Hope everyone had a merry christmas! Here is part 1 of 3 for the season finale, after that it'll be a short break before season 3.

Anyways, next chapter will probably be up new years eve or new years day. Enjoy :D

Season Two, Episode XX

Season Finale Part 1

The Test

. . .

Kaiji Adachi

. . .

The written exams came and went, over the following week.

It was difficult, but I think I did alright. Maybe not as good as Suru or Sen, but I'm sure I passed.

Now, the day following our written exams, it was time for our Practical Exam. Aizawa had refused to give us details, but considering there were no surprises on our written tests this had to be where our evaluation would come into play. We were given a simple order, change into our hero costumes and meet at one of the other training facilities on UA's Campus.

It was the first time getting to see my hero costume, and I was happy to say the design came out perfectly. Though it hadn't exactly been very complicated, given the nature of my Quirk it couldn't be something very cumbersome or intricate. I wore a pair of loose-fit pants, made from materials that could both adjust to my size changes as well as retain heat. I wore a similar material up top, with a compression shirt that would change size and retain heat as well. Both pieces were black with green streaks going down my legs and up my back, on the center of my chest was the symbol I'd decided on once learning the nature of my quirk. A fractured double helix.

On my way out, I was nervous, but also eager to see the others and what they'd come up with. I spotted them waiting for me up ahead, "Hey!" I greeted with a wave, smiling sheepishly as I saw their costumes. So much more intricate, and detailed than mine...

I took note of Suru's first, given that her outfit was something I never thought I'd see her wear. It was a checkered tuxedo, fit tight to her small body. But on her face, she wore a smiling mask, like something that a jester would have on. It was checkered as well, and gave her a very eerie appearance. "Yo!" She waved casually.

Sen's was sort of obvious, given her martial arts background. She wore a deep blue gi, with a black belt and no shoes. Beneath the gi's top, she also had on a compression shirt. Her arms were wrapped in white binding tape from her knuckles to her elbows. "I like the symbol, very ominous." She chuckled lightly.

I released a nervous, bashful laugh. "Ominous huh? Thanks, not sure that's what I was going for but I appreciate the compliment."

We kept walking, making our way towards the facility. It wasn't long before the building was in sight, but that wasn't all we could see on approach. Already there was a small crowd of students outside the main entrance, along with a handful of teachers. I recognized most of their costumes, they were the same kids we'd seen the day of the USJ attack. It was all the members of Class 1-A, and beyond them stood the teachers. There was Mr. Aizawa, Principal Nezu, Thirteen, Ectoplasm, Present Mic, Power Loader, Snipe, and even All Might was here!

"Oh hey!" The spiky red haired boy noticed us first, "Its Class 1-Z!" I visibly stiffened as all eyes turned to us. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Good question, actually..." Suru stuffed her hands into the pockets of her suit, "So whats the deal Mr. Aizawa?"

"As we just explained," Principal Nezu took the wheel immediately, "This years practical exam will involve you fighting real people instead of robots, in most cases it will be teachers!" Before his eyes flickered, with what I could only describe was a brief hint of amusement, "However, the members of Class 1-Z are also up for evaluation, and will be taking the place of your opponents in 3 different matches!"

"Wait what!?" I exclaimed immediately, "Hang on, how are we supposed to be a match for the Class 1-A students!?"

All Might released a booming laugh in response, "Hahaha! Not very confident are you young man?" He questioned, making me shrink a little. "But keep in mind, the three of you have undergone rigorous physical training during your time at the camp that these students haven't yet had access too!"

Aizawa nodded, "That's exactly right, you may have started off the year behind but..." His eyes drifting over the rest of us, "All things considered, you should be significantly stronger than my students."

"Will the Class 1-Z students have weight restrictions too?" Asked the small boy with purple balls on his head.

"Nope!" Nezu replied happily, "Though they should be quite stronger than you, they still don't compare to a real pro hero and lack the field experience you've all gained, so we want to even the playing field as much as possible!" Before his eyes darted back to us, "The rules are simple for your three, in each match you must try to incapacitate your opponents, or prevent them from passing the escape gate until time runs out!"

