Fireworks resounded for the fabled day of the Sports Festival. People from across the country came in droves to visit for the event and all the stands set up at an off-site arena dedicated to the festival. As the chorus of excitement and music became muffled inside, class 1A mentally prepared for the games to come. Izuku was anxious but felt prepared with his training. He had to show what he could do, to be All Might's successor and make him and everyone proud.

Iida then stormed into the room, stern and strict as ever. "Everyone get your game faces on! We're entering the arena soon!"

This brought everyone in to nervously prepare themselves, but all of them were in good spirits. Who could blame them? They were first years that had a run-in with real villains and now everyone was gunning for them due to that experience, in return, they had gained more from the USJ Incident than they realized.

"Swallow your fear, swallow your fear..." Mineta repeated to himself, pretending to do so with his hand.

Ciana was definitely nervous by most of the people watching around them… her arms were around her back anxiously, but so far everything was starting out pretty exciting… the fireworks going on and about to get ready to step into a wide arena, this really felt like the actual Olympics back in her world, only she's actually in it rather than watching it on tv…

Noticing the pervy kid was shaken up as well, even if Ciana is still disturbed by him… Ciana offered him an encouraging smile. He is still one of her friends after all. "Don't worry Mineta, Izuku told me how brave you were during the fight with the villains before, I'm sure this won't be any different for you. You got this as much as everyone else here." She surprisingly praises him with a warm smile, not ever wanting to see her friends shake up.

"R-right, yeah, I can do that," He muttered to himself, blushing from the praise that a girl complimented him but he didn't dare try anything since Izuku was standing right beside her. "Damn you Midoriya! Having a chick all to yourself!"

Izuku turned to Ciana, wanting to ask if she felt ready too but someone approached them, meeting the cold eyes of Todoroki. "Midoriya," He spoke up evenly, hand in his pocket.

"Hey, Todoroki, what's up?" Izuku spoke, surprised he was speaking with him considering how withdrawn he was, especially with Ciana.

"From an objective standpoint, it's very clear I'm stronger than you." He didn't miss a beat as everyone watched them with keen eyes.

"Yeah..." Izuku nodded slowly.

"However, you have All Might in your corner, helping you out." That had them freeze a little while some started to murmur between them. "I'm not here to pry about what's going on between you two, but know that I will beat you," His eyes, as well as his aura, burned with seriousness.

Ciana was pretty surprised to overhear what Todoroki was saying to Izuku, she never expected he would feel threatened by him… she ended up approaching in concern, despite feeling awkward around the class prince… Ciana kept her serious gaze on. "Hey, what's with the sudden attitude Todoroki? I understand we're all taking these games seriously but that doesn't give you the right to tell someone you're better than them."

She ends up telling the guy with her expression showing seriousness and concern, not understanding what's gotten into Todoroki all of a sudden.

"Man, what's with all these declarations of war lately?" Kaminari remarked as Kirishima approached, tapping Todoroki on the shoulder.

"Yeah, what's the big deal? Why're you picking a fight all of a sudden, and right before we get started?" But his hand was shoved off by the same guy.

"I'm not here to be each other's friends, don't forget this isn't a team effort," Todoroki turned and intended to walk away.

Despite the pressure of having another target on his back, or just the insult in general, but Izuku bit the inside of his cheek and looked to Todoroki, "Wait a sec, Todoroki. I don't know what's going through your head, or why you need to tell me that you'll beat me," He huffed once, shrugging. "Yeah, I know you're better than me. I just about have a handle on my quirk where you've had years to hone yours, out of everyone in the class its you with the highest potential,"

Kirishima tried to cool the tension off, "Midoriya, maybe you're being a little hard on yourself but-"

"No, he's right. Every other course will be coming for us with everything they got, we're all gonna have to fight to stand out," Now, Todoroki and Izuku met eye to eye. "But to be blunt, I don't give a damn who wants to beat me, or what you have to say to me. Because I'm going to aim for the top, and if that means beating you, so be it,"

"...fine," Todoroki replied, walking away.

Ciana was… really taken back by Izuku's own behavior, while she's proud he's sticking up for himself more. Ciana still had some concerns for both of them now… Ciana eyed Todoroki when he walked off, wondering if there's a reason he's acting so blunt today rather than just getting ready for the games. "I know he probably doesn't like me at this point, but… I think I should try and keep my eye on him more, maybe I can figure out a way to help him…" she tells herself, now having a new goal to watch out for the class prince during the games…

Turning her attention back on Izuku, she ended up taking something out of her pocket that she… been working on for quite a while, clutching it in her grip as she was nervous about what she planned to do with it. "I… I have no idea what's gotten into Todoroki all of a sudden, but I admit I'm surprised to see you get worked up like that. I'm really proud of you for sticking up for yourself more Izuku, but… remember not to let your anger get the best of you."

