Coco: Hey, guys, it's been a while since I updated this story, huh? Sorry for the long wait. I was really struggling with how I wanted this arc to go. After getting rid of the four ocs I added to class 1-B (due to many people being unhappy with the OC count), I was having trouble dividing up the cavalry battles and sparring matches in the second and third tests. In fact, I'm still having trouble getting things where I want them. I did finish the obstacle race, but I am unsure of how to proceed to the cavalry battle and then the fighting tournament. So, not sure when the next chapter will be...but I will do my best!

Ayano let out a calming breath as the lights started going out one by one. It was almost time.

"Begin!" Midnight shouted as the last light went out.

As she was being pushed along by the crowd into the tunnel, Ayano wasted no time as she activated her new gear. She lifted herself up into the air causing some to gasp as she was now airborne. And just in time too since Shoto, who managed to get to the front, started freezing the doorway.

"As to be expected, Todoroki-kun." Ayano said as she tapped the back of the board to activate the small jet in the back.

It sent her barreling forward as others were shouting at being frozen in place. As she got to the front, she saw Shoto had a large lead on the rest of them.

"Apologies," He called over his shoulder as he continued to run forward—leaving ice behind.

Many complained at being stopped so short, but Ayano smiled. She could hear their classmates weren't far behind. In fact, she looked over her shoulder to see, Momo, Katsuki, Aoyama, Hachiro, and Kirishima breaking away from the pack.

"Nice trick, Todoroki." Momo said.

"I won't let you get away so easily, you icy-hot-bastard!" Katsuki snarled.

The others were coming up after them as well, so Ayano had to hurry things up. She pushed forward while nearly closing the gap between she and Shoto. If she kept this up, she might actually take second place. Something she has never done in race—ever. She'd really have to thank Hatsume later for her new gear.

"I didn't expect so many people to dodge that." Shoto admitted. "Especially those from other classes."

He then looked over his shoulder at Ayano as she was right behind him. She didn't even seem to be giving an effort at all as she flew along after him. The two then blinked when seeing Minoru was catching up to them as he used his popoffs as spring boards to hop across the ice.

"You think you're so cool, but I've outsmarted you!" Minoru declared to Shoto. "Ha! How pathetic, Todoroki. Now, you and Ishida, better prepare yourselves! Eat this! My special attack! Grape—!"

Minoru never finished his next move as he was blindsided by an attack from the left. He was sent flying and despite him being her competition, Ayano used her telekinesis to stop Minoru—mostly out of pity. She was going to set him down and keep going, but his attacker had other plans. Ayano came to a complete stop as did everyone else as the robots from the practical exams appeared.

"Target acquired." The one who hit Minoru spoke. "Terminate them."

Ayano sighed as she unceremoniously dropped Minoru to the ground. She should have expected as much. Of course, U.A couldn't have just a simple obstacle race.

"Oooh! Enemies have showed up out of nowhere!" Present Mic shouted through the speakers. "I bet we're in for a treat here! A test of strength and cunning. It's a robo inferno!"

Ayano frowned. They didn't really have time to be fighting robots. This was a test in speed. Meaning if she could just get around them, she'd be fine. However, there were quite a bit of them. And many of them were the large, zero-point villains.

"So, this is what the other students faced in their entrance exams." Shoto said.

The first zero-pointer went in for an attack, and Ayano readied herself to defend with a psionic wall. However, she needn't bother herself since Shoto stepped up first.

"They obviously went through a lot of trouble, but I wish they would have prepared something a bit more difficult." Shoto said as he started to build up his ice. "Especially since my dear, old dad is watching."

Ayano then watched in shock alongside everyone else as Shoto froze a zero-pointer in one fell swoop

'Well, that certainly makes everything easier,' Ayano thought to herself as Shoto took off running. 'Better hurry before the other robots attack.'

However, just as she was about to head forward, the robot that Shoto froze started tilting forward.

'Oh, I see, he froze it while it was off balance,' Ayano thought calmly as others started freaking out. 'While it's a smart move on his part, he put all the rest of us at risk.'

She sighed knowing what she was going to do next would put her behind, but didn't seem as if she had a choice. Ayano quickly raised her hands just as the robot was on top of them. She grit her teeth as the weight hit. She felt herself being strained as she was nearly forced to the ground. Those behind her stared in shock as she held back the giant, metal mass. Well, as long as they stood their gawking, she still had time to catch up, but first she had to get rid of this robot.