A small holo screen displayed before us all from a handheld device Aizawa pulled out. "Here is the current line up of your matches, each will be two on one." Names flickered across the screen, even though I didn't recognize the ones from Class 1-A, I felt my heart sink as I saw the line up.

Round One: Eijirou Kirishima and Rikido Sato VS Kaiji Adachi

Round Two: Fumikage Tokoyami and Tsuyu Asui VS Ectoplasm

Round Three: Tenya Iida and Mashirao Ojirou VS Power Loader

Round Four: Momo Yaoyorozu and Shoto Todoroki VS Eraserhead

Round Five: Ochako Uraraka and Yuga Aoyama VS Thirteen

Round Six: Mina Ashido and Denki Kaminari VS Sonzai Suru

Round Seven: Koji Koda and Kyoka Jiro VS Present Mic

Round Eight: Toru Hagakure and Mezo Shoji VS Snipe

Round Nine: Hanta Sero and Minoru Mineta VS Sen Shi

Round Ten: Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo VS All Might

"Seriously?" I muttered, swallowing dryly. "The first match?" And who the hell are Sato and Kirishi-

"I saw you show off your Quirk at the Festival!" The Red Headed boy asserted himself towards me with a big toothy grin, holding up one fist. "Don't hold anything back! I wanna see what you're made of out there!"

"Yeah!" Added the larger guy with big lips.

I laughed nervously, "R-Right, yeah, good luck to you guys too..."

"Combatants proceed to the designated testing ground, your exam will begin in fifteen minutes." Aizawa ordered, "Everyone else, feel free to strategize for your upcoming fights or watch from the observation room, and remember that this is a test."

"Good luck, Adachi," Sen offered, "We'll be watching."

"Don't screw it up." Suru added, helpful as ever.

"Thanks guys." I replied, rolling my eyes.

People started spreading out quickly, but before I could start heading out, Aizawa stopped us. "One last thing you three, remember, this is your evaluation." He stated simply, "I said you likely outmatch them physically, but you'll still need to display your growth out there to pass..." Before he smirked faintly, "So if you've got any tricks hidden up your sleeves, now would be the time to show them off."

I looked at the others, before nodding slowly. "Right, okay... Thanks."

"Now get over to the testing ground, and put my students through the wringer."

. . .

New tricks?

I don't have new tricks, just these transformations!

The Tokay Gecko lets me camouflage myself and climb walls, but is basically useless for fighting because of the big awkward hands. If I could shift between forms faster, it might be useful, but I was still getting used to my new ones. And changing shape eats up my stamina, I don't know the capabilities of these two students and can't risk wearing myself out. Running out the clock isn't a good idea, I'll have to confront them or they could make it to the escape gate!

"Ugh! Dammit, I'm over thinking this." I lamented, standing now in the center of main street in a faux city. It was like the place our entrance exams had taken place. At least this wide open street would give me plenty of room to use my power, but maybe I'd need to hold back? I seriously hurt Yin back at the camp, I wouldn't want to-

"Team Sato and Kirishima! Practical Exam, Ready? GO!"

"W-Wait, already!?" I yelped as the announcers voice faded, my eyes widening as I spotted two figures sprinting towards me from the end of my street. They were already coming after me!?

"There he is!" The red head shouted, "Come on Sato! Lets capture him and shoot for the high score!" So this guy was Kirishima? Kinda bullheaded, but he probably had the skills to back it up!

"Aww yeah!" His companion shouted in agreement, pulling something from his pouch. A white powdery substance, he poured it into his mouth and I could see his muscles bulging in size. His body was growing more defined with rigid muscles, at the same time Kirishima's body was getting jagged, I remembered seeing this at the festival!

"Don't hold anything back Adachi!" The redhead shouted, my legs frozen in place.

Why was I hesitating now? This wasn't a life threatening situation, just a stupid test! "Dammit okay, try this!" I met them head on, moving as if I'd be throwing a punch before turning on my heels. Lashing out with my powerful tail and slamming it into Kirishima's ribs, "Ngh!" It felt like I'd slammed them into a brick wall!

