Finding the hero wasn't hard, just look for a living flame that could tower over most people. Ciana decided to check the staff rooms first, and her hunch came up right as she spotted the flame hero walking away from one of the doors, not realizing she was steadily approaching him. He was a tall, sturdily-built man with a very muscular physique. He had short crimson hair which he wore spiked up around his head and sharp turquoise eyes. His beard and mustache appear to be made of fire.

His hero costume is comprised of a tight, navy turquoise bodysuit, with lines of flames streaming across his chest, upper torso, arms, and most prominently his shoulders. He uses his flames as a makeshift mask around his eyes, and the tall boots he wears appear to be either made of fire themselves or constantly left alight, as only their soles and laces are visible around the flames. He sports white bracers on his lower arms, styled in a cage pattern, and a blue belt with a pouch attached on either side.

Ciana honestly couldn't believe he was known as a hero… especially what he's done to his own wife and son, the thought of that really sickens Ciana… her fists clenching catching the sight of him… Ciana's glare came as she stared at him from where she was, stopping at a few feet, she called him out. "Hey! Are you the so-called hero Endeavor?"

She bluntly called out… It was hard for Ciana to keep her cool right now knowing how much he made Todoroki suffer.

Turning to face her, his scowl seemed to deepen, if that were possible. "What do you want?" His voice was quite deep and just screamed intolerable. "Who are you?"

Ciana didn't show any fear toward the man, even if he looked all fiery and powerful. Her eyes narrowed more at him. "Doesn't matter… So I take it that what I said was right. Your Todoroki's father? You didn't come just to support him… did you?" Ciana, now questioned, probably wouldn't be safe to say her name… knowing if Todoroki knew then he would be furious with her… but even if he comes to hate her, she still wanted to stand up for him like he did her.

His eyes narrowed a bit, turning entirely to loom over her. "Get to the point, you're wasting my time with your whining, girl, what does it matter to you why I'm here for Shoto or not?"

Ciana could very well tell this man was rough not only from his scowl but his blunt tone, her own blunt expression doesn't light up. "I know it's not my place or business to confront you… regarding Todoroki's business, but I felt like something had to be said… especially what you put him through…" Ciana clenched her fists tighter, looking down for a few seconds before gazing back up toward him. "You expect your son to be just like you just because he inherited something from you… you expect him to live up to your expectations, but that doesn't give you the right even if you're his father!" She now shouted, still not showing any fear.

"My son will surpass me and All Might, that will happen," Endeavor stated firmly. "Once he outgrows his pointless rebellious phase and sees things my way he'll understand," He then stepped a bit closer. "So I advise you keep your mouth shut and stay out of the way, you have no right even standing in the same ring as Shoto,"

Ciana didn't even flinch when he approached, her eyes stayed right on him. Just hearing him herself how he talked just fueled her own angry side as her teeth now clenched. "No! I will not shut up! You're the one that doesn't understand! Todoroki is not you! His power is not yours! It's his!" She once again shouted.

"You don't even have the right to be called a hero! Especially what you put your son through! Your actions caused him to suffer and distance himself from people all because of how hard you treated him and especially your own wife!" She stood her ground, not backing down. "Todoroki is his own person! His own hero! He has the right to decide how he uses his powers. You don't get to make the decisions for him, you should be proud however he decides to become!"

Her tears now began to show, but her anger didn't let up. "You don't deserve to be respected or be praised if others knew what you are… if you truly love and care for your son, act like a real father and support him however he wants to become, Todoroki is already strong and an amazing hero. I have known him long enough to see that and you should too, that's what you should be proud of…"

Never had Endeavor been talked down to with such fury, and by a high school brat at that. He noticed too that her quirk seemed to trigger out of rage, her eyes were like a predator now, the low emanating around the irises like dark gold. His brow creased, and he grit his teeth for a moment as his flames flickered brighter. "I don't know what exactly you've been told, nor do I care. You're one insignificant brat with no power here, my son will become my successor, though I can see it's these foolish brats he must be around that must've influenced his attitude as of late, hah, very well, we'll see,"

The hero gave her a smile that was anything but heroic. "You truly believe a few words have power? Then you're in for a rude awakening outside of the protection of UA, the real world will break you," He left now, disinterested in her whining. "What I do and how I do it can hardly be understood by some child, scream all you like, in the end, he will become who he was made to be, that will never change, he cannot grow strong with only half his quirk, eventually, Shoto will realize this the hard way."

Ciana doesn't chase after him, but it really ticked her off to hear what this man expects out of his son… he's blinded about what makes a true hero and thinks his son will become like him, Ciana kept her glare but didn't stop talking. "Even if he does that doesn't mean he will be like you… unlike you, Todoroki is kind with a real heroic heart. Todoroki wants you to see his own expectations of doing real good with his powers, he actually tried to save me when I was in trouble…" At that point, her tone softened up a little, raising her hand to her heart.

"He's already strong and determined to succeed in his path whether he wins or loses, what he learned from you is that he doesn't want to be like you… not someone who abuses and treats others awful. He's not like that, remember Totoroki didn't just inherit your powers but his mothers too… and I really pity that women for ever marrying you in the first place to be so scared of you enough that she would hurt her own son… and I'm sure she's ashamed for what she did, those actions were yours… not his." She began to turn around as well, basically already saying what she wanted to say.

