she approaches her desk and collapses into her seat.

“Can I go next?” Tsu raises her hand. Midnight nods and the frog-girl approaches the front of the class.

“I've had this in mind since I was a kid..." She admits bashfully,

“Rainy Season Hero: ‘Froppy’!”

That's so adorable!!

“So cute!!” Midnight exclaims, “Seems lighthearted and friendly! Brilliant!”

The class begins to chant Tsu's chosen name. She blushes and smiles, “I-I'm glad you all think it's okay.”

“Me next!” Kirishima yells. He leaps up from his desk and walks to the front,

“My hero name is gonna be Sturdy Hero: ‘Red Riot’!”

“Definitely suits you!” Mina calls out.

“Reminds me of your hair.” I point out. The class nods in agreement.

“I-It's actually paying homage to an older hero - Crimson Riot." He explains, somewhat embarrassed, “Call me old-fashioned, but his image is the kind of look I'm going for.”

“Be confident in your choice, Kirishima!” Midnight advises him.

“No idea what I should do...” Kaminari hangs his head in defeat as Kirishima proudly returns to his desk. Jirou snickers. The yellow haired boy shoots her a glare.

“Jirou, I swear-”

“I've got one.” Jirou stands from her seat and runs to the front before Kaminari can insult her,

“Hearing Hero: ‘Earphone Jack’!”

“Nice!!” Mina and I give her a thumbs up.

“Okay! Take two!!” my friend yells as she gets up out of her seat and barges Jirou out the way.

“I changed my mind!” she announces, “My new hero name will be...‘Pinky’!!!”

The class cheers and Mina gives us a mocking bow before gleefully returning to her seat. She peers over at the whiteboard and pen in my hand.

On my board, I'd scribbled down a couple ideas, but crossed them all out. The only one left was Kinetix.

“Cute! But I don't get it.”

“My quirk, Paralysis, works by absorbing the kinetic energy stored within the person or object I use it on. So I thought it would kinda make sense. I-I'm not sure though...”

“Go for it!" She pushes me out of my seat. I land on the floor with a thud.

“Y/N-chan is super excited to tell you all heramazinghero name!”

“Let's hear it!” Midnight beckons me to the front. I reluctantly trudge to the board at the other end of the room, pointing my middle finger at Mina as I do so.

"E-Erm...so my quirk basically captures kinetic energy by taking it from objects or people. That's what gives it the immobilizing affect." I explain quickly,

“So, uh...my hero name is Paralysing Hero: ‘Kinetix’...”

The class gives me a round of applause. I sigh in relief and waste no time in speeding back to my seat. Mina's grinning at me.

“Screw you, Alien Queen.”

“That's not even my name anymore!!”

_________________

Once the lunch bell rings, Aizawa wriggles in his yellow sleeping bag out of the door, followed by Midnight, who gives Kaminari a seductive wave before disappearing down the hallway.

“Man, I'm starved.” Mina sighs, “Ready to grab some food?"

“Oh yeah.” I say. We're the last people out the door, until I'm stopped by a hand gripping my shoulder.

“O-Oh? Bakugo-kun?” Mina turns and co*cks her head to the side curiously at the sight of the blonde boy, who stands frowning behind us.

“I need to talk to you.” He looks down at me expectantly. I cross my arms,

“There's nothing I wanna discuss with you,Lord Explosion Murder."

Mina snickers and Bakugo grits his teeth. I roll my eyes.

“Give me a minute, Mina-chan.”

“I'll wait outside! Don't die in there...”

“SHUT UP, ALIEN!!” Bakugo yells as she quickly hops away, giggling as she does so.

“So what do you want? I thought you said we'd go our separate ways."

“I wanted to check on your wounds, damn it.” He admits quietly. I stare down at my bandaged hands, recalling the events that took place following the Sports Festival.

Right! He had, uh...

Taken...care of me?

That thought makes me wanna hurl.

“I'm sure they're fine." I reply, turning away. He grabs my wrist, clicking his tongue,

“Just let me check and then I'll leave you be.”

I hesitate before nodding slowly. He grunts and walks back into the classroom towards his desk, promptly pointing to his chair.

“Sit."

“The hell do you think I am? A dog? You can't order me around-”

“JUST SIT BEFORE I BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!”

I wince at his shout and lower myself into the chair, reluctantly lifting my hands and placing them on the table. He brings up a spare chair opposite my own, pulling out the familiar tub of cream and roll of bandages from the desk's drawers.

“Do they hurt at all?”

”W-What? Uh, no. It's alright now, I guess. It itches occasionally, though."

“Right.”

He takes my right hand almost hesitantly at first. Then, begins to unwrap the bandage. My face scrunches up in slight pain.

“You said it didn't hurt."

“It doesn't.”

“Whatever, dumbass...”

Once removing the dirty bandage he analyses the injury.

“They're healing nicely. One more round of this and you'll be fine.”

I hum affirmatively as he reaches for the tub, swiping a dollop out of the container and applying it to my hand. I glance up at his face - he's staring down at what he's doing, totally concentrated.

It's funny.

I can sit opposite Bakugo and watch him work with no problem. But as soon as I have the face him in a fight - as soon as he acts even relatively hostile towards me, my courage just disapppears.

Why?

In that moment I realise it's been a while since I saw Bakugo up close. He hasn't changed much from when we were kids. His face has matured, obviously, but the only big differences are his more prominent cheekbones and his sharper jawline. Oddly enough, his resting face is pretty...calm? Tranquill?Just...neutral. Not a whisper of a scowl in sight. No lines etched onto his forehead.

He looks kinder. That makes me sick.

Bakugo's red eyes snap up to meet mine. I jump in surprise.

“What the hell are you looking at?”

"You don't have a resting bitch face.”

He stops massaging the remedy into my hand.There's that scowl again.

“What is that supposed to mean?!”

“Nothing. Forget I ever spoke.”

He swears under his breath before taking his roll of bandages and unwrapping a length from it.

“Hey," I start, ”Did Todoroki get special treatment too after your fight in the Sports Festival?”

He scoffs, “Icy-hot wasn't stupid enough to avoid Recovery Girl's office. Youwere. Why do you think we're in this situation?"

He lifts my hand to wrap the new bandage round my palm.

“I dunno. Because you felt like you had to help me. Guilt, perhaps?”

“Shut the hell up, bitch.”

I don't bother arguing and slump in my seat. Bakugo finishes with my right hand and moves onto my left, repeating the same process of removing the dirty bandage.

“Just because I'm letting you do this doesn't mean I've forgiven you.” I say as he takes another blob of cream from the jar.

“Why the hell should I ask for your forgiveness? I haven't done sh*t.”

“Are you telling meeverythingI said at the Sports Festival went though one ear and came out the other?”

He doesn't respond. I scoff,

”You're not answering because youknowI'm-”

The classroom door slides open. Bakugo and I both look down at our teacher, Aizawa, who's wriggled back into class within his bright sleeping bag.

“Unfortunately for you two, students of the opposite sex are prohibited from being alone in the same room.”

I feel my cheeks flush. Bakugo stands up, seething.

”WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU IMPLYING?!”

Aizawa inspects Bakugo's desk, glancing over the medical equipment and my half bandaged hands.

”Don't mind me. Just make it quick.”

Aizawa scoots his body into the corner of the room, snuggling on his side. Bakugo glares at his snoring figure before sitting back down, yanking my left hand back. I flinch.

“Ouch!That hurt, Baku-”

“Ah, sh*t. I'm sorry....”

Did he...

Did he just apologize?! Tome?!

Bakugo trails off, slowly lifting his head to meet my eyes. I smirk,

“Oh? What's this? Anapology?"

“SHUT IT, BITCH -”

”Y/N!!! Gosh, what's taking you-....er...so long..?” Mina stands in the doorway of our classroom, watching Bakugo and I.

“WHY THE HELL DO THESE IDIOTS KEEP COMING IN HERE ?!”

“What on Earth is going on?!” She shoots me an incredulous look. I'm about to reply, until I feel Bakugo tightening the last bandage round my palm. Hurriedly, he packs his stuff away and stands from his seat.

“Screw this sh*t. I'm outta here.” He barges past Mina and out the door. I sit there like an idiot. Mina narrows her eyes.

“A-Are you... secretly dating Baku-”

“WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK THAT?!”

____________________

It totally sucked having usual classroom lessons instead of basic hero training that afternoon. Instead of donning our hero costumes and doing something exciting, Aizawa had started to drone on about internships.

”Do you know who you'll be interning with, Y/N-chan?" Mina asks me as I lean back in my chair, facing the ceiling. I sigh and shake my head.

“Nah. No clue. You?”

”Nope.”

“Makes two of us.”

“Three, actually.” Kaminari sighs, ”I got offers but I just dunno who to choose.”

“Quit whining." Jirou rolls her eyes, ”You'll find someone.”

“You're always so mean to me, Jirou!!” He whines.

“Oh yeah, Ochako-chan, have you picked who you'll intern with?”

Ochako, who was talking with Midoriya, turns to face me with a grin,

“Yup! Battle Hero: Gunhead's agency!!”

Gunhead? If I remember correctly, he's notorious for being a battle-it-out type of hero...

Midoriya looks taken aback, “You'regoing there, Uraraka?!”

“Yeah! I got an offer from them!”

“Sorry, it's just I always kinda assumed you wanted to be a hero more like Thirteen...”

“I thought so too.” Mina agrees. Ochako nods, “Well, ultimately I do want to go into that aspect of being a hero. But I think interning with Gunhead will give me a broader perspective!"

“Good idea!" I say, ”It'd give you experience too. You never know when you might need certain skills for a particular task."

“Exactly!"

I'm grateful to spend the last hour of school chatting to my classmates about the internship program. But I only feel dread as the final bell rings - with mestillnot managing to decide where I'll go for the placement.

“Alright." Aizawa yawns, ”Class dismissed. Finally.”

The class cheers and begin to pack away their stuff. Aizawa sluggishly sits up in his sleeping bag,

“Everybody can leave except for L/N. I have something urgent to discuss with you.”

Me?!

Mina shoots me a confused look, “This got to do with when I walked in on you and-”

“You're making it seem like we did something inappropriate!” I hiss. She puts her hands up defensively, “You told me yourself Aizawa thought Bakugo and you were getting busy-”

“Mina. Stop." I repeat. She rolls her eyes.

“Fine. Text me about this later, ‘kay?”

“Of course. I'll see you tomorrow.”

She exits the room along with all of our classmates. I'm left standing awkwardly by Aizawa's desk, squirming as he steps out of his sleeping bag.

“Aizawa-sensei,” I start, “If this is about you finding Bakugo and I in the classroom, Iswearthat it was all a massive misunderstanding and-”

“I couldn't care less about your relationship with Bakugo. That's not what I'm here to talk about.”

Oh.

“Uh...what is it, then?”

“You received a last minute placement offer. From a hero.”

I stop. My eyes light up, “W-Wait, I did?!”

“You did."

”From who?”

“Me.”

WHAT?!

What did he say?

Did I hear that right?

Is he...is he asking ME?!!!

“I-I...”

My jaw slackens and I gape at my teacher. He looks uninterested.

Didthe Eraser Head just offerme the opportunity to intern with him?

Is this for real?

Am I dreaming?

“Someone pinch me...” I accidentally squeal out loud. He grumbles and I immediately shut up, muttering a quiet apology.

”I won't lie to you, L/N. Your performance at the Sports Festival was... disappointing.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks.

I get Aizawa as a teacher is very cut-throat and honest, but hearing those words from my favourite hero makes my heart squeeze.Hard.

“I didn't expect you to win against Bakugo. But I also didn't expect you to lose in the way you did. There were many opportunities for you to secure the upper hand. Instead you spent most of your match... arguing.”

“Sorry...” I whisper.

”Don't apologise. Whatever's going on between you two is none of my business. But either way, I want you to intern with me during placement. You're free to decline the offer-"

“Decline?!"I yell, before quickly quieting down, “I-I mean, no! Of course not! I'd love to intern with you!”

”Okay. I'll let the main office know. Some ground rules: I'm sure you're aware that I work at night.”

So cool!!

“Yes, sir.”

“How it'll work is you'll have the day to study while I do my job after sunset.”

I'm gonna faint!!!

”You'll also be interning along with another student.”

Oh?

“Someone from Class B?” I ask. Aizawa shakes his head.

“Class C. He's on the General Studies course, looking to transfer. Shinsou Hitoshi.”

Chapter 12: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴇʟᴠᴇ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴇʟᴠᴇ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“...the underground hero who managed to bring these villains to justice has dubbed himself as Eraser Head. Take a look at the video footage we've received.”

Seven year old me sat right in front of the TV, totally invested as the news channel flicked to a video of a young, lean man - maybe in his early 20s, with long, black hair and yellow goggles concealing his eyes. The footage was a five seconds clip of the man in question. He was using these long pieces of fabric to swing away from a masked villain's attack. The video concluded abruptly, and the TV flicked back to the news reporter.

