Coco: Well, it's time! Time to be wrapping up Season 2! I'd say in the next two to three chapters we'll be starting the movie and then after that, it'll be time for season 3! I can't believe how quick things are going, do you? :D I'm really excited for these next few chapters and I do hope you enjoy them. As I said in the previous chapter four of the teams have been changed for this final exam. You'll figure out which ones in this chapter, and I'm really interested to see if you all can figure out why I paired certain students with who and why their paired against certain teachers. And I wonder if you'd agree with my choices. Be sure to let me know, okay? XD Anyway, as always, I hope you enjoy the chapter, and I hope to be back again soon with another chapter.

Ayano let out a breath as she managed to fly around Togata's attempt to hit her from behind. Though she was then in the path of Nejire's blast, but Ayano was able to box the attack up in a psionic cube and send it at Togata who came at her from the side this time. The blast went off in his face, but using his quirk it went right threw him. The training was about to keep going, but the timer Togata had set up went off thus signaling that training was over. Ayano landed back on her feet with her item already deactivated.

"Hey, you're getting a lot better, Ishida!" Togata praised. "Your movements are faster and flow a lot better. You even managed to redirect Nejire's attack!"

Ayano blushed a bit at the praise as Togata patted Ayano on the head for her improvement.

"Yeah, Ishida, you were like whoosh! And then froosh!" Nejire said as she widely moved her arms. "I didn't see it coming when you threw my quirk at Mirio like that."

"Thank you for taking the time to help me improve." Ayano said. "With all this extra training, there's no way I'll fall behind."

Togata smiled as he saw the excited look on Ayano's face as she held up her fists in determination. She was smiling more and more, he noticed. When he first met her, she had been polite and reserved, but she's more open now. If only she'd smile more at Sir though. He chuckled thinking off all the times, she'd purposely frown just to try and get a rise from the pro. It was like she was too stubborn to smile for him just because he asked.

"With the exams coming up in a week, maybe we should shorten our training hours," Togata suggested. "For the practical exam, you'll surely pass with how much work you've put into training so far. We don't want you falling behind though in your studies. In fact, we need to be studying up too."

He gestured to himself and his friends as he said this, and Ayano nodded. While she was keeping up fine in class, she did need to hit the books more as the exam was fast approaching.

"I understand," Ayano said. "We can pick back up after the exams if you want…though then we'll be starting the training camp soon for my class…"

"Well, if we don't get to train until after summer vacation, that's fine," Togata assured her. "We'll just hit it hard as soon as school starts back!"

Ayano nodded as she supposed that might be the only option they had. She then said goodbye to the upperclassmen as she needed to get ready to head home. The weekend started tomorrow and she needed to get everything she needed from school now to study as hard as possible over the next two days.

As she was heading for the changing room, her phone beeped in her pocket. She pulled it out seeing that Eijiro sent her message asking her if she'd join her and Katsuki for a study session tomorrow and Sunday. She was a bit surprised by the invite. Katsuki tended to study on his own, but he and Eijiro have become close. They had a friendship Katsuki didn't have with those underlings of his back in middle school, so it was nice to see him making connections. Though she never thought he'd want to study with her…

'…unless he doesn't know Kirishima is asking me to join them,' Ayano wondered.

She then shrugged supposing it didn't matter. She sent a reply back saying she'd like to join, and Eijiro immediately replied to tell her where to meet up and at what time. She told him she'd be there before putting away her phone.

'I wonder if Katsuki can help me with math,' Ayano said. 'All the other subjects I'm not worried about…though certain functions that Ectoplasm-sensei has gone over are a bit over my head…'

Ayano looked down at her phone as she turned down the street to the rendezvous spot where she's to meet Eijiro and Katsuki. She was running a bit early, but maybe she could go ahead and gave a booth for them at the café by the time they boys arrive. She looked up seeing she reached the café and that she wasn't the only one to arrive earlier. Eijiro was already waiting outside. When he spotted her, he grinned and raised his hand in a wave.

"Hey, Ishida," Eijiro said. "Running early too, huh?"

