Coco: Hey, everyone, here I'm back with another chapter! I actually finished this one sooner then expected. Maybe because I didn't change as much as I previously thought I would when I first started the chapter. The end is pretty different, but besides that not too much changed. But I hope you like it either way.
After this, we'll be getting into the Provisional Licensing Exam! I want to show off some Ultimate Moves in the next chapter since they were so hyped in canon that you need them...but still really haven't worked on any...I kind of showed the beginning stages of Ayano trying to figure out an ultimate move for herself, but that's about it. I'm been super lazy about working out those moves for Ayano and the other OCs...but hopefully inspiration will hit me and I'll come up with something...hopefully...
"This is the bottom floor of the mall," Eijiro said after he finished using his quirk to get through the fire shutters. "Level B-6."
And it was looking to be in pretty bad shape. Not that the three boys were surprised.
"Oh, dude, what a mess." Denki said. "How are we supposed to find someone with all this crap on the ground?"
"Find the area that looks like it hasn't taken damage." Katsuki said.
His two companions looked at him in confusion though did glance around the area.
"I don't know why that matters, but that spot over there looks pretty clear," Eijiro said. "The walls are still intact at least."
Katsuki didn't have to be told anymore as he started making his way in that direction.
"Then let's go." Katsuki ordered.
"Okay," Eijiro said with a shrug.
Though he paused when he could have sworn, he saw movement in his peripheral vision. He turned his head seeing what looked like white butterflies fluttering around the place. Butterflies that appeared to be made out of paper.
'Ko-Toshi is already down here,' He realized.
"Huh, how come?" Denki asked Katsuki while also snapping Eijiro out of his thoughts. "Why there?"
"You moron," Katsuki scoffed. "Anyone with a brain would guess that the most fortified place is where the emergency power supply should be located. We have to get that power back up for all those losers, remember?"
Denki blinked though he did nod as he followed after Katsuki. Eijiro remained in place for a moment longer as he looked back to the paper butterflies that were flying around the place. Though he soon moved on as Katsuki found the door to the room where the emergency power supply was located. The ash-blonde kicked the door down with relative ease and took in the room's condition.
"There we go." He said as he stepped in. "Still managed to get pretty banged up. Okay, idiot, time to make yourself useful."
He said this as he opened up some of the panels to pull the wires out for Denki to use his quirk on.
"Right!" Denki said with a grin.
He didn't move fast enough for Katsuki though as the boy with the explosion quirk gave him a glare.
"Quit dragging your feet or I'll freaking murder you!" Katsuki growled.
Denki paled though nodded his head once more as he went to help Katsuki set up the batteries and wires they'd need for Denki to jump start the generators. Katsuki was grumbling the whole time about idiot sparkplugs, which had Denki moping as he was hooking wires to the batteries.
"Calm down, Bakugo," Eijiro said as he helped as well. "I know you're worried about Ishida since her group is with Dark Shadow, but I'm sure they're fine. Tokoyami won't do anything reckless. It's not his style."
Katsuki just scoffed in reply as they finally finished setting up everything. Denki stood in front of the batteries while taking the ends of the wires into his hands.
"This will be a piece of cake," Denki said with a grin as he started to spark. "Stand back, you guys. Take this! All Out Shock: 2 Million Volts!"
Though before he could give those batteries a nice good shock, Katsuki hit him away from them.
"The battery is going to break if you put in that much power!" He shouted.
Eijiro then had to hold Katsuki back as Denki gingerly crawled back over to the wires and batteries.
"Cool, yeah, let me try again." Denki said as he picked up the wires.
Katsuki just growled some more as Eijiro finally released his friend who seemed calmer now. Denki then started charging the batteries with his rapid charging. Though he was being careful in just how much electricity he was giving the batteries.
Ayano worked carefully as she moved the debris to clear a path. As she cleared enough space to get people through, Shoto would use his ice to reinforce the area as much as he could. The two have been working hard on clearing a path for their classmates and the citizen to get through. Made Fumikage, who couldn't use his quirk at the moment, feel like he wasn't doing anything at all to help. He felt almost useless.
"I wish we had some light," He mumbled to himself.