“Though Eraser Head has admitted to have just graduated from a hero school within Japan, we are unable to disclose further information on his personal life. He has asked us to allow him to do his work and not ask further questions.”

”Woah...” I whispered as my mom strode past my position on the carpet,

”Y/N, don't sit too close to the TV. You'll get a headache.”

“M-Mom! Look! Look at him!!”

I pointed back to the TV, where a replay of the Erasure Hero was displayed on the screen. My mom nodded, uninterested,

“Right. Okay, so what I'm I looking at?”

“The best hero in the world!!!”

_________________

”Midoriya!” I call out to the boy as I watch his figure step out of the train station. The boy stops and looks backwards.

“L/N-chan?”

Once finally speeding up to meet him, I huff in exhaustion, hands on my knees,

“I was hoping you'd be on the same train as me. Uh, can we... walk together?” I ask,

“There's something I need to say to you.”

Midoriya nods slowly. Together, we stroll away from the station's exit and down the path. He looks at me,

“You were asked to stay behind after class, right? What was that all about?”

”Oh, yeah.”

Before I can continue, he quickly stops to apologize, ”W-Wait! You don't have to answer that! I know it's none of my business and I've already done enough-”

“Our teacher asked me to intern with him during placement.” I say, ”You're fine. It's not a big deal.”

His eyes light up as he grabs my shoulders, shaking them, ”No way!! Eraser Head asked you that?! L/N-chan, that's so amazing!!”

I grin, “I know! I was literally fangirling on the spot the entire time he was-” I pause and realise I'm shouting in excitement. Clearing my throat, I awkwardly quieten down, “Uh...anyway, Shinsou from Class C is apparently gonna be joining me.”

“Shinsou...?” Midoriya mutters, ”But he's in the General Studies course, isn't he?”

“He's looking to transfer. For some reason, Aizawa-sensei took an interest in him.”

“Woah...” he breathes, ”I don't blame him. Shinsou's quirk is really powerful.”

“It is. I saw how much you struggled in the Sports Festival.” I think back to Midoriya's match with the boy, and how he'd been one step away from losing the match after being brainwashed.

Stop getting sidetracked, Y/N. Get to the point.

I exhale, “About the Sports Festival, t-that's what I wanted to talk to you about.”

I realise we're about to pass our old junior high as we progress towards our neighbourhood. He nods,

”Okay. What did you wanna talk about?”

I stop walking. He stops too and stands opposite me, “L/N-chan?”

I part my lips to speak, but my mouth goes dry. I squirm and fiddle with my fingers.

Come on, Y/N! Just spit it out!

“I-I...I wanted to apologise.” I quickly confess. Midoriya jumps, frantically stuttering, “W-What do you mean?! There's nothing you have to apologise for!”

”I'm sorry. For everything.” I shakily respond. He stays silent as I continue,

“The Sports Festival made me realise a lot of things. U-Um... there's a lot I have to talk about. So if you have plans then feel free to go home...”

“I'm not going anywhere.” He shakes his head.

Okay. Just tell him.

Tell him everything.

“When we were younger...” I quietly begin, “A-And Bakugo began to pick on me, I started to hate you.”

“Yeah...” Midoriya mumbles, “I remember that much.”

“I told you it was your fault that things worsened in the first place. I-I blamed you for everything. And I want to apologize. Because I know all the things I said to you were wrong.”

“L/N...”

Embarrassed, I wipe away the water forming in my eyelids, “I didn't have a good reason to hate you. But I realise now that the reason I started disliking you so much was simple. We were so different."

“Different? I don't understand.” Midoriya's brows furrow in confusion, “We were exactly the same. Werelatedto each other. That's why I liked being friends with you so much...!” I hear the crack in his voice and avert my eyes,

Crap, did I make him cry?!

“No." I whisper, ”We were different.Toodifferent.”

I meet his gaze - he's not bothering to wipe the tears away.

“Midoriya. I can't use my quirk anymore.”

“What's this got to do with anything?!” He clenches the handles of his backpack, trembling, “I thought-”

“Hear me out!” I snap, taking a deep breath, “The truth is... everything I said to you at the start of the year - about forgetting the past and looking forwards? I can't do that. Not fully. I don't think I ever can.”

“B-Butwhy?!" Midoriya argues, “Look, Kacchan hurt me too! But I'm alive! I'm still okay-!”

“That's the problem!”I shoot back. He stops and I reach forward to grab his arm,

“That's why I hated you so much! Because after everything he put you through, you'd still be able to come into school the next day. You'dstillsit by yourself and scribble in that stupid notebook! You still proudly enrolled at UA, knowing Bakugo would make your life even worse! You just...kept going.That's the difference between me and you. Because you had to willpower to push forwards. I just...”

I accidentally let a sob escape from my mouth. My cheeks redden in embarrassment,

“I just let the abuse consume me. Control me. I let it dictate my life. A-And It got to the point where my quirk paid the price.” I whisper,

“I-I have a....an issue.”

“An issue...?” Midoriya repeats my words. I catch his confused stare,

“They call it AiQD.” I mutter quickly, “Anxiety-induced Quirk Deficiency or Depletion depending on the severity. I...it's a trauma response.”

“Oh." I watch the realisation register in his brain; I've said all he needs to hear. Hanging my head in shame, I release my grip on his arm.

“That's why I hated you. Because I was the only one that seemed to suffer so much. You have a quirk now. An incredibly strong one. And our classmates are rapidly progressing ahead. Because ofhim,because of how emotionally weak I am..."

I'll always be behind.

“So when you talked me that day during the Sports Festival, about how it was okay to be afraid, I thought,why does he of all people get to tell me that? He doesn't understand.I was angry at you. It reminded me why I began to hate you in the first place.”

When I lift my head, I meet his softened gaze, “Then when I stupidly started panicking before the fight, a-and you guys all went out of your way to help me, I realised you weren't the problem.Iwas. I have been this entire time. Because I'm jealous of how strong you are...”

With that, I bow my head apologetically,

“Midoriya. I'm sorry. Foreverything.”

_______________

“You all have your costumes, right?” Aizawa tiredly addresses my class on the first day of our individual internship placements. We're at the train station by UA, hero costumes secured in the metal boxes provided to us by the school. In addition to my costume, I also have my gym kit slung over my shoulder. When we all nod, he sighs,

“Remember, you aren't allowed to wear them in public. Don't be morons. And don't lose them.”

“Yes, sir!!”

“Make sure you mind your manners with the heroes at your internships.” he turns to me,

“Just because you're sticking with me, doesn't mean you get to slip up on your standards."

Embarrassed I quickly nod. While Aizawa continues to talk, Ochako nudges me,

“I still can't believe he wants you to intern with him!”

”I know. It feels unreal.”

“He must see some kind of potential." Kirishima, who's stood behind me, adds, “Take it as a compliment.”

“You're right.” I smile.

“Alright. Everybody clear off. Don't die or anything - I don't wanna fill out paperwork.”

With that, my class immediately go their separate ways. I see a couple people walk out of the station, while others progress towards the subway.

“Have fun, L/N!” Mina pulls me into a quick hug, which I gladly reciprocate. When I break away, she's smirking,

“We have to talkall about Shinsou the minute we-”

“Ashido. Clear off." I hear our teacher snap behind me. She grins sheepishly and apologises."

“Good luck!” I wink at her. She gives me a thumbs up, and I watch her disappear into the train station.

“As for you...”

I turn fully to face my teacher. I'm so excited now, I don't even try to hide my grin. He grumbles at the sight.

“Don't get ahead of yourself, kid. Just...come with me. We have to pick up Shinsou.”

_________________

”Aizawa-sensei...” I mutter as I trudge behind him and Shinsou Hitoshi, “Where are we going?”

We're in the woods behind UA High School - and we've been walking fortwenty minutes.

“Tired already?”

Shinsou looks back at me, small smile on his face. I feel my cheeks heat up as he muses, “I thought the Hero course students were supposed to have good stamina.”

“We're heading to a spot I know." Aizawa ignores Shinsou's remark, “In the daytime, I'll be focusing more on Shinsou here.” I listen as we proceed further into the forest, “He hasn't had as much training as you in heroing. We'll spend the lighter hours going over the basics. Once it gets slightly darker, I'll be working properly. That's when you come in.”

Eventually, we reach a wide clearing. The trees surrounding us are unbelievablytall.

Once we reach the center of the clearing. Aizawa faces us.

“You've got your gym kits, right?”

What is this guy planning....?

When we nod, he points to his left side of the clearing, where the forest resumes,

“L/N. Change over there.” Then he points to the large bushes on the other side of the clearing, “Shinsou, you change there. Please don't peek at each other.”

The other boy is utterly incredulous, ”Sir, why didn't you get us to change before the start of the-”

“Lesson number one." He cuts Shinsou off, unfolding his sleeping bag and wriggling into it,

“Heroes are often caught off guard. This is part of your training.”

“You're kidding...” I mumble. Aizawa opens one of his eyes,

“If you hate it that much, you're free to return to class-”

“Never mind!!” Not missing a beat, I spin on my heal and march towards the forest. I hear Shinsou's footsteps quieten as he makes his way towards the other side of the clearing. As we separate, Aizawa calls out,

“Take your time, please. And go to the toilet if needed. I want at least ten minutes of shut eye.”

As if I'd piss in the bushes,I think as I duck under a few low branches and step further into the forest until I can't see the clearing. After quickly changing, I return to the wide plain. Shinsou is already dressed. Aizawa's out of sleeping bag, tying his hair up in a quick knot before noticing my presence.

“Okay. We'll start now.”

He reaches behind the tree he's leant against, producing a bundle of binding cloth - the same cloth wrapped round his shoulders - and handing it to Shinsou.

“You wanna be a hero, right?”

Shinsou doesn't falter under my teacher's gaze. Firmly, he responds,

“More than anything."

My heart skips a beat at his confidence. I mentally kick myself.

“Take these. You'll learn from the best. As for you, L/N...”

He hums in thought, “Yeah. You can be a practice target.”

Practice target?!

______________

I cover my lips with my hand as I stand snickering at Shinsou, who's a couple metres away from me. The boy's sprawled on the floor, struggling to unwrap himself from the binding cloth under Aizawa's watchful eye.

“Shinsou. I told you to capture L/N. Not yourself."

Shinsou sighs, rolling onto his back,

“You said it took you seven years to master binding cloth. What makes you think I can do it before second year?"

Aizawa replies, “It took me seven years because I learnt from scratch. You're learning from someone who's experienced. And remember, I don't take interest in lost causes.”

He turns to me, ”That goes for you too, L/N. I didn't just pick you for the sake of it.”

Oh my God!!!I scream in my head,Kirishima was right! He reallydoes see potential in me!!

”Quit daydreaming and help him out of that mess.” Aizawa snaps, interrupting my thoughts. I instantly apologise, before walking up to Shinsou and kneeling next to his body.

“Seriously? It can't be that hard to unite yourself.”

“I'd like to see you try.” He rolls his eyes as I grab at the cloth tightened round his midsection, tugging at it until it loosens. He sits up and thanks me, removing the rest of the fabric from his body.

“Attempt four. Quickly.”

I stride back to my position away from Shinsou. Aizawa continues, “Remember, Shinsou. Focus on your target, not yourself.”

The boy takes a stance, binding cloth in hand. He's staring at me intensely - concentrated.

His eyes are so intimidating...

In an attractive way.

“Shut up, Y/N.” I murmur to myself as Shinsou throws his arm forward. I yelp in surprise as the cloth shoots through the air towards me, wraps speedily round my waist and drags me forward until I crash straight into him. We roll onto the grass in a tangled heap on the floor. I groan. Shinsou curses. He rolls on top of me and makes a move to stand, before tumbling back down. Quickly, I realise his cloths have tied us together.

Oh my God, he's so close I can feel his heartbeat!

"Damn it...” he looks away, obviously embarrassed. I avert my gaze too.

“It's a start." Aizawa mumbles as he approaches our entangled bodies. He crouches down next to us, grabbing the cloth and in one deft motion, untying us. Shinsou immediately gets off me and scoots backwards. His cheeks are tinted slightly pink.

“For your first day, not bad, Shinsou.”

___________________

I didn't get a lunch break. Or any kind of break at allduring my first day of internship. We spent the entire time outside in the field. I was either lazing around admiring Shinsou's appearance, or being used as a target by Aizawa.

The sun is about to set by the time we finally leave the clearing and return to the school, which is at this point completely empty Aizawa leads us to Class 1-A's room.

”Shinsou, you're off to a good start. Keep up the good work and we'll meet again tomorrow."

Shinsou thanks him politely, but I can tell how worn out he is. Then he turns to me,

“Thanks for being my practice target, L/N.”

“Y-You're welcome....” I stutter as he walks back down the hallway. His figure disappears round the corner.

”I'll wait out here. Change into your costume and make it quick. We've got work to do.”

I shut the classroom door behind me.I've never been alone in the room before. It's so...silent.

