I walked back over to everyone as they announced the winner. Bakugo. I smirked. He should be happy about that.

"And now, all of the events have been completed! The winner of this year's first year UA sports festival is, from 1-A, Katsuki Bakugo!"

"What did your brother want?"

I turned to Shouji and shrugged. "Just wanted to see how everything was going. He knows I get bored if I'm not doing anything." I jerked my head towards the arena. "Bakugo will be happy."

"I doubt that."

I frowned at Midoriya. "Why? He's the one who said he'd win anyway."

"Todoroki didn't use his full strength."

I bit the inside of my cheek. "Ahhh. Right. Yea, that'll do it."

We all headed down into the arena once the mess from Todoroki vs Bakugo was all cleared away.

"All of the first-year events for this years UA sports festival have been completed. And now, we will begin the award ceremony!"

There was smoke and confetti everywhere, but I could barely see anything. Shouji lifted me up onto his shoulder, next to Mineta.

I eyed him. "Not a word."

He went to say something, then his eyes went wide and he pointed. The winners podium came out of the ground. Tokoyami in the third spot, Todoroki in the second. Bakugo was in the first spot, but he wasn't exactly standing.

"Oh hell. I hope nobody has to go near him..."

They had, had to restrain him, including his mouth. I smirked then quickly put my hand over my mouth, trying not to laugh. The way he was struggling was getting to me. I caught Mineta staring at me like I was crazy, which made me scoff and nearly get hysterical.

"In addition to Tokoyami, there is also Iida in third place-"

I glanced around and frowned. Where was he?

"-but he left early for family reasons. Thank-you for your understanding!"

I looked at Mineta and raised an eyebrow. He just shrugged. I tapped Shouji.

"I don't know either."

I put my hand on my chin. It must be serious if he isn't here...I gasped and widened my eyes.

We found him. The Hero Killer. We found Stain.

Did it have anything to do with that? I hope not for Iida's sake...

"Now, we will award the medals! The presentation of the medals will, of course, be by this man..."

I looked up, nudging Mineta and Shouji. "He likes to make an entrance, doesn't he?"

All Might leapt from the top of the stadium, landing in front of the winners podium.

Shouji and Mineta both just nodded.

"Tsk. He's lucky he didn't make a hole." I held a finger up to Mineta just as he opened his mouth. "Don't you even dare..."

"Now then, All Might, please present the medals, starting with third place."

He took and went over to Tokoyami. I could barely hear what he said over the crowd, but I saw him hug Tokoyami. All Might seems to be overly affectionate...

He then went over to Todoroki, speaking to him as well. I shifted slightly. It sounded something like...why he didn't use his left side? I sighed.

Finally, he approached Bakugo. I couldn't help grinning. This shall be interesting.

"Now then, young Bakugo! Uh...This is too much."

I looked straight at Bakugo. "I think it's perfect. Especially that mouth guard."

Bakugo looked up and glared at me. Worth it. Totally worth it.

If All Might heard me, he chose to ignore it and took off Bakugo's mouth guard.

"Good job doing what you said you would during the players pledge!"

I nodded to myself. Well, that's fair. He's not wrong.

"All Might...First place like this...Is not worth anything!" Bakugo was not just angry...He had gone full rage mode. "Even if the world recognizes it, if I don't recognize it myself, then it's trash!"

I closed my eyes slowly. You're being to hard on yourself, as well as everyone else, dude.

I felt someone poke me. "Don't fall asleep."

I opened my eyes and glared at Mineta. "You're lucky you only touched my shoulder."

He closed his eyes, speaking seriously. "You're fast becoming someone I see as A-sexual."

I blinked. "That's...Actually surprisingly mature of you, Mineta."

He opened his eyes again and grinned. "I said 'fast becoming'. I still have a chance to steal you from Toko-"

I smacked him in the back of the head, causing him to go limp over Shouji's other shoulder. "Sorry. He pissed me off."

"He deserved that." Shouji replied, nodding.

"In this world where people are constantly being compared publicly, there are not many who can keep aiming for the top of an unchanging scale." All Might held out Bakugo's medal. "Take this medal, ok? Think of it as a wound, so you never forget!"

Sweat appeared on my head. Seems like Present Mic isn't the only one who needs to work on thinking before speaking...

"I said I didn't want it!"

"Now, now."

"I told you, I don't want it!"

I held a hand over my mouth and an arm around Shouji's head to keep from falling, as I silently laughed at All Might struggling to try and put the medal on Bakugo. Tears rolled down my face as he managed to hook it in Bakugo's mouth.

"Holy crap! I can't barely breathe." I said quietly.

"Well, they were the winners this time! But listen here! Anyone here could have ended up on these podiums. It's just as you saw. Competing! Improving each other! And climbing even further! The next generation of heroes is definitely sprouting! So, I have just one thing left to say! Everyone, please say it with me! Ready, go!"

