I am sincerely so so sorry for leaving this story so long! I didn't mean to just leave y'all!

Anyway, I'm gonna post what I currently have written, which is at least a few more episodes, plus a few bonus chapters. :)

Hope you guys enjoy!

~The Lupine Sojourner

"Takara, you ready to go?" Dad calls.

"Yeah, I've just finished packing the last box!" I call back. It was a week until the Sports Festival, and we were moving today. We all didn't have a lot of stuff, so it was a simple one-day thing in theory. So far so good, though.

I hoist the box up and walk out to the living room. This box had the miscellaneous things I wanted to keep, like the old ratty fox stuffed animal that I could never get rid of, pictures of Mom, Dad, and I, and posters and other decorations.

I plop it down. "Man, I didn't realize how many different decorations I had in my room." I laugh.

Mom smiles. Dad had convinced her to go to Recovery Girl as often as I had and her arms looked better every day. The casts had been taken off and she was doing exercises to get them reacquainted with the things she normally did and how strong she had been. We even worked out together, going for a morning jog followed by yoga and a core workout routine.

In short, we were slowly getting to the point we'd been at before the attack. Mom and I were getting better mentally, too, but that was a long road for a number of reasons, one being the level of shit we went through, two being the severity of our injuries and the fact that the villains had caught us entirely by surprise. We loaded the last few boxes, refused to 'say bye house' like Dad prompted, and drove toward UA and our small condo on campus.

Once we got there, all of us grabbed boxes and I followed Mom and Dad's lead, falling a little behind as I'd been a tad ambitious, trying to carry both my first backpack of clothes and box of decorations.

In fact, when I went to grab the door I was just a second too late to grab it before it closed, so I end up overbalancing, slamming my face and nose into the glass, before collapsing awkwardly to the ground, the box going flying and the contents spilling out. "Shoot!" I curse, groaning as I pick myself up.

I then feel a twinge in my ankle. Apparently, I'd rolled it a little and it didn't appreciate that.

I sigh heavily and begin picking up the box and putting the stuff back in, feeling oddly emotional about the shattered glass in a few of the framed pictures. Tears even well in my eyes and I resist the urge to start crying. All I wanted was a normal day with my family, unpacking and starting over in our new home.

Turns out, that wasn't exactly easy. I wipe my eyes and sigh heavily before I make myself start gathering the spilled objects, minding the broken glass. I really don't know why I'm crying, but the tears come back and this time I couldn't stop them.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I flinch and look up from plopping another glass-less frame in the box.

I look up and blink in shock. "O-oh! Asami-senpai! I'm sorry. I didn't see you there." I stammer.

She was trying to hand me a poster she rolled up. I gulp back a lump in my throat and take it, trying to subtly wipe my eyes.

"You know, after an incident like that, it's okay to cry." She says softly, hand over mine reassuringly.

I shrink into myself in embarrassment. "You saw that?" I whimper.

She nods. "And I meant what I said. Really, it's scary fighting villains and having it be life or death. I remember my first fight." Her eyes are serious, not looking at anything in particular as she spoke, obviously reminiscing about that day.

"Oh…from your work-study?" I ask softly.

Being the daughter of two UA teachers who are also pro heroes, I knew all about work studies.

She nods. "It was a group of muggers trying to start a gang. They'd cornered civilians in a back alley. I was working with the Ryuku agency for my work study. We intervened and put them behind bars. I almost got impaled by one of the villains' air weapon Quirk."

I raise a brow. "Air weapon?" I ask.

Asami nods. "Hardened air limited to the breath in his lungs and weapons like spears or swords. Annoying, but the situation whacked me. I spent the rest of the day looking over my shoulder and paranoid at anything and everything. I had to have a long talk with Dad to finally start to get over it. It's hard to cope with an experience like this."

I bite my lip and nod. "I want to be strong, but…"

"Even the strongest and bravest sometimes cry. It's not a sign of weakness. It shows you feel and you're human. It's a perfectly reasonable reaction."

I smile at her, sniffling and wiping my eyes. "Thank you." I murmur.

She picks up the box as we stand and she hands it to me. "No problem. Oh, and you can call me 'Ami', Okay?"

I nod, smiling. "Okay!"

=#=#=#=#=

"What on earth are you doing?" A hear a voice ask. I turn my head from my Downward Dog position while trying to turn a glass of water into ice (sorta like Shoto, but…not exactly) after a run to see Oba Nemuri standing there, watching me curiously, a touch of amusement in her voice.