Quickly, I change into my costume. During the break we had following the Sports Festival, I had quickly popped into school to ask a favour from Hatsume Mei, the Support course student who was on Midoriya's cavalry team. She had agreed to upgrade my boots and increase the speed limit of my wheels - something that'll hopefully showcase my talent to Aizawa this week during placement.

“Let's hope these wheels do me good.” I say to myself as I exit the room.

“Okay. Let's go.”

Aizawa doesn't spare me a glance, trudging down the hallway.

“We've got a villain to catch." My teacher mumbles as we exit the school building, “He's been on my watch list for a while. Some psycho who's been running around with a gun and threatening banks.”

“I'm gonna come with you?” I ask, “To catch him?”

“What else would you be here for?” Aizawa rolls his eyes, “He was last spotted in downtown Musutafu.”

“The city?”

“Outskirts. A nearby skid row. I'm telling you now - the place is infamous for shady activity.”

He stops in his tracks and faces me, “If you wanna back out now, say so.”

Erasure Hero: Eraser Head. He can erase any person's quirk by looking at them. The effect is broken after he blinks.

The underground hero isn't a fan of the press - he does everything and anything possible to avoid being in front of a camera. He additionally despises news journalists. Those lucky enough to see him in person have ventured deep into the dangerous places of Tokyo - a realm of gangs, dealers and death. Only someone as strong as Eraser Head would be able to navigate those waters with ease.

I know everything there is to know about Aizawa's hero career. I've researched him tirelessly and without fail for the last eight years. He's my all time favourite hero - someone I aspire to be.

There's no way I could pass up the chance to work with my idol.

“I'm coming with you.”

“Sure?”

“100%.”

“Don't say I didn't warn you...”

We make our way out of the school and walk for around ten minutes until we reach Musutafu central. The area is as bustling as ever. Cars race down illuminated roads, and businessmen chat on their phones as they stride past. The tall, blocky buildings add to the late city life as we walk through the scintillating downtown Musutafu.

“So...” I trail off, “Uh, what do we do now?”

I scan the place. There's nothing out of the ordinary; same old Musutafu City.

“Quick warm up."

Aizawa grabs the cloths set round his shoulders,

“I'll lead the way. I trust you can keep up?"

“K-Keep up? What do you-”

My teacher doesn't give me the chance to finish. I blink and he's immediately off his feet, wrapping his cloth round the nearest street lamp and using it to propel his body forward. There are a couple of gasps from passersby as he speeds away.

Leaving me behind!

“Wait for me!” I quickly yell, activating my wheels and skating ahead. There are so many lights in the city, it's impossible to keep tabs on Aizawa's movement as I weave in and out of civilians, turning sharp corners and maneuvering through the blocks of offices and stores.

I need to keep up!I think as I bend my knees, increasing my speed,

I can't make another bad impression!

I hurriedly follow my teacher through the city. The bright lights from earlier slowly seem to disappear the deeper we venture into the area. The buildings look progressively more run down and unattended. The crowds of people slowly disperse, and before I know it, we're in a much quieter, much darker area of Musutafu.

I lower my glasses to my eyes, switching on my night vision. It's gotten so quiet now - the only thing I can hear is the wind whizzing past me and the sound of Aizawa's binding cloth shooting through the air.

Swiftly, my teacher turns into a secluded, eerily lit alleyway. I skid and almost fall over as I turn the sudden, sharp corner, sighing in relief as I watch Aizawa's figure slow to a stop. Unsurprisingly, I find him hanging upside down from a broken pipe on the roof above us. Once releasing his binding cloth, he jumps to the floor. I pant, hands on my knees as I catch my breath.

”Why did you-”

He reaches a finger up to his lips.He wants me to be quiet.

“I'm surprised.” He murmurs, ”You're much quicker than you were during your combat training.”

“I upgraded my boots.” I whisper in response. He grunts.

“Follow me.”

Aizawa throws his cloth back onto the pipe. He jumps upwards and effortlessly onto the roof. A smirk stretches onto his face as I watch him from below.

He's testing me.

Quickly, I scan my surroundings. The alleyway is dimly lit and narrow. I can use that to my advantage.

Maybe If I...

I nod to myself, saying a silent prayer before stepping backwards so my back is pressed against the left brick wall. Exhaling, I charge forward and jump. My wheels come into contact with the opposite wall, and for a split second, I'm practically defying gravity - skating along the brick until I jump to reach for the pipe Aizawa has clung onto. I grimace at the groan it emits, but pull myself up, sitting on the rooftop.

“Not bad.” He mutters, “A bit slow, though. You'll have to work on that...”

This was a one off. They'll be other opportunities,I tell myself, standing. When I look off into the distance, the alleyway continues for a couple more metres, before widening out into a squalor sort of neighbourhood.

“This place has been patrolled by a lot of under radar heros lately. Like myself.”

“Why?"

Aizawa hops off the roof of the building we're on. He lands silently on the house next to us, looking back at me.

I can do this.

I follow in his steps, leaping off the edge and joining him on the same building.

“Well first off, it's a breeding place for morons to run wild and commit crime.” He sighs and lowers his yellow goggles to his eyes,

“Secondly, we have reason to believe the League of Villain's hideout is around here.”

I think back to a couple weeks ago.The USJ incident!

That purple mist, the pale, blue haired guy...that monster...

They're all here?

“I'd rather you not disclose this info to your classmates.” He says as he hops onto another building, progressing deeper into the ghetto. I quietly agree, following him. We travel for a couple more minutes before he stops, back facing me.

“L/N.” He says,

“What kind of hero do you want to be?”

“Me...?”

I squirm where I'm standing, “U-Uh... it's kinda embarrassing...”

“Spit it out. I haven't got all night.”

When I was younger - in junior high especially - my aspirations to become a hero were shot down by my illness. My self-esteem dropped further with every day that passed. I had little to no friends, a particular boy who made my life a living hell, and a mom who was disappointed in me.

Even so, that dream of saving people and fighting villains never truly died. If it did, I never would've applied to UA.

When I was supposed to be asleep, I'd fantasize about my ideal future - saving those in need, being a person looked up to instead of ignored and shunned. By that point that point in time, I had already convinced myself that nobody would ever like me for who I was. You could say that's why Eraser Head appealed greatly to me - a mystery man who fought evil by moonlight.

Nobody knows much about him. He's secretive and unknown, yet the public still admire him more than anything.

A hero who silently serves justice...a hero likeAizawa Shota.

“I want to be the kind of hero Eraser Head is.”

Only for a second, there's a genuine - almostproud- smile on his face. But it disappears as quickly as it came.

“First time I've heard that.” He muses, ”Guess I made a good choice taking you under my wing."

Under his wing?!

Am I, like....his protege?! Apprentice?!

“Oh my God!" I squeak. He shoots me a glare and I shut up,

“First things first, you're anything but silent. Stealth is my primary weapon. So if you wanna be like me, stay quiet and stay out of sight."

“Yes, sir." I whisper.

“As long as you do that, we'll be just fine.”

______________

My phone vibrates in my pocket for the second time this morning. It's the second out of seven days of my internship with Aizawa. I'm hanging upside down from a tree, tied to the branch by Shinsou, who has his binding cloth clutched in hand.

“Woah. I really did it.” He mutters. I hear Aizawa clapping behind me.

“Nicely done, Shinsou. You can let her down now.”

The boy in question walks under the branch, tugging the cloth. I'm immediately untied from the tree, and land straight into his arms.

I'm still half-asleep from the events of last night, I don't even realise he's still holding me. Sluggishly, I pat his chest.

“Thanks...” I murmur. Shinsou looks somewhat concerned,

“L/N? You look like you haven't slept in years.”

“So do you. Have you seen your eyebags?"

The boy promptly drops me on the grass. It knocks me back into reality and I sit up with a start. Shinsou's crossed his arms over his chest, glaring down at me. I gasp,

“No way I said that out loud.” my phone continues to vibrate in my gym kit's pocket; I sigh, rubbing my eyes,

“Sorry. I've been out of it for a while...”

“Are you not sleeping?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Hey. Stop chatting." Aizawa calls out to us from his position in his sleeping bag, “Shinsou, we're gonna move onto maneuvering yourself using the binding cloths. We've covered enough capturing techniques. And L/N, answer your damn phone.”

“Sorry, sir...”

I pick myself off of the floor and retrieve my phone from my pocket.It's Dad...

Walking towards the edge of the clearing, I answer the call,

“Y/N? Gosh, I haven't had the chance to talk to you for ages!”

“Hey, Dad...” I yawn.

“You promised you'd call once a day this week while interning. I haven't heard from you since last week -”

”I know, I know. I'm sorry.” I mumble, ”Things have been pretty hectic.”

“Are you sleeping? Is that Eraser Head seriously making you work in the dayand night?”

“N-No! It's not like that!” I'm quick to defend my teacher, “You know how he is. He works at night so it only makes sense for me to be up after dark.”

“You're safe, right? He's protecting you while doing all that hero work? Have you been resting during the day? Have you eaten? Showered?”

“Yeah, yes, kind of, yes and yes." I say, “They've given me my own temporary quarters within the school where I shower and brush my teeth. A-And I eat after sleeping. In the mornings, Aizawa-sensei focuses on another student.”

“So you sleep during that time?”

”Well, uh..." I trail off.

”Y/N-”

“I do! Most of the time, I-I'm only woken up if I'm needed to help the other guy practice!" Which is 24/7,but I don't mention that part.

I also don't mention how I've been averaging three hours of sleep in between vigilante work with Aizawa and mornings in the woods with Shinsou. Sometimes, while my teacher is lecturing the other boy, I'll lie on the grass and get some shut eye. Unfortunately, that only lasts around around two hours.

“Make sure you're taking care of yourself, Y/N. We're worried about you."

“I'm sure mom couldn't care less.”

My dad sighs over the phone,”I promise you she does. Even if she doesn't show it. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your work.”

“Okay. Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too. Remember to look after yourself.”

I hang up the phone defeatedly, marching across the clearing and past Shinsou and Aizawa.

“Please don't wake me up until 3pm." I call out at them, collapsing onto the grass and shutting my eyes.

Chapter 13: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜɪʀᴛᴇᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜɪʀᴛᴇᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“Has your quirk always been so limiting?”

Aizawa had, by some miracle, granted Shinsou and I a brief break around 2pm following our third day of internship. While we sit on the grass, bottles of water in hand, Aizawa leans on the tree next to us. He's holding his binding cloth in his hand, and has tied his hair into a half up, half down style.

I've seen more of his entire face in one day than I have since the year started.

I pause at Shinsou's question.

“I...”

What do I say? Do I lie?

Do I tell the truth?

Does it even matter...?

“It has...” I'm about to fib, before something in me refuses at the last second, “...not. It hasn't.” I admit.

I glance at Aizawa as he shifts to face us.

“It hasn't?”

“No.”

For some reason, thisword vomitjust tumbles out of my mouth, “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with a quirk deficiency. So, I can't use my power to it's full extent.”

“That's why you can only hold immobilisation for so long?" Shinsou questions.

“Not just that.”

Y/N, shut up! Why do you keep talking?!

I exhale, “When my quirk initially developed, it was registered as Kinetic Manipulation."

“Kinetic Manipulation....” Aizawa repeats. I continue, “Nowadays I can simply absorb kinetic energy. But when I was a kid, I was able to create it, transfer it - I had total control over motion.”

“Incredible. That's practically a super-quirk." Shinsou comments. I feel my cheeks flush and stare at the ground as he asks, “Did you have any limits then?”

“Probably.” I reply, “But I was a really late bloomer. Developed my quirk at eight, and was diagnosed with deficiency at twelve. I didn't have long to properly test the boundaries.”

”And now...?"

“The only thing I can do is absorb. Nothing else. And even then, the effect is weak.” I look up at Aizawa,

”You saw my combat training performance. A minute is all I can muster. And if I'm paralysing too many objects, my control will break instantly.”

Aizawa is silent for a while. I begin to overthink,

Did I say too much? Is he regretting taking me in for internship now?!

“I see.” he mutters

Is that all?!!!

“Right. Let's back to work. Bottles down. We've spent too much time chatting.”

My heart sinks down to my toes,

God, I'm such an oversharer...

I spend the rest of the day watching Aizawa teach Shinsou. He's learning how to move with the cloths now - it means they don't need a practice target anymore.

When the sun begins to set, we leave the clearing, exit the forest and approach the school. There are a couple third year students hanging around by the gate. Other than that, the school is empty.

I inwardly sigh. This time last week, I probably would've been on the train with Jirou, sharing earphones with her and chatting about Vocaloid.

God, I miss my class....I can't wait until our internships end.

“L/N.”

Aizawa turns over his shoulder to give me a glance. I jump.

“Listen. If you put the work in, you'll eventually reach the stage where you won't have to time your Paralysis.”

The inside of the school is pretty quiet as we walk inside. A couple staff members pass us, but I spot no students.

I nervously fiddle with my hands.

My teacher continues, ”But if you want to progress like your classmates, you'll have to work even harder. They're more fortunate than you. Other than Midoriya, they've got little to no limits.”