"Whether you take my word for it or not… you should know being a hero is about encouraging others positively… not physically, that's what makes All Might better than you… he actually cares about people and especially the ones he's close to, I hope one day you'll see that not only from him but your own son as well…" and with that, Ciana now walks off…

Endeavor turned but the girl slipped away from sight. She dared to bring Rei up made his blood boil. "I'll be watching you, girl," He'd relish how her flimsy resolve crumbles in the final round, and hopefully, against his son.

Meanwhile, now out of sight, Ciana slumped against the wall with a shaky breath. Her heart felt ready to explode after that confrontation as her eyes returned to normal. But she used Total Concentration to quickly boost herself upright. She still had two people she needed to talk with. The next... would be the hardest for her. Instead, she pulled out her phone and quickly sent a text before she could hesitate, dooming herself to this confrontation.

[Ciana]: Meet me on the nearest rooftop access to the cafeteria.


Ciana after sending that text, Ciana wasted no more time heading to the roof. Awaiting for Izuku to come and see her as she stared off over the edge as she waited. Her expression showed sadness and nervousness… "Once Todoroki hears what I did, he probably never wants to speak to me again… I'll accept that either way, I just felt I had to do something for him…" she says to herself, the wind blowing past her hair, his father still made her sick to her stomach and can understand fully why Todoroki was like this…

Now her thoughts drifted to Izuku, her eyes narrowing more sadly. "I know Izuku is just doing this for All Might… and right now is more focused on proving his worth to him, I should at least apologize to him for getting in his way of succeeding and hanging all over him…" Her gazing looking down at her feet as her heart clenched knowing she's just being a pain to everyone now…

The door swung open moments later, Izuku panting slightly from his sprint up. He took a breath, then, in one brisk walk, closed the gap between them and swept Ciana into a tight embrace, his head lowered. "I'm so sorry!" He yelled, staring at their feet. "I... I really screwed up, w-with how little time we had a-and not having enough members, t-then Yuuki came o-over asking for help and..." He was rambling through words at an alarming rate.

Ciana was not only surprised but very startled by the sudden embrace, her eyes widened from the sudden motive as well as his words. Ciana was a bit confused now as she turned her head to try and see his face, narrowing her eyes in wonder of this… but then sighed a little. "Izuku, it's fine… I get it." She responded kinda sadly. "I probably wouldn't have been capable enough to help out your team since I don't understand what's going on…"

Her gaze turned away but at least didn't leave his embrace. "I know you're just trying to prove your worth to All Might and I'm sorry for getting in the way of that by hanging all over you…" her heart clenched more just saying that, fighting back her tears. "I won't get in your way anymore during the remaining of these games… so you don't need to worry about how I feel…"

"That's not it!" He snapped, pulling back to look at her, clearly frustrated at himself. "I... what me and Uraraka said... it was your choice to help Yuuki, and I thought... you deserved to show everyone what you can do without me always stuck to your side," He realized, while it was great to show how well they worked as one, it wasn't fair on her. "You have every right to prove why you're here too, it wasn't just me All Might wanted to see shine, it was you too! But like an idiot it sounded like we didn't want you in our team, I'm so, so sorry for saying that,"

He lowered his hands from her arms. "I... understand if you're mad at me, heh, I really do, so... whatever you want to say, I'll listen," He braced himself for whatever she verbally threw in his face.

Ciana blinked her eyes a few times to process his own words toward her, he wanted her to shine her own way without him? Ciana was a little confused by what Izuku said… her expression not showing anger but a mix of sadness and confusion as she stared at him. "You… b-but…" Ciana still recalled what he said to Todoroki, which brought more confusion to what he's explaining.

"I see…" she first responds, her gaze staying on him. "I admit… I was heartbroken when I thought I was really being a nuisance to all of you, everyone was starting to view me being so dumb since I'm not familiar with everything…" she admits sadly. "Especially when I found out I was assisting Shinso team… I didn't understand your motives whether you're just trying to make me feel better or not. At least I did get to learn more from the other students here about their motives. Todoroki though might end up hating me very soon… but at least you did manage amazingly without me, which I don't expect any less from you." She perked her smile just a little but still showed sadness.

"Why would any of us think that?" Izuku cocked his head a bit. "Ciana, no one expects you to know the changes between our worlds, I should know - and again, don't sell yourself short, you did amazing, earning third place right from under everyone's noses, I was worried you didn't win but then surprise, you pulled something I'd only expect from you," He couldn't hold back a sweet smile. "I just... wished I was clearer before, and you working with Shinso doesn't mean anything. I was worried, sure, but you've proven you can handle a lot on your own, that's something people underestimate, and... I like a lot about you,"

Then he paused, "Wait, why would Todoroki be mad at you? You never saw him during the Cavalry Battle."

Ciana at least smiled a little more from his kind words, Ciana was afraid the others would view her badly when she worked with Shinso. But a little relieved it doesn't seem to be the case for him, but still wondered about the others especially since they viewed him badly too.

Now with the topic of Todoroki being brought up, her smile turned back into a frown as she ended up looking away shamefully. "I… I admit I overheard what you both were talking about… why he was so determined to win and why he had that injury…" she ended up admitting… Though doesn't mention Bakugo.

"O-oh, right, I-I guess since you wanted to talk y-you ended up following us," Izuku scratched his head, frowning himself. "It isn't right, what happened to him, I don't know what's going through his head but I guess we'll see how things turn out. Though, if Todoroki ends up refusing to use his left side, even just to warm his body up, that could start to wear him out depending on the next round."