"I-I'm pretty much terrified I just poked the hornet's n-nest actually," He gulped, feeling a cold chill run down his back. Now he had Katsuki, that guy from General Studies, possibly some from 1B, and now Todoroki out for him. "M-maybe my quirk's j-just bad luck, hehehe..." His laugh died in his throat as he immediately took to sitting in the corner, with everyone giving him some space to cool off.

Ciana gave him a comforting smile as she bent down a bit to meet his level. "You probably did… but he's probably more mad at me for how I questioned him the other day, but if he's suddenly calling you out like that then he's well aware how really strong you are. In a strange way… it's kinda a compliment." She chuckled after saying that.

Now looking down at the item in hand, Ciana blushes shyly as she looks back up to him while still keeping her smile. "Um… I-I actually have something I wanted to give you to…" she averted her gaze a little as she used her other hand to rub her neck flusteredly. "I-I hope it will help give you more confidence during these games…"

"Hm, what exactly?" Not opposed to the idea, Izuku sat up a little straighter.

Ciana blushed more nervously from what she's about to do… but her gaze went back to him as she reached out her hand to reveal a round flat gold object with a chain attached to it, which seems to be a locket.

"A locket? T-thanks, where'd you get one...?" He carefully took it to inspect the item, popping the gold orb open to see what its contents were.

"I-I actually made it, well I bought some materials to put it together. Y-you might find it cheesy what I wrote in it…" Ciana looks away again with her fingers pressed together in a flustered manner. Inside, one side was a small picture of her and Izuku during their date. The other side… is a comforting message for him.

𝑁𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑒,𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙!

𝒞𝒾𝒶𝓃𝒶

"...you really made this yourself? I-I didn't know you could do metalwork, especially this precise," It was pretty corny, but totally expected of her. Izuku's eyes lingered on it for a while before he put it over his head, smiling warmly at the picture inside before he closed it. Taking her right hand, and ensuring no one was watching, not that he really cared now, feeling warm all over and genuinely touched by the handmade gift, he kissed her knuckle. "Thank you so much for this, I-I'd say a lot more b-but well..."

Ciana blushed more at the gesture but also made her smile more warmly, happy that he liked it as she was afraid Izuku would find it silly. "I-I picked up some handy skills from my dad, I'm glad my hard work paid off." She smiled brighter.

"I know how you always doubt yourself sometimes and I wanted you to have this to remind you that you're strong like any hero would be." She gripped his hand in hers, wanting him to have something that will always lift his spirits when she's not around.

"...I really don't deserve you," He whispered, but held his head high with a fire in his gaze. "But I'm glad nonetheless,"

"Alright, everyone get moving to the arena! Two single file lines!" Iida then came erupting onto the scene, their time to be at ease had come to a swift end.

"Guess we're out of time," Izuku tucked the necklace under his gym clothes, briefly hugging Ciana tightly. "Thank you for this,"

Ciana gladly returned the hug quickly with a brighter smile. "Anytime…" once they separated, Ciana's smile became more determined with her fist raised in encouragement and confidence. "Come on, let's show the world how amazing we are."


[Transition]

All of Class 1-A stood at the entrance to the arena, the crowd being pumped up by Present Mic while the class stood by waiting eagerly to enter. Izuku and Ciana stood side-by-side, with Izuku looking to the absentminded Ciana. Without hesitating, he grabbed her hand again to snap her out of it.

She was surprised by this, but returned the grip tightly as sunlight struck their faces again, and a crowd in the tens-of-thousands roared at their entrance. Fireworks going off around the stadium.

~-This first group is no strangers to the spotlight! You know them from withstanding a villain attack! The dazzling students lighting up your TVs with gold skills, the Hero Course students of class 1A!~

"I hope we're still able to give our best performance even with all these eyes watching us. I suppose it's another aspect of being a hero we have to get used to." Iida murmured with confidence, while Izuku continued to crumble a little, the group standing before a podium on the grass.

Coming out from the other gates were Class 1B. The Business Study Courses C, D, and E too. There were the Support Classes F, G, and H. And last being General Business I, J and K.

~Give a loud welcome to our First Year contestants!~ Present Mic boomed.

"That guy sure knows how to excite the crowd…" Ciana comments with an amusing smile as she not only eyed the odd hair announcer but the crowd and the other classes. Ciana still got stage jitters with everyone watching, staying close to Izuku through all this.