“Quirk deficiency, huh...?” Shinsou mutters as we climb the stairs to the floor 1-A's room is on. I nod.

“I can't help you make your quirk what it once was,” Aizawa admits as we approach my classroom,

“But I can help you develop your Paralysis. Keep training with me after this week. Obviously, I can't take you to work every day after school but-”

What?!!!

My eyes widen, “Seriously?!”

“You're so loud. It's too early...” He mumbles in exasperation. He looks back at Shinsou,

“You too, Shinsou. A week isn't nearly enough to master binding cloth, after all.”

The purple haired boy's eyes eagerly light up. It's the first time I've seen that much emotion in his expression.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Who knows, if you train hard enough, you may become L/N's classmate next year.”

That makes my heart skips a beat.

Shinsou Hitoshi?! In my class?! Next year?!!

When our teacher turns back around, I glance at boy. He meets my eyes. And we share an excited smile.

_____________________

“Y/N!! Now!!”

“On it!!”

I leap from my hiding place behind the building, zipping through the rain and wind as I close in on Aizawa's target for the night.

“Not this bitch again!!” The balding man yells as he turns on his feet. I don't give him the chance to grab at me, ducking to slide in-between his legs before activating my quirk and stopping his movement.

“Don't let your guard down!” Aizawa swings himself forth from the shadows of the dimly lit road. He lands effortlessly on the ground, eyes glowing bright red - he's erased the quirk of our target.

For my fifth night interning with Aizawa, we've stalked the red light districts of Yokohama City, searching for a particularly notorious gang leader, convicted of multiple rape and murder charges.

“I can sense it.” I say as Aizawa approaches me,

“There's more of them here.”

“This could get messy.” Aizawa mumbles, glancing at me. I give him a determined look.

“I can hold Paralysis for longer now. I won't let you down.”

And I'm not lying - it's the truth.

As well as coaching Shinsou Hitoshi with his binding cloths during the day, Aizawa realised that our quirks are somewhat similar. He'd given me a couple tips on how to strengthen the effect of my kinetic absorption - tips I've been applying to our work in cities each night.

I've gone from a minute of Paralysis to two and a half in the space of three and a half days.

It's unbelievable.

There's a rustle from the garbage cans down a nearby alleyway behind me. Aizawa stills and I steady my breathing.

“You may have caught me...” the gang leader snarls from his immobile position, ”But you haven't caught my crew!!”

146...

145....

144...

“Aizawa-sensei!!”

As if on cue, three masked figures clad in dark, pinstripe suits emerge from the shadows. My teacher turns on his heel and races ahead of me. I don't follow him.

There's more of them behind me.

Spinning round, I lunge past the already immobilized villain, skating out of the way as another masked gang member attempts to strike me. A silver machete glints in his grip.

There are two other guys not too far behind him. When the second charges for me, I grip his wrist and swing his body out of the way, taking out the first villain along with him as they crash to the floor.

The third one hurls himself towards me, knife in hand; I evade his attack by moving my head out of the way and slamming the side of my hand down in his wrist. I feel a soft crack before he drops the weapon. At this point, he's already facing me;I activate my quirk again and he stops. Spotting the other two scrambling from their position on the floor, I stop them too.

There's a familiar throb that courses through my head. It's been too long since I paralysed that many people in one go. I immediately suck in a breath.

__________

“Don't let the pain consume you.” Aizawa had told me a couple days ago. Shinsou was sat on the grass, watching as I stood in the center of the clearing. Multiple miscellaneous items - books, shoes, containers - were set in a circle around me. One by one, Aizawa picked up an item and threw it in the air, allowing me to paralyse it.

“Think of it this way: pretend the pain doesn't exist.”

“Doesn't...exist?” I repeated his words confusingly, freezing my sixth object. Aizawa watched as I winced in pain. He continued,

“Numb your mind and don't panic. You don't feel it. Youcan'tfeel it.”

He flings the eleventh object into the air. I clutch my forehead.

“A-Aizawa-sensei-”

“Don't release your quirk.” He ordered as I paralysed my thirteenth object. He glanced at Shinsou - he was holding a stopwatch in grip from his position on the floor.

“How long has it been?”

“30 seconds."

“Don't stop the timer. We're gonna keep going.”

Fifteenth object.

“It's as simple as I'm telling you." Aizawa said, picking up the next object, “Don't overcomplicate my words. Think about it. The pain doesn't exist. It isn't there.”

“You're saying I have to be delusional?” I muttered, grunting in pain. He nodded.

“Exactly. And you need to believe it. You'll find that increased confidence will also increase the strength of your power.”

___________________

“The pain doesn't exist.” I mutter as I race past my captured targets.

109...

108...

107...

106...

“L/N! Over here!!"

In under a minute, I've skated to my teacher's side. He's activated his quirk on the four approaching villains. I quickly stop them in place.

It's silent.

We did it. I did it.

I exhale.

“How do you feel?" Aizawa asks. Unlike myself, he looks completely unbothered and uninterested - almost as if what just happened was nothing.

“O-Okay....I think.”

“The pain?”

I smirk, shugging,

”It doesn't exist.”

____________

On the sixth day of internship, Aizawa is....snappier than usual. Instead of going to the forest behind the school that morning, Shinsou and I are led up to the staff room, our teacher marching ahead of us.

“He's usually moody in the mornings, but this is overkill.” I whisper,“ What do you think happened?”

“Did you not see the-”

“Shut up, stay quiet, and wait outside." He barks at us as we approach the staff room. We nod quickly and he enters the room, slamming the door behind him.

“Shinsou-kun.”

“What?"

“Can you make him tell us what's going on?”

The boy shakes his head, ”I'm not using my quirk like that.”

“But I know it has something to do with my class!" I argue, ”These days, that's normally why he's so pissed....”

“You guys are that bad?"

“We're not." I protest. Shinsou sighs,

”L/N. Have you looked at the news recently?”

“Uh...”

I've been way too busy for that!!

“No...” I sheepishly admit. He leans easily on the wall next to us,

“Yourclassmates got into a big fight with the Hero Killer: Stain. It's been all over the press recently.”

Stain...

STAIN??!!

My stomach twists in fear, “What?! There's no way!”

“Midoriya, Iida and Todoroki. They fought Stain in the Hosu district last night."

No. Way.

“Oh my God. I had no idea...” I cover my mouth with my hand at the thought.

Are they okay? What if they're hurt? Why did they do something so stupid?!

“Don't panic, L/N." Aizawa exits the staff room. I spin around to face him,

“I can't believe I didn't even know...”

“Consider yourself lucky. I have to deal with all the paperwork. Not you." He mumbles.

As we walk out of the school and to the forest, Aizawa calmly explains to us how Iida had run into Stain during his internship in Hosu. Midoriya, who was nearby at the time, had found Iida and reached out to Todoroki, who turned up later. Together they had barely won against the killer.

Thank God they're okay...

_______________

On the last day of our internship program, Aizawa hands Shinsou his own binding cloths.

“Just because the internship is over doesn't mean you should stop practicing. I want to see you after school on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you're serious about transferring to the Hero course, you gotta work for it.”

”Understood.” Shinsou gratefully takes the cloths. There's a hopeful, small smile on his face as he gazes down at the material.

“L/N. On the weekends, I'll continue to take you on my missions.”

I grin, “Thank you-”

“On one condition.”

Crap...

I wait expectantly for him to continue.

”Keep up with your classmates. And stop talking while I'm teaching.”

Oh.

Shinsou chuckles quietly and I awkwardly scratch my cheek,

“R-Right. I understand.”

“Good. There's nothing I have to teach today.” Aizawa says, “And I'm not taking you anywhere tonight, L/N. I need sleep. You guys can have the day off.”

Chapter 14: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀᴛᴇᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀᴛᴇᴇɴ ✿

✿ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!!”

“TELL ME YOU'RE JOKING! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!!!”

Sero and Kirishima are stood in our class, clutching each other and cackling at the sight of Bakugo. It's the first day back after our internship placements. Even though I had yesterday to catch up on some sleep, I still feel as tired as ever, head in my left hand as I watch the scene unfold in front of me.

“My hair's gotten used to it!! It won't go back even after I wash the damn thing!!!” Bakugo is shaking with anger. His usual, explosive blonde hair has been slicked to the side in a neat fashion - it definitely didn't suit him.

Looks like interning with Best Jeanist was a massive mistake on his part.

Kirishima and Sero burst into fits of giggles again. Bakugo seethes, “Stop laughing at me!! I'll kill you both!!!”

“Like to see ya try, Side-Part Boy!!”

Jirou, who's sitting next to me, chuckles at Sero's remark.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!” Bakugo shrieks. As if on cue, his hair spikes back up into its normal fashion.

“IT'S BACK!!” Kirishima and Sero stumble as they laugh at their friend. As Bakugo continues to threaten them, Mina sighs,

“I can't believe you got to fight villainsevery night! Is that even allowed? We haven't even got our licenses yet!!”

I shrug, “Well...I technically didn't fight villains. I kinda just stayed out of sight and came out when needed."Liar.

“You look like you haven't slept in years, though.” Jirou comments. I groan, “Shinsou-kun said the same thing...”

“Shinsou....kun?”

I freeze as Mina slowly turns to me, mischievous grin plastered on her face.

“N-No! Mina-chan, it's not what you -”

”Soon enough, you'll be on first-name basis!”

“Mina!!!”

“So what, you seriously interned with that brainwashing guy from the General course?”

The class quietens down to pay attention to our conversation. I ignore the question, ”Anyway, Jirou-chan, you got to fight villains too, right?”

“Oh, well not really.” She answers, “I just helped people evacuate and did logistical support.”

“That's still amazing though!” Mina says, “I'm so jealous!!”

“All I did was train on patrol too, ribbit.” Tsu chimes in, ”But there was just one time when we caught smugglers from a neighbouring country.”

”Cool!!” Mina gasps. Tsu smiles before turning to Ochako,

”How was your week, Ochako-chan?”

“Very worthwhile....!”

“Guess she's finally awakened." Mina jokes. Our friends start to giggle and Ochako pouts. At this point, I can barely keep my head off the table. Using my arms as a makeshift pillow, I lean forward and rest my head, eyes slowly shutting.

No wonder Aizawa's always sleepy,I think as I drift off,he's constantly working at night and teaching in the daytime! So cool...

I'm not sure how long I'm asleep for. But a sudden bang on the table I'm resting on causes me to awaken with a start, almost tumbling out of my chair.

“L/N. Sleeping in class?”

Aizawa's peering down at me from his standing position. The class is quiet.Crap.

“I-I...”

“You okay, L/N? You look like you haven't slept in years....” Kaminari calls from the front.

Why does everyone keep saying that?!

There's a murmur of agreement that arises from my classmates. Embarrassed, I sit up straight,

”Sorry, Aizawa-sensei.”

“Anyways...” he mumbles as he returns to his position at the front,

“Final exams are approaching. They'll be commencing in a week's time. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that there'll be two components to this: the written aspect, and the physical aspect. Pass these and you'll be attending the training camp with Class B. If not...”

Aizawa smirks, “You know that'll happen. That'll be all. Class dismissed.”

When he leaves the room, my class descends into chaos.

“I HAVEN'T STUDIED!!!” Kaminari and Mina, who ranked in 21st and 20th on our midterms, yell in unison. I had ranked 6th in our last tests, so I'm not too bothered about the whole thing.

“I'll be glad to help you two study!" Yaoyorozu, who ranked top of our class on the midterms, smiles sweetly. The other two dash up to the girl's desk, bowing their heads repeatedly.

“THANK YOU SO MUCH, YAOMOMO!!”

Yaoyorozu face then darkens, which catches the other two off guard.

“I can't help you with the physical aspect, however. I know I'll struggle on that too..."

The physical component,I think to myself,

just what the hell will it be?!

It's a week later when I find myself and my class stood outside the Practical Exam Area, clad in my hero costume. Standing in front of us is Aizawa, as well as four other heroes - Midnight, Present Mic, Thirteen and Cementoss.

”Welcome to your practical exam.” Aizawa monotonously announces, “Now, I know you've all probably done some info gathering ahead of time, andthinkyou know what this exam will consist of-”

”Fighting robots!!" Mina exclaims next to me,

“Just like the entrance exam!” Kaminari adds, “Piece of cake!!”

There's a rustle from within the many layers of Aizawa's binding cloth. We still and gasp as none other than UA High's principal - Nezu - pops out from under all the fabric.

“This year, we've actually decided on something a little different!” Cheerfully, the mouse-like teacher dangles from Aizawa's cloth, climbing down it and landing on the floor,

“You've been put in groups of three, and will be expected to fight against each of us heroes as a team to pass the exam!!”

....What did he just say...?

Murmurs immediately arise from my class. Mina's breath hitches next to me as I stiffen.

“Oh, crap...”

”To pass the exam, you'll either have to constrain your opposition with these handcuffs we'll provide for you,” Principal Nezu dangles the said item in front of us, ”Or,you'll need to escape the battle ground. It's very simple!”