Fortunately, she was wearing her teaching clothes. As a teacher, there were certain standards to be upheld so she couldn't be too outlandish. She had a light purple button-up (with as many buttons as she could get away with undone) with a dark grey blazer, a miniskirt I'm fairly certain was not up to the standard dress code, and thigh-high leather boots on.

I sigh and move to stand properly. While she is my aunt, it's always slightly awkward being around her. I do love her, but she's so…uh, unreserved, and I'd rather not be corrupted just yet.

"Hey, Oba." I greet. "I'm practicing for the Festival."

She grins. "Oh, how adorable!" She squeals, wriggling in delight even as she walks over. I blush. Why was she like this? "I must say, that Quirk of yours is really something else!" I manage a grin. She looks at the glass. It felt cool to the touch, but it wasn't ice by a long shot. And it was draining my blood sugar too fast for me to keep trying. "Are you trying to make that water into ice or something? Too cute, darling!"

I nod. This was just who Oba Nemuri was. It wouldn't be fair to judge someone simply because of who they are, right? I only had about an hour with Oba Nemuri. She suggested I make my fighting style all about a whip after I showed her the different things I could do. I turned her down and she demonstrated a few kicks, at least, before she checked the time. "Well, darling, it looks like duty calls." She sighs, with a touch more drama than needed, really. "My class starts in a quarter hour and I have to freshen up a bit. Mind if I pop into the bathroom real fast?" She asks, almost flirtatiously, winking at me as she grabs a small purse. I hold in a groan and point out where it was.

"Go ahead, Oba," I reply. She giggles and thanks me before heading into it and closing the door. I move to the kitchen and grab a container of leftover tonkatsu to heat up for a kind-of brunch. She was too much sometimes.

By the time I've sat down with the food, Oba Nemuri is back. She draws me in for a hug from behind, kissing my cheek.

"Sorry to run off like this, Nīsu." She apologizes. "Your parents wanted me to check in on you real quick. Do tell your parents this is a housewarming gift for your mother, would you?" I nod. The present she put in front of me was suspiciously small and in a Victoria's Secrets bag.

I flush, imagining what kind of present Oba had given my mom. "I'll make sure she gets it." I murmur, hoping I didn't sound as embarrassed as I felt, and Oba Nemuri gives me one last cheek-kiss and leaves. I wave at her, mouth too full to speak, and that's that.

=#=#=#=#=

Turns out, training almost constantly made time fly by. Mashirao and I had started sparring and it turns out he's a great teacher. He praised when earned, and sometimes mixed a bit of critique into his praises so I'd learn even from victories (of which there were few), and he was always going all-out on me. He knew that I could take it, and it also helped strengthen my leg and ribs, so we all won.

"Thanks, Mashirao." I murmur as we walk back to the locker rooms to shower and head home.

"No problem. It's a great way for me to exercise, too, so we all win. Plus, it's always more fun to teach when the student is a natural at the subject."

I laugh. "Thanks, but we know that's not true," I reply, scratching the back of my neck.

He is quick to shake his head. "No, I mean it. You're getting really good, Takara!"

"Thanks," I reply, then check my phone and see the date. "Oh, crap! The Festival is tomorrow!" I squeak.

He blinks. "I lost track of time. That's crazy!"

"I know!"

He holds up a hand. "Well, let's both do our best, okay?"

I high-five him. "Okay!"

=#=#=#=#=

"Nervous?" Dad asks.

I gulp. "What gave it away?" I reply, voice wavering a little.

Dad laughs. "Sweetheart, it's fine to be nervous."

I nod. "I know." The car pulls into the teacher parking lot and we check in, Mom holding Dad's hand. I notice she's been doing that a lot since she got her hands out of the casts. I probably would, too, in her situation.

It'd only been about a week, but even being unable to use your hands that long…I can't even imagine. Now, her arms were wrapped in stiff bandages as her arms were slowly regaining strength and the last of the healing in the bones was finishing with a little help from Recovery Girl. Due to the extent to which the bones were broken, it was difficult for Recovery Girl to heal a whole lot per session. There was a lot that needed to happen in Mom's arms, and it was taking a long time to restore what Nomu broke.

I see my classmates gathering, so I adjust my backpack and walk over. As usual, Eijiro is first to notice me, walking over as I turn to wave Mom and Dad goodbye so they could get ready to commentate on the Festival. How dad managed to convince Mom to do it, I have no idea, but I'm glad he did. It will get her mind off…other things.

"Hey, Takara." Eijiro greets. I smile and accept his side-hug. We'd gotten a bit more comfortable around each other and usually gave each other hugs as a greeting. He still smelled amazing, and I always had to restrain myself from continuously sniffing him. "You nervous?"

I take a breath and nod a little. "Yeah…you?"