Midnight was on stage, giving all the adults in the audience the eye-candy with her costume, which at times was a little much for the public. With the commotion, she cracked her riding crop. "Silence! Now, everyone, for the student pledge, we have Katsuki Bakugo!" All their heads spun to the silent time-bomb who walked toward the stage.

"He's the First Year Rep...?" Izuku gulped. "Oh, this can't be good."

"Well, I guess he did finish first in the Entrance Test," Sero whispered.

Hearing that news really took her back in shock, sweat dripping with a sheepish smile now on her face. "Oh no… this should be interesting…" She comments herself, knowing Bakugo… he's very blunt and wild enough to say something that will probably scare people… maybe he will be mature enough to keep it together with everyone watching this time…?

Probably the worst few seconds of their lives crawled as silence reigned. Katsuki stepped toward the mic and spoke plain and simple. "I just want to say... I'm gonna win,"

"I KNEW HE'D SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT!" All of the class thought with fear over the other classes. All of them erupted with anger and disdain for the blonde who barely batted an eye.

"Why would you say something so disrespectful, you're representing us all!?" Iida waved his hand at Katsuki who turned around dully, not minding the fact he started a wave of insults.

"Not my fault the rest are all just stepping stones to my victory." He gave a thumbs down and had enticed rage to bubble among the crowd.

And yet, Izuku didn't look fearful as Katsuki made his way back to the class, completely ignoring Iida's freakout. "I don't think it is overconfidence, the old Kacchan would've laughed while saying that, or even made a joke, but this is him pushing himself," It was oddly relieving and terrifying. Then he deadpanned as Katsuki passed. "And turning us into targets at the same time."

Ciana highly expected Bakugo would say that like everyone else which just caused her to sweat-drop more… but weirdly this just also caused her to chuckle, but mostly surprised he didn't act like a rabid animal this time. "Well you definitely managed to excite the crowd enough to want to challenge you, Bakugo…" rather than insulting him, Ciana smiled confidently towards her teacher as she gave him a thumbs up.

"I don't expect any less from you, good luck out there." Ciana wished him luck, though she actually was nervous how rough the other students will be, thank god she trained hard with Bakugo during the past few weeks…

"You better win, both of you," He warned, moving back into the crowd.

Ciana actually took his words as a compliment as she smiled more, turning back to the announcer now to listen to what they will be doing…

"And without further ado it's time for us to get started!" Midnight declared. "This is where you begin feeling the pain! The first fateful game of the festival!" She swung her crop and a holographic chart appeared behind her, scrolling through dozens of options like a slot machine.

The name appeared in bold letters.

'Obstacle Race'

"Ta-Da! All eleven classes will participate in the treacherous obstacle race! A race of four kilometers outside the stadium!" Midnight then licked her lips with a crack of her whip. "I don't want to restrain anyone. At least in this game." Yep, Midnight is really into this, "As long as you don't leave the course you're free to do whatever your heart desires!" That got the crowd going wild while the monitor displayed the track, but nothing as to what was in their way. "Now students, take your places!"

"An obstacle race? Sounds like something Izuku and Iida would be really good at, at least my quirk will boost up my speed during that event." She thought to herself, already these games are getting really exciting… Ciana was actually looking forward to it, since she's here with everyone else she might as well have some fun going along with these games…

They had a minute to prepare at a large red gateway with three green lights at the ready. That's when Izuku spoke up to her. "Say, wanna team up for this round?" He suggested. "Since Ms Midnight said anything goes, if we put Aura and my quirk together, we'd be able to cover each other from the obvious targets on our backs."

Ciana was actually glad they will be teaming up this time, nodding eagerly at the offer. "Absolutely! Plus I can boost our team up when we start to give out." She responds excitingly with her fists raised. "Do you think Iida and Uraraka will want to team up with us too?" Ciana recalls they be doing teams of four.

"I think Iida's got himself covered, same for Uraraka with her ability to lighten her clothing and herself, I-I was just suggesting us... 'cause, um..." He looked away for a moment, tapping his chin a bit.

"Hm?" A bit surprised by the news, tilting her head in curiosity about what he meant. "What? You want me all to yourself?" She ends up teasing with a playful smile.

"You s-saying it like that r-really doesn't help my case, b-but yes..." He blushed a bit, he liked the idea of them being a duo. "Like a-a hero duo,"

Ciana giggled from this, blushing just from his possessiveness of her. "I didn't realize how possessive you are of me… but I really like that sound of that, it will be more fun when we do this together!" She expresses excitedly, though she was a little surprised no one was coming up to ask them to be a team.

"Okay, then, I have a plan," He explained as quickly as possible.