Ayano smiled with a nod of her head as she stopped in front of the redhead who was dressed casually for this warm summer day. Ayano had gone for casual and comfy herself as she wore a simple, pale green t-shirt that was tied at the bottom to stop mid-torso and high-waisted, frayed jean shorts. Over the outfit was a thin light gray cardigan that went slightly passed her shorts. And on her feet brown, laced up, ankle boots. She also had a small, brown backpack thrown over her shoulder that carried her books and wallet and a few other essentials.

"I got up earlier than I planned to." Ayano explained. "So, I just decided to head on here."

"Same," Eijiro said. "Guess I'm just excited to have Bakugo beat the lessons into my skull."

He said this jokingly as his grin widened, which drew a small laugh from Ayano.

"Eh, what the hell is going on here?" A familiar voice asked irritably from behind Ayano.

She turned to see Katsuki as he was looking between Eijiro and Ayano with a frown on his face. His eyes hardened as he looked to Eijiro, which confused Ayano as she thought they were really getting along.

"Oh, hey, man," Eijiro greeted either not noticing the look or pretending to ignore it. "Hope you don't mind, but I invited Ishida to join us. Figured it be more fun with the three of us."

Katsuki snorted as he stepped closer to stand next to the young psychic with his hands shoved deep inside his pockets.

"We're not here for fun, moron," Katsuki scoffed. "Now, you better get ready because I'm not going easy on you. You'll learn the material even if I have to beat it into your thick skull. The same goes for you, Aya!"

He shot her a look as he said this, and she sighed though still had a small smile on her face.

"I'll keep that in mind, Kacchan," Ayano told him. "Now shall we get started?"

"Yeah," Eijiro said as he opened the door for them. "After you."

"Thank-you," Ayano said with her smile growing.

She stepped inside not seeing the look Katsuki gave Eijiro behind her back. Despite the obvious drop-dead glare, he was receiving, Eijiro continued to grin, which irked Katsuki even more.

'What is his deal?' Katsuki thought heatedly as he stepped into the café after Ayano. '…and why the hell do I care?'

He didn't understand it, but tried to brush it off as Ayano chose a booth near the door to sit at. He was about to follow after her to sit beside her, but he was beat as Eijiro slid in next to her. He stiffened watching as Eijiro asked Ayano what subject they should study first. He nearly flinched when Ayano laughed at something else Eijiro said as they got out their books. As Katsuki watched them being all chummy, he felt his eye twitch in aggravation.

'Now he's sitting next to her…?' Katsuki mentally growled. 'Since when were they so damn close?'

His jaw clenched tightly as he slid into the seat opposite of them in the booth. A waitress came around to order their drinks, and once that was over, it was time to start studying.

"So, what subject do you want to start, Katsuki?" Ayano asked. "Kirishima-kun said you were being kind of enough to tutor, so where do you want to start?"

"Just open your damn math book, Aya." Katsuki said. "I know that's your worst subject."

Ayano pouted at him for a second as that was mean, but she couldn't argue. She could do any other subject with ease, but math liked to give her trouble.

"Hey, don't look so down," Eijiro said. "I'm bad at all the subjects, so you're definitely doing better than me. You're super smart though, so it's not surprising."

Ayano blinked at the compliment while feeling her cheeks heat up slightly. Something that didn't go unnoticed by Katsuki who felt his ire rise once more.

"You're smart too, Kirishima-kun," Ayano said. "I seem to remember you doing pretty well on the midterms."

"Eh, I don't know about that, but thanks." Eijiro said.

"How about we stop chatting and get to studying?!" Katsuki snapped at the both of them.

Both teens apologized while getting out their books. Katsuki did the same while glaring at Eijiro the entire time. Soon the three began their long study session.

"Well, that was fun," Eijiro said as the teens left the café. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Sounds like a plan." Ayano replied then looked to Katsuki. "Katsuki, want to walk home together?"

Katsuki didn't reply at first as he kept his eyes on Eijiro. Though he finally looked to Ayano.

"I'll meet you at the station," Katsuki said. "There's something I have to do first."

