JuggernautJJ: I can't wait for takarada and ayame's fight to essentially become two kids fighting in a playground.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.

"Thank you so much for the notes, Shimizu-kun!" Ayame chirped happily.

"We definitely needed this," Nao laughed.

"O-oh! This formula…when written like this…oh—it makes more sense," Hotaru mumbled to herself, quickly jolting down notes on her own homework.

Yuu smiled kindly at the small gathering of classmates around his table.

"It's not a problem, Sasaki-san," Yuu leaned over to point towards Gin's homework, "That doesn't add up right. You need to use this equation for it."

"Ugh, I hate math," Gin erased his work and started over again.

"Oh—you can call me 'Ayame'!" She said offhandedly, setting down her pencil to stretch with a smile in Yuu's direction. "I prefer my given name than surname."

"Don't worry, with your grades, no one would ever confuse you with Sasaki Yume-senpai," Gin snickered.

Ayame gaped at him. "I-I-I never said that!"

"Besides, you can't expect the Shimizu heir to call you so casually," Nao added, "You can never reach his level."

Ayame blinked. "Oh," she turned to Yuu with wide eyes, leaning close to whisper, "Is your family…with the mafia?"

"You idiot!" Gin yelled.

Nao burst out laughing and even Hotaru was trying to stifle her giggles. Yuu looked mildly shocked before a slow smile emerged. Ayame's cheeks redden in embarrassment and they can practically see questions marks hovering over her head.

"W-what?!"

"My family has nothing to do with the black market," Yuu reassured, "But I'll take you up on that offer, Ayame-san. And everyone, please, call me 'Yuu' as well."

"Great!" Ayame sighed in relief, "Thanks, Yuu-kun!"

"Next she's gonna say she never heard of the Takarada family, too," Gin mumbled.

The brunette flushed again, nervously looking towards Hotaru and whispered, "Is his family well-known too?"

"Are you serious?!"

Ayame panted, her eyes widened in shock by Ume's announcement. Thunderous applause and cheers echoed the stadium as she looked towards the crowd—towards 1-A—cheering her name. Her kouhais were in the front, screaming along with the rest of the audience and waving wildly to her. Ayame's lips slowly pulled up into a smile—then grin—before waving back just as excitedly. The nervous thump in her heart matched the audience's applause and slowly, she turned her attention to 2-A.

Many of her friends and classmates were shocked by the result; no one expected the second in their class to lose. But—Hotaru was waving happily over, cupping her hands by her mouth to scream. Ayame knew how difficult it may have been for Hotaru to gather that courage but—she was so deeply appreciative. Hotaru had believed in her since the beginning.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw the sparkling black hair of their class president. Ayame paused—then turned her head in his direction. It was difficult to read the distinctive expression on his stone face—and she didn't have time to study him longer when Takarada abruptly turned around, leaving the audience.

His turn was next.

"Sasaki-san, if you may," Ume smiled and gestured to the side, "The next match is starting soon."

"O-oh!"

Ayame hastily left the stage. Ume watched her leave from behind, amused by her student's sudden improvement. Putting her as an assistant to Aizawa may have been the right choice; Ayame was already showing signs of leaving her sister's shadow.

As Ayame walked away, she noticed in front of her—was Yuu's retreating figure. Ayame's eyes light up at that and chased after him; there was something she must know.

I lost, Yuu walked dazedly forward, I…lost?

"Yuu—!"

He paused, turning around briefly to see the brunette run up to him. Ayame stopped a few feet away, regaining her breath while Yuu looked at her with mild surprise.

"That was fun, Ayame-san," Yuu's gentle smile was back on, startling Ayame with his quick change in mood again. "Congratulations on winning."

She slowly straightened up, blinking at Yuu and…his perfect mask. Ayame—doesn't understand him at all. She—couldn't imagine what he was thinking anymore. Which side was the real Yuu—which side was the fake?

"You—confuse me," Ayame admitted softly, brushing back a lock of stray hair. "During that fight…I felt like I was speaking to another person. And yet…I think a part of me—still want to believe in you."