I shook my head as he said. "Thanks for your hard work!" Everyone else shouted. "Plus Ultra!" And then started yelling at him that that's what it should been.

I sighed. How did I end up here again? With this bunch of idiots.

"Well, I thought everyone worked hard..."

I chuckled and looked around at everyone. I guess they aren't all that bad.

"Good work."

We were all back in the classroom now. Finally, in my opinion.

"So there will be no school tomorrow or the day after. I'm sure the pro heroes who watched the sports festival will want to recruit you, but we'll consider everything and announce it when you get back. So rest well, and look forward to that."

"Yes, sir!"

I sighed. I just wanted to sleep. We all got up and went to leave.

"Kitia."

I looked over at Aizawa. "Yes?"

"Can I speak to you for a moment?"

Almost everyone had left already. I stepped up to his desk. "Have I done something wrong?"

"Not this time..."

I sweat-dropped at the way he said that.

"When I was in the hospital...I heard what you said."

I shifted my feet and looked down. "I'm sorry if I seemed rude, but-"

"I'll forgive you."

I looked up sharply. "Huh?"

"I remember. I remember years ago, seeing a twelve year old girl in an alleyway. It was dark and I nearly missed it, but I heard her yell out. The five thugs that had her pinned against the wall, making threats..."

I shifted again.

"I heard them demand that she use her quirk on them. I saw the defiance in her eyes and heard the way she mouthed off to them, despite being utterly outmatched and terrified. The way the girl got back up after being dropped to the ground, after she kicked one of the thugs. Between the legs, I believe..."

I smirked."Prick deserved it..."

"After I thought they were all unconscious, I remember the girl come up to me. I remember the way her eyes went wide as she spun around. I remember how she jumped in front of me, taking that bullet..."

I lifted my shirt, revealing the scar the bullet left behind, a few inches to the left of my belly button. "I never regretted doing that. Ever."

"I didn't realize until USJ. When you jumped in front of me and created that shield under my face. That's when I saw that little girl again. I saw the strength and determination that I saw back then, in that twelve year old. Principal Nezu is right. You have potential. Now, you know what you need to do."

I frowned. "What?"

"Train hard and hone your quirks. All of them. You did well without even trying at the sports festival. Imagine what you could do if you really tried. You could become something more than you think."

I stood up straighter and smiled. "Yes sir! But you know, you could have said all this before the festival..."

"I wanted to see what you would do. You held back. Next time, don't."

I smiled again and bowed. "Yes sir."

We both turned towards the door, then stopped, sweat-dropping.

"How long were you lot there for?"

All of 1-A, minus Iida, stepped out from behind the door. Ashido had tears running down her face. "We didn't know you saved Aizawa!"

"Twice!"

I scratched my neck. "There's a reason you weren't told..."

"You were holding back at the festival?!"

"And there it is..."

"She could have beaten everyone, if she had have tried."

I glared at Aizawa. "You're not helping the situation."

"You need motivation to try harder."

I sighed. "Yea. Can't say you're wrong."

The next few days I did what Aizawa said I should, and worked on my quirks. I got up early and went to bed late. I barely saw anyone, but Bakugo was constantly texting me, telling me off for holding back. Pretty sure he's just as mad at me as he is at Todoroki...

I walked to school in the rain. It didn't bother me. Not really. Besides, I was using my shield like an umbrella.

I looked up at spotted Iida and Midoriya. I shook my head and smiled. Iida being Iida thinking he was late, so running. In gumboots and a poncho. Nice, but green doesn't suit you, mate.

I followed them inside, without them even realizing I was there. That was highly amusing. We got inside and I walked past them, not needing anything from locker.

I heard Midoriya and Iida talking about Iida's brother, but I kept going to class. Iida wouldn't want anyone else prying.

"...So many people talked to me on the way here!"

I sat down at my desk. "Everyone talks to you anyway, Dodo."

"Yea, but it had to do with the sports festival!"

"Yea, me too!"

"People were staring at me too. It was kind of embarrassing!"

"Isn't that normal for you, Tooru?"

"I had some elementary school kids suddenly tell me 'Don't worry about it'."

"Don't worry about it." Tsu replied. I laughed.

"After just one day, we've suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, huh?"

"Not to mention USJ." I muttered.

"UA really is amazing, huh?"

The door opened and Mr Aizawa came in. "Morning."

I smiled. No more bandages. Good.

"Ribbit? Mr Aizawa, your bandages are gone. I'm glad."

Same.

"The old lady went overboard with her treatment. More importantly, we're having a special hero informatics class today."

I felt everyone tense up. I closed my eyes, waiting for it.

"You'll be coming up with hero names."

Everyone jumped up and shouted. "We're gonna do something exciting!"