Ciana was actually kinda surprised Izuku wasn't taken back by what she overheard, though thinking back to Todoroki made her pity him more especially seeing what his dads like. "I understand why he felt that way, especially seeing what his father was really like…" she clenched her fists at the mention of his dad, really disgusted by his cruel behavior.

"His father expects his son to be just like him, basically wanting to use him to surpass All Might…" Ciana doesn't know why he's known as a hero, the kind of abuse he does, he probably only became a hero for the glory of it…

"Todoroki definitely is different, but... him rejecting his fire won't help," Izuku ended up saying, looking up slightly at the sky. "That's like you refusing to use Aura because it came from Zena. You'd limit yourself, allowing that rejection to erode you from the inside, and it worries me 'cause I feel like that's what Todoroki is doing. His quirk isn't his father's, if anyone has the right to use both fire and ice it's Todoroki and no one else,"

Hearing that brought her mood up, happy Izuku saw the same way she did. His kindness and concern for others really touched her heart. "That's exactly what I said to him…" she ends up admitting with a sheepish smile, her hands going behind her back anxiously…

...

...

...

"Eh?" Izuku looked to her, staring with wide eyes. "Do you mean you... you..." Izuku turned, then crouched down with his hands together in prayer for a second. "I love you, so please don't make me have to be the one to plan your funeral this early, we still have so many years ahead of us," His words ran without him thinking at all.

Ciana was a little taken back by his panicked expression and behavior, especially hearing he loved her again. The way he just said all that caused her to chuckle. "That sounds like you're calling me weak…" she playfully retorts. "But yeah… after hearing what Todoroki went through I ran to confront the guy…" she looked away in guilt. "I know he's going to be watching me at this point and hopes his son will beat me in the next round… but I felt like I had to stand up and say something, especially after what Todoroki done for me."

She looked back to Izuku with a comforting kind smile. "Once he hears what I said to his dad… he might forever hate me at that point, but I'll accept that… he deserved to have someone put that guy in his place from someone else."

"Ye-yeah, I honestly don't know how he'll react," Izuku stood up again, "And I wasn't saying you're weak, but, to be blunt, Endeavor is the second strongest hero in Japan for a reason, his Hellfire isn't something to brush off either. Sure, he's an awful person but he has power... not that he'd ever use it on you, that would damage his reputation beyond what we know,"

"Believe me… I'm well aware how much that guy cares for his reputation." She crosses her arms and rolls her eyes at his selfishness. "He really doesn't deserve to be called a hero after what he did to his own family… I don't support abuse from people like that, no matter how strong he is I'm not going to cower away and let him get away with that." Then her smile picks up again.

"Todoroki is his own person and has the right to choose what he wants to do, I know he's really kind deep down and I don't see him as anything like his dad. Honestly… I just want to see him smile…" she admits with a rub to her neck shyly.

"Agreed," Izuku nodded, then, held out his hand to her. "That being said, we should grab something to eat before the next event, I'm sure you'll have time to talk to Todoroki if you want beforehand, plus, this gives us a chance to see some of the stalls around the stadium."

Hearing this, her bright smile came back as she gladly took his hand with a cheerful nod. "That sounds like a really good idea! I could use a good meal, all that hard work sure made me famished." She playfully said, already Ciana was looking forward to seeing what has been set up compared to her own world from their culture.


[Transition]

Leaving for the long line of stalls, the two stuck close as they patrolled the various displays and stands. The crowds moved back and forth while music and laughter filled the joyful air. The two stopped by a hot food stall, grabbing a bite to take with them, Izuku paying for them both. "We'll be able to see more of this for the next two days while the second and third years compete, but it's still so lively," Izuku was buzzing at the festivities, squeezing Ciana's hand.

Ciana was actually already having fun as soon as they entered the festival, especially what's all set up at the stalls. Her bright smile back on her face as they ate and walked around. "After everything exciting that's happened to be today, so far this is the most fun!" Her expresses cheerfully. "I never realized how lively your culture was doing these kinds of events, it's so fun seeing everything like this. Especially the different kinds of food they serve compared to home." She squeezed his hand tighter happily.

"I thought you'd like it, after our first date you were so eager to see new and interesting things, so I thought, 'why not the Sports Festival stalls?'," Izuku shrugged, smiling warmly at her eagerness as it warmed his heart to see her smiling again. "I also just wanted to spend time with you that wasn't about the competition,"

Cianas attention turned back towards him and hearing what he said made her cheeks turn pink again with a shy but flattered smile. "I-I didn't think you want to do that s-since you wanted to just stay focused for the games…" she replied flusteredly, averting her gaze a little but still looked happy.

"Y-you can't blame me though for being so intrigued by everything, you're talking to a girl that's not only from America but a very plain world." She giggled after reminding Izuku of her position.

Looking around at the stalls to their left, Izuku added. "Sure, I am but I don't want that to be the only thing that I'm aware of," With his food gone, he pulled out the gold locket from under his jacket fondly. "Having a good luck charm like this certainly helps remind me. And since school is out for the sports festival, we can spend more time looking at the stalls or even go elsewhere if you want to see more of Japan,"

Ciana smiled more warmly seeing that Izuku still had the locket she made him and how it helped him, really lighting her heart up. "I'm so glad it gave you the confidence I hope would help you." She responds with a tilt of her head and her eyes closed while her smile perks up wider. "I hope to see everything about it with you! I'm relieved we get to take a break and enjoy ourselves like this, sure it will help keep my stamina leveled." She looks around more, curious what else the stalls have. "How about I let you lead, you know more about what goes on and I'll be interested to see anything you show me."