"Just a little. I've always loved watching the Festival growing up and now I'm actually in one, you know?"

"Mmhmm." I hum in reply, feeling my stomach squirm in anxiety as we walk to the 1-A general waiting room. There, we found PE outfits waiting, and Mina groans when we're all changed.

"Aww, man!" She whines. "I was totally hoping I could wear my costume."

I shrug, but Mashirao beats me to speaking. "At least everyone's in uniforms, so it's fair, right?"

Rikido is shaking in his seat, anxiety clearly written on his face. "I wonder what they have in store for us in the first round." He mumbles.

I shrug. "Well, as long as we do our best, it doesn't really matter, right?" Rikido nods.

"Right." Fumikagi interjects. "No matter what they've prepared, we must persevere."

I nod. "Yeah!"

Tenya then comes suddenly into the room, startling me. "Everyone, get your game faces on!" He calls. "We're entering the arena soon!" I feel my stomach flip in nervous anticipation.

Everyone murmurs and reacts. I grab my heart, willing it to calm down (not that it listens to me).

"Midoriya," Shoto calls, walking over to my friend. Izuku turns to him.

"Hey, Todoroki." He replies. "What's up?"

"From an objective standpoint, I think it's fairly clear I'm stronger than you." I blink.

Izuku nods meekly. "Yeah…" He replies.

I step forward to defend Izuku but then halt as Shoto continues.

"However, you've got All Might in your corner helping you out. I'm not here to pry about what's going on between you two, but know that I will beat you."

I pale. "Shoto, where is this coming from?" I ask, frowning.

"I've never pretended to be something I'm not. This shouldn't be a surprise, really. I'm just stating facts to make things clear before this competition begins." Shoto replies, not even looking at me.

"What's with all these declarations of war lately?" Denki asks lightly, attempting to defuse the situation as Eijiro walks over, putting a hand on Shoto's shoulder.

"Yeah, what's the big deal? Why're you picking a fight all of a sudden, right before we get started?" He asks. Shoto just walks away.

"We're not here to be each other's friends." He calls over his shoulder. "Don't forget; this isn't a team effort." I bite my lip.

"Shoto, c'mon. Pros can't go around declaring war on each other. They have to team up at some point- -"

"Yeah, hang on," Izuku interjects. "I don't know what's going through your head, or why you think you need to tell me that you'll beat me, and yeah…of course you're better than me. In fact, you probably have way more potential than anyone in the Hero Course. It's why you got in so easily."

I step toward Izuku. "Stop that!" I bark. "Recommendations aren't an invitation to UA! You have to fight the pool of people with recommendations. In some ways, it's harder than the entrance exam! That's why I didn't choose that path. I could have been recommended by my mom and dad and gotten into the recommendations entrance exam. But I knew there would be so many people that were a lot better than me. I knew I didn't stand a chance." I realize I kinda admitted to the facts Izuku is stating and bite my lip.

"Midoriya, Takara, maybe you're being a little hard on yourself. And us." Eijiro murmurs.

"No, he's right, you guys." Izuku counters. "The other courses, Takara's friend, they're all coming after us with everything they got. We're all gonna have to fight to stand out." Izuku looks at Shoto. "I'll be aiming for the top, too."

I nod, stepping forward. "I agree." I turn to look at Shoto. "I know you're focusing on beating Izuku, Shoto," I continue, "but don't think we're all gonna stand back and let this Festival slide. We're all going to do our best and we'll show the world what we can go."

He tsks, not stopping or looking back. "I don't care what you do." The announcement to get ready came after a few moments of awkward silence and we move toward the exit into the open area at the middle of the stadium.

"Hey!" Dad cheers and I can hear him all the way back here. "Make some noise, avid sports fans!" I gulp. It was almost time. "Get those cameras prepped! We're gonna need hordes! Today, we'll be bringing you some of the greatest performances in Sports Festival history, guaranteed!" I feel like that's hyping this festival up just a little too much, but obviously, I don't know what will happen, so… "I only have one question before we start this show; are you ready?!" The crowd's cheering is infectious, and we can hear it loud and clear as we begin walking. "Lemme hear yah scream as our students make their way onto the main stage!" I can also hear fireworks and lively music playing. "This is the time where the students leave everything on the field as they fight for the chance to achieve worldwide fame and celebrity!" I can't help rolling my eyes. Most of us want to make a difference in the world in one way or another. Honestly, I doubt anyone (Mineta aside) is truly just wanting to be a hero for the recognition and fame, even Bakugo. Bakugo's motivations aren't precisely clear, but I do know he wants to be the top. I also wonder if there's not more to it than that, though. "This first group are no strangers to the spotlight! You know them for withstanding a villain attack! These dazzling students, including my little kiddo, line up the stage with solid gold skills; the Hero Course students of Class 1-A!" That was our cue and we walk out into the sunlight and view of the cameras as the crowd applauds heartily. I feel thousands of eyes of me and my friends as we walk toward the middle of the area. Eijiro, standing close by, grabs my hand subtly. I squeeze it gratefully.