I opened my eyes, but I didn't relax. This was going to be annoying. Aizawa flashed his eyes at everyone and they all sat down again. I grinned. That was great.

"This is related to the pro hero draft picks I mentioned the other day. The drafts begin in earnest in the second and third years, after students have gained experience and can become immediate assets to the pros-"

I feel a 'but' coming on...

"In other words, for them to extend offers to first years like you shows they are interested in your future potential. These offers are often cancelled if that interest dies down by graduation."

Mineta thumped his fist on his desk. "Adults are so selfish."

"So we'll have to prove ourselves once we get picked, huh?"

"That's right. And here are the totals for those with offers."

Aizawa pressed a button and a list appeared on the board:

Todoroki: 4123

Bakugo: 3556

Tokoyami: 360

Iida: 301

Kaminari: 272

Momo: 108

Kirishima: 68

Uraraka: 20

Sero: 14

I nodded. Figures it'd be that lot. I looked again and my jaw dropped.

Kitia: 7

How the hell did I end up with any at all?!

"In other years, it's been more spread out, but all eyes were on these two this year." Mr Aizawa said, indicating Todoroki and Bakugo.

I shook my head. Nope. Not happening. Who the hell in their right mind would ask for me?

"Gah, there's such a big difference!"

"Those pros don't know a good thing when they see one!"

"Todoroki's first and Bakugo's second..."

"It's the opposite of their placement in the sports festival."

"Some people are too scared to ask for a guy who had to be restrained on the podium."

I grinned, remembering how Bakugo had been chained to a pole with a mouth guard. It still made me laugh.

"What're the pros scared of?!"

"Yea well, true. I mean, if we're not scared of you, why would they be?"

"What?!"

I shrugged. "They probably were fine with you, until you opened your mouth. They were probably as amused as I was that you had a mouth guard."

"I'll kill you!"

"You can try, grenade-man."

"Keeping these results in mind, whether or not anyone asked for you, you will be all participating in internships with pros."

"Internships?"

I looked around at everyone. They didn't know?

"Yes. At USJ, you already got to experience combat with real villains, but it will still be meaningful training for you to see pros at work firsthand."

"So that explains the hero names!"

"Things are suddenly getting a lot more fun!"

I looked down at my desk. I wouldn't say 'fun'...

"Well, those hero names are still temporary, but if you're not serious about it.."

"..You'll have hell to pay later!" I jumped as Midnight threw the door open. Damn, I hate that woman sometimes...

"Because a lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society, and they end up becoming professional hero names!"

"Then why wasn't yours 'Mistress'?" I muttered, petulantly. I bit my lip and looked around. Oh good. Nobody heard me.

"Well, that's how it is. So Midnight will be making sure sure your names are ok. I can't do stuff like that. When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be like in the future, and can get closer to it. This is what it means when they say, 'Names and natures do often agree'. Like All Might for example."

I was passed a small whiteboard and a marker. For the names I guess. How the hell was I supposed to come up with a name? I frowned. I'm a lot like Aizawa...Wow...That's a scary thought...I looked up at him and dead-panned. "Hey! How come you get to have a nap, and I don't?!"

He didn't even bother to open his eyes. "Because I'm the teacher."

I pouted. I'd rather nap than think of a stupid name.

"Ok, let's start presenting names starting with those who are ready."

I watched Aoyama get up with no hesitation. Have to give him that. He doesn't seem to give two fucks.

"Here I go..." He held up the board. "The shining hero: I can not stop twinkling!"

Wow. How does he think that's going to work?

"Which means, you can't stop my sparkles."

"It'll be easier to use if you take out the 'I' and shorten the 'can not' to 'can't'."

"You're right, mademoiselle."

"Uh, or you can just use 'Sparkles'..."

Midnight glared at me and I put up my hands. "Just a suggestion."

"Then, I'll go next!" Ashido jumped up. Her board said 'Alien Queen'. I grinned. Love it. "Hero name: Alien Queen!"

"Are you trying for the thing with acidic blood? I wouldn't if I were you!"

Well, you're not her. Bitch.

Ashido, disappointed, went back to her desk. Aw. I reached out and squeezed her arm and grinned. She grinned back and sat down.

"Ribbit. May I go next?"

"Go ahead, Tsu."

"I've had this in mind ever since I was in elementary school. Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."

That's cute.

"That's so cute. It seems friendly. I like it!" Shut up, Midnight. You like anything. "It's a great example of a name that everyone will love!"

Everyone started to chant: "Froppy". I sighed. Idiots.

Kirishima went next. "Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"

"'Red Riot'? You're paying homage to the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot, right?"

"Yes. It's pretty old fashioned, but the hero image I'm going for is Crimson himself."

"If you're bearing a name you admire, it'll come with that much more pressure."

"I'm prepared for that!"