"Sure," Bringing her close enough that their hips touched, Izuku led Ciana on a venture around the stalls. There were various ones to try but their time was limited so he decided to take her to one that stood out the most at the time. "Here, while I'd rather take you to one that's more traditional, it's a good learning experience,"

The stand consisted of Omamori amulets of various colours and design patterns. They were like talismans. "These are most commonly seen at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, dedicated to particular Shinto kami as well as Buddhist figures, and are said to provide various forms of luck or protection - but for tourists they're normally sold as they are now, but don't really provide any protection mentioned."

So far Ciana was very wowed and intrigued by what she's been shown, bending down to see them more closely while listening to Izuku's explanation of the charms. Which looks very cool to her. "Wow, what a selection!" She replies in awe as she took a moment to view them, reminding her a bit of her own version of church.

"They are so pretty and detailed… I never seen stuff like this before, they sound so meaningful and handy to have. We have something similar like this where I'm from, but they aren't designed as beautifully as these." Already praising some of his other cultures, looking pretty fun to have especially to remember an occasion like this.

While the pair enjoyed their time together, someone else had noticed them with a sharp smile, approaching without warning. Ciana's head perked up a bit, feeling a presence like no other, a void... or something like an amalgamation of emotions moving like a tide. "Ah, there you are! The lady of the hour and the rising star of the festival to boot!" The chipper voice pulled them away from the stall's contents to view a man with a cheery smile.

The man was draped in a large, dark blue cape that sat against his back and chest, wrapped up around his neck like a scarf while adding a large, crooked hood. His clothing was thick black leathers and boots to match, almost like he was a hiker. He had icy eyes with a five-pointed star tattoo around his right eye, coloured exactly like his eye pigment.

Ciana was a little startled and taken back by the new face… blinking and staring at this strange guy in confusion, tilting her head in wonder of the sudden comment he made. "Huh? Are you talking to me?" She pointed to herself to confirm who he's addressing.

"N-not that I don't appreciate the praise but what's with the sudden comment? A-are you sure you're not mistaking me for someone else?" She asks shyly with her hand on her neck anxiously.

"Hehehe, no-no, I know exactly who you are, Ciana Finley - I can call you Ciana right? - since you're not from this realm I believe your world never used honorifics when addressing people, right?" He eagerly grinned, hands clapped together. "So strange... finding an otherworlder who lacks the capabilities to travel between reality, so naturally my curiosity got the better of me," Then his hands pointed down to Izuku. "And you... oh, I've never seen someone like you,"

Her eyes widened in complete shock that this guy knew of her identity, which took her back more. "Wait… h-how do you know about that?" Ciana now glances at Izuku with a very curious and confused gaze. "Izuku… do you know who this guy is?" She asks, thinking he might have an idea who he is and how he even knows where she's really from.

"My manners, right, forget that sometimes, you can call me Chaser, though you probably won't see me after this, I tend to jump between realms so fast I start to see stars, hahaha," Chaser grinned, then pointed to Ciana. "See, I was passing by when I noticed all this temporal distortion around you - usually when people travel between worlds they have the effect you have now, then, colour me curious when it just so happens another person has the exact same distortion - naturally, I looked into this before the energy faded and what do you know, you've been displaced,"

Chaser then rolled his eyes, and from nowhere, a pitch black tail swept up from under his cloak, scratching his cheek with its blade-like point. "Honestly, displaced are everywhere, but yours was a fascinating case I haven't seen in... uh, how long has it been now?" He deadpanned. "Hrm, I may need to invest in a watch."

"Huh?" Ciana didn't understand anything what he's explaining… but hearing that he can travel between realms took her by shock with wide eyes, what was he saying? Is he saying her interference was good or bad? Ciana had a lot more questions for this guy now. "H-hold on! A-are you by any chance the one responsible for bringing me here? And… is my presence here anything good…?"

That's what made Ciana worry is her interference in everyone's future… very concerned now if she caused a bad rip in it.

"Hm? Nah, I have no reason to meddle with some random mortal's life," Chaser shrugged, "Try not to look so doom and gloom, usually worlds like this one have a template, so to speak, a base set of events that are meant to happen in order, however, the fun begins when others outside that reality enter, they can completely alter the events present, usually the keystones of said events remain the same but the longer one stays the more those keystones begin to change, it can breed all sorts of fantastic outcomes!"

"So... what you're saying is one person can cause a butterfly effect?" Izuku hazard a guess, still unsure who this man, Chaser, was or what he wanted.

"Bingo!" He clapped, then, Chaser patted Ciana on the head, "You're a smart displaced, haven't you had visions of events as of late, hm?" He smirked.

The sudden head pat was a little embarrassing, blushing from the childish gesture, he sure is a cheerful kinda guy… reminding her a little of her sparkly male classmate who shoots a laser from his belly button… which was also a strange power to her that's funny. Perking up at the topic of her seeing future visions in her dreams took her by surprise again as her eyes lit up.

"Y-yeah! H-how did you even know about that? Do you get them too?" Ciana questions him, though now wonders if this Chaser guy is secretly watching and stalking her… very creepy to theorize if that's true, the whole butterfly effect thing had Ciana worried a little, she's been trying to be very careful not to screw anyone's path up… so far the only thing she did screw up is Izuku's love connection with Uraraka.