"That's Todoroki from Class 1-A—!" Present Mic announced to the crowd. "Pulling ahead to an early lead with a devastating display! Amazing! He's one we should watch. It almost seems unfair! Thoughts?!"

"You seem to be missing the fact that the robot hasn't landed on the ground yet." Was all Aizawa replied.

As Present Mic blinked in confusion, Ayano gave a shout as she threw the zero-pointer into several all other robots causing a chain explosion. Many gasped in shock as smoke covered the track.

"Wha—What just happened?!" Present Mic asked as he stared intently at the screens.

As everyone was dazed, Ayano used the distraction to shoot forward while still on her hover board. She cleared the smoke while not pausing to see if anyone was behind her.

"It's Ishida from class 1-A!" Present Mic shouted. "Looks like Todoroki's chiller move didn't slow this girl down as she quickly pursues the front runner!"

Shoto looked over his shoulder with a frown on his face. Looks like he couldn't shake everyone. Of course, he learned a while ago to not underestimate Ayano. He'd just have to try harder to shake her and keep the lead. From inside the arena, Ayumi grinned as she watched the two front runners being pursued by other members of Class 1-A.

"Ooo, looks like my classmates are getting really fired up." Ayumi said. "I wonder what will happen next."

"For those of you who thought the first obstacle was easy, let's see how you feel about the second one!" Present mic shouted.

Ayano let out a breath as she and Shoto turned the next corner to see the next obstacle. A large cavern was between them and the other side. However, there were a web of ropes and pillars of earth doting the gaping area.

'This is my chance to get ahead,' Ayano thought to herself. 'Todoroki-kun will have to slow down to cross this obstacle safely.'

Without hesitating, she tapped the back of her board twice. The jet in the back kicked up a notch, and sent her shooting forward even faster. She passed Shoto as he was slowing to access the best way across. He narrowed his eyes as Ayano easily cleared the obstacle as the others were following behind.

"And Ishida Ayano takes the lead!" Present Mic announced. "I guess flying really comes in handy in a race like this, huh?!"

"Yeah," Aizawa agreed.

If Ayano hadn't come up with the idea to even get that new board of hers, she would have been out first thing this year. It was just one small change, but it gave her so many more opportunities. But things were far from over. Back at the second obstacle, Shoto was quick to use his ice to skate along with ropes to try and keep up with Ayano who was getting farther ahead.

"When did they even have time to build something like this?" Ochaco asked.

"No idea," Hachiro said as he stepped forward. "But this won't be a problem for me. And I guess you'll be good to go too, huh, Tsu?"

He grinned down at Tsuyu as he asked this as she was crouched down at their feet. Mina and Ochaco blinked in confusion before watching as their two classmates rushed the course. Tsuyu jumped up into the air to soar far before landing on one of the ropes with ease. Hachiro hurried along the ropes with precise movements while sure enough with each move that he wouldn't lose his grip. He really looked like a spider scurrying across its own web.

"I sometimes forget that Hachiro's quirk gives him all the abilities of a spider." Mina said frowning.

Ochaco nodded in agreement. She could try to float herself across, but she couldn't afford to make herself sick now. She and Mina then turned their heads when they heard chuckling behind them. They looked seeing a girl from the support class.

"Yes, finally! This is my chance to show off what I can do!" She said. "Ishida is certainly making use of the lovely baby I gave her, and I'm sure the support agencies already noticed it. Now it's time to show off more of my work! Everyone! Observe what my gadgets can do! Wire arrows and hover soles!"

"You're from support!" Ochaco said.

"Hey, how come you got to bring all that stuff?" Mina questioned.

"Students from the hero course get all sorts of combat training for their quirks." Hatsume explained. "In order to keep things fair and give us a fighting chance, we're allowed to bring whatever gadgets and costumes we want into the games as long as we develop them ourselves!"

Well, Ochaco supposed that made sense, but she didn't understand why that meant Ayano could use her hover board. She was part of the hero course, after all. Meaning she did receive training. Though she highly doubted Ayano would cheat. Meaning that outside gear was allowed for them too, right? But considering who their teacher was, she wouldn't be surprised if Aizawa "forgot" to mention it.

"Now, step back and enjoy the show!" She said then set her babies into action.

As she went forward as flashily as possible, others went forward as well—not wanting to be outdone. Shoto himself finally got to the end of the obstacle course, but during his time on it, Ayano grabbed herself a huge lead.

"Todoroki is still skating by easily, but with the huge lead Ishida has, it might just be too late for him to catch up!" Present Mic said. "And it looks like, Bakugo is right behind him!"