Hardening, his quirk was hardening!

I really should have paid more attention during the festival.

"HRAAAGH!" Kirishima hadn't budged, and Sato advanced with one fist cocked back. He rang my bell hard, the blow to my face sending me flying. I was left dazed, tumbling across the ground as I tried desperately to regain my senses.

I rolled back to my feet, starting to transform as fast as I could. Reaching my Rhinoceros Iguana form, I went on the defensive. Blocking a barrage of punches, sliding back on my heels. I tried to lunge forward and strike back at Sato, but Kirishima pushed him out of the way. My horn collided with his hardened skin, creating sparks between us. I could see the visible damage I'd done to his arms but it wasn't enough!

"Ha!" I tensed up as Sato grabbed me by the tail, "Lets GO!" Before spinning around and throwing me as hard as he could. I was sent crashing through the second story windows of a faux office building, rolling across the glass.

"Aagh! Come on Sato how are we supposed to catch him if he's all the way up there!?" Kirishima barked in annoyance, before quickly adding, "Good throw though."

. . .

Sen Shi

. . .

Suru and I had moved to the viewing room to watch the other exams. Ours weren't until later, so it seemed like a good idea to pass the time. I thought it might be fun to watch Adachi fight, but I only felt frustration as he forced himself up from the broken glass.

"Come on, Kaiji," I muttered, tensing up. "What are you doing?"

"He usually doesn't hesitate like this," Suru shrugged, looking to the others inside the room. Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka, who were also hanging around to watch the matches. "I don't know why he's holding back like this."

"After all our training," I narrowed my eyes, Adachi was on his feet again, trying to regain his breath. "This should be easy! He's great at close quarters combat!"

"I was afraid this might happen," Recovery Girl sighed heavily, shaking her head. "I told Aizawa he was too harsh on your class... Of course, the popularity of Class 1-A likely doesn't help the situation." Before her eyes returned to the screen, "Perhaps this is one of the reasons your class was chosen to participate in these exams..."

The green haired boy looked to her, "What do you mean? What's wrong with him?"

"He lacks confidence," Suru said suddenly, as if realizing it herself. "From day one, we were told we had to catch up to you... After the USJ, after the Festival and Hosu..."

The students of Class 1-A were being praised constantly, but I never felt like they were- "I guess, I didn't realize Adachi felt so inferior to them." He seemed so confident when fighting, with us anyways. But maybe that's the problem, he's only ever been exposed to us.

"If things keep up like this," Uraraka added, "Kirishima and Sato are going to capture him."

"He won't lose." My eyes darted to Suru, her voice carrying a sharp tone. "They're backing him into a corner."

"Uh..." Izuku blinked, "Isn't that, exactly why he might lose?" He asked, sounding confused.

But Suru ignored him, looking to me. "You remember what happened in the forest right? And when he came up with the idea for the festival? Hell," She shrugged her shoulders, "Even back during our first training exercises! Adachi always works best under pressure," Before she looked back to Midoriya, "Sorry, but your classmates aren't going to pass this exam."

I'd never heard her speak with that kind of conviction before. I wish I shared her confidence but... No, no I'll have faith in him. Adachi has never let us down before. He's going to win, we're all going to pass and make it into the Hero Course, together!

. . .

Kaiji Adachi

. . .

"Damn that hurts..." I winced, picking some glass out of my scales while steadying my nerves.

"He won't have room to turn into that giant monster inside of there!" I could hear Kirishima's voice outside. "I'll go flush him out, you wait out here to catch him!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Sato replied, "We've got him outmatched in combat, we can wear him down!"

He was coming for me, I could hear him crash through the windows down stairs. I needed to think fast! A hardening quirk, and a physical augmentation quirk. These two, they had brute force on their side, I could too, if I just transformed I could probably beat them both down, but if I transform they'll definitely be able to outrun me and reach the escape gate. I need to think!