He pointed at himself for a moment. "Me? Nah, temporal energy doesn't affect Nightmares, plus, the most I've done is... set the ball rolling," Chaser replied vaguely. Then his tail waved slowly before their eyes. "See, you're not the first to have these premonitions, I've seen others across other realms, normally they either try to prevent changes at all or avoid the event entirely. Best you can do is take the knowledge given and use it to mitigate any severe outcomes, but as I said, the longer an outside presence exists the less events will align to their original state, take you two for example,"

Chaser then snapped his fingers, and at the tip of his index finger was a golden flame, but within it was a small, dark red ember. "Judging by your emotions, you're stressing over preventing any and all changes to the point of guilt-tripping yourself into believing it is your fault, in reality, the realm is simply trying to rework itself to fit you in, so don't fret too much on what could've been-" His tail then tapped Izuku on the head. "Your souls are giving off a delightful amount of synergy,"

"Is that what your quirk is? Amazing..." Izuku breathed, though Chaser chuckled at that.

"I prefer the term, 'Trait' but it's what you make of it,"

Ciana was wowed by his own power too, especially that he summoned a gem from his finger, staring at it as she processed his wise words she's been told. Izuku will probably write this into his notebook very soon… "Whoa, that's so cool… so, what are you saying is that the changes I made here aren't anything bad so far?"

"Precisely!" Chaser discarded the ember in Ciana's direction, the cinders dying off in the air. "Worrying about what could've been is so cliché, way I live, just do things your way. Make connections, break the rules that govern the realms, you often find yourself in a better place doing so. Sure, you'll have your slip ups, who hasn't, right? I mean, coming from a mercenary, that's a standard," He shrugged.

Hearing what he was saying… actually made her feel a little better, already her tension of her worries eased a bit and her smile perked up thankfully with a nod. "Alright, that's actually a big relief to hear… Thank you for telling me about this Chaser. It's what I really needed to hear lately…"

"Hehe, happy to help!" He again patted her head. "And normally people say I run my mouth too much, hah, suck it Gambit!" He yelled to the sky with his fist raised, then he faced the two. "Well, competition isn't far away now, I'll stick around but hey, if we ever cross paths again, and you have something of value to me, maybe we can work out a deal?" Chaser squinted a bit with a mischievous grin. "I play whatever side pays me, that philosophical dragon really has a way with words but hey, each to their own - bye-bye~" He waved with his tail. Then he paused, raising a finger back at Izuku. "Oh, before I forget. There's a lot more to your quirk than I think you realize, Izuku, I cannot wait to see what comes next, hehe," With a wink, Chaser strolled away.

"W-wait, he... what?" Izuku was a little taken back. Did... Chaser know? But how was that possible?

Hearing what he said more just left her with more questions, reaching her hand out to try and stop him. "W-wait!" But he was gone before she tried to stop him, now just leaving Ciana wondering what Chaser meant. "That guy is quite a mystery… sounds like he was actually watching us from a distance without us knowing."

She turned her attention back on Izuku as she could also see was stunned after what the guy said. "He at least doesn't seem like a bad guy… he was quite friendly in a funny way." She shrugged with an amusing smile.

"Yeah, and that just confirms there's more worlds out there besides yours, that's... a lot to process in one day," Izuku rubbed his temples. Slowly, however, his smile returned. "Well, we still have some time left before we need to return to the stadium so-"

"There you are, finally!" From out of nowhere, a pink blur came rushing towards the young couple, coming to stop with a skid. "Alright, loverboy, we're stealing your girl for a bit, sorry~!" Ashido said in one breath, grabbing Ciana's right arm. "Bye now!"

"Wait what-" But like that, Ashido sped off with Ciana in toe, even as Ciana's head darted back and forth in confusion as to why she was suddenly being kidnapped by her friend. Izuku stood there, slightly pink in the face and utterly bewildered. "What just happened?"

Ciana sure didn't expect the sudden pull from her pink alien friend, blinking her eyes a few times to try and figure out what was going on now all of a sudden. "H-hey! W-what's going on Ashido? What do you need me for all of a sudden?" Ciana now asked as she eyed her friend in confusion, not sure what she could possibly need from her.

"'Cause, apparently Mr Aizawa said we gotta get dressed for this cheerleader battle just before the final round with girls from America, so, we need all hands on deck!" Ashido replied, turning around to walk backwards with a sly grin. "Plus, bet Midoriya is gonna love thaaaat~ hehehe,"

Ciana sure didn't expect to hear that, causing her eyes to widen in surprise and blushing red at the idea of Izuku seeing her dressed as a cheerleader. She never even tried out that in school, waving her hands in a panic now. "H-hold on! I-I never heard anything about doing cheerleading all of a sudden! I-I don't think I would be suitable for that especially since I never done any routines of that to prepare."

Dressing up in a skimpy uniform was really embarrassing to imagine herself in, especially in front of the other guys.

"That's why it's all for fun, least that's what Yaoyorozu told us since she's Vice Rep," Ashido pointed to the side as they approached the side entrance to the arena. "Besides, I'm into dancing so even if only the very basics I got us covered, no sweat! And if it helps, Jiro's probably in the same boat as you but we managed to convince her, so come on, at least we can all embarrass ourselves together, right?"

When she puts it like that… it did sound fun to do with her other gal friends, rubbing her neck shly again with a sheepish smile. "I-I guess so, i just hope I'll manage to pull it off…" She sweat dropped, at least she wasn't alone in this. Ciana planned to talk to Todoroki after hanging out with Izuku… but hopefully she has time to do that on their break.

"Sweet, now let's do it!" Ashido exclaimed, pumping her fist.