"Yer dad sure did talk us up a lot." Eijiro muses.

"Yeah…it's making me nervous and worried I won't do well." I reply. "Especially since he all but said my name." I add in a moan.

Eijiro smiles at me. "Yeah, he's your dad. It's kinda natural for him to brag about you when he gets a chance." He then turns to Katsuki. "Anyway, how you feelin', man?" He asks.

Katsuki smirks. "I'm not worried. Makes me wanna win this thing even more."

I chuckle. "In a way, yeah, but still." I shiver a little.

"Oh, get over it, brat! Too late to back out now!" Katuski snaps. "Besides, knowing you, you'll scrape by and be fine, you lucky little brat." I roll my eyes.

Close enough to a compliment, I suppose.

"…Thanks, Katsuki." I mumble.

"I wasn't doing it to help you." Katuski spits. "Just wanted to shut you up."

I sigh. "Okay."

"They haven't been giving nearly as much screen-time, but this next group is still chock full of talent!" Dad proclaims and we watch another group march determinately out of another hall. "Welcome, Hero Course Class 1-B!" The crowd doesn't let up on the cheering and I spot the silver-haired guy who yelled at 1-A a while back. He looks super determined and ready for anything.

I smirk, feeling a little of that energy rub off on me. It doesn't do any good to fret and worry myself to nothing over something I can't predict, so I just had to grit my teeth and get through it. More students pour out of the halls and Dad continues the introductions. "Next up, General Studies Classes C, D, and E!" I grin and look over, happening to see Hitoshi in the midst of his class. "Support Classes F, G, and H! And finally, Business Courses I, J, and K! Give it up for all of UA's first-year contestants!" Once we get to the center, where a podium is set up, everyone's shocked to see Midnight standing there, waving a short whip.

I blink. Oba Nemuri is the Chief Umpire!?

"Now, the introductory speech!" She calls.

"Uh…someone should talk to Ms. Midnight about what she's wearing." Eijiro mumbles, cheeks pick.

I nod, looking anywhere but at Oba Nemuri. "I mean, I know that's her normal hero outfit, but…could she have worn something else just this once?" I grumble.

She'd always been like this and I always found it an incredibly odd experience hanging out with her.

"Seriously, that costume should come with a warning," Denki adds.

"Is that really appropriate apparel for a high school game?" Fumikage concludes. I, for some reason, didn't like the blush on Eijiro's cheeks. Which was stupid. I don't know why it bugs me, so I look away, happening to see Mineta's gleeful expression.

I smack him and glare him down. He pouts but doesn't leer at my aunt-figure anymore.

"Silence, everyone!" Oba exclaims, whipping to grab everyone's attention. "And for the Student Pledge, we have…" I gulp, praying she wouldn't pick me. "Katsuki Bakugo!"

Shocked murmurs ring the crowd, but no one's more shocked than 1-A. We knew him and we knew this would not end well. At all.

Izuku leans to Hanta. "He's the First Year Rep?"

"I guess the hothead did finish first in the entrance tests." Hanta replies.

"Only for the Hero Course Exams." A girl from Shinso's class (I think) grumbles.

Izuku winces. "Oh. Right." He amends.

"That girl obviously hates us." Hanta mumbles under his breath.

"And we've got Bakugo to thank for them not liking our class," Denki adds.

I bite my lip as Bakugo walks up the podium. Even the crowd waits in bated breath for what Katsuki would say.

"I just wanna say…" Katsuki begins. I frown. Please be normal, please be normal… "I'm gonna win." I pale. Shit! Katsuki, no! That was so the wrong thing to say!

The crow boos and threatens and is in general not happy with Katsuki as he walks back down.

"Why would you be so disrespectful!?" Tenya exclaims, arms waving wildly around. "You're representing us all!"

Katsuki just turns and gives us a thumbs down. "Not my fault the rest of you are just stepping stones to my victory." He grumbles.

From Class 1-B, I see that silver-hair guy grit his teeth and stalk forward a little, glaring at Katsuki. "I'm gonna crush this overconfident jerk!" He screams, raising a clenched fist. "I can't wait to knock him down a size!"