Ayano blinked curiously and when she took a slight peek inside his head, she saw he was running mathematical functions through his head. Meaning he was trying to keep something from her. Ayano inwardly frowned. Katsuki's never tried that before. Yeah, she helped him and Izuku both learn how to counteract her quirk if they ever needed or wanted to, but Katsuki never tried that as he's always left his thoughts open to her. And for some reason…Ayano felt a bit bothered that he wasn't doing that now. She shook her head though to get rid of her thoughts.

"Okay," Ayano said. "See you tomorrow, Kirishima-kun."

"Yeah, looking forward to it." Eijiro said with a grin and a wave.

Ayano nodded before she left the two behind. Katsuki watched her go and waited for her to be out of sight before he turned to Eijiro. He grabbed the teen by the front of his shirt and slammed him into the wall. Eijiro didn't even seem surprised or frightened as Katsuki glared at him.

"Just what the hell are you doing?" Katsuki demanded.

"What do you mean, man?" Eijiro asked, obviously playing dumb.

Katsuki growled at him in return as he knew that Eijiro knew just what the hell he was asking. Eijiro sighed as he dropped his grin.

"I'm just trying to help," Eijiro said with a shrug.

"Help?" Katsuki repeated disbelievingly. "Help what? How does you flirting with Ayano help anyone?!"

Eijiro grinned at Katsuki's reaction, which annoyed the ash-blonde to the point where he might literally explode.

"Just trying to help you see what might happen if you don't make your move." Eijiro said.

Katsuki's glare turned into a look of confusion as he let go of the front of Eijiro's shirt. Honestly, Eijiro hadn't been so sure about this plan. It was kind of underhanded and not very manly to be flirting with a girl your friend likes even if said friend doesn't really realize their feelings. But when Eijiro had been discussing how he wanted to help Katsuki and Ayano out with a few of their classmates, this was the plan they all had put together. They thought the best way for Katsuki to realize how he feels is through jealousy as he's sure to take action if they make him mad enough.

"My move?" Katsuki asked.

"Yeah, man," Eijiro said. "If you don't man up and take your chances with Ishida, someone else will come along and do it. I mean, Ishida is a pretty girl and smart and a good person. Anyone would be lucky to have her, but she likes you, so take the chance before that changes."

Katsuki's glare returned though for different reasons as he looked away as his hands clenched into fists.

'Aya likes me?' Katsuki thought. 'Yeah right. Besides, who the hell said I like her?'

Even with his thoughts, in the very back part of his mind, he knew…he knew things had changed between them. He felt warm when she was near. He almost felt at peace near her now. And the thought of her moving on ahead of him—leaving him behind—it made his gut churn. And then having to watch Eijiro flirt with her today and make her laugh, it pissed him off to no end. It made him madder than he's ever felt. Though despite coming to realize these things, Katsuki scoffed as he turned away.

"That's crazy talk, moron," Katsuki said. "Let someone take a chance with her. See if I care."

He then walked away leaving Eijiro there sighing with a shake of his head. Looks like he'd have to regroup with the others and they'd have to find a way to up the ante if they wanted Katsuki to get over his pride and admit his feelings.

'It's like having extra work on top of regular school work,' Eijiro thought.

But he was stubborn as were his classmates. They'd figure out something that'd work. Sooner or later. It was just a matter of time.

Soon the week before finals came and gone. Ayano and her classmates were put through three horrendous days of written exams, and while some found the exams to be simple enough, others struggled. But all managed to pull through to the end, which left one final hurdle. The practical exam.

"Now then, let's begin the last test," Aizawa said as he and several of the teachers stood before the students.

Which seemed odd to Ayano to have so many teachers present if they were only fighting robots. They even brought out the life/guidance teachers—Gaea and Hound Dog. Something was up.

"Remember, it's possible to fail this final," Aizawa warned them. "If you want to go to camp, don't make any stupid mistakes."

Again, with the threat that the ones who failed don't get to go to camp. It would make more sense that Aizawa would want the failures there for sure to make sure they get some extra training. Ayano kept this thinking to herself though.

"Uh, why are all the sensei here?" Kyoka asked as she was confused about their presence as much as Ayano.

"I expect many of you have gathered information and believe you have some idea of what you might be faced with today," Aizawa said.