[Transition]

Now back in the arena again, the crowd had mostly gathered back to their seats, preparing for the intermission prior to the final round. Ciana, while anxious, had joined her friends and with Yaoyorozu's aid, now wore matching uniforms.

~Get those thumb daggers in the air, it's almost time for the last round!~ Present Mic was back, loud as ever. ~But before that, good news for those that didn't make the finals! Since this is the sports festival, we've prepared a bunch of fun side games for everyone to participate in! We even brought in cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!~

That's when it struck all the girls hard like hammer to a nail in a class-sized coffin.

~...hold up, looks like class 1A is going full-on fan-service!~ Mic sounded like he was trying to suppress his laugh as even the crowd cheered a little louder for the display. Those in the arena either looked completely gobsmacked or some of the guys stared wide-eyed, blushing a bit.

Across from the girls, Kaminari and Mineta gave each other thumbs up. It was their ploy this whole time. And Yaoyorozu exploded. "WHAT, YOU TRICKED US!? You're gonna regret this!?" She was fuming now like a demon before immediately collapsing to her knees in defeat. "Ugh, why is it I always keep falling for that little pervert's stupid schemes?" Uraraka just helped by patting Yaoyorozu on the back. "I even used my quirk to make these outfits..."

"Grah, I hate those guys!" Jiro growled in fury, her jacks on the fritz while her cheeks bloomed.

"Well, we do have a little time before the finals start, and I kinda like these uniforms, so..." Hagakure shook her pom poms excitedly. "How about we just roll with it!?"

"Are you crazy!?" Jiro screamed, jaw unhinged at the mere idea.

"Wow, Toru, you got skills," Tsu marvelled a bit.

Ciana never could guess that the pervy duo were in on this cheerleading scheme… causing her to be slumped and red in embarrassment being caught up in this. "You gotta be kidding me!" She glared at those guys in the distance, but this wasn't too different from what goes on in her school back at home… Ciana tried to offer an encouraging smile to their cheer captain as she approached Yaoyorozu.

"Hey, it's not so bad… At least this way we are representing our school, and besides… Once this is over we can scheme how to get back at Kaminari and Mineta, which will be really fun to plan out when you think about it…" Ciana giggled at her wicked idea. "Plus I'm from America too so I have a few ideas how these routine works, I mean I never been on a team but cheerleading is always the best and fun way to wow the crowd and show how awesome we are." She tells them with her hands on her hips and a proud smile, especially to be part of this school with them.

"Right, let's do it!" Uraraka clenched her fist.

"See? Even though this is probably never going to disappear we're going down with the ship together," Ashido sighed a laugh.

"I'm going to enjoy tormenting those assholes later!" Jiro glowered with a sharp smirk. "Maybe making their ears bleed's a good start."

"Thank you, all of you," Yaoyorozu felt a little better now, taking Uraraka's and Ciana's offered hands.

Meanwhile, just off to the side, Izuku's heart was threatening to burst from his chest. "Cheerleader costumes? Ciana is... in one? I... uh, wow, it's really hot out right now..." He gulped. Her black hair stood out from the orange and white pattern, the way it showed off her toned muscles more than their standard gym clothes, even the vest top defined her... upper body. His face was crimson by the time he found the willpower to look away before he could even begin to stare longer at her skirt, cupping his hands over his mouth and nose. "I can't stop looking, this is really wrong but also really hard not to enjoy...!" His head was spinning now.

Ciana couldn't help but laugh a little and Jiros evil look, maybe she will lend a hand to help her… now having her arms in the air with Pom-poms in hand. "Alright! Let's get this show on the road! Let the boys enjoy the sight while it lasts… cuz we'll be coming for them next!" Ciana ended up cheering for that, she didn't even realize Izuku was gazing at her…

Her bright smile was back to bring some light into their group, despite the embarrassment… Ciana just hoped Bakugo or the other guys won't make fun of them later.


Gathering close, it was time for the announcement to continue with Ciana back near Izuku with Kirishima and Ashido to her right.

~Now, have fun competing in the side-games everyone!~ Mic continued, and every board above the arena and down for the students to read displayed a tournament-styled graph. ~After that, the sixteen top competitors from the four teams will duke it out in a tournament-styled fighting competition, I promise you won't want to miss these awesome match-ups!~

"Aw, yeah, finally getting the chance to show what we're made of!" Kirishima was pumped next to Ashido and Ciana, his red eyes brimming with glee. "I watched these finals every year and now I'm in them!"

"So, wait, is it always a tournament?" Ashido asked for herself and Ciana.

"The finals is always a one-on-one competition but they switch it up every time," Sero elaborated. "Last year, it was a foam-sword fighting match,"

"That version sounds more safe than using our fists…" she jokes with sarcasm and a giggle. "So we're going to be fighting one another during the final round? Sounds kinda intense especially if we're facing off with our friends…" Usually competitions like that make things awkward, Ciana already hates the idea of facing off with one of her friends, especially Izuku…

"Now, come closer to draw lots to see who you're up against, then enjoy the recreational games before we start," Midnight took over. "Those participating in the finals can join in as well or sit out to prepare for the battle, I'm sure you all want to conserve your stamina. I'll start with the first place team-"

"Um, excuse me?" Ojiro put his hand up. "Sorry, but I'm withdrawing," That got quite the stir from everyone else.

"Ojiro? No way..." Izuku was bewildered.

"But this is a rare chance for you to get scouted," Iida added, equally as surprised.