“I've decided on your groups ahead of time." Aizawa explains, “They've been determined by your grades and physical abilities.”

Grades and physical abilities, huh...?

I glance round at those stood by me, scanning my classmates while deep in thought.

I'm expecting to be put in a group with people like Jirou or Tokoyami. We're around the same level academically, and performed around the same level during our physical exam at the start of the year...

“Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, Jirou. You'll be in a group together.” Aizawa smirks,

”You'll be fighting me.”

For real?! Aizawa's taking part in this too?!

”Kill me now.” Yaoyorozu mutters behind me. I groan quietly, nudging Jirou, “You're so lucky!”

Giving my internship with Aizawa,andthe times he's taken me on his nightly missions, I'm already quite well-versed with his fighting style and how he approaches battle. It would've been super convenient to face off against him rather than anyone else.

Jirou, on the other hand, pales as she glances back at me, ”Trust me, If we could, I'd swap with you.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, L/N.” Aizawa rolls his eyes. The class snicker as I quickly apologise, embarrassed.

“Unfortunately, you've been put in a group with Midoriya and Bakugo. Have fun.”

...eh?

I blink and stare blankly at the man. Realisation then seeps through me.

Please tell me you're joking...

“THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” Bakugo, enraged, yells as he barges to the front of our class, squaring up to Aizawa, “YOU PUT ME ON A TEAM WITH THOSE-”

“Shut up. Or you fail.” our teacher snaps.

Midoriya, on the other hand, who's stood in front of me, doesn't seem too fazed by the situation. It's only once Aizawa announces who we'll be up against that he starts toseriouslytremble.

“I AM HERE!!!”

A billow of wind nearly knocks all of us off our feet as All Might lands with a loud thud in front of our class. He's stood proudly with his arms crossed, eyeing Bakugo, Midoriya and I. Aizawa clicks his tongue in annoyance,

“Uh...yeah. All Might will be your opponent.”

My jaw practically drops to the floor. There's a horrifying twist in my stomach. Even Bakugostops seething to gape up at the blonde hero.

“Praying for you right now, girl." Mina hisses next to me as she inches away.

I'm utterly incredulous.

“Try your hardest to beat me, zygotes!” All Might clenches his hand into a fist, smiling down at us. My legs almost buckle in fear.

Japan's number one hero?! Is gonna be fighting me?!!

I zone out as Aizawa lists the rest of the teams and who they'll be up against.

Me? Against All Might?

On a team with them?!

I'm so failing this exam...

This doesn't make sense!I think to myself,Sure, I've definitely developed my Paralysis, but I'm nowhere near the same level as Bakugo! And even Midoriya is pretty ahead of me! Why the hell did he-

“Bakugo. Midoriya. L/N.”

I snap back to reality and look up at Aizawa, gulping.

”There's one thing I'll admit.” Our teacher says as he adjusts his binding cloths set upon his shoulders, “I didn't pair you three together based on academics or ability. It's simply because you can't get along.”

Can't...

Can't get along?!

Midoriya and I simultaneously turn to share a look. We both know what the other is thinking.

We get along just fine! It'shim that hates us so much!!!

“Good luck, everyone.” Aizawa grumbles, “Kirishima, Sato, Shoji. You're up first. Prepare yourselves. As for the rest of you, gather in your teams and strategize,oryou can watch the match from the monitoring room. Make use of your time.”

With that, the pro heroes plus Kirishima, Sato and Shoji enter the Practical Exam Area. Mina squeezes my shoulder reassuringly before walking over to join her teammates. Our class separates into smaller groups, leaving myself, Midoriya and Bakugo stranded in the middle.

I hope Mina's praying will do me good...

Midoriya approaches me. Bakugo, on the other hand, stays exactly where he is, brooding in the corner.

“Excited?” I ask the green haired boy, trying to light up the mood. He gives a me a bitter look and I mumble an apology.

“Looks like I'll have a lot of work today.” Recovery Girl, who's sat in the monitoring room with Midoriya and I, sighs as Uraraka Ochako slides the door open and enters the area.

“Oh? Y/N-chan? Deku? You're watching the match too?”

Midoriya turns over his shoulder and smiles at the girl, “Yeah. We don't have many chances to see the others fight.”

“Besides,” I add, ”Even if wewantedto talk strategy with Bakugo...”

Ochako gets the idea, ”Yeah...I know what you mean. Well, for me...”

She shivers and I feel pretty bad for her. She's been paired with Hagakure, which is fine, and...Aoyama.

“Hagakure-chan is totally panicking. Aoyama-kun.... there's no point in trying to talk to him.”

”Oh...”

“That's why I thought I'd use everyone else's fights for reference.”

“We had the same idea.” Midoriya replies.

Together, the three of us watch Kirishima, Shoji and Sato's battle with Cementoss.It doesn't seem to be going well.

That's when I realise something - Aizawa pitted us students against teachers we'd have a hard time against.That'swhy he purposely decided not to fight my team. Because he knew I had an advantage.

But seriously -putting me againstAll Might WithMidoriya and Bakugo??!!!

As the battle against Cementoss progresses on the holographic display, I clutch my hands together nervously.

How are we gonna beat All Might of all people if Bakugo won't cooperate with us?!

Chapter 15: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғɪғᴛᴇᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғɪғᴛᴇᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

Midoriya is uncontrollably muttering ahead me as he runs to where our Practical Exam will take place. I'm dashing after him, huffing.

“Midoriya!! If we waste our breath running we'll be low on stamina!”

He slows to a stop and I finally catch up to him, “Relax. Remember, it's just an exam. All Might won't murder us or anything...” I pause, “I hope.”

We find Bakugo standing by the gates of the area. He's quiet, face contorted into a scowl.

“I hope we'll pass...” I hear Midoriya mutter, just as the gates swing open and the speakers announce the start of our Practical Exam.

Bakugo storms into the area, Midoriya and I trailing behind him. The place is totally silent - we stare at the makeshift city our exam will take place in.

“I don't need another half-assed result like at the Sports Festival.” Bakugo snaps as he stops in front of us, “We're getting individual scores. You better not f*ck this up.”

“Kacchan...”

I stay quiet. Bakugo marches ahead, and that's when I say something,

“Don't just go up to him! Sure, he's handicapped right now but that doesn't mean he isn't strong!!”

When he ignores me, Midoriya squeezes my shoulder, “Come on. We'll figure it out.”

Helplessly, we follow behind Bakugo as he storms ahead of us and into the city.

The whole thing seems soaimless.

We're supposed to be a team!I think,even Aizawa said it; we're in a group together because we can't get along!

Pausing, I continue to ponder,

Maybe the key to passing is...

Inwardly groaning, I look at Bakugo,

Being on good terms withhim.

Midoriya evidently has the same idea as me. Nervously, the boy catches up to Bakugo, saying, “Kacchan, for this exam, the teacher is the villain and we're the heroes. We need to keep in mind the villain's combat ability and choose to fight or run.”

I hum in agreement, “In our case, the villain is All Might, and fighting against him is dangerous. It's a bad idea-”

Bakugo's ignoring us both. Instead of giving a reply, he only strides faster away from us. Midoriya's brows furrow,

“Kacchan!! Wait-”

“Stop. Following. Me.”

Midoriya speeds after him, “If we keep going straight then All Might will easily catch us!!”

As I rush to keep up with them, I say, “We should take a detour-”

“Why should we run away?!” Bakugo snaps, “We beat him up! That's how it should be!”

“Are you crazy?!” I shout back at him, ”Do youknowwho All Might is?! We need to avoid conflict if we can no matter what!!”

“We'll toy with him until it's almost over,” Bakugo is still talking, ”Then when he's tired, I'll beat him up!”

Is he delusional?! We're talking about All Might!!!

He walks ahead. Midoriya and I share a look. Panic is written across his face,

“We're gonna fail if we can't deal with him...”

”I know...” I mutter.

”Kacchan!” Regardless of what he just said, Midoriya continues to call after the other boy, running up to him. I join him and we stop behind Bakugo,

”All Might is really powerful!” He frantically explains.

We're ignored.Again.

I groan, ”Bakugo, why aren't you listening?! If the three of us combined can't take him on, then you can't do it alone-”

Bakugo spins around in a fit of rage, fist pulled back and palm glowing orange. My breath hitches in my throat and I stumble backwards before tripping over my boots. I'm sprawled on the floor and Bakugo immediately stops, fist hanging in the air.

”L-L/N?!” Midoriya's at my side in an instant, glaring up at the blonde boy. Bakugo looks almost... apologetic, but his eyes harden again a split second after.

”Don't say another word...” he seethes, ”Just because things are going well for you two doesn't mean you should talk.”

He's storming away again.This f*cking asshole.

”We're supposed to work together whether you like it or not!!” I scramble up off the ground as Midoriya straightens, ”Do you not know who we're up against?! You'regonna be the reason why we fail!”

“SHUT UP!! I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU-”

“STOP YELLING AT US!!” Midoriya screams. Even I jump at his sudden shift in demeanour. Bakugo turns back to us and Midoriya steps forward, “THAT'S WHY THE THREE OF US HAVEN'T HAD A REAL CONVERSATION IN YEARS!!! BECAUSE YOU WON'T EVER STOP-”

Wait.

The buildings in front of us rumble. The ground shakes. My eyes widen in horror.

He's found us.

A jet of strong wind and a bunch of rubble throw the three of us back with colossal force. I hear the shattering of glass as windows from nearby structures are crushed by the impact.

I cough, disoriented. Bakugo's already on his feet. Midoriya is crouched next to me.

“Who gives a damn about destroying the city?”

All Might chuckles as he reveals himself from the clouds of dust surrounding us. In this moment, he looks sointimidating.My heartbeat quickens in fear as he stands above us, grinning.

“I am a villain, heroes. Come at me with everything you've got!!!”

sh*t!

“N-No...no, no, no!” I hiss, “Bad idea. We can't take him head on. We've gotta run-”

“DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, BITCH!!”

Midoriya, distraught, backs away from All Might. I do the same, glaring at the back of Bakugo's head.

We're gonna fail. And it's gonna be his fault.

It's always his fault.

“KACCHAN, DON'T!!”

The boy's already pointing his outstretched palm at All Might - just as the muscular man takes off and zoomstowards us. There's a great flash of light that blinds me for a couple seconds. As my vision returns to me, I catch a glimpse of Bakugo, in the air, leaning down towards All Might with this unhinged grin on his face.

“You said to come at you, right All Might?!!! THEN I'LL GLADLY-”

I gasp. Midoriya flinches.

All Might has literallygrabbedBakugo's face, preventing him from speaking any further. The younger boy's head is like a mere basketball in his hands.

“We're f*cked.” I accidentally say out loud. Midoriya wordlessly nods next to me.

Bakugo's free hand is letting out explosion after exploring - right in All Might's face as he attempts to wriggle out of his grasp. The man simply chuckles before grabbing his arm and twisting round his back. Midoriya yelps in surprise as Bakugo let's out a shriek of pain.

He's my teammate - I should go and help him. After all, Mineta helped Sero during their match against Midnight.

But All Might iswaytoo scary to even blink at - let alone attack!

And besides,

It's still kind of.... rejuvenating -seeing Bakugo in pain like that.

Shame immediately fills me at the thought.

In one effortless motion, All Might spins around and slams the boy into the ground. There's a tremor within the earth and I shudder along with it.

“Weak hits, young Bakugo.” All Might leans away. Bakugo is panting on the floor beneath him, evidently in pain.

”And...”

All Might disappears from where he was stood a millisecond before. My eyes snap to the Midoriya. The man is stood behind him, smirking.

“LOOK OUT!” I shriek. I don't have to tell him twice. Green sparks fly from Midoriya's frame as he whips round to face All Might. There's a look of total horror on his face - I'm sure mine is no different.

On instinct, Midoriya leaps into the air, narrowly avoiding All Might's punch.

“MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!” Bakugo yells - he's off the floor and jumped up, ready to let out another explosion. I gasp as the two collide harshly against each other,stillin mid-air.

They roll onto the floor with a thud. All Might laughs heartily at this, before slowly turning to me.

Am I next?!

Not missing a beat, I activate my wheels and speed off in the direction where my team are on the ground. My breathing is so erratic, words can't even come out of my mouth. I'm just panting next to them, slowly backing away as I eye our opponent.

“I'll win!!!” Bakugo declares, ”That's what it means to be a hero!!”

I pause.

To be a hero...?

“S-Seriously...?”

Is that what he thinks being a hero is?

About... winning?

Midoriya grits his teeth as he picks himself up off the ground, trembling. He's running up to Bakugo, who's stalking towards All Might, face darkened.

“Then it's even more important toavoid-”

“GET AWAY! DON'T COME NEAR-”

“If you wanna run away, then this is for you, young Midoriya!!” All Might yells. He's in the air, knees bent and feet pressed against a dislodged piece of metal fencing.