He wanted to help. He didn't want to sit back as everyone else did their best to survive this training exercise. He let out a sigh as Ayano was very, very cautiously moving a large pillar that had fallen from the floor above. Before Shoto could do his part with the ice, the floor started to crack and give way. Both Ayano and Shoto gasped as they felt themselves begin to fall.
"Todoroki, Ishida!" Fumikage called out.
In his panic, Dark Shadow sprang from his body with a thunderous roar and grew to a monstrous size. It wrapped around Fumikage, which had the boy struggling in its grasp. Ayano and Shoto looked up at Dark Shadow with wide eyes knowing things just got a whole lot worse for them. Dark Shadow took a swing at them, but both teens managed to dodge.
"Calm yourself, Dark Shadow!" Fumikage tried to bring his quirk to its senses.
Dark Shadow didn't listen as it roared loudly once more. It continued to swing around at random, which caused more debris to fall and more of the building's structure to collapse. One of Dark Shadow's limbs came right at Shoto and managed to slam the boy into the wall, which had Ayano gasping in worry.
"Todoroki!" Fumikage called. "Quiet down, Dark Shadow! You have to control yourself!"
His quirk continued to run amuck despite Fumikage's best attempts to reign the shadow monster back in. Ayano looked up at Dark Shadow and Fumikage as she wondered what she could do to help her friend. She didn't want to attack. She could risk really hurting Fumikage if she did.
"Ishida, run away!" Fumikage tried to beg her. "Get away from here!"
"I'm not leaving any of you behind!" Ayano called back. "That's not what friends do!"
Dark Shadow turned towards her as she shouted, and she paled as the large shadow took swing at her. She managed to jump out of the way. However, due to that swing some rubble was dislodge over her, and came crashing down. Ayano didn't have time to defend herself properly and while she managed to use her telekinesis to push away from of the debris, one large chunk of concrete hit her on the back of the head. She fell forward holding her throbbing head as she felt some blood run between her fingers.
'There has to be something I can do,' she thought. 'If things keep up like this, Dark Shadow might bring the entire thing down on us.'
Though it seemed as if help decided to finally arrive as the lights kicked back on. As soon as their brightness hit Dark Shadow, the shadow avian shrunk back down in an instant, which released Fumikage from its hold as well. Fumikage hit the ground, but soon recovered as he sat up to give his quirk a look. Said quirk looked truly apologetic as it whined. Ayano let out a sigh of relief. That was another crisis averted.
"Oh yeah, emergency power back online!" Eijiro cheered.
"Now, we just have to find that stupid dummy." Katsuki said.
He was ready to get this troublemaking citizen out of here. This was way too much work for one citizen who was too dumb to get themselves out in time.
"Yeah, but what about all that rumbling earlier?" Eijiro asked.
"Ignore it!" Katsuki ordered. "If anything is wrong, those losers can tell us through the link Aya set up. And since none of them are crying for help like a bunch of wimps, I'd say they're just fine."
Or so he hoped. Ayano could have been hurt and the connection lost, but Katsuki was certain he still felt the connection buzzing in the back of his head. This meant she was fine enough to keep them linked, and that was enough for him to know. At least for now.
'She's fine,' He told himself.
He and Eijiro then looked up as a few paper butterflies fluttered into the room. One flew over to Eijiro to land on his shoulder. He looked at it curiously while reaching out to gently poke it, but jerked back when it spoke.
"I located the trapped civilian." Konan's voice came through the butterfly as the other two butterflies that flew in with it rested on Katsuki and Denki.
Katsuki glared at the paper insect on his shoulder as Denki just giggled at the one crawling on top of his head.
"I won't be able to move him on my own," Konan told the boys. "He's trapped underneath quite a bit of debris."
"Just lead the way, Origami," Katsuki said irritably. "We'll get that stupid citizen out."
Konan's reply was to send the paper butterflies out of the room with the boys following after them.
"This is going pretty well," Eijiro said. "With the others doing their parts, we'll be able to head right out once we get to the citizen."
Katsuki didn't comment as he glared forward. He doubted things could be that simple. Especially with all that shaking that happened earlier, but they'd worry about that when it actually became a problem.