Yuu arched an eyebrow at that. Ayame was fidgeting nervously in front of him, eyes lowered to the ground with a small tint to her cheeks. It reminded Yuu of the other girls often confessing to him before—a typical response by the love struck teens he had expected. And yet, from Ayame—he knew she was not here to confess—and he found it…amusing.

"You never…answered me properly. Maybe you do have a sadistic streak in you. Maybe you really are…just toying with us… But…when you help us study—when you encourage our classmates—I think that may be the real you, too…! You're here—because of Takarada, right?" Ayame faced him again, staring at him with an unwavering gaze full of determination. "Then—that's heroic by its own terms!"

"You're naïve, Ayame," Yuu chuckled lowly, "Naïve, simple…" Ayame blushed again, but…perceptive. "You can believe what you want, I won't say anymore about me."

He moved to take a step closer, leaning down to her ear again and watched her tense up by their proximity.

"I will say, however," Yuu whispered, "That everything I've mentioned regarding Noeru…is true."

He straightened back to his full height, giving the stunned Ayame another smile and turned to walk away.

"Good luck in the finals against him, Ayame."

Yuu dropped the honorifics completely. That whole match with Ayame, her angry outbursts and her reckless behavior—had been fun. It has been awhile since Yuu was pushed back like that. It has been awhile since Yuu lost himself in the end—wanting to continue to fight longer against someone—wanting to push their limits until the end and see who will come out victorious.

Did you know, Ayame? Yuu smiled to himself, you're the first one to bring that side out of me. But…against Noeru…will you do the same?

A figure came to block his path. Noeru stood in front of him. His crystal eyes, glowing and glaring—were directed towards Yuu. The other boy looked surprised by Noeru's sudden visit and yet—it was expected.

He's mad, Yuu smiled to himself.

"What happened?" Noeru asked lowly.

"I lost," Yuu shrugged, "Maybe I shouldn't have teased Ayame that much."

Noeru scowled. 'Ayame'? What happened to the honorifics?

"A fluke," Noeru went to brush past him, "She won by a damn fluke."

"No," Yuu chuckled, vivid lilac eyes flashing by his mind, "She's strong."

Noeru snapped his head towards him. "You let her win, didn't you? Otherwise, how did that idiot even stand a chance against you?"

"I guess I just riled her up," Yuu laughed again, "It's funny. In the end, she wasn't fighting for herself anymore—she was fighting…because of you."

It wasn't the complete truth but—Noeru doesn't need to know that.

Crystal eyes glared at him even more, nearing hissing out, "What did you say?"

"Nothing much," Yuu grinned, happy to have stirred Noeru up as well. The final match was going to be interesting—he knew it would. "Good luck, Noeru. You'll need it."

Yuu returned back to his booth with a smile. He…wasn't as disappointed to have lost as people assumed he would be. Yes, it was surprising—but in the end, it was…enjoyable.

I think I may have found something of interest here…

"I heard LullaCry is here!"

"What—where?!"

"In the second-year's arena!"

"Are you sure you're not confusing her for her younger sister?"

"I saw her in the third-years!"

"I'm serious! You think I won't recognize those pretty purple eyes?!"

She wrapped the white coat closer to her body, making sure the black tutu was not sticking out beneath the outer layer as Yume walked in the arena. Her hair was bundled up and hidden under a large straw hat and a pair of black sunglasses covered half her face. Quickly, Yume walked through the crowd.

Her phone vibrated with a phone call and she brought it out, looking down to see a familiar name flashing on the screen.

"Shouta-oji?" Yume answered.

"Hey, I'm with your parents and Suzume," Aizawa explained briefly, "We're at the section by the west entrance."

"Oh," Yume gasped in surprised, "The first-year's event is already complete?"

"Yeah," Aizawa mumbled something to Hiroshi on the side before turning back to the phone, "That brat didn't even tell her family she made it to the tournament? Wait until she's done with her matches."

Yume can hear the threatening tone from her uncle on the other line, laughing quietly to herself and hoping Ayame wouldn't get in too much trouble. Aizawa often teases that girl the most; Ayame was simply an easy target.

"I'll be there soon," Yume said softly.