The green buzzers flickered off, then, as the final one shut off, the horn blared for all to hear as the students dashed straight for the tunnel. "Begin!" Midnight yelled.

~And we're off to a racing start! How about some colorful commentary, Mummy Man!?~ Present Mic relayed.

~How did you talk me into this?~ Aizawa sounded as exhausted as ever.

~What should we be paying attention to in the early stages of the race!?~

~The Doorway...~ His statement proved to be true as the students barged the only way out, shoving one another to make it out alive.

That's when a startling revelation took place for all to see. ~Woah-woah-woah! Take a look at the back of the pack!~ The cameras zoomed in to find two sources of light, one green, the other gold. Ciana now sat piggyback on Izuku as the greenette broke into a sprint. ~Midoriya and Finley of 1A are working together!?~

"I-I don't think I'll ever be used to being called my last name here…" Ciana sweat dropped hearing the announcer, holding onto Izuku tight as she tried her best to ignore the people watching and boosting Izuku enough for him not to tire out.

"W-we're finally getting noticed! But I-I didn't think you need my power for this round!" She comments, Izukus power up makes him very swift so Ciana didn't think Izuku wanted to use her for this round.

"Not at all, this is exactly what we need to win!" He grinned toothily. "This is the first test, with everyone trying to crowd the tunnel, we have a sure-fire way out, hold on tight!" He warned, and she wrapped her arms around his neck securely before his feet left the ground behind.

An ice-cold chill filled the tunnel, and half of the surfaces became layered in ice as dozens were frozen to the ground by Todoroki out in front. But Izuku and Ciana passed right over that attack, using people as literal stepping stones, with Izuku muttering apologies to every curse and insult thrown up at them. In seconds, the pair cleared the tunnel, as well as many others, primarily those from the hero course. Another had used the heads of the students too, that being a very nimble Yuuki as she hopped on all fours like a cat, clearing the pass and zipping into pace with the others as she carefully slid across the ice without breaking a sweat.

Up ahead, Mineta was about to get the jump on Todoroki, drawing two orbs from his head with a manic laugh. "-time for my special technique! Graaape - OOF!" Then, coming in with a mean right hook, a One Pointer from the entrance exam as it swatted Mineta like a softball.

"Oh crap!" Izuku freaked, managing to slam his soles into its head, the impact driving the robot into the ground as he stumbled to a stop next to Todoroki, Ciana shaking her head from the whiplash.

Ciana was startled by the sudden commotion, groaning a little once they made a stop. "D-didn't see that coming…" lifting her gaze up to see Todoroki now beside them, she looked forward when she came to realize they were facing robots again which took her back in surprise. "You gotta be kidding me! Robots again?!" Ciana thought she was finally done with them from the entrance exam, not expecting at all she would face them again in the games.

"Okay… who seriously thought including giant robots into these games was a good idea?!" Ciana panicked, these robots looked a lot bigger than the last ones she faced…

Towering before them all were at least ten of the Zero Pointers, all guarding the way forward like a death wall of metal. ~-A test of strength and cunning! It's a Robo-Infernooo!~

"Are those the Zero Point villains from the practical test!?" Kaminari paled as he stumbled to a stop.

"Are you freakin' serious, again!?" Jiro was crossed between exhausted and aggravated.

"Where does the school even get the funding for these things!?" Yaoyorozu couldn't believe it either.

Ciana was already starting to shake up when they came across the robots again, but all the heroes in training are around her so she shouldn't be so scared… especially that she has Izuku with her, reminding herself of that had her gripped her arms around Izuku tighter as her gaze stared up at the robots.

"So this is what everyone else faced in the entrance exams..." Todoroki added, the shadow cast over the crowd by the larger machines while discord ran throughout the crowd, but he didn't have time to gawk, while the others were left in shock, he had a chance to pull ahead. A massive bloom of ice and frost swirled into a small storm around his feet, gathering that cold front at the tips of his fingers, "They obviously put in a lot of effort but I wish they added something a little more difficult. Especially since my dear old dad is watching..."

A typhoon of ice swept across Todoroki and to their shock and the crowd he brought forth a hurricane of ice that tore through the air like a snowstorm, freezing the middle machine in place with a flick of his wrist without so much as a break in his stride, exhaling mist in the process.

Glancing at Todoroki who made his move, her eyes widened in awe from the icy attack he made to freeze up one of the robots. Which of course was cool as he made it look like an ice sculpture. "Whoa…" she mumbled, though Ciana's ears picked up on what Todoroki said when her attention laid back on him, her eyes widening a bit more hearing what he said. "His… dad?" Now processing Todoroki's words… her eyes now narrowed in concern again towards him. "So that's why he was so serious to Izuku about being better…? He wanted to impress his dad? But… why so blunt at the mention of him?" She asks herself while staring at him, already she's a step closer to understanding his motives.