When he said 'believe you have some idea', Ayano frowned. It looks as if things were going to be different this year. At least that's what she's understanding from all this.

"We're fighting those big ole' metal robots!" Denki said as Mina cheered for fireworks and s'mores.

Though their excitement was brought to a fault as a new voice entered the conversation.

"Actually, this year's," A voice began from Aizawa's scarf, which was moving around before Principal Nezu popped out. "Test will be different due to various reasons!"

"Principal Nezu!" Some of the teens exclaimed at the sight of the man—er mouse…

"You're changing things?" Momo asked sounding concerned.

Their dear principal nodded his head as he climbed completely out of Aizawa's scarf.

"The tests now have a new focus," He explained as he got down from Aizawa's shoulder using the man's very own support item and Thirteen's help. "There will be hero work, of course, but also teamwork and combat between actual people. So, what does that mean for you?"

Ayano frowned as she didn't like where this was going one bit. She didn't even need her telepathy to know what was going to come out of Nezu's mouth next.

"You students will be working together in pairs and your opponents will be one of our esteemed U.A. teachers, isn't that fabulous?" Nezu asked.

That news spooked some of them, and honestly, Ayano was a bit concerned herself. But she just had to remain calm. She's done tons of training since the Sports Festival and she was ready for this exam.

"Additionally, your partners and your opponents have already been chosen." Aizawa said. "They were determined on my digression based on various factors. Including fighting style, grades, and interpersonal relationships. First, Ishida and Todoroki are a team against me."

Ayano's frown deepened. She could already tell this test was designed to exploit their weaknesses. She and Shoto relied a lot on their quirks. Against Aizawa, who can erase their quirks as wanted, it will be tough trying to defeat him.

"Then we have Midoriya paired with Bakugo." Aizawa continued.

As the boys flinched in shock at the news, Ayano shook her head. It'd be a miracle if those two passed no matter who they were up against. Katsuki's pride and drive to prove he's better than Izuku could possible be their downfall. And then Izuku isn't going to fully put his foot down to Katsuki. Even if he isn't afraid of Katsuki like he used to be. Then again, the two have pulled off miracles before.

"And their opponent is," Aizawa began only to be cut off as All Might made his grand entrance.

"I am here—to fight," All Might said as he stood before the boys with his fist raised. "You're going to have to work together boys, if you want to win."

'Never mind, they're doomed,' Ayano thought as she looked off to the side.

They really weren't pulling any punches with this final exam. This was a drastic change from fighting robots, and Ayano could only guess this was brought upon them due to the USJ attack and then the battle with Stain. The world was changing, and it would seem as if the teachers were trying to prepare them for that.

"Now, let's announce the teams and the teachers they'll be fighting in order," Nezu said.

Aizawa pulled out a list and started running off the names of teams and their opponents. These battles went as followed:

Eijiro and Rikido vs. Cementoss

Fumikage and Tsuyu vs. Ectoplasm

Tenya and Ojiro vs. Power Loader

Ayano and Shoto vs. Aizawa

Yuga and Ochaco vs. Thirteen

Ayumi and Momo vs. Hound Dog

Mina and Hachiro vs. Nezu

Koji and Kyoka vs. Present Mic

Toru and Mezo vs. Snipe

Konan and Denki vs. Gaea

Hanta and Minoru vs. Midnight

Izuku and Katsuki vs. All Might

"To complete the exam, you'll have thirty minutes," Nezu explained then held up a pair of handcuffs. "In order to win, your objective is to put these handcuffs on your sensei, or you can win if one of you manages to escape from the combat stage."

The instructions sounded simple enough. Though actually completely said feats were a different story entirely.

"So, we've either gotta capture the sensei or run away," Denki summarized. "It's basically the combat training."

Though that was student vs. student not teacher vs. student. But even so, this was familiar ground to them in some way.

"Yeah, but is it really okay to just jet?" Mina asked.

"Yep," Nezu said as he gave a thumbs up.

Despite knowing that, some of the students didn't seem so sure about the whole running away thing. Ayano was sure most of her classmates would try to go in for the capture. But playing things smart was better than just rushing in hoping they could subdue one of their sensei.