"Are you sure you're okay to keep doing this, Ishida?" Fumikage asked as Ayano was still helping moving debris.
Her head was currently wrapped up with pieces of the cloak Fumikage wears. He had been quick to rip some of it into strips to use as bandages for her head wound. The wound was still throbbing, but thanks to the makeshift bandages, the bleeding had stopped.
"I'll be okay," Ayano said. "I can't let a little injury like this slow me down. Not when our classmates are counting on us and a citizen is in need of rescuing."
She then flinched as she heard Izuku's voice start up in her head through the link she was struggling to maintain.
'Ayano, we're at the elevator and things are clear all the way up to the surface.' Izuku reported. 'The girls are taking Iida out to Recovery Girl and then Yaoyorozu will make the ladder to send down to us. In case this isn't part of the exercise, they'll tell the teachers everything that's happened.'
Though it was highly possible that this is training, and Aizawa wasn't going to give help. That was fine though. Despite the many close calls, they've had, Ayano still felt like they could pull things off.
'And let me guess, you wish to stay down here with the rest of us,' Ayano said to Izuku. 'Don't think I missed how you said 'the girls are taking Iida', Izuku.'
'Um…well…I wanted to stay and help…' Izuku admitted sheepishly.
Ayano expected no less from Izuku, and she knew arguing with him is pointless.
'Fine, just follow the path we've made,' Ayano told him. 'We've been marking it as we go to make it easier to find our way back out when the time comes for it. We're almost to the bottom where Katsuki and his group are waiting.'
'Right!' Izuku replied.
His voice then faded away, which relieved the pressure that had built up in Ayano's mind during the conversation.
"That seemed to be painful for you," Shoto commented.
Ayano looked to him and Fumikage as they were both giving her concerned looks.
"I'm fine," Ayano said. "It's a little straining to use my telepathy with a head injury that's true, but I can manage. Let's just keep moving. We're so close to the bottom."
Both boys didn't seem thoroughly convinced, but they followed her as she led the way down the stairs they had cleared. They made it to the Level B-5 meaning they had one more level before finally reaching Katsuki and the others. They walked through a few halls while not having too much debris to move around so far.
'Hey, we've located the training dummy!' Eijiro called out through the link. 'It went by pretty fast with Ko-Toshi's help.'
Ayano pressed her fingers against her temple as she ignored the pain shooting through her head.
'But it's trapped underneath a lot of unstable debris.' Denki said sounding bothered.
'Moving it at all will surely cause it collapse.' Konan added.
'Which is why we're going to explode it all to hell.' Katsuki said. 'We'll grab the stupid citizen before it crushes us then head up. You better have that path out of here ready for us.'
Ayano felt her eye twitch at Katsuki's plan, but supposed there was really nothing better they could do. Better to rip it off like a bandaid than take it slow. Especially since they had no idea how much longer this building was going to remain standing.
'We're almost to you,' Ayano told them. 'We're just one level above your location. Won't take us long.'
'Sounds good,' Eijiro said. 'We'll get started on saving the citizen then.'
It was agreed on by the others, and after the conversation ended, Ayano and her group continued while coming to their first wall of debris since entering Level B-5.
"Let's make quick work of this," Ayano said. "The others are waiting."
"Right," Shoto and Fumikage said.
Ayano and Fumikage worked on moving the debris as Shoto used his ice to reinforce the area they cleared. The place started shaking as they worked, but Ayano continued working. There was no time to pause or hesitate. A large tremor went through the building next, and it was a bit of cause for worry considering the state of the building.
"I know he said he was going to use his explosions, but that seemed a bit much." Shoto said. "He knows how unstable the building's structure is right now."
"I'm sure there was a reason," Ayano defended Katsuki. "I know he's a hothead and he tends to take some unnecessary risks at times, but he isn't stupid. Something must have happened to force him to use such a powerful explosion. All the more reason for us to hurry."
Shoto nodded his head as he used more of his ice to keep the opening made by her and Fumikage open.
"Look!" Fumikage called.