"Let's follow through," Izuku murmured, dashing on ahead after Todoroki who sprinted between the Zero Pointer's legs.

"Careful, I froze them while they were off their balance-" Todoroki warned them and others attempting to use the frozen mech as a direct route through the robot army. However, both Izuku and Ciana paled when the lead Zero Pointer broke apart under the frigid temperature, groaning as chunks of ice and steel tumbled toward them. "-on purpose."

~That's Todoroki from Class 1A, pulling ahead with an early lead with a devastating display! Amazing! He's one we should watch! It almost seems unfair! Thoughts!?~ Present Mic hardly seemed phased as the great machine collapsed with a resounding clang.

~His attack was both offense and defensive~ Aizawa noted.

~No wonder he was let in on recommendation! He never even fought the robo infernos before but they didn't stand a chance against his jaw-dropping move!~

"Ciana, brace!" Izuku yelled, holding her legs tightly as he kicked One For All up to eight percent, but in tandem with Aura and Total Concentration his muscles barely flinched, in fact, he felt as light as air. Kicked into high gear, he split the sheet of ice beneath his feet, and tore through the collapsing machine above, weaving between the wreckage and gliding straight between the joints like an emerald bullet, clearing the danger with a gasp of cool air and streaks of frost behind him and Ciana, their hair billowing in the air "Hah, we made it!"

~And look at that folks, seems this sudden duo isn't letting even a collapsing beast slow them down!~

Ciana was quite nervous having to go through the robots together… worried Izuku wouldn't be able to fight one of them off when he was holding her, Ciana still thought it was ridiculous having to face robots again but by the looks of it… everyone's fighting through okay.

Lifting her gaze up to see they were out of danger, Ciana perked up with a wide smile. "Wow! Your amazing Izuku! Was this anything like how you fought off the robots before?" She asks with her attention back on him and still holding tight.

"If by the smaller ones we evaded? I relied solely on Total Concentration, as for the Zero Pointer... well, we both know how that went," He chuckled slightly, but with his newfound control, and the fact they weren't mandatory to beat, he hadn't to worry about them. "Now, let's take the lead!"

Dialled back down to five percent, Izuku sped toward Todoroki well in the lead, though he stopped not far ahead, and the duo soon came to see why as the trees either side of the road split off wider at the sides.

~For those of you who thought the first obstacle was easy, let's see how you feel about the second one!~ Present Mic declared. ~If they want to pass this test they'll have to get creative! It's The Faaaall!~

True to his word, the ground had broken away into large pillars of land with a deep chasm and a webbing of bungee cords in-between. Izuku didn't slow down, however, his momentum only seemed to increase, watching as Todoroki cleared pillar after pillar by freezing his path across the chasm's gaps.

These challenges just keep getting more and more surprising, yelping every time they try and dodge a trap. "W-who knew being a hero here would be this intense!" This was definitely not like the Olympics back home… it looked more like a death trap which just gave her more fright, thank god her dads not watching right now…

"I-I know right!?" He wasn't really complaining, it was what they signed on for, and he did suggest the team up. Izuku leapt from plateau to plateau, making leaps and bounds, taking another breath with each landing. "Synchronize the technique and Full Cowling, Ciana's giving me back my stamina whenever I clear a hurdle. That alone we can make it through!" Izuku then came touching down at the end just as Todoroki ran past them for the steps, but all three turned their heads to the racing explosions going off in the distance. "Uh oh..." Izuku sweatdropped a bit.

"YOU SUCK!" Katsuki roared from the air, still trying to catch them but neither side were willing to give up their lead, Todoroki using his ice to rush forward, keeping a steady pace ahead of Izuku and Ciana.

~In a world of heroes, it can be hard trying to get popular without a flashy quirk. Right, Eraserhead!?~

~I don't know what you're talking about, Idiot~ Aizawa sounded genuinely agitated by that remark.

"Ciana, think you can try boosting me again?" Izuku asked.

Bakugo actually looked pretty scary the way he's so set on reaching ahead of them… but at the same time funny too as she sweat dropped from his immature behavior, not just Bakugo but Todoroki is really giving it his all. Hearing Izuku's request, she nodded with a serious and determined expression. "You got it!" She responds, closing her eyes now as she tries to focus on sharing more of her power… which has them both glow a little brighter.