"What?!" Ciana was pretty shocked to hear their classmate was dropping out, staring wide-eyed in confusion. "W-why would he just drop out like that? He did amazing during the challenges, why would he throw away his chances like this?" She asked in sadness and disappointment, wondering if it had anything to do with Shinso…

"It just wouldn't be right - I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until halfway through, and it was only because Finley snapped me out of it, even then, I barely did much more than stand or run while the others did most of the work, I still didn't feel right in the head," His face was contorted with conflict on the matter. "I know this is a great opportunity, I wish I can take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me."

"Just think about this..." Izuku tried but Ojiro shook his head sharply.

"I have, okay!?" He snapped. "Everyone gave their all in round two, I was just someone's puppet, and if someone hadn't snapped me out of it then it would've remained that way, so no way, I don't want to advance if I didn't even do a thing to earn it, it wouldn't be fair."

"You're making too much of this!" Hagakure, the one that was most friendly with Ojiro was really distraught by this. "Just compete in the finals and prove you should be here!" Even Jiro nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, what she said, I didn't do much in the battle either," Ashido grinned but all this support only made him feel bitter, Ciana felt it, he was thankful but shameful at the same time.

"Ojiro you might not have known this but I was ashamed too when I first teamed up with Shinso without knowing…" she approached more, wanting to bring some comfort also. "I thought I was just being a nuisance to everyone since I didn't know anything about these games… but despite knowing that and who I was teaming up with. It didn't stop me from wanting to succeed, I didn't want to show I was weak no matter how anyone looked at me… and I know you're strong too." Ciana shared her own guilt and worries as well, hoping it would help him a little.

"Look, that's not it... I'm talking about my pride here, I refuse to give that up," Ojiro wouldn't budge at all, then he shied away a bit. "Also, why are all the girls dressed like cheerleaders?" That made them all flinch a little, glaring daggers toward Mineta and Kaminari.

"Man, that was just the most manly thing I've ever heard...!" Kirishima teared up a bit.

The decision, however, was left to Midnight as the ref in the arena. She gave Ojiro a hard look, dictating what should be done. "Well, this kind of talk is incredibly naïve, my boy!" She cracked her crop forward with a big smile. "That turns me on! Now, Ojiro, you can officially withdraw!"

"Wait, did she just say it turns her on?" Everyone thought for a second.

Just hearing what the pro therapist really took her back in shock, very disturbed what she just heard her say. "I-is she really hitting on one of the students…? Isn't that against the law in schools…?" Ciana sweat dropped and shivered from what she said, mostly just stunned that women would just say that in public like it's normal…

"This i-is really just Midnight's M.O," Izuku sweat dropped beside her. "She is the 'R-Rated Hero' for a reason,"

Midnight then tapped her chin, "Now, let's see... we'll need to bump up one member from the fifth place cavalry team to have the spot filled,"

"We were frozen most of the time," Kendo waved her hand slightly. "Honestly, we barely did anything in the cavalry battle, isn't that right? Girls?" Her team nodded in agreement. "You should pick from the team that gave it their all until the end, Team Tetsutetsu,"

"Agreed, until we stole their place, they fought hardest among our peers," Even Yuuki spoke up, arms crossed.

"Huh, Kendo, Yuuki!?" Tetsutetsu was gobsmacked as the ginger smiled back next to Yuuki who simply sighed and nodded once.

"I'm not doing this as a favour, it's just fair," Kendo's honesty touched her friends' hearts.

"Seriously, you guys... THANK YOOOOOU!" Tetsutetsu screamed to the high heavens.

Ciana had no idea the women was like this… and is very shocked that the school would allow a teacher like that in school… hearing that Tesuetsu is coming back in the ring had Ciana happy to hear, smiling brightly to see him so happy. "I told you that you were amazing out there whether you win or lose! You deserve a chance to be back in this final round, congratulations Tetsuetsu!"

She praises her classmate, Ciana really thought he was amazing enough to be in this round from how tough he was.

"THANK YOU!" He yelled back.

With a lapse of time, those waiting drew their lots one by one. And after a moment to discuss it, one stepped forward from 1B. The iron-clad student gave a salute to his team with tears welled up in his eyes.

"And now, Tetsutetsu advances to the finals!" Midnight declared. "Take a look at the brackets, my dears, these are your opponents!"

The board line-up changed, and now, the first matches were revealed to the adoring crowd. First, Tetsutetsu vs Kirishima. The two boys yelled in frustration. "Seriously!? How does this keep happening!?"

Next, Tokoyami vs Yaoyorozu. "I'll give it my all," Tokoyami replied, looking over to the Vice Rep.

"Good, that's all that I ask of you," She concurred.

Another was Yuuki vs Kaminari. "I'm up against the scary girl from 1B, crap..." The blonde gulped as Yuuki spared him a look before rolling her eye. "What's with the cold shoulder, what the hell did I do!?"

The third match was a surprise. Ashido vs Finley. "Hahaha, finally, we get to strut our stuff!" Ashido beamed, holding her fist out to Ciana with a devilish smile.

Just hearing that she was going to fight one of her friends made Ciana feel uneasy… but the way Aishido was putting this made it sound exciting, Ciana nodded with a determined smile as she fist bumped her back. "Heck yeah we will! May the best heroine win!"

Meanwhile, Izuku stared at his side of the bracket. "I'm the first match, if I win I'd be fighting Todoroki next, great..." Izuku exhaled, clearly his luck had run dry again. Then he steadied his expression. "But first things first, I've gotta get past Shinso,"

"Seems like we'll be facing off after all, Izuku Midoriya," The voice startled him backwards, turning to face Shinso. "Relax, pretty sure if I tried something now I'd be hounded by her-" His thumb prodded toward Ciana. But he smirked. "-we'll see just how great you are, I'll be waiting," With his hands in his pockets, he left.