Both Ayano and Shoto turned their heads, and Ayano's eyes widened when seeing the water starting to burst through the cracks in the wall. Things just became a lot worse.
'Ishida, Ishida!' Denki's panickily called. 'Are you guys almost here?! The entire bottom level is starting to flood! If we don't get out of here soon, we'll drown!'
Ayano bit her lip knowing that making a path down into the bottom level wasn't an option anymore. They didn't have the time to just go through the many halls to try and make it to the stairs in time. Especially if they have to worry about moving debris out of the way. She looked through the opening they just made to see it took them to the center of Level B-5. The boys and Konan were below them probably in the heart of B-6. Or so she hoped.
'Water is filling up so fast!' Denki cried. 'And Ko-Toshi isn't looking too good. All the water is soaking into her body and dragging her down!'
Ayano took a deep breath then pushed forward into the center of B-5 with Shoto and Fumikage following her.
'We'll be there soon, I promise!' Ayano replied. 'Can you give me your location? At least roughly?'
'We're in the center of the level,' Katsuki replied back calmly.
Ayano felt some relief wash over her as that was good. That meant they really were just above Katsuki's group, and the only thing that separated them was one floor.
"We need to break through here," Ayano said. "I don't know if I can do that on my own though."
Shoto turned to Fumikage as she said this as he had an idea that should get through rather quickly.
"Tokoyami, you have to break the floor with Dark Shadow." Shoto told their classmate.
"But I won't be able to control him if there's no light," Fumikage worried.
Shoto held up his hand, which was covered in a small flame. He knew he said it was best not to use his fire unless necessary, but this definitely seemed like a necessary moment.
"Then let me hold him back for you," Shoto said.
"Right then," Fumikage said then released Dark Shadow. "Dark Shadow!"
Dark Shadow let out a roar then flung himself into the floor, which began to crack away from the hit. In fact, that one hit made the floor give way entirely, and opened them up to the bottom level. Ayano looked down and was relieved to see her classmates were okay. Eijiro was carrying the dummy citizen over his back and Denki holding up Konan on his own back as best he could. Katsuki seemed fine even if annoyed. And despite looking a bit weakened and cut up, Konan appeared fine as well.
"Sorry for not giving you a warning before hand, everyone!" Ayano called down to them. "But let's get out of here, huh?"
Denki looked like he might cry in relief at the sight of his three classmates as he was so ready to get out of this stupid mall. Ayano used her telekinesis to lift the group out of the water and onto the second floor. Denki set Konan down and Shoto crouched down next to her to use his fire to help her dry out some. They didn't need her paper breaking up due to the water build up in her body.
"Are any of your injuries too serious?" Shoto asked.
"No," Konan said with a shake of her head. "Nothing too bad. The water I absorbed into my paper body is more of a nuisance than my scrapes and bruises."
Shoto nodded as he was careful not to get his flames too close to Konan who was trying to ring out her hair.
"Man, that was close," Denki whined as he laid himself out on the ground.
"I'll say," Eijiro agreed. "Thanks, you guys. You saved us."
"Happy to assist." Fumikage said.
Katsuki just rolled his eyes before looking to Ayano when noticing the wrappings around her head. He walked over to her while placing his hand against her wounded head. It caused her to wince, but she didn't pull away.
"What the hell happened to you?" He demanded.
Fumikage looked down guiltily at Katsuki's question. Not that the blonde saw it as Fumikage was behind him.
"It was just a small accident." Ayano said. "When we were moving debris some of the rubble gave way, and some hit me on the head. That's all."
She didn't want Katsuki blaming Fumikage or turning any kind of anger on the boy, so she'd keep the exact details quiet. Katsuki narrowed his eyes. He was obviously skeptical of her words, but instead of calling her out on it, he just snorted.
"You need to be more careful, you idiot." Katsuki said.
Ayano just shrugged not too worried about it. All that mattered now was that they get out of here before things get any worse.
"Let's just get out of here." Ayano said. "We don't have time to be sitting around."
"She's right," Shoto said as he looked up from his task of drying Konan. "The water in here is going to continue to rise. I'll freeze it to the best of my ability. In the meantime, the rest of you can escape."