Shoto looked over his shoulder seeing Katsuki was using his explosions to fly over the obstacle course. He'd soon be neck and neck to Shoto.

'Looks like he's finally getting fired up,' Shoto thought to himself. 'About time.'

Ayano picked up his thoughts from the front, which had her frowning. Katsuki was coming, and that meant keeping the lead was about to be harder. She couldn't push the board any faster with the jet that Hatsume installed. It had to rest in between long bursts of speed to ensure the jet didn't overheat, and she was sure the jet would power down soon. She just hoped the end was coming up soon.

"The leader is putting distance between herself and the students stuck at the fall." Present Mic commentated as Ayano was finally arriving to the last obstacle. "And oh, oh, oh, it looks like Ishida has made it to the last obstacle—the Mine Field!"

Once the words left his mouth, Ayumi smirked. She then stood up while dusting off her clothes. Aizawa noticed her movement as the silver-haired girl gave a few leg stretches.

"Everyone better tread carefully!" Present Mic warned. "If you look carefully, you can see where those little bombs are buried, so keep your eyes on the ground, folks! By the way, those land mines were designed for the games, so they might be loud and flashy, but they're not all that powerful! JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU WET YOUR PANTS!"

Aizawa let out a sigh as he wondered how he let Present Mic talk him into any of this.

"Get a hold of yourself." Aizawa said.

"Hehehe," Present Mic chuckled. "While this mine field might be a problem for the other front runners, it seems like Ishida from Class 1-A will be coasting on by for victory, doesn't it, Eraser?!"

Ayano, who was still at the front, shook her head. She knew it was still anyone's win. Besides, once their resident speedster decided to stop goofing around, first place would most likely go to her.

"It's too soon to tell." Aizawa said. "Besides, Jinsoku is just about to make her move. We could see a new front runner any moment now."

At his words, many in the stands turned to give their attention to Ayumi as the silver-haired girl walked her way calmly up to the starting line where all the others had begun before her. She got down into a crouch before moving her body forward in a perfectly poised starting position.

'It's almost time,' Ayumi thought calmly.

Many in the crowd murmured together in disbelief of Ayumi's actions. They knew she was the daughter of Warp, but unless she was as fast as her father, they didn't see how she could win this late in the race. Though the spectators doubted Ayumi and her speed, her classmates, who heard she was getting ready to begin, knew they had limited time to try and push for the top spot.

"These mines are getting really annoying," Hachiro complained as more went off around him.

"There isn't anything we can do about it." Konan pointed out as she carefully picked her way across the field.

Hachiro grumbled though knew she was right. He looked to the front where Katsuki was trying to over throw Shoto. Looks like they were fighting over who would overtake Ayano…who slowed down?

At the frown, Ayano's teeth ground together as the jet system started to shut down. It was time for it to rest to cool off, and it picked one of the worst times to do it too. She looked over her shoulder seeing Katsuki and Shoto were getting too close for comfort.

"Don't think you'll be getting first place so easily, Aya!" Katsuki snarled at her. "I'll end this icy-hot-bastard and then you're next!"

Ayano was about to tell him he needed to forget about fighting and actually completing the race, but she never got the words out as a large explosion from the back caught all their attentions.

"What's with that huge explosion in the back?!" Present Mic shouted. "That one's way more powerful than it should be!"

Everyone paused and looked as Izuku went flying overhead while holding tightly to what looked like a part of busted up robot.

"Incredible!" Present Mic counted to yell. "What just happened?! Whatever the case, Class 1-A's Midoriya Izuku is suddenly in hot pursuit of first place!"

Ayano couldn't believe her eyes as Izuku went sailing not only over Katsuki and Shoto's heads, but her own as well. He wasn't just pursuing first place anymore.

"Scratch that! The lead is his!" Present Mic corrected himself.

As Ayano, who knew running would be faster at this point and deactivated her board, and the boys—Katsuki and Shoto—hurried to catch up, Ayumi grinned from her starter position.

"Well, well, Izuku took the lead, huh?" Ayumi spoke. "Who would have thought? Can't let him keep it though. And with that in mind…"

Ayumi trailed off before disappearing in a blur of silver. She went unnoticed by many, but Aizawa watched her go.

"What a plot twist!" Present Mic continued to commentate while also missing Ayumi's start. "Looks, like those three aren't the leaders anymore! This fight isn't over yet!"

"Yeah, but soon there will be new pack leader." Aizawa said.

Present Mic looked at his fellow teacher in confusion. Aizawa pointed towards the screens in front of them, and Present Mic looked. His mouth fell agape.