As soon as our enemy straightens his legs, the fence slams against Midoriya's neck. He's thrust straight back onto the ground, caged in by the metal planted around him.

For some reason, All Might then dashes straight past Bakugo.

He races around Midoriya's struggling frame.

My heart sinks and my stomach flips as he hurls himself straight towards me.

He's so damn fast - I have no time to react whatsoever as he retracts his fist, before launching a punch rightinto my abdomen. On impact, I'm flung into the air, vomiting up this morning's breakfast.

“L/N!!”

I lose consciousness for a couple seconds. When I return to reality, I'm hurtling towards the ground, before crashing into a pile of debris and wreckage.

I feel like I'm on fire...

I'm completely immobile. Everything hurts so much, I can't even lift a finger. So instead, I just lay there - sprawled helplessly on a pile of rubbish, facing the sky.

I hear footsteps approaching me. With all the strength I can muster, I shakily lift myself from the ground, breathing frantic and shallow.

“You're surprisingly off guard, young L/N. I almost didn't want to punch you.”

I open my mouth to answer, but my throat is bone dry.

Damn it...

I'm experiencing an intense feeling of déjà vu - except the last time this happened, I wasn't fighting All Might as part of my final exam.

I was partaking in the Sports Festival, and getting my ass beaten by Bakugo because I wasn't strong enough.

I'm never strong enough.

And that makes me sof*cking angry.

”I'll win!!!”

“That's what it means to be a hero!!!”

“You'll fail this test.” All Might is still talking, “Not only because you're unprepared, but because you can't seem to unite your team. I thought you of all people were good at that.”

What the hell does that even mean?!

”Guess I misjudged your-”

An arm -Midoriya'sarm, snatches me from my position. We're practically in the air as the boy dashes away from All Might, Bakugo slung over his other shoulder. We sharply turn into an alleyway and race down it, only gaining speed.

There's no way Midoriya's carrying both of us!!!

”LET GO, BASTARD!!”

I blink slowly and notice Bakugo, struggling against Midoriya's iron grip.

“Thisis why you should've listened to what we were saying-”

Bakugo aggressively digs his elbow into the side of the other boy's ribs. We all fall into a heap on the ground.

Moaning in pain, I roll on my back to face the sun. Midoriya's leaning on the wall to the right of me, out of breath. Bakugo is standing, albeit shakily.

Everyone's tired, I think to myself;

We can't win like this.

“G-Guys...” I whisper, sitting up straight, “I-I really can't think of a way...for us to b-beat All Might....or make an escape.”

Midoriya's facing me from his sitting position. Bakugo, who's standing over me, glares. I glare back,

“Don't youdaresay you'd rather lose than be on a team with us. C-Can't you see?! We're gonna fail anyway because of how uncooperative you are!”

He's silently seething. Midoriya speaks up,

“Kacchan... you're you because you never give up on winning, right?”

Bakugo rolls his eyes, but he doesn't argue, so Midoriya keeps talking,

“I-I realise now...that you've always been like that. Even when we were kids. Remember that time you beat up those fourth graders? I think we were seven at the time.”

Despite myself, I snicker, “D-Did that actually happen?”

“It was before you transferred.” Midoriya gives me a weak, pained smile.

“You look constipated.” I remark. We descend into fits of giggles while Bakugo clicks his tongue in annoyance.

“Please don't give up, Kacchan.” Midoriya pleads, “A-At least tryusing us before deciding to quit-”

Bakugo let's out a frustrated shriek. I jump as he releases an explosion - just a couple inches away from Midoriya's face. It leaves a hole in the brick the other boy is sat by.

There's quiet.

“K-Kacchan...”

“I won't say again, you pieces of sh*t...” Bakugo heaves,

“Against his crazy ass speed, no matter how much you morons run and hide, you won't be able to avoid fighting.”

Wait.

I'm about to say something, but Midoriya protests,

“Neither of us have a chance in a fight! Not against All Might-”

“SHUT UP, BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU.”

Midoriya promptly shuts up.

Bakugo continues, “He won't even budge with half-assed power. I figured that out earlier with those consecutive hits...”

I think back to around ten minutes ago.When Bakugo was firing explosions at All Might...

“So...you two better listen thef*ckup, and pay attention to my plan.”

As soon as All Might passes the alleyway we're in, Bakugo leaps out into the open,

“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU LOOKING, BASTARD?!!”

I watch surreptitiously round the corner as All Might turns to face Bakugo - only to be met with an explosion to the face. Our opponent is distracted, just for a second. Bakugo leaps into the air,

“L/N!!!”

Without wasting even a second, I dash out of my hiding place. One of Bakugo's grenadier bracers are secured onto my right arm as I speed round All Might's figure.

The man turns to grin smugly at me, “I see.”

“SHOOT, DAMN IT!!”

I release the stored up nitroglycerin from the weapon, steadying myself as the blast practically knocks me backwards.

No way Bakugo holds two of these so often!!

Deku's already out of his hiding place. Bakugo's other grenadier bracer is latched onto his own arm. He releases an explosion from his position beside me. With that, Bakugo races around All Might. We quickly remove the weapons from our arms, throwing them back to Bakugo.

“RUN, YOU DUMBASASSES!!!”

We don't need to be told twice. I activate my wheels and instantly speed off in the opposite direction. I notice the crackling of green energy from Midoriya's frame as he does the same.

Around three minutes pass before I fall into step alongside Midoriya, who looks up at Bakugo,

“S-So, do you think we knocked him out?”

“Of course not!” Bakugo snaps, ”You two said it yourself, he's way too strong to be stopped by that!! The next time he catches up, it'll bemyturn to blow him away withmygauntlet!!!”

Guess he really hated the idea of us taking his weapons...

”Hmm, sounds good. And then what?!”

I shriek in surprise and topple over. All Might has appeared rightnext to Bakugo, flying alongside us like it's nothing!

“C-Crap!” I hiss. Midoriya falls back behind me. Bakugo makes a move to use his gauntlets - All Might doesn't give him the chance.

In one swift motion, he pulls back his fist and punches Bakugo's weapons, shattering the metal into pieces. For the first time in years, I see horror casting the boy's features.

He's too fast!!Anymore now, and we'll lose!

Is this my chance?

Should I do it now?

There's no time to think. So instead of creating a plan, I scramble up from my position on the floor and activate my quirk.

All Might freezes. I let out a deep breath - one I didn't even realise I was holding in until now. Relief washes over me...

but the feeling is brief.

My head begins to throb; a familiar ache pounds through my skull.

Disappointment courses through me.

I worked so hard to develop my Paralysis. I took up so much of Aizawa's time...

So why does it still hurt?! Why won't it go away?!

I grit my teeth and grunt as I bear the pain, repeating that specific sentence in my head: the pain doesn't exist. The pain doesn't exist. The pain doesn't exist.

But it does. It exists and it's real and it f*cking hurts. Why is this happening now?!

Wait.

I realize something.

I might've trained my Paralysis, but All Might is practicallyunstoppable.

It's not me that's the problem.

Fearfully, I gaze up at All Might. Subtlety, but surely, the muscular man is trembling slightly under the effect of my quirk.

He's trying to...break free?!

”N-No way...” I mumble.

”H-He's that strong?!” Midoriya whimpers as we inch away, “He can seriously beat Paralysis?!”

“WHY THE HELL ARE WE STICKING AROUND TO FIND OUT?!!” Bakugo yells at us. He's holding his left arm. I frown.

He's injured.

“I-I can't hold it for long.” I groan, “W-We need to run for it. Right now.”

“Midoriya.” Bakugo snaps,

“I'm gonna throw you.”

At first, I don't understand what he means. At this point the pain is dulling my senses, interfering with my thoughts.

But I can clearly see Bakugo reach over to grab Midoriya by the arm.

“K-Kacchan, what are you-?!”

I freeze. I knowexactlywhat he's about to do.

And Midoriya knows it too.

He begins to frantically shake his head in protest, “N-No! Kacchan, don't!!!”

“SHUT UP, NERD!!! ONLYONE OF US NEEDS TO ESCAPE FOR US TO WIN!!”

Bakugo steps in front of Midoriya. I gasp as he flips the boy over his shoulder, releasing one last, colossal explosion from his palm.

“KACCHAN DON'T -”

“DIE!!!!”

Die?!

With incredible speed, Midoriya is flung like a measly bug into the air. He flails through the sky like a jet plane as Bakugo, who's exhausted at this point, sways slightly, eyes droopy. I run behind him and catch him before he can fall, setting his body down on the ground.

Despite everything, I soften my gaze and I watch Bakugo's half lidded eyes.

”Thanks.” I whisper,

“I-I think...we're gonna win because of you.”

This entire time, he was thinking of a plan too. He was...helping? Cooperating?

Was Bakugo...being ateamplayer?!!

“TEAM MIDORIYA, L/N AND BAKUGO PASS.”

”It's done...?” he murmurs, eyes still closed. I nod, even though he can't see me.

”Yeah... it is.”

It's over...

I laugh, ”O-Oh, my God...we passed. W-We did it...”

I release my quirk and slump forward, vision darkening as All Might's suddenly faraway voice calls out to me.

“HOW THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN IN SCHOOL?!!!”

I trudge towards the main entrance of UA High School, slight limp in my step. Mina's trailing behind, throwing question after question at me so fast my brain can't keep up.

”I saw that punch All Might gave you!!” She's still babbling, ”Total knuckle sandwich!Andyou hurled the breakfast wrap I made for you!!!”

Together we walk through the hallways of the hero school, weaving in and out of staring students. They probably all heard about our near loss to All Might.

”I loved the breakfast wrap, Mina." I mutter, ”Shame I wasn't able to fully digest it.”

She frowns next to me, concerned,

“Y/N? You really shouldn't be in school."

“I'm just a little tired." I admit, ”But Recovery Girl dealt with me. I'm okay.”

“Sure?”

I slide open the door to Class 1-A,

“Yeah. Positive.”

When we walk into the room, I find Kirishima and Kaminari grumbling in the corner next to Iida. Ochako acknowledges my entrance and gives me a smile,

“Hey, Y/N-chan! Glad to see you're doing a lot better." She shudders, ”The aftermath of your exam was, uh...”

I glance at Mina. She nods, “Yeah. Everyone was panicking. You went like, purple!!”

I gasp, ”Purple?!Nobody told me that!!!”

“Really terrifying, ribbit.” Tsu shakes her head from her seat, “Aizawa said something about quirk overuse.”

Oh yeah...I sigh inwardly as I fully enter the classroom.

How did I even manage to hold the Paralysis on All Might?!

And for that long?!

Must've been the adrenaline...

“It was kinda sweet though, what happened at the end, I mean.” Jirou says as I slide into my seat beside her.

I raise an eyebrow, “What was sweet? I had my internal organs reassembled by Japan's number one hero. Anything butsweet.”

Ochako, Mina and Jirou share a look.

Something's up.

“Guys...?” I repeat myself, “What are you talking about? What happened?!”

”You don't remember?”

“If I remembered then I wouldn't be asking!”

“Uh...” Ochako glances away and Jirou fiddles with her earlobe. Mina, on the other hand, has a smirk plastered on her face.

“Bakugo was holding your hand when Recovery Girl and All Might took you up to medical.”

Oh?

Oh.

Oh...

“WHAT?!”

The class stills at my outburst. Embarrassed, I clear my throat, “I-Is this a joke...?"

Jirou squirms in her seat, “Wish it was. Sorry, L/N.”

I can barely even register what they're talking about. Mina continues gleefully, “He had an iron grip on you. All Might had to pull him away. Like, he wouldn't let go.”

Oh my God.

“B-But why...?” I whisper more to myself than anyone's else.

The door then violently slides open. Bakugo storms inside.

We share a look. I can't read his emotions.

“Hey, Baku-bro!!”

”Don't ever call me that again.” He barges past Kirishima and collapses into his seat towards the front. I watch them both curiously.

“Glad you're doing better. You were totally beaten up after -”

”SHUT UP, BASTARD!!!”

“Damn.” Kaminari sighs, “Both him, SeroandL/N are okay. Which means there's no spare places for the training camp...”

Of course! The training camp!!

Mina groans as she plops down in her seat, “Have fun without me.”

“Sorry, Mina. I hope that Monoma guy isn't coming, though. He's a total weirdo...”

”He's quite peculiar.” Iida appears beside Mina, ”And he definitely has a grudge against us all.” He pushes his glasses up against his nose.

”Anyway. Glad to see you're well, L/N. Even Bakugo was worried about you. Holding your hand and-”

“Please.” I sigh, ”I've heard enough about that.”

When I look at the blonde boy, he's already staring at me.

I should thank him again, right?

For...you know, working with us in the end.

Midoriya is the last of our classmates to walk in. He seems pretty unscathed from yesterday's events.Lucky bastard.

“Midoriya!!!” Kaminari whines, “You're gonna have so much fun at the camp!!”

“Don't be too upset!” Midoriya encourages him, “Who knows, Aizawa-sensei might've just lied to make us all pass!”