Wow. I looked away from Kirishima to where Aizawa was sitting against the wall, asleep. I smiled and shook my head. He would more than likely kill me if I tried to do anything like that.

Jiro jumped up and showed us hers. "Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack."

Should be 'Jill' not 'Jack', but I'm not going to say that out loud...

"That's good! Next!"

Shouji: "Tentacle Hero: Tentacole."

"It's like tentacle with some octopus thrown in!"

Sero: "Taping Hero: Cellophane."

Should be 'Duct tape'.

"Nice and simple. That's important!"

Ojiro: "Martial Arts Hero: Tailman."

I need to train with him at some point, I think.

"Your name reflects your body!"

I blinked rapidly. Seriously...

Satou: "Sweets Hero: Sugarman!"

Called it.

"So sweet!"

I rolled my eyes and looked down at my board, which was still blank. Maybe I might get some ideas off everyone else...?

Ashido, again: "Pinky!"

"Peachy pink complexion!"

Kaminari: "Stun Gun Hero: Chargebolt!"

"Oh, I feel tingly!"

Sweat appeared on my face. Definitely not. Kill me now. I glanced over at Bakugo. Mate, I take you up on that offer now!

Tooru: "Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl!"

"That's great! Come on, let's keep right on going!"

Momo: "I hope I will not bring shame to this name. 'Everything Hero: Creati'."

I smiled. "I doubt you will, love."

"Creative!"

Todoroki: "Shoto."

"Your name? Is that ok?"

"Yea."

"Use 'Cold-flame'." That comment earned me a glare from both Todoroki and Midnight. Worth it.

Tokoyami: "Jet-black Hero: Tsukuyomi."

"God of the night!"

I am not going to comment on that...But Midnight does need to shut up...And stay out of my head. Bitch.

Mineta. Oh hell. What kind of messed up thing did he think of? Something to do with 'sticky balls' I bet...

"Fresh-Picked Hero: Grapejuice!"

"Wait, what?"

He grinned at me. I frowned. "Dick, that was meant as an insult, you know!"

"Yea, but it was also the first nickname you gave anyone. It's sentimental!"

I laughed. "You're an idiot." I shook my head. What's this kids deal? He's a right perve, but he actually has a heart? What?

"Pop and kitschy!"

Kouda: *Petting Hero: Anima.* He needs to learn to speak up in this class...

"Ok, got it!"

Bakugo. Oh hell. I face-palmed. "King Explosion Murder."

"You probably shouldn't use something like that."

I sighed. "I actually agree with Miss Inappropriate Comments on this one..."

"What?! Why not?!"

"What do you mean by 'Inappropriate Comments'?!"

I just raised an eyebrow and gave her a skeptical look.

I tapped my chin. "Try...Human Time-Bomb. Or..." I grinned. "BakugosOff."

"You shut your face!"

"You should be 'Explosion Boy'!"

"Shut up, weird hair! See what you fucking started!"

I hid my grin behind my own whiteboard, pretending to think.

"Ok, my turn." Ochako stood up. "Uravity."

"Sounds stylish! Choosing hero names is going more smoothly than I thought it would! All that's left is Bakugo, who needs to rethink his idea, and Iida."

I narrowed my eyes. Uh, hello? And Midoriya too.

"Oh, and Midoriya right?"

My face went blank. Thanks, love...

"Have you thought of your hero name yet?"

I glanced up at Tokoyami and shook my head. "I don't have a clue."

He held out his hand. "May I?"

"Uh, sure." I handed him the board. While he did whatever it was he was doing, Iida went up.

*Tenya*.

"You're using your first name too?"

Oh, boy. Something's definitely up with him...

"Midoriya, are you ready?"

Tokoyami handed me my board back. When I looked at it, my eyes went wide and I looked at him.

"It suits you, don't you think?"

I blinked and looked at the name again. How...

"Are you really ok with that?"

I looked up and saw Midoriya was up now.

"You might be called that forever, you know."

"Yea. I didn't like this name until now. But someone changed the meaning of it, and that had a huge impact on me. It made me really happy. This is my hero name!" *Deku*.

I looked down at mine. What Midoriya just said...

"Kitia?"

I looked up at Midnight.

"Do you have one?"

I glanced at Tokoyami and smiled. "I think so, yes." I got up and placed my board down. "It seems to make sense."

Midnight frowned at me. "How does that make sense?"

My face went blank. "Really?" I sighed. "Should I show her?"

"Yes!"

"Shuddup, Grapejuice." I took my school jacket off and showed her my arms. She widened her eyes.

"Does it make sense to you now?" I smiled. "I always hated these. Made me remember of all the horrible, shitty things that have happened in my life." I turned at looked at Midoriya. "What you said kinda hit home, so..." I scanned over everyone. "I guess from now on, I'll be Rune."