Ciana just hoped Bakugo wouldn't try to kill them again like last time they fought and competed…

The surge of energy briefly caused Izuku's mint-green lightning to turn golden around the edges, and his speed increased enough to not only catch up to Todoroki after clearing the red stairwell, but surpass the heterochromia teen entirely, surprising him. However, that only made his scowl form, and his ice expanded at his foot, his body tucked in and hunched to reduce the drag.

Of course, their latest hurdle didn't look at all comforting. A large white billboard with an explosion and skull on it, the words 'Danger Mines!' in gold lettering was very off-putting. Izuku slid to a halt, hearing Todoroki coming up behind them as the trio stared out to the wide field with small bumps peppering the earth.

~And now, we're finally approaching the last obstacle, everyone had better tread carefully... you're stepping onto a Minefield!~ The teacher's declaration made Izuku and Ciana pale whiter than ghosts. The school wasn't serious about this, right? ~If you look closely, you can see where those little bombs are buried, so keep your eyes on the ground folks!~

"A minefield?!" Okay, now they were definitely going too overboard, people would be arrested setting obstacles like this for kids at home. "While I understand we have to be prepared for anything, these people are crazy if they think this is okay for high school students!" Again, she's really glad her dads not watching her right now… though this whole thing caused her to worry about Izuku and her friends, really hoping they will be okay through all this.

"Izuku, make sure you keep your guard up!" She advices, but also makes sure to look around carefully for any obvious traps that are laying around for them, wanting to be highly alert for bombs…

"Y-y-yep, got it." He squeaked, unsure how to proceed as he carefully stepped out onto the field, Todoroki pulling ahead into a careful jog.

~By the way, those landmines were designed for the games, so they might be loud and flashy but they're not all that powerful~ That brought some reprieve to the students. ~But they'll still make you wet your pants!~

~Get a hold of yourself...~ Aizawa berated.

"Okay, less threatening..." He exhaled.

"That guy should really get his mentality checked out…" she sweat dropped, keeping her eyes not only on the ground but Todoroki and Bakugo to make sure they don't try any sneaky attacks on them. "Careful! I-I think I see a few sticking out ahead of us!" Ciana quickly warns, basically in charge of looking out now around them.

"Easy, slow and steady..." Izuku gulped, his momentum was cut down to size, Todoroki just to the right of them as Izuku had found one fatal flaw in their duo. Keeping his balance. "W-woah!"

"Gotcha!" Ciana moved her right leg out, pressing it down between two landmines to push Izuku back into place.

"Th-thanks, whew..." Sweating a little, the explosions and screams of terror behind them certainly weren't helping matters. "Let's just ignore the fact people are flying dozens of feet off the ground behind us..."

"Hyrah!" A loud boom tore up the mines behind them, and an ash-blonde shot between the trio with a hellish glare. "Bastard! Your declaration of war, was to the wrong person!" With a roar, Katsuki spun himself mid-air, attempting to blast Todoroki back only for him to evade the blow. "The hell do you think you two are doing up here!?" His glare honed in on Izuku and Ciana, attempting to blast them only for Ciana to sweep his hand upward with her own fist, sending his explosion skyward.

~And just like that, a new student takes the lead!~ Mic announced. ~The media are going crazy, there's nothing they like more than an upset! Hey-Hey, the rest of the competitors are catching up too!~

"Great… he's going to want to kill me for that…" she said while looking back at explody fists. "Competition is really heating up Izuku! Give it everything you got!" She encouraged him, though Ciana felt really bad for the other students behind them… praying none of them are seriously injured or dead…

Knocking Bakugos hand away reminded her when she first stood up to Bakugo when he raised his fists threatening towards her and slapped his palm away during their first meeting, hopefully he got over that, probably not…

~And can our two leads and the dynamic duo keep the lead and fight each other at the same time!?~ As Present Mic blared this out. Todoroki dodged a blast while attempting to freeze Katsuki's right arm but he swung it back to try and blast Ciana off Izuku but he jumped at the last second, landing to avoid Todoroki's ice sheet that spread towards them.

"Crap, they're moving ahead!" Izuku paused, with both teens at the front fighting, it would make it harder for Izuku to pass without getting Ciana caught in the crossfire. He stomped his foot bitterly. "No... this isn't over yet!" He yelled, looking down at the growing density of mines around them. "Wait... they're closer nearest the end... then that means..." His eyes widened with a gasp, turning his head to Ciana's matching green gaze with desperation. "I have a plan, but... it'll rely heavily on you for us to pull this off!"

"Huh?" Ciana stared back to Izuku in a bit of confusion of that, already this guy is already coming up with another plan… shouldn't surprise her too much. "A-alright, what do you need me to do? I-I can try boosting your stamina more if that's what you're referring to…" Ciana wasn't sure what else Izuku had in mind other than her doing that.