”If you say it out loud, then you'll jinx it!” Mina complains. The other boy sheepishly apologizes. Kaminari scowls,

“I can't believe this!! They're leaving us in suspense, not telling us how they're grading us or whether we're all going or not! I can't survive summer school!!”

”Kirishima groans, ”Don't tell me we'll have to dosummer schoolif we fail!! That's not fair-”

“SEATS EVERYONE!” Iida barks. The rest of our class grumble at Iida's shout, but comply regardless, right as our homeroom teacher sluggishly walks into the room and approaches the front.

“Right, let's get to the point.” Aizawa yawns. Collectively, my class sit forward in their seats.

“Obviously, there are some of you who didn't pass the final exams.”

Kaminari slumps forward in his seat. Mina curses under her breath,

“...but everybody's going to the training camp.”

My friend leaps up from her seat with a shriek. Kirishima lets out a cheer and Kaminari's head snaps back up in shock to face our teacher.

“A-Aizawa-sensei!! You lied to us!!”

“I did. But apparently threatening you couldn't even bump up your grades.” The man grumbles.

“You all, surprisingly-” he shoots Kaminari a glare, “- passed the written exam. A couple of you already know you failed the practical. In addition to that group, Sero also failed.”

“Damn...” Sero sighs, “It's because I was asleep the whole time...”

Mina's shedding tears next to me, “Y/N-chaaan!!! I'm so happy!!! We can go the training camp together!!”

“Don't get too excited, failures.” Aizawa rolls his eyes, “Expect to be put in extra cram classes following the training camp. You won't be let off the hook.”

I snort. Mina gives Aizawa a secret middle finger.

Chapter 16: ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sɪxᴛᴇᴇɴ

Chapter Text

✿ 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 ✿

✿ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ sɪxᴛᴇᴇɴ ✿

✿ ʏ/ɴ ᴘᴏᴠ

“FINALLY!!!” Mina squeals as our class stand outside of UA High School, “First semester is done!! Aaaand~”

“Training camp!!!” I hear Ochako begin to chant behind me. Kaminari joins in with her. Mina and I share an amused look, before dancing around each other, clapping our hands.

“Training camp! Training camp! Training camp-!”

“What's this? The people in Class A are taking extra classes?”

I stop in my tracks, face darkening. Mina does the same.

Standing proudly behind us in none other than Monoma Neito from Class B, triumphant grin plastered on his face.

“How weird! I thought Class A was supposed to be better than us!”

He continues to blab about how funny it is of us to be attending camp. I roll my eyes,

“This guy...”

Monoma keeps ranting for another 30 seconds - until Kendo promptly slams her fist down on the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious.

This guy better not ruin our trip...

“Sorry!” The orange-haired girl shoots us an apologetic glance, “We saw each other briefly at the Sports Festival, but didn't get to chat much. It's nice to meet you, Class A!”

“At least some of them are tolerable...” Mina mutters. I nod in agreement as Class B load onto their bus.

“CLASS A! ON THE BUS IN SEATING ORDER, NOW!!” I hear Iida bark behind us.

“It's a trip!” Sero argues, “Let us sit where we want! You know you want to!”

Iida looks annoyed, but doesn't argue. Cheerfully, Sero and Kaminari skip towards the bus. Kirishima barges past Mineta, who is talking to himself with an unhinged smirk on his face. I shudder.

“You two excited?” He asks us,

”Oh yeah!” I reply with a thumbs up, ”So glad we all get to go together!”

“Same!” Kirishima agrees, ”I mean, even Bakugois excited...”

We watch the said boy storm past us and onto the bus. Kirishima sheepishly chuckles,

“Well...uh, he just isn't good with expressing himself.”

“You got that right.”

”Everybody!” Aizawa calls from the front of the vehicle, “The bus will stop once in around an hour. After that-”

”LET'S PLAY SOME MUSIC!!” Kaminari cheers from his seat. The rest of my class begins to chatter, drowning out the sound of our teacher's voice.

Hagakure, Mina, Tsu, Ochako and I take up the line of seats at the back. Jirou and Yaoyorozu are in the double seats in front of us, blasting some Vocaloid music (much to everyone else's dismay).

I watch the world go by from my window seat as Mina, Hagakure and Tsu engage in a deep conversation; something about... Tokoyami's arms?

I giggle.

”Hey, Y/N-chan?”

Ochako taps my shoulder from her seat to the right of me. I glance in her direction,

“What's up?”

“Erm...”

She looks pretty embarrassed...

“I need to talk to you about something.”

I raise an eyebrow

”Pfft.Okay. But you don't have to look so worried. You I won't judge you or anything, right?

She tells me toshhh and I co*ck my head to the side, confused. Quietly, she mutters,

“W-Well...you might get mad at me for asking this...”

”What is it?”

“Uh...” She stammers, wiping her sweaty palms on her knees. I quickly become impatient.

“Ochako! Hurry up and-”

“L/N!!!” Kaminari whines from the front. I snap my head forward and find him turning back to complain, ”Tell Jirou to turn that crap off!! It's making my ears bleed!!"

“Hey!!” Mina scowls, “This songs great! Jirou has the best music taste out of us all!”

“For real.” I agree, ”You can play your music some other time, Kaminari.”

Kirishima, who's sat next to his friend, groans, “Oh, come on! Why can't we take turns?!”

“If you guys keep arguing then we'll sit on this bus IN SILENCE!”

The class instantaneously shuts up. Aizawa grumbles his seat, “I shouldn't have agreed to take you all....”

I roll my eyes, “Turn it up, Jirou-chan. This is thebest part...” I shoot Kaminari a triumphant look. He gives me the finger and turns away.

When I look back at Ochako, she's avoiding my gaze, face beetroot red. I furrow my brows.

I wonder what she was gonna ask me...

“I've gotta pee!!!” Mina whines as we load off the bus. We've stopped in some sort of barren field. Grassland and cliffs surround us. The only other signs of life are from a black, sleek car situated in the corner.

Our friend group giggle at Mina's earlier statement. I hear Aizawa tell her to be quiet from the front.

“This is supposed to be a pit stop, right?” I hum. Yaoyorozu nods,

”That's what Aizawa-sensei said...but where's Class B's bus?”

“There's no point in stopping without a reason.” Aizawa says. My class quietens and faces him, just as the doors to the other car by the road click open.

“Hey, Eraser Head!”

“Long time no see.”

Aizawa respectfully bows. Collectively, we turn our heads to eye whoever's exiting the car, only to be met with...

“What the f*ck?” Jirou hisses next to me.

Cat girls...?

I then spot a young boy standing awkwardly next to the furry women. On top of his head, adorned with gold, pointing cones, is a big red baseball cap.

“Is this...a joke? Can I go the bathroom now?” Mina whispers. I wordlessly stare at the strangers as Aizawa introduces them,

“These are the pro heroes who will be working with us during camp. They're the puss*cats.”

Jirou snorts next to me, I join in with her and snicker at the name. Mina moans desperately,

“I need to piss!”

“Greet them, everyone.” Aizawa snaps. I jump, and in unison our class says, ”Nice to meet you!”

The cat girl in a red, poofy dress smiles, pointing at the land below us,

“We own this whole stretch of area here. You'll all be staying at the foot of that mountain over yonder.”

I peer down at where she's pointing.Glad we're not walking.Getting down there would take ages.

There's a smirk growing on the lady's face,

”It's around...9:30am? If you're quick, then you'll get there around noon.”

Sero freezes in front of me, “Uh...what do you mean?”

“Let's get back on the-”

Mina lets out a yell of frustration and sinks to her knees. I turn to look at what she's seen.

Orhasn'tseen, rather.

“WHERE'S THE BUS?!” Kaminari cries. Jirou swears.

“We have to walk?!”

“You're kidding!”

“I need to pee!!”

Ochako shrieks from beside me and clutches my arm as the earth beneath us begins to tremble. The second cat girl - the one in blue - has her...paw (???)pressed against the ground, an aqua aura emitting from it's position.

What the hell is she doing?!

It's like the earth transforms into sludge. It begins to liquify, twist and turn - I hold onto Jirou for dear life as we sway under the effect of her quirk, quickly being thrown into the air.

Ochako screams beside me and together, our class tumbles down a slanted hill, before crashing to the bottom.

I'm probably out for around five seconds, before regaining consciousness with a groan.

“W-What just happened...?”

“You've got three hours! Come to the facility on your own two feet!” A voice calls from above us. When I look up, I find Aizawa leering down at us.

Are they for real?!

“It's private land!!" The red cat girl's head appears from over the cliff, “Use your quirk however you want!!”

“Screw this!!” Mina exclaims, “I need to piss and I need to piss now! I'm not doing it in the bushes and I'mnotwalking around for half the day!!!”

“All the appropriate facilities will be at the training grounds!!” The blue cat girl joins the other two adults,

“You need to get through...The Beast's Forest!!”

The Beast's....

“Damn...” Kirishima mutters as we all look behind us. Standing tall a couple metres away, is a whole wallof black, gnarly trees, blocking our path. This strange mist drifts towards us from within the darkness.

I shudder, “Are we supposed to go through this?”

“UA does this too much!" Hagakure whines, “Why are they always so extra?!”

“Tell me about it...”

I flop onto my back and sigh. Tsu gathers herself up off the floor next to me,

“So we have to get through that, ribbit?”

“Yup...” Kirishima stretches his arms, “No use complaining. We just have to-”

“A BEAST!!!”

I immediately spin around to gape at what Mineta's seen.

Right there, approaching from the shadows, is some sort of....rock beast?!

“Hell no!” Mina scoots backwards and I do the same. Koda quickly makes a move, stepping forward and anxiously calling out to the monster.

”KODA! GET BACK!” Tokoyami yells. The other boy doesn't listen, hastily approaching our opponent as he calls out,

“P-Please!! Don't hurt us!!”

With a mighty raw, the dragon-rock-thingy (???!!)takes a swift swipe at Koda. Midoriya snatches our classmates away from the monster. Its claws sink into the earth he'd just stood on.

Not even Koda's quirk could control it?!

Thatgets me scrambling to my feet.

Midoriya speeds back over the group, setting a shaking Koda down on his feet. Tsu and Yaoyorozu immediately run up to him, asking if he's okay.

The beast lets out another roar. Midoriya takes a stance,

“L/N!!”

He gives me a desperate look.

He wants me to freeze that thing?!!

“I-If Koda-kun's quirk won't work, what makes you think mine will?!!” I grab Mina and Ochako off the floor, dragging them back as the creatures eyes us aggressively. The rest of my class do the same.

The memory of our practical exam suddenly takes the forefront of my mind. I remember how I'd frozen All Might - and the pain...

Much to Midoriya's dismay, I frantically shake my head.

”I-I'm sorry...!” I shut my eyes, “I...”

I can't!

The monster then emerges fully from the shadows, scaly tail looming hazardously in the air, emerald eyes eerily glowing. Ochako shrieks as it zooms towards us.

"Numb your mind and don't panic. Youdon't feel it. Youcan't feel it.”

“Youcan't feel it.”

I can't feel it.

Not missing a beat, I activate my quirk.

Relief washing over me as the beast stops in its tracks. The class goes silent and I shakily exhale.

The pain is there...subtle but sure.

But...

I don't feel it. I can't feel it.

“I can't hold it for too long!!” I yell. Midoriya doesn't have to be told twice. Green sparks fly from his frame. Todoroki runs forward, and Bakugo follows close behind him.

It doesn't take long for the three of them to land consecutive hits on the animal. As soon as Midoriya lands a final punch, I release my quirk. Instantly, the monster crumbles apart - rock, moss and tree bark dropping to the floor like rain in its wake.

The class stays still and silent for a while. Nobody says a word. We just...standin front of the darkened forest, watching.

Then, Sero moves forward. He advances into the entrance of the woods. Hesitantly, our class follows him.

We inspect the remains of the beast. Kaminari whistles,

”You all defeated that thing super fast! Incredible!”

”Yeah,” Kirishima breathes, turning to Bakugo, “You guys are awesome-”

“Not yet.” Bakugo seethes. We all pause. He's staring ahead into the distance, where the mist conceals what's beyond us.

“Something in there is moving.” Shoji says. Bakugo scowls, ”No sh*t!”

We all back towards each other in a small circle, outwardly facing our surroundings.

”H-How many of these things are in here?!" Ochako whimpers,

“Why are we sticking around to find out?!” Jirou shivers. Midoriya frowns,

“I don't think running is even an option...”

“Oh, look! They're finally here!” One of the puss*cats cheer as my class and I climb through the last couple metres of trees and bushes.

There's sap in my hair, rock in my shoes and dirt caking my uniform. Nota good start to training camp at all.

We all emerge from the final trees and limp into the light. The two cat girls, the kid and Aizawa are all stood in front of our training grounds, watching us. Huffing, I glance around at my class.

They're not doing so good, either.