She hung up the phone call and made way to the west entrance. She was on the opposite side so it may take awhile for Yume to reach her family. Still, the path she walked along wasn't as busy as most people have sat down already. She was able to see the television screens and part of the stage from her position.

Grand finals…

Yume looked at the bracket on the wide screen. The name 'Sasaki' and orange path were highlighted to show her reaching the top of the bracket. Yume felt like she was transferred back to her teenage years when she had participated and won her own tournament.

"Onee-chan! We saw you on television! Congratulations on winning!"

Ayame ran forward to crash into Yume with a hug, grinning the whole time while looking up at her.

"Suzume and I were cheering the whole time! We recorded the show so otou-san can watch it later!" Ayame continued to bounce around excitedly, "You were like—an invincible hero! No one could fight back!"

"Onee-chan is so strong!" Suzume grinned as well, a rare sight on the usually withdrawn girl.

Yume smiled happily and hugged her sisters. She carried Suzume with one arm and rubbed Ayame's short hair with the other. The brunette barely reached her chin with her current height and Suzume had gotten heavier since she last carried the child. Her sisters grew up so fast.

"Thank you, Aya, Suzu," Yume was so grateful for her sisters, "In the future—I will be the one to cheer you guys on, too!"

Takarada instantly won his match.

His opponent was the same one who beat Usagi out of the tournament, a fellow 2-A member with the Quirk to shoot energy beam out of his hands. But, no matter how powerful his beams were, they were easily reflected off of Takarada's diamond wall. He didn't even break a sweat when he sent his opponent out the stage.

Ayame barely had time to rest. She didn't even return to 2-A's booth in the audience, only settling to sit in the waiting room for player one until she heard the announcement.

There were dozens of thoughts running through her mind in those short few minutes. The fight with Yuu had been a majority of it. She wondered if anyone knew of his…sadistic streak. No wonder those odd smirks and wide eyes had been playing in her mind; there was more to Yuu than his 'gentle' appearance.

Ayame sighed and got up, heading towards the arena. The hallway was empty and quiet; no one else was within except for her. Ayame turned the corner and bumped into someone, gasping loudly and hastily bowed her head.

"Sorry!"

"It's alright."

She looked up to see a tailored suit before her, one that was made of especially expensive fabric based on the fine details and linen, before a pair of crystal eyes looked down on her. Ayame whirled back in shock, accidentally saying—

"Taka—"

But no, that wasn't him. Takarada Noeru shouldn't be in the same hallway as her. He should also be wearing the standard U.A. gym uniform—not an expensive high class suit. Upon closer inspection, Ayame realized that although this man had the same shining crystal eyes and black hair, he was older.

Is this…his father?! It's like…looking at an older Takarada!

"Young lady," Tatsuo's tone was light, almost welcoming to greet Ayame—and that startled her even more. She had never heard Takarada be anything but curt or insulting—and now his dad was acknowledging her?! "You're Sasaki, correct?"

Ayame gaped and quickly nodding her head. "Y-yes!"

Tatsuo smiled, a few wrinkles appearing by the corner of his eyes and lips. Ayame tried her best to not stare but—it was simply impossible not to. This man looked like Takarada—but was acting completely different from him!

"I wish you luck in the upcoming match," Tatsuo said smoothly, "I had expected Shimizu Yuu to win…but you had surprised me. If anyone was to beat Noeru, it would be you."

Ayame blinked slowly. Something felt off. Why was her opponent's father openly encouraging her?

"Thank…you?" Ayame accidentally ended in a question. She quickly brushed off her awkward thanks, wondering out loud, "But…why me?"

A miniscule of a smile appeared on Tatsuo's lips again. He looked down on Ayame and she couldn't shake the feeling away that he was literally…looking down on her. It felt like the same look Takarada gave her at times but this one—felt worse.

"Because Shimizu would never dare to win against Noeru."

Tatsuo knew his business partner's son wouldn't risk his friend's chance in becoming a hero. Last year's finale was truly pitiful. They think Tatsuo couldn't see right through them.

"I am truly pleased to see you win," he continued, "So if you may beat Noeru next, I can guarantee you will receive a fitting…reward."

What…the hell?