Some of the others exchanged a glance at Shoto's plan. Eijiro looked particularly worried about it as did Konan.
"By yourself?" Eijiro asked. "I'll stay with you."
"I appreciate the offer, but your quirks aren't right for this." Shoto pointed out as he stood up. "I don't want you to get caught up in the ice. If you don't want to be a burden then go. Leave this to me."
Ayano frowned because Shoto had to realize he was just going to succeed in getting himself trapped down here. Even if he was trying to do this for them, it was a stupid decision to make.
"There's no reason for any of us to stay behind." Ayano said. "Using my telekinesis, I can fly us out of here. I should be able to move us fast enough to keep ahead of the water. Using the path, Todoroki-kun, Tokoyami-kun, and I made earlier we'll be able to get through without too much trouble. If we need extra speed, I'll trust you to supply, Katsuki."
Ayano looked to Katsuki as she said this. With his explosions, they could boost their speed as needed. Like how Katsuki does it for himself.
"Yeah, whatever," Katsuki said.
"Okay, then let's get going, everyone," Ayano said. "Our classmates are probably worriedly waiting for us to make it to the surface and this citizen needs medical assistance. We'll also need to collect Izuku along the way."
"Or we could just leave that damn nerd." Katsuki suggested.
Of course, his suggestion got him a hit over the head by Ayano. And action that had some of the others laughing in amusement.
Aizawa stood back with Recovery Girl as those of his students who made it out were waiting nervously for the others to return. It has been sometime since they returned without everyone else. He was actually starting to get a bit worried.
'They couldn't really be stuck down there, could they?' He wondered.
He thought he might have to actually have to use his backup plan if things turned south. However, his worries were soon sent to rest as the other eight students of Team A made their way out of the damaged mall and onto the streets.
"There they are!" Ochaco cheered happily.
"Thank goodness," Momo said with a sigh of relief.
Tenya, who had regained consciousness, smiled while glad to see his classmates were okay. Denki and Eijiro smiled at their classmates as well. Ochaco hurried over with Tsuyu to the group of eight to help Denki lower Konan gently to the ground.
"We were getting worried about you," Momo said as Ayano walked over to where she and Tenya were.
"Sorry about that," Ayano said. "We ran into a few more problems along the way, but everyone—including the citizen—is out safe and sound. Though Kurafutoshi-chan has obtained a few minor injuries."
"Looks, like she isn't the only one." Tenya said.
Ayano absently reached up to touch her bandaged head. She almost forgot all about it as the pain had become a dull numbing sensation some time ago, which probably wasn't a good thing.
"Yes, you'll need some treatment, dear," Recovery Girl said as she popped up.
Ayano jumped as she had no idea when the elderly woman had made her way over. Ayano then turned to look down at Recovery Girl.
"I would appreciate it, Recovery Girl-san," Ayano said. "But, please, will you see to Kurafutoshi-chan first?"
"Hmm, I suppose," Recovery Girl said. "Though you should at least sit down and rest until I come back to take care of you."
Ayano nodded then carefully sat down next to Momo and Tenya. Recovery Girl went over to take care of Konan as the young girl was conversing with Eijiro who was still holding the dummy citizen. Katsuki, who had made his way over to Ayano, plopped down next to her.
"This whole experience was so damn annoying," He complained. "Stupid trapped citizen not getting out in time. If that thing was a real person, I'd kick their ass for making us work so damn hard."
Tenya and Momo sweat-dropped at Katsuki's words as the blonde glared forward.
"It wasn't that bad, Katsuki." Ayano said.
"The hell it wasn't," Katsuki retorted.
As the two started their usual bickering, some of the others laughed as the stress from trying to survive from earlier from long forgotten. Aizawa stood back watching his laughing students, which soon brought a small smile to his face.
'I will build many walls in front of you in order prepare you for the provisional licensing exam,' Aizawa thought. 'Break them down. Overcome them. Go beyond—Plus Ultra.'
Coco: And that is the end of this chapter with a bit of a Dadzawa moment as he was so proud of his kids X3 Hope you guys liked it and I will see you again...ya know sometime (since I don't have a set update day) with the next chapter! Later~