"You'll still need to display your growth out there to pass..."

"So if you've got any tricks hidden up your sleeves, now would be the time to show them off."

The door at the far side of the room was kicked open, I knelt down behind a desk to avoid being scene as Kirishima entered. "Pretty cool of you to take us head on, but Sato and I are much better brawlers wouldn't you agree?" He asked, wearing an excited grin as he moved through the space.

I shrunk down, entering my gecko form and changing colors to match the surrounding area. Unless he walked right into me, I'd be invisible to him. This would buy me some time, time to think. How do I show what I can do? How do I take these two down and show how much I've grown!?

"Ngh!" I yelped out of reaction, as my hand stuck to one of the chairs around the office space. Making plenty of noise as I struggled to unhook it, "Damn these stupid gecko hands!" As the millions of tiny microscopic hooks on my palms attached to the fibers of the chair.

"Found you!" Kirishima declared, "You know hiding isn't very manly!" I rose to my feet, I could see him moving towards me.

I used the chair to defend myself, but his punch smashed right through sending me stumbling back towards the window I'd crashed in through. I was on the edge, glass crackling beneath my feet. A sharp drop downward with Sato waiting for me at the bottom, "C-Crap I'm cornered!"

"HYaaAAAGH!" My eyes darted back to Kirishima, he was lunging for me with a hardened fist drawn back. It was then that I realized, with my sharp gecko eyes, that only his arms were hardening. The rest of his body was... Wait, maybe he doesn't have as great a control over his power as I thought!

I didn't have time to transform and exploit that now, but maybe I didn't need to! "Not like this!" I ducked low, evading his punch with surprising speed. As his fist soared over my head, I slapped one hand onto his exposed chest, "Lets go for a ride!" Before I threw us both over the edge using his forward momentum.

"Gah! Are you crazy!?" He shouted as we entered free fall. I rolled in the air, using my tail for leverage to get him beneath me. "Oh crap!" He began hardening his back, knowing it would be first to hit the ground.

The impact dented the street, as Kirishima slammed into it back first with my weight coming down on him as well. Dust was kicked up with us, but I was alright, one hand still stuck to him. "Kirishima!" Sato called out, "Are you alright?!"

His response was a groan of pain, the wind knocked out of his lungs. I had to catch my breath as well, the rush of that move coursing through my veins. "You two... You think I'm just a bruiser like you?" The words left my mouth, as a smirk crept across my face. "That mistake just cost you this fight..." All the pieces falling into place.

Ignoring my words, Sato rushed me. "Get off of him!" One fist drawn back, ready to level my smaller frame.

My grip on Kirishima tightened, and he knew exactly what I was thinking. "Sato wait!"

With both arms stuck to Kirishima's body, I pulled him upward with all my Gecko form's might. A guy with a hardening quirk would make a hell of a shield after all. The impact, as Sato's fist slammed into Kirishima's hardening body, I felt it. We were both sent flying by the force of it, I began to transform mid flight. Letting go of the redhead and letting him tumble across the ground, knocked out cold by Sato's incredible power.

By the time I hit the ground, I was already back in my Iguana form. I stood up, ready to take on Sato one on one. But I was pleasantly surprised to see he wasn't looking so hot. "Uh... You okay bud?"

He stumbled a bit, as if having trouble staying standing. "So sleepy..."

An easy target, "Well, if you're just gonna give it to me." I charged, slamming into him nose first, avoiding goring him with the horn as I drove him into the nearest wall. Smashing him into it, and leaving him to hit the ground as he passed out from the drawbacks of his Quirk. I stepped back, panting lightly as I looked between the two of them.

"Sato and Kirishima have been knocked out! Exam over."

I won, I couldn't resist grinning from ear to ear before fist pumping, "Yes!" I cried out, feeling an incredible weight lifting from my shoulders. Confidence surging, as I finally felt like I was really on their level. It wasn't just the excessive training I'd had, I finally had cold hard proof that I could stand up against Class 1-A, the real deal Hero Course students!

I could only hope Suru and Sen do just as well...