"It's going to be much different than that combat training ya'll went through earlier." Present Mic warned them as he crossed his arms around himself. "After all, you're up against people waaaay better than you."

"Better, really?" Kyoka questioned. "Wait, aren't you just the announcer?"

Her words seemed to rub Present Mic the wrong way as he gasped looking at the girl in shock.

"Watch your mouth, girl!" He snapped causing Koji to flinch and Kyoka frown. "Have some respect!"

Kyoka just blinked in return as Ayumi was chuckling off to the side at his reaction. As usual the speedster, didn't seem worried in the slightest.

"This time your exam will be very similar to a real battle," Thirteen said. "As strange as it is, please think of us as villains."

"Assuming you come across your enemy, if you think you can win against them then fight," Snipe told them. "However…"

"In insistences where you're outmatched, it would be smarter to run away and find help." Aizawa finished. "Todoroki, Jinsoku, Iida, Midoriya, I'm sure the four of you understand."

The four from the Hosu Incident frowned as they remembered their fight. Ayui will admit it didn't go well. She could have very well put so many in danger from her mess up. Perhaps if she had listened better to Endeavor, or if she had run away to find help things would have been different. But that can't be changed now. All she can do is move forward and pass this test. She wouldn't fail now.

"So, we fight to win or run to win," Izuku said.

"That's right!" All Might said as he spread out his arms. "It's a test of your decision making skills, but with these rules you're probably thinking your only real choice is to flee. That's why the support course made these super cool, clever accessories for us!"

All Might held out a metal band that seemed to have weights attached to it for all the students to see.

"Behold: Ultra Compressed Weights!" Present Mic announced.

"These babies will add about half our body weights to our physiques." All Might explained as he and the other teachers were putting the weights on. "It's not much, but it will eat up our stamina and make it harder or us to move around."

He then finished fastening the last weight and was surprised about how much force he felt trying to pull on his arm.

"Oh, shoot, these are heavier than I thought." All Might said.

"Ah, you going to be okay there, All Might-sensei?" Ayano asked patting his shoulder. "We get it that you're trying to give us a handicap, but don't hurt yourself."

All Might almost blushed in embarrassment as some of the teachers were chuckling.

"Ah, um, yes." All Might said then cleared his throat as he stood. "We actually had a contest to design these items, and Young Hatsume was the winner."

Ayano's eyes widened a bit in surprise when she heard this, but she soon smiled as she should have expected as much. Mei was a very talented genius when it came to making gizmos and gadgets and other support items.

"Wow, good for Hatsume!" Izuku said.

Ayano nodded in agreement, but the subject was soon changed as Katsuki gave a scoff.

"You think we need a handicap to win against you?" Katsuki asked. "Well, think again."

All Might gave a laugh with his grin still in place, but it had a slight edge to it as he looked to the cocky Katsuki.

"This will be fun," All Might said.

Ayano wasn't so sure about that, but she was up to the challenge. She had Shoto as her partner and the two have proven to work well together before. Even if the first time they fought side-by-side had had a rough start.

"Let's begin," Aizawa said. "The teams will take the practical exam in the order you were called. We have a stage prepared for you. Sato, Kirishima, you're up."

"Yes, sir!" The two replied.

"Those of you waiting your turn to fight can either watch the exams or try to strategize together as a team." Aizawa told the rest. "It's your choice. That's all."

Aizawa then left with the rest of the teachers as the students started to separate into their teams. Many chose to strategize together as it was best to come up with a plan. Though before Ayano joined Shoto, she looked to Izuku and Katsuki.

"You two, do your best." She told them. "If you fail, I won't let you forget it, ever. So, what I'm saying is I hope you realize what you need to do to pass."

She gave them both a meaningful look with Izuku nodding as Katsuki just glared. Ayano said no more as she went over to her teammate.

"Shall we come up with a plan?" Ayano asked him.

"Yeah," Shoto said with a nod.

Ayano nodded in return as the two headed into the building. Aizawa said they all had a stage prepared for them. She wondered if they'd get to know what kind of stage it was before they went in. Probably not, but she supposed that didn't matter. They'd just have to do their best and work together to pass. Ayano was ready. Ready to take everything she's learned and put it into action.