"What, what's this?!" Present Mic exclaimed getting everyone's attention. "It seems as if Jinsoku Ayumi of Class 1-A has finally made her move! Look if you can as she zooms through the course as if it was child's play!"

Many of the spectators tried to keep up with the blur that zoomed across the course, but found it near impossible. Just when they thought they saw her in the falls, she was already in the mine field where Izuku was getting a last-ditch effort to remain in the lead. However, as he was making the effort for another explosion, Ayumi zipped on by as he was mid motion. Then just as he caused the explosion, Ayumi was already back in the stadium.

"I can't believe it!" Present Mic shouted. "Despite waiting last second, Jinsoku has conquered the obstacle course in the span of seconds and taken first place right from underneath the front runners. Now it's a rush for second place to those who had been in the lead!"

Ayumi just grinned as she waited at the end of the tunnel to see who would be coming in next. Her grin widened when Izuku came running in first.

"Definitely didn't see that ending." Ayumi said as Shoto and Katsuki came in close after.

Ayano managed to come in after them and collapsed immediately on the ground. Even running that short amount of distance had been hard. Especially since she gave it everything, she had to make sure not to fall too far behind. She then grinned. She might not have gotten first or second place, but fifth place in a race was a win in her books. The crowd was going crazy as the others students came running in one after the other.

"I'm so glad that's over." Ayano said as she pushed herself to her feet.

"Oh, come on, Ishida, you barely ran for any of that," Eijiro teased as he caught his own breath. "How can you be tired?"

"But I did run for some of it," Ayano pointed out. "So, care to carry me until the next test?"

Eijiro laughed knowing Ayano was being serious, which made her question all the more humorous.

"Sorry, but you are my competition." Eijiro said. "Can't help you out too much."

"You have a point." Ayano said not looking upset.

The two then went to gather around with everyone else as the scores and data were being tallied.

"The first game for the First Years is finally over!" Midnight said. "And what a game it was! Now let's take a look at the standings, shall we?"

Ayano looked up with everyone else as the places in which everyone completed the course were put up on the screens to see.

1) Jinsoku Ayumi

2) Midoriya Izuku

3) Todoroki Shoto

4) Bakugo Katsuki

5) Ishida Ayano

6) Shiozaki Ibara

7) Honenuki Jūzō

8) Iida Tenya

9) Tokoyami Fumikage

10) Nida Hachiro

11) Hanta Sero

12) Kirishima Eijiro

13) Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

14) Ojiro Mashirao

15) Kurafutoshi Konan

16) Awase Yōsetsu

17) Asui Tsuyu

18) Shoji Mezo

19) Sato Rikido

20) Uraraka Ochaco

21) Yaoyorozu Momo

22) Mineta Minoru

23) Ashido Mina

24) Koda Koji

25) Jiro Kyoka

26) Kaibara Sen

27) Tsuburaba Kosei

28) Kaminari Denki

29) Bondo Kojiro

30) Yanagi Reiko

31) Hitoshi Shinsō

32) Kendō Itsuka

33) Shishida Jurota

34) Kuroiro Shihai

35) Kodai Yui

36) Rin Hiryū

37) Shoda Nirengeki

38) Komori Kinoko

39) Kamakiri Togaru

40) Monoma Neito

41) Tsunotori Pony

42) Hanagakure Toru

43) Tokage Setsuna

44) Fukidashi Manga

45) Mei Hatsume

4) Aoyama Yuga

The list only showed the first 46 to pass the course, and it seemed as if all the students of classes 1-A and 1-B passed. And two from the other classes.

"Only the top 46 will advance to the next round, but don't be too let down if you didn't make the cut." Midnight said. "We prepared other opportunities to let you shine."

She licked her lips seductively as she said this as Ayano gave Midnight a deadpanned expression. She sometimes wondered how this woman became a teacher.

"Now, the real fun is about to begin." Midnight continued. "A chance to fully move yourselves into the limelight. Give it your best."

From beside her, Katsuki gave a growl that had her shooting him a look. He did not look happy in the slightest. Not only did he not get first place, but he was bested by Izuku as well. Ayano knew it was only a matter of time before he lost it.

"Let's see what we have in store for you next." Midnight said as she gave her tassel a whip. "Will your wildest fantasies come to life? What could it be? The waiting is torture."

Midnight then slid her glasses-like mask over her eyes once more as she gave a grand sweep of her arm.

"Prepare yourselves for this!" She exclaimed while gesturing to the screen.