Ayame was confused. What the hell was he talking about? Why was he—rooting against his own son? Sure, Ayame doesn't get along with Takarada but—why the hell would his father come up to her—and trying to bribe her?! And it's not even for losing, either! He wanted her to beat him up?!

Why?!

"If Noeru cannot become the top of his class for three years in U.A., he cannot be a hero."

"I will say, however, that everything I've mentioned regarding Noeru…is true."

Yuu's words, a whisper in her ear, had clouded her thoughts. Ayame had brushed it off then; she would not care about Takarada willingly. But this sudden confrontation and his unexpected secret was hitting her full force again. She was so confused—so shocked—and she wanted to not believe her speculations to be true.

"You're…Takarada's father…right?" Ayame asked slowly, softly.

"Yes," Tatsuo answered, he doesn't mind sparing a few more words to her.

"Then… What happens if Takarada loses?"

He barely arched an eyebrow at her question. Ayame looked at him straightforwardly, not daring to avert her gaze as she waited for him answer her. Her heart was beating rapidly against her chest, her mind playing dozen of scenarios for Takarada's future. What about his own determination to win? What about Takarada's desires?

Takarada Noeru was the top of their class—of their year! He won the tournament last year, he became a student council committee member in few short months, and he was their class president. Sure he may be cold and antisocial but he was smart and dependable—strong and powerful to be a hero! Yuu had been adamant about helping him win—but why was his father—?!

"You don't need to mind that," Tatsuo said calmly, "He won't be of your concern any longer."

"He cannot be a hero."

"If Noeru cannot become the top of his class."

"He cannot be a hero."

"Ah, I'm meeting so much overbearing fathers today."

Tatsuo looked down on Ayame. What was this girl going on about? And what was with that disrespectful tone? Those angry lilac eyes were narrowed on his, criticizing him for his words.

"Takarada Noeru may be arrogant, cold, egotistic, and a downright jerk at times but—he is hero material! If he's working this hard—to stay in the top spot because of a stupid reason threatening him—then what are you doing as a father?!"

Ayame stormed past him with clenched fists. What the hell was wrong with these people she's meeting today?! What was so wrong with being a hero?! What was so wrong with the path to becoming a hero?!

"Whether I beat him or not—it's not up to you to decide! We're both going to fight with all of our might! We have our own reasons to be a hero—maybe you should watch your son for once!"

Ayame left with those parting words, not caring if Tatsuo had more to say or not. She was just—so done with arguing against so many people today. She was done listening to others preach on about their ideals without bothering to care about the person of interest!

"Hello, everyone, welcome to the grand finals for the second-year's tournament! Are you surprised to hear I am here?! This is Present Mic commentating specifically for this match! And my co-host, the R-rated hero, Midnight!"

Everyone screamed as Present Mic and Midnight made a guest appearance for the final. Even the students watching from the stands hadn't expected those two to run to the second-stage after the first year's tournament concluded. Ume had remained on the stage as a referee and Aizawa stayed with his sister and her family in the audience.

"Now, now, who is this girl that appeared out of nowhere?! She hadn't passed even the first game in last year's sports festival—but she made an amazing comeback this year! Introducing, Sasaki Ayame!" Present Mic announced.

"That's…quite an intro," Ochako laughed nervously.

"Still better than mine," Sero shook his head.

"Oh, there she is!" Kaminari pointed down. "Oi! Good luck, Ayame-senpai!"

"Wait," Kirishima blinked down below, "Why does she still look mad…?"

Ayame marched up the stage with a determined look on her face. Her long brown hair was still flying freely around, lilac eyes facing forward to her opponent.

"And now, on the other side! He was last year's sports festival winner and is ranked two amongst the second-years as the ideal boyfriend! With a Quirk that can create countless gems and is the future heir to the Takarada Corporation, here is Takarada Noeru-kun!"

"Oi…Midnight… Half of those facts are useless to the event."

Noeru appeared next. His crystal eyes were narrowed straight ahead, still in disbelief that the last person he wanted to see—made it onto the finals. He could feel the anger burning underneath him as Ayame regarded him with the same heated look, both itching to begin.