He shook his head, "Not exactly, right now, our position is close to the front but we can't pass them while they're fighting it out, not with how many landmines are ahead, so, I'm going to trigger several around us, using that kinetic energy like a springboard," He announced, seeing her eyes widen at the crazy plan. "What I need you to do is increase both our Auras to form a thick enough layer to protect us from the shockwave, combined with our breathing we shouldn't suffer any recoil aside from the wind pressure but we can adjust that accordingly in the air,"

It was a big ask of her, but... it would guarantee them a massive lead. "Please, I know it's risky, but it can't work without both of us working together, you as the defence and me as the offense!"

Ciana was very uneasy with the idea… especially something sounding so dangerous, but… Izuku is the smartest guy when it comes to strategies so there was no reason to doubt his plan… shutting her eyes tightly just thinking this over… Ciana ended up nodding her head. "O-okay… y-you better know what you're doing!"

She gave him the green light with the idea, this idea is freaking her out on the inside and really hoped they don't blast off to the hospital… Ciana tightened her grip around Izuku more to brace herself for what he's about to do…

"Thank you!" His bright smile eased her a bit, digging her fingers into his shoulders. "Okay, when my foot strikes the ground hard, push as much of your Aura onto us both!"

"Got it!" She quickly responds, now awaiting the blast that will come out at them soon… this idea sounded something that would happen in action movies which frightens her knowing they're going to do the actual thing…

Nodding, Izuku drew up his right foot, intending to sweep his leg across the dirt as quickly as possible behind them.

Then, his leg swung like an ax, and a bright gold halo enveloped them.

From the middle of the minefield, every student nearby had to brace and tuck their heads at the small series of flashes followed by a massive pink explosion that lit up the sky briefly, even those at the vanguard were momentarily shocked by the display, the shockwave passing by.

~What's with that huge explosion in the middle!?~ Present Mic gawked. ~That was may more powerful than it should be! Incredible - what just happened!?~

Flying through the air, surrounded by a golden aura that slowly crumbled away, revealing through the vapor the duo unharmed by the blast, Izuku's face screwed up tight with determination as he glared down at his rivals, their faces a satisfying look of bewilderment.

~Whatever the case, Class A's Izuku Midoriya and Ciana Finley are suddenly in pursuit of first place!~ Mic bellowed loudly. Then, the two flew right past. ~Scratch that, the lead is theirs!~

"It worked! B-but that blast was more than I anticipated, a-and I'm not really sure how to land!" The ground was growing closer by the second, and he felt Ciana grip him tightly to brace.

"Deku, Blank, what the hell do you think you're doing, huh!?" Katsuki growled, propelling himself toward the pair at high speeds.

"You seriously didn't think through the landing along with this plan?!" Ciana panicked, though now noticing Bakugo was charging toward them… causing her to yelp at the sight of him with a little fear in her eyes. "Uh oh, he's really pissed off Izuku! Watch yourself with him!" Ciana warns as she kept her attention on explody fists to be ready to warn for upcoming blasts he will pull on them…

~Look at that plot-twist, those two aren't fighting anymore, they're chasing down the duo, that's what having a common enemy would do in this type of competition! This fight is far from over though!~ Present Mic yelled.

Despite losing airtime fast, their heads upside down, facing the two teens hellbent on defeating them, neither gave an inch of fear, "If I mistime this landing, we'll never catch them..." Izuku clenched his fists, throwing his body upright slowly as the pair passed under them. "I just... have to keep going. Take another leap, no matter how much it breaks you!" Slamming both feet against their backs, Izuku twisted his face into a fury of his struggles that led to now. "I'll show the world who I am!" "Get out of our waaaaay!"

Using Full Cowling, he pressed their chests down onto the minefield, causing several more blasts to resound, though Todoroki blocked it with his ice and Katsuki evaded to the sky, that moment of hesitation bought him and Ciana the chance to be thrown forward. Without a thick layer of Aura, they tumbled onto the track ahead, the long stretch that led to the finish line. "Run, keep running!" He screamed, scrambling to his feet with his outstretched for her.

"You can do it, Izuku! Don't ever give up!" Her eyes shut tightly from the sudden speed Izuku is picking up, her hold once again gripping him tighter as she tried to help boost his stamina more when he's powering up. They were so close! Win or lose, right now Ciana is amazed by Izuku for how hard he's giving it his all. Which made her perk up a bright smile, noticing how serious Izuku was becoming as well. "I always believe in you!" She shouts out excitingly.