I sigh heavily. I wonder what's going through Katsuki's head right now. He claims he wasn't nervous and even publicly vowed to win, but there seems to be something about him that says he's just making a show, pushing himself…but still. What a way to start the Festival…

"Without further ado, it's time for us to get started!" Oba Nemuri calls as the screens shift from 'introductory speech' to 'first game'.

"This is pretty nerve-wracking," I whisper to Eijiro.

He nods. "Yeah…and now we have everyone gunning for us, thanks to Blasty over there." I sigh, then nod and refocus on what Oba's saying.

"This is where you begin feeling the pain!" She calls. "The first fateful game of the Festival!" As she swipes her whip, a hologram appears and displays a lottery-style spinning title. It continues spinning…as does my stomach. What on earth would we have to do? It finally halts and I pale.

An obstacle race!? What?!

"Ta-da!" Oba cheers. I gulp. Oh boy… "All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest!" She explains, the hologram visualizing it with graphics. "The track is 4 kilometers around the outside of the stadium. I don't want to restrain anyone…at least, not in this game, so as long as you don't leave the course, you're free to do whatever your heart desires!"

I squirm a little, flushing. She looks a little too happy to be talking like that. She then sobers just a little. "Now then, take your places, contestants!" As the crowd cheers, we walk over to the start line.

I gulp. This was it.

It was time to make my mark and hopefully start my path to being a pro-hero. I didn't know what awaited me out there, but all I could do was put my best foot forward and try my best, right? No matter what happens, I'll be okay if I just do what I can.

Above the crowding students, three green lights are lit, the first one turning off as the countdown begins. Beside me, Eijiro smiles at me and gives me a thumbs up as the next light turns off.

I grin back at him and take a deep breath.

The final light turns off as Oba cries 'begin!' I tear forward, instinctively grabbing Eijiro's hand, but we were quickly separated and jostled and shoved by the pressing students.

"How about some killer commentary, honey?" Dad's voice somehow reaches over the multiple voices and I almost laugh.

"How did I let you talk me into this?" Mom replies under her breath, but there was almost a hint of amusement in her voice.

"What should we be focusing on in the early stages of the race?" Dad asks.

"The doorway." Mom replies shortly.

I chuckle despite being smushed between two students.

Just up ahead, as I'm coming up on the end of the entryway, I see ice and feel the air cooling rapidly as Shoto freezes the ground and up the walls. Gritting my teeth, I jut out a tiny platform, just big enough for my foot, and launch myself up and as far out as I can, creating another small platform when I need it. This was not in my plans, but there was nothing to do about it. I can't turn this into water, so I had to find another way across. Shit! This will really limit what I can do for the other obstacles!

Luckily, Eijiro was right behind me, using the small platforms I'd made to get further along the ice.

"Nice trick, Todoroki!" Momo calls sarcastically, and he looks back to see the number of people that had dodged.

Katsuki was using his blasts to keep airborne. "I won't let you get away so easily, you icy-hot bastard!" He roars, blasting his way closer as I make another platform. Even releasing the platforms once Eijiro jumped off them resulted in more blood sugar gone than I wanted. Who knew what was in store, but I had no real other choices. I just had to be smart about using my Quirk from here on out.

I couldn't afford to be careless or I'd- -Shit! Those vibrations feel like…no way!

They have the robots from the practical exam in this race?! I skid to a stop on the edge of the edge, feeling for water. Shit! Nothing! "What is it?" Eijiro asks, just as Mineta goes flying ahead of us, slammed by a huge metal arm. The robot comes into view, with other robots, seconds later.

"That!" I point. Eijiro hardens his forearms.

"Beat 'em once, right? This'll be a piece of cake!" I grin, feeling more confident now I thought about it that way.

"You're ri- -Shoto, what the hell?!" Shoto is at the head, closest to the robots, ice swirling from Shoto's right hand in a circle, getting larger and larger until he swept it at the robots. They were frozen solid, at least the frontrunners. I run forward as everyone else was still frozen in shock, Eijiro right behind me as well as that silver-headed guy.

"Careful now," I could hear Shoto calling over his shoulder as the robots creak and groan, shuddering under their own weight. Taking another look, I pale. "I froze them when they were off their balance. On purpose!" Before I could move another step, before I could do anything, the robot nearest us collapsed and all of a sudden, my butt hit the ground and I am enveloped by dust and ice shards that prickle my skin. I didn't even know what had happened till I looked where Eijiro and the other guy were standing, only to see a pile of frozen robot parts.

"Eijiro!" I scream. Was he under there?! Had he been crushed!? "Eijiro, hang on!" I am running forward before I can think, not knowing what to do, but desperately hoping Eijiro was okay.