"...well, that was ominous," Izuku frowned a little.

Ciana at least didn't look very threatened by Shinso anymore as she just smiled in his direction when he left, turning back to Izuku with a pat on his back. "Don't worry, I know you will be amazing out there! I'm really looking forward to seeing how awesome you fight Izuku." She beamed excitedly, it always amazes Ciana how cool Izuku shows off his moves. She didn't have any worries for him.

"Well, that at least makes me feel a lot better..." Then he slowly stared back at Ciana, giving her a once-over with heat rising back towards his face. "...y-you look... w-wow..." He whispered, covering his mouth a bit.

"Hm?" Remembering that she's in a cheerleader's uniform once she looked down at herself… Immediately heat rose to her cheeks as she tried to cover herself bashfully. "Y-yeah, I-I know I look really silly… y-you can blame the pervy duo for that…" she sweat-dropped with a sheepish smile, feeling so embarrassed right now.

"I felt l-like that was why Yaoyorozu y-yelled," Izuku shook his head in his hand, running it down as he stared at the beautiful girl in awe. "I-it really l-looks good on you, r-really good,"

Ciana sure wasn't expecting that comment as it caused her to blush even more, averting her eyes bashfully with a shy smile. "Y-you really think so? I-I don't know if your just saying that to make me feel better but t-thanks for the compliment…" she responds while still looking very red, though Ciana suddenly wondered now if she has the time to talk to Todoroki, glancing around her to see if he's still in the group.

"You have no idea..." He muttered under his breath, then noticed her wandering expression. "Right, y-you wanted to talk to Todoroki? W-well, you might be able to c-catch him before the side games start, he's just over there," He pointed to the west exit tunnel where the teen could be seen heading towards. "...would it be bad to hope Ciana keeps this uniform... oh, wow, I really am addicted to it..."

Seeing where Todoroki was heading thanks to Izuku pointing him out, she looked back at him with a thankful nod. "Right, thanks Izuku. And good luck… I'll be rooting for you." Ciana quickly gave a quick kiss to Izuku's cheek before taking off after Todoroki… not realizing just how much this outfit really made Izuku in awe for her… but hearing his comment from before made her smile wider, feeling giddy inside.


Catching Todoroki before he left was good, as Ciana jogged to find him moving alone down the hall. Her shoes hitting the ground alerted him, and his vacant eyes focused on her for a moment. "I'm trying to prepare for my match, Finley, you should too," Was all he had to say to her.

"I-I know… b-but I still want to be given this chance to talk to you…" she responds with her hands on her knees to catch her breath before straightening up. "Todoroki… first off I want to apologize for prying into your business before, I understand if that was not easy to talk about and…" Ciana looked away anxiously while rubbing her neck. "Even if you end up not liking me for budding in like that… I just wanted you to know I still care…"

His brow raised a bit, "What are you talking about?" He didn't recall ever mentioning about himself to her, maybe she was referring to when she asked about his burn mark?

She meant it in both ways, but was afraid to mention she confronted his dad… for now Ciana just stays on what she said before as her expression shows sadness and guilt. "You know… when I asked about your quirk and injury…" she looked away a little after saying that. "I know it wasn't my place to ask and I felt terrible for bringing that up… but I think I came to realize something when you mentioned you didn't want to use it…" now looking back at him as her smile perked up a little.

"You... overheard," He slowly pieced together, though he visibly suppressed his anger, it made sense she'd look for Izuku, they were close. His anger died down, clenching his left fist. "That bastard thinks he can sway me to be like him, which is why I can't wait to see the look on his face when I win without letting him see a spark of his fire," Todoroki turned away. "If we end up competing, don't hold it against me when I defeat you."

Ciana could see he was mad and flinched when he figured it out… but she doesn't cower away as she continues talking. "Todoroki! Back when you tried to help me and you heard where my power came from… that's why you understood my actions with my power compared to the villain right?" She suddenly said, smiling a little more remembering that.

"I understand what you're going through and you did the same for me… I want you to know that your power is yours… not your dads, however you decide to use it. I know you won't be like him because I already see you're an amazing hero with a kind heart. Whether you start to dislike me more for overhearing… my opinion of you won't change." Her hands rose to her heart as she said all this.

"As long as you stay true to yourself then you shouldn't have anything to worry about, I see you as my hero when you not only tried to save me but understood what I was going through too… I want to thank you for that." She smiled more compassionately toward him, really admiring him as his own hero and not as anyone else.

His eyes were wide without her knowing, but, that brief lapse of wonder fell to confliction, his arms tense. Ciana was in a similar boat, but... her experience and his were too far apart. She was forced to live with the knowledge her quirk came from a villain. But Todoroki? His was more than knowledge, it was vicious memories... ones that left scars. "...I refuse to use it, if I do, he'll win - so if you're expecting something from me, forget it," He kept walking, darkness swelling in his aura with rage. "I won't give my old man the satisfaction, never."

Cianas frown came back when she watched him walk off, thinking she blew her chances away to be friends with him… her gaze turned to look down, even if he couldn't hear her anymore she spoke from her heart. "I didn't give him any satisfaction either for what he put you through…" she ended up saying as she now turned to walk back to the field… some tears appeared in her eyes but quickly wiped them away with her arm.