There are twigs stuck in Mina's hair, and a huge rip in Yaoyorozu's polo shirt. Aoyama is doubled over, holding his stomach, Ochako's gone a pale green, Bakugo's holding his left fist in his hand, and Iida's trouser legs have been charred by his calf engines. There's frost still left on Todoroki's cheek, and Kaminari has short circuited, evidently. Kirishima's hair has lost its spike, flopping forward, Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is hunched over him, panting, and Koda's clutching his throat, probably because he lost his voice an hour or so ago.

We're such a mess...

”At least they're all in one-”

Ochako promptly throws up beside me. Grimacing, I reach for her hair and gather it out of the way as she retches up what she last ate, right onto the floor in front of Aizawa.

I hear Aoyama heaving behind me and groan as the sound of splatter reaches my ears. A collectiveewwerupts from the class as the blonde boy sinks to his knees, Sato quickly striding over to help the sick boy up.

“Were we too hard on them?" The blue puss*cat asks. Aizawa shakes his head. I roll my eyes and pat Ochako's back.

“Good?”

”No.”

“Well..." The blue one awkwardly continues, “I'm surprised at how fast you defeated all my earth beasts. I'm impressed, really.”

I watch her grin and point one at a time to five of us - Iida, Midoriya, Bakugo, Todoroki and myself,

”You guys were especially skilled. Experience, I'm guessing?”

Before any of us can reply, she hops over to Midoriya, eyeing him. The boy, embarrassed, flinches away,

”I can't wait until your students are suitable age!!"

Suitable age?!!

“What the hell is this woman on...?” Jirou mutters as Ochako hurls again. I sigh as Aizawa glances at the other puss*cat,

“Mandalay...was she always like that?”

“I wanna piss now...” Mina mumbles, I give her a look,

“I thought you peed back in the woods!”

“As if I'd do such a gross thing!”

“Anyways!” Mandalay claps her hands, “This is my cousin's kid. Say hello, Kota.”

I glance back at the kid stood next to the puss*cat - the boy with the weird cap.

He doesn't look happy.

This kid needs to get over himself! We've just been through hell and back, and he's having a tantrum?!

“I don't wanna hang out with people who are gonna be heroes!” the boy snaps, storming into the building before us.

Bakugo lets out a laugh. Like, a properchuckle.

“Precocious brat.”

“You guys could be siblings." Todoroki remarks.

”SHUT UP, BASTARD!!”

Mandalay shakes her head, quietly apologising. Aizawa speaks up,

“Uraraka. Aoyama. Get inside. The rest of you bring your stuff into the building and we'll have dinner in the cafeteria.”

“We'll get your stuff, Ochako, Aoyama.” Hagakure watches as the ill students stumble over to our teacher.

“Move quickly, class.”

”THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!!!” Mina grabs her chopsticks and snatches a bunch of meat from the sharing tables, plopping each piece into the bowl before her. I smile,

“So, you finally pissed?”

“Sweet relief at last!!” She replies gleefully. I nod and drop a couple dumplings into my bowl. Jirou turns to Sero,

“So do the boys get a big room?”

“Yeah! It's so cool there! How about you guys?”

”Pretty spacious." Ochako replies, just as Yaoyorozu says, “Quite small.”

Tsu and I giggle as the two give each other a questioning look. Kirishima and Kaminari, who are sat further down from us at the table, stuff their faces full of rice,

“SO GOOD!!"

“I WAS STARVING!!”

"I feel like I could eat for ages...” I sigh happily and munch on a piece of stewed beef. Mina nods eagerly beside me.

“Glad you like it!” Mandalay grins as she calls over to Kota,

“Hey, could you grab those veggies for me?”

The kid grumbles in the corner. I roll my eyes while Bakugo, who's sat on the table behind us, snorts.

“Kota!! Hurry it up!!”

Reluctantly, the boy grabs the box of vegetables and stalks over to the puss*cat. Honestly, I'm too hungry to watch any more.

We eat for a while longer, before Aizawa sends us off to separate hot springs to bathe. The sun has set by this point and the sky is a clear, navy blue. So clear in fact, that the stars dotted across the atmosphere can easily be seen twinkling in the moonlight.

“So pretty...” I mumble as I watch them. Ochako sinks into hot spring next to me, sighing and swaying in content,

“I felt so dirty earlier!”

”Me too, ribbit.” Tsu's sat next to her, eyes shut as she relishes in the warmth of the water we're submerged in.

“This is great!” Mina cheers. Yaoyorozu chimes in,

”I know! So glad they provided hot springs for us!”

There's a comfortable silence that surrounds us, minus the boys and their chatter from the other side of the wooden wall. As I watch the stars, my mind begins to wander,

“I feel like we haven't been able to catch a break in a while...”

There's a splash of water as Tsu leaps from the pool and onto a boulder in the corner. Jirou laughs before nodding,

“Yeah. I mean, there was the USJ thing, then the Sports Festival, then the exams....”

I list everything Jirou mentioned in my head, sorting through my memories of each occasion.

There's this feeling of....disappointment that seeps through my skin. It's like a wet blanket draped over my frame - shocking me into realisation as I delve deeper into my thoughts.

Every single one of those events...I ended up embarrassing myself in some way during them.

The USJ incident, with my terrible attempt at saving Aizawa.

The Sports Festival....enough said.

The final exams, where I was barely much help to Midoriya.

Gosh...

I've been working hard since the school year started, yet every step I take forward also feels like a hundred steps taken backwards.

I move my head off of Mina and stretch, pushing those ideas away, ”A-Anyway. I hope tomorrow won't be as hectic...”

Ochako nods next to me as our pink-haired friend begins to waddle through the spring, searching for the now completely invisible Hagakure. Momo and Jirou are conversing with each other off to the side, and Tsu is still crouched on the rock, eyes shut in total bliss.

She's so cute,I think, amused.

”Y-Y/N?”

”Yeah?”

Ochako's looking at me nervously. I think back to our brief conversation on the bus,

”Right. Do you wanna say what you were gonna tell me earlier?”

”U-Uh..."

I frown. The girl's cheeks are slowly heating up. As I give her a look, she averts her eyes.

”Ochako-chan,” I sigh, “Hurry up and-”

“D-Don't you think that boys are so confusing?”

....eh?

What...

I blankly stare at her. She's fiddling with her chestnut brown hair, looking anywhere but at me.

“What's that got to do with us?” I ask carefully. She gulps and I groan, impatient,

“Spit it out!!”

”Okay, okay!!" She insists, quickly slamming her hand against my mouth. Perplexed, I move it away. She hushes her voice,

”L-Look, just don't tell the others, okay?! Not even Mina.”

“Not evenMina?!!”

I tell that girl everything!

”No. Not even her.” she gives me a hard glare.

Reluctantly I nod, ”Okay. I promise. So what are you getting at, Ochako?”

The girl breathes in and out deeply. Then, she meets my gaze,

”I-I know you'd rather not talk about...you...and Bakugo-”

I immediately open my mouth to protest. She shushes me,

”B-But please just hear me out!”

Why in the world does she want to talk abouthim?!

I thought I made it clear during the Sports Festival how much I hated him!

“Is this about him...h-holding my hand? Or whatever?!” I hurry out the words and Ochako shakes her head,

”No!...W-Well...not entirely-”

”Ochako!”

”Listen!” she pleads. I pause before shutting my mouth. She thanks me and sinks deeper into the pool.

“It's just...you...and Bakugo. I know that you haven't got the best history. M-Midoriya-kun told me about how-”

”You don't have to go into detail."

”Never mind.” she quickly says, ”A-Anyway. You hate him, right? A-And he hates you too...I mean, not be rude or anything, but he's constantly calling you everything under the sun butyour name.”

I nod slowly,

”I don't get it.”

”He's so... contradicting.” Ochako admits. She's obviously distraught over something - if anything, I'm concerned.

But why is she making this about Bakugo and I?

At this point it seems as if she's talking more to herselfthan to me.

“He says he hates you and avoids you all the time, yet...I dunno, he'll help you with your wounds and hold your freaking hand. I'm not an idiot. For whatever reason, he cares for you. I-It's like...”

I immediately sink myself into the pool so my head is underneath the water. My face feels like it's burning up and I slap my cheeks, shutting my eyes.

What is she trying to say?! That Bakugo loves me or something?! Bakugo Katsuki, caring about me? That makes no sense. It's practically against the laws of physics...

When I resurface, Ochako is glancing at me anxiously.

“Y/N, during the practical exam, Aoyama-kun asked me something...”

”And this has to do with Bakugo and I because....?”

”He asked me if I liked Deku-kun!” she whispers.

Oh...?

“And...”

“A-And I didn't answer him, obviously!” she snaps,

“B-But...he just got me thinking about it...just like how it's impossible to figure out howBakugofeels, it's impossible to figure out how Deku feels too. You know, he decided on his hero name because of whatI said, yet whenever he's around me he just...”

”So, you like him, then?”

Ochako squeals and ducks away in embarrassment. I snicker, relaxing my shoulders.

“Jeez! You made it sound so serious, I thought you were gonna say something worse! But if it's a crush, then I can help with that....maybe.”

She exhales, “I'm scared. Does he like me too, or not? He's sending mixed signals all the time! One minute, he's stuttering around me and acting like an idiot, the next he's just all calm and collected - he treats me like he treats Iida: just a friend...”

I giggle at Ochako's bashfulness, “Ochako-chaaan~”

“Please don't make this any more embarrassing!!”

I grin, “You came to me for advice, right?”

“Well, yeah...”

“So I'm telling you that Midoriya likes you back. It's beyond obvious! And besides-”

“HEYYY!!”

Mins abruptly flings herself on top of me. With a splash, we sink into the pool, before I quickly resurface, spitting out the hot water I had accidentally swallowed.

“MINA!!” I shove her away while she throws her head back, cackling. Ochako's mumbling something behind me as Tsu dives back into the hot spring, swimming towards us,

“Why are you two whispering amongst yourselves, ribbit?”

“Yeah!” Who I'm assuming to Hagakure chimes in, “We wanna know what the big secret is!"

“Leave ’em alone. They're probably just talking about theromanticconclusion of L/N's final exam.” Jirou chuckles slyly.

But the more people talk about it, the angrier it makes me.

“Stop. That's not funny.” I say harshly. Yaoyorozu raises an eyebrow and Jirou flinches at my tone.

“Sorry..." I mutter, “I just...I really don't like Bakugo. At all. And when people talk about him and me that way it makes me feel all...”

Huh...?

Now that I'm actually thinking about it, I'm not even surehow it makes me feel.

I know it makes me angry...but...

“You went to the same junior high, right?” Tsu's head bobs up from the water to eye me. I nod slowly and the other girls move closer.

“So, like, were you friends? Or in a relationship?”

I only shake my head. Mina furrows her brows, sending my discomfort.

“Hey, Y/N? We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to...”

“Talk about what?” Jirou asks her before spinning to face me, “Is there some secret you've been keeping? Did he get you pregnant or something?”

I try to keep a straight face, but we all descend into fits of giggles at Jirou's comment. I relax as we laugh for a minute or two. Then, I shake my head again.

“It wasn't anything like that. I-It was...”

Just for a moment - a small moment - I'm about to tell them. Everything.

But then I stop.

Imagine how embarrassing it would be to tell them I wasbullied.

What would they think?

They're the only real friends I've had....

“We're not judgers.” Yaoyorozu squeezes my shoulder, “We're just extremelycurious friends!”

“Yeah, ribbit!”

“Mhm!”

“Um...well he used to pick on me. A lot.”

Yaoyorozu frowns. Jirou rolls her eyes, crossing her arms,

“Makes sense. He's a total dick. Midoriya's said a couple things or two about how much of a bully he was.”

“And stillis.”

“So he treated you like how he treats Midoriya?” Hagakure asks. I hum in thought,

“No. Looking back on it now, Midoriya had it way worse. B-But, erm...he hurt me a lot too, you know? He'd embarrass me in front of our class, break my things, threaten me-”

“I hope he never laid a hand on you!” Yaoyorozu scoffs at the idea, “I understand he's not the nicest person, but hitting a girl is completely evil."

“So true!”

I hesitate,

“W-Well, he'd never full on beat me up. He'd throw explosions - never at me directly - to scare me. A-And he had a habit of shoving my head down toilets.”

I chuckle wryly at the memory, but it's not funny. Like, at all.

My friends don't find it funny either.

“Gosh...” Yaoyorozu murmurs, “Did you ever report him? Get him in trouble?”

Get him in trouble...?

“It's...a long story.” I admit, “And I'm too tired to tell it tonight. Maybe... tomorrow?”

“That's cool. There's no rush.” Jirou nudges me, “Just glad that you're sharing it with us.”

”It means that you trust us!”

“You're gonna make me cry, guys...” I complain. And it's somewhat true.

This is the first time I've hadrealfriends, after all.

You know, ones who don't abandon you the minute they feel fear themselves?

“Will you ever forgive him?” Tsu ponders. And, oddly enough, that has me thinking.

WillI ever forgive him?

Has a part of me already started to...?

“I-I...don't know.” I sigh,

“One day, perhaps. But it won't be for a while.”