Nodding, he pulled her forward, smirking a bit. "But you know, only one of us can win this!" That challenging look surprised Ciana.

Ciana definitely did not expect to hear him say that, taking her by surprise. "Wait, what?" Ciana hasn't forgotten that they were also competing, but… did he plan to throw her off…?

"Well, you want first or second, come on!" He yelled for her to hurry. "T-that, and you really don't want to turn around so really run!"

Being reminded of that, Ciana felt dumb for not realizing they were still racing against each other… nodding with a determined and confident smile, Ciana starts picking up her pace with her quirk lighting her up. "You don't have to tell me twice!" Ciana responds playfully as she keeps running, looking ahead of her now.

It didn't matter if she came first or second to her but Ciana will still give it everything she's got, having a lot of fun as they are now racing to the finish line. This also reminded Ciana back when they were running track together… smiling even more at the fond memory of them training together then.

Now, the young couple became neck and neck in their own right to win it all, the threat of Todoroki and Katsuki in hot pursuit as they pushed themselves toward the final tunnel, a final 100 meter sprint.

~Eraserhead, your class is amazing, what are you teaching them!?~ Present Mic asked excitedly.

~This has nothing to do with me, each of them are pushed by their own drive to succeed~ He replied.

~So there you have it, Eraserhead's a terrible teacher!~

~I - what!?~

The finish was in sight, the light at the end of the tunnel coming into view.

~Who would've imagined that at the beginning of the race we'd have a mega-mix of non-stop surprises! And our first place winner is...!~ Present Mic paused.

"Outta the way, Deku!" Katsuki yelled, grabbing his arm only to be shoved off by the greenette while Ciana barely dodged having her leg frozen by Todoroki, herself blinding the aggressors with a bright burst of light from her palm. With a final leap of faith, the victor stumbled into the light, releasing a heavy breath in the process. The confetti raining down around them.

~Izuku Midoriya is our champion!~

The momentary shock overwhelmed him, standing as he turned slowly as the crowd roared for him as he collected himself. He did it? He really beat them all? Turning in the direction of the teacher's seating area. He caught a glimpse of All Might, clapping as he practically trembled with encouragement, his aura screaming with pride as Izuku felt that powerful rush through his bones, clenching his fist close to his heart with a toothy smile. "I... really did it... All Might..."

That sure was intense, but… Ciana cheered for Izuku's victory with a bright smile like her quirk. Now that she's crossed the finishing line she went to approach the winner to congratulate him, she would hug him but Ciana was worried about making him embarrassed on camera… "You did it, Izuku! That was amazing!" She commented while jumping and pumping her fist in the air.

"You just proved exactly what you wanted to achieve, I'm so proud of you!" Ciana jumped in the air more with another cheer, clearly very wowed by his own performance and fast thinking.

To her shock, he hugged her for a brief moment, laughing to himself. "So were you, you backed me up on every plan I came up with, thank you for that," He let her go to spare her any public embarrassment.

Not that she minded it but it sure made her smile and blush pink happily, now giggling with a bigger smile on her face. "Like I said I always believed in you, and that includes the crazy plans you come up with." She responds playfully, raising her hand up to offer a high five.

"You sure managed to not only wow the crowd but your hero too! I'm sure he's just as proud of you Izuku, I know I'm impressed!" She praises more, Ciana could tell herself that All Might had so much faith in him just like her.

"I'm sure he feels the same for you too," He accepted her high five.

"Midoriya, Finley, that was amazing... ugh!" Uraraka jogged to them with the last of her strength, swinging her arms down. "I can't believe you both got first and second place, I'm so jealous~!"

"It really could've been worse if I didn't have Ciana's help," Izuku admitted, frowning to himself with a hand over his mouth to hide it, but his eyes looked conflicted for a moment. "Really... it was all a gamble that luck played its role in my spur-of-the-moment ideas, if I hadn't had asked Ciana for her aid I might've pulled into third or fourth," Lowering his hand to look at it, he knew what came next. "Now, everything rides on my skills alone,"

She looked back to see their gravity friend caught up with them, Ciana was relieved Uraraka looked fine after the crazy obstacle course. Now smiling more toward their friend. "I-I really didn't do much but it was really all Izuku, I'm glad to see the obstacle didn't blow you away, I saw how awesome you were out there yourself Uraraka!"

Ciana happily praises her friend too. "Already we're doing so well! Though I can't imagine what the next challenge will be, hopefully it won't involve robots and land mines again…" she sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly at the idea of more of those… really hoping the next challenge won't have anything like that again.

"I know, right? I'll take anything over that catastrophe," Uraraka chuckled.