Ayano's brow quirked when the words across the screen spelled out cavalry battle. Well, looks like even more physical labor, and she wasn't sure if her board was done cooling yet. This could spell trouble. Unless she ends up as the rider. The others murmured around her about what could come from this as Midnight began to address them once more.

"Allow me to explain," She said as an image of All Might being carried by the other teachers appeared on the screen. "The participants will form teams of two to four people as they see fit. In theory, it's basically the same as a regular play ground game, but there is one difference. Each player has been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course."

That made enough sense to Ayano, and it would be safe to say that whatever team has the most points at the end wins. The others were coming to the same conclusion as they spoke aloud to each other. Midnight didn't seem to appreciate this though as she angrily whipped her tassel.

"Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you!" She snapped before clearing her throat. "Now, the point assignments go up by increments of five starting from the bottom. For example, 46th place is worth five points and 45th is worth ten. And the point value assigned to the first-place contestant is…10 million!"

Ayumi let out a low whistle at that as many others turned to stare at the speedster hungrily. They all knew what this meant.

'Take down her team and you'll be able to take the lead yourself,' Many of the contestants thought in unison.

Ayano sighed almost feeling bad for Ayumi, but the speedster didn't seem too concerned. In fact, she just grinned at all those staring intently at her.

"That's right," Midnight said while not needing Ayano's quirk to know what the students were thinking. "It's survival of the fittest with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!"

Ayumi just let out a laugh as she placed her hands behind her head in a relaxed manner.

"Wow, looks like I'm a target now, huh?" She asked as she continued to laugh. "Talk about scary."

Despite saying this, she didn't seem as she was actually frightened by the looks, she was getting. Ayano shook her head wondering how Ayumi could be some calm. Though she supposed it was because Ayumi really didn't care if she stood out or not. She was just here to have fun—unlike many of the others here.

"First years!" Midnight called getting their attention once more. "These are the rules you will abide by!"

The screen changed once more to show All Might and the other teachers again.

"The game itself will last fifteen minutes," Midnight explained. "Individual point values will be added together to reach your team total. Everyone will know how much your worth thanks to your headband. Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team's score. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up, so the more you steal the harder they are to manage. And another thing, even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing until time's up."

So, even if Ayano and her team were to fumble during the game or lose their headband, they could keep going as long as the time was still in play. Sounded fair enough to her. Though it does mean that if you happen to be the team who stole the headbands from others, that they could come after you still.

"This is going to be rough." Midnight said. "You may use your quirks as much as you like, but there are still rules. Make a team fall on purpose, and I'll slap you will a red card! You'll be disqualified."

Ayano glanced up pointedly at Katsuki when Midnight declared this, and he rolled his eyes at her look as he scoffed.

"Now, you've got fifteen minutes to build your teams!" Midnight declared. "I recommend you get started!"

As many of her fellow competitors rushed to pick who they wanted to partner with, Ayano stood still as she thought it over. She knew for certain that going with Ayumi wasn't the smart idea. In fact, she was certain many would be avoiding the speedster to take her down. That and Ayano wasn't sure how compatible she and Ayumi were when it comes to their quirks. Katsuki was also of the question as well since she was here to prove she was better than him. Same thing with Izuku. She had to prove herself the better out the three of them. Many others in her class will try to pair either with Shoto or Katsuki due to them being front runners and being masters of their quirks. So, who should she pick?

"Ishida,"

Ayano looked up as Shoto approached her with Momo and Tenya at his side. Well, she wasn't expecting this.

"I would like to ask you to join our team." Shoto said. "Your quirk would be very useful to what I have in mind."

Ayano tilted her head in thought as she reached out towards Shoto's mind. He seemed as if he had been expecting her to do so, but did not resist as she took a peek. She saw he had been thinking of two different team setups. Either she could join him, Momo, and Tenya. Or he could get Denki. Either way he had a clear strategy.

And it would seem though while she wouldn't be the rider in his plan, with Momo creating skates for them, so Tenya can do most of the work, it wouldn't be too much of a strain on her. Also, she could be used very fluidly in this game either as offense or defense, which is why he wanted her on his team. That and they've worked together before to bring down Ayumi.

"I like this strategy." Ayano said. "So, yes, I will join your team."

Coco: So, as you can see, I am going to try and mix things up in the cavalry battle. I suppose I could have shoved all my OCs on one team to make it easier, but I didn't want to do that. And I want to show their different relationships with their classmates anyway. But like I said earlier, I'm not still sure what I'll be doing in the next part. Or leading up to the battles, but we'll see how things go, yeah?