"Same rules apply," Ume rose up one hand, her eyes glancing at the two students who often butted heads. She wondered how this match will turn out…

"Sasaki Ayame versus Takarada Noeru!"

"Grand finals, start!"

"Oof!"

Ayame fell on her butt, wincing in pain as Aizawa announced the winner of the spar. Usagi hopped up quickly to Ayame with an apologetic smile while the brunette pouted.

"Ahh, Usagi-chan! Your legs sure pack a punch!" Ayame complimented regardless, allowing the bunny girl to help her up.

"Well, I have been practicing all my life," Usagi smiled, "Your creatures are so cute though!"

"Yeah?" Ayame grinned, "I based them off my favorite games and shows!"

Ayame began to explain the dozens of series she played through, a miniature version of the little animals would appear in her hand as she showed them to Usagi. They were barely the size of her hand; black smoky trails fluttering around to create the shape as Ayame animatedly talk about each one. Usagi laughed sheepishly but stayed to entertain Ayame.

"And this!" The little creature in her hands turned into a cat with two tails, "Is my imouto's favorite! She likes all the other ones but this one—she never fails to smile with this!"

"They're cute…but aren't they a little weak, Sasaki?" Natsumi asked from the side, poking the little cat.

"It's 'Ayame'!" She quickly corrected, "And uh—I-I haven't had the chance to use my Quirk before! They'll be stronger in the future!"

Takarada scoffed from the side, finishing up his spar with Hotaru and watched her meekly bow and run away towards Ayame. Yuu walked up to him with his usual smile, noticing his friend's attention to be briefly on the girls before quirking an eyebrow in his direction. Since when did Noeru show interest in others?

"Her Quirk is weak," Takarada barely explained.

Nearly all of the summons Ayame used would disappear after one hit. She often relied on the ookami and used it to chase the opponents around but…from the sideline; it only looked like a puppy chasing a child around. Takarada had no idea how she managed to pass with her Quirk. She must have gotten lucky during the practical exam, too.

The giant tortoise appeared in his mind, causing Takarada to frown even more. He didn't need any protection before and surely not from her. Besides, her Quirk was too unstable. It can never guarantee what disappears or not.

"She's not going to be a hero with the way she is now," Takarada scowled and walked away.

Yuu arched an eyebrow at him. Well…this was the first time his friend had such a strong opinion about someone…

"I don't know how you got this far," Noeru began, shifting his feet on the ground, "But it ends here."

"You know the past few people said the same thing too," Ayame rolled her eyes.

"But they're not me."

Deep purple crystal spears spiked up beneath Ayame. She quickly jumped out of the way, black tendrils swirling around her to create a large kitsune. The fox had its usual nine tails but it was only two-thirds of Ayame's height, unlike the Amaterasu or the Kyuubi she had summoned before.

Noeru didn't give her time to recover. He slammed his hands on the ground, crystal shards making a beeline towards Ayame in the middle. The girl hopped on her fox and dodged, rushing over to his side.

"Takarada starts it off with his dazzling gems! Sasaki is forced on the run—how will she counter his crushing Quirk?!"

"If you didn't know, Takarada-kun's gems are worth a fortune in today's market! You won't be able to see gems as strong-cut as his anywhere else!" Midnight added.

"A fortune!" Ochako gasped at the shining stones he recklessly used to subdue Ayame.

"Why does it feel like Midnight-sensei isn't taking this seriously," Ojiro laughed nervously to himself.

"Ayame-senpai is being forced to run away," Midoriya said softly, "Takarada-senpai's Quirk is amazing…he's able to summon the gems with no time lag… Is she trying to close in on him? How about their close combats…"

"A-Ayame-chan! You can do it!" Hotaru yelled.

It's like a damn obstacle course, Ayame clicked her tongue, clutching the kitsune tightly as the fox hopped off one spear and onto another.

The crystal spears Noeru summoned was slowly taking over half of the stage. He was able to control the spears out of his reach by some degree, able to form them in a straight path but—he would not be able to reconstruct them without touching it.

"Annoying," he muttered.

A crystal blue javelin appeared from his arm and Noeru took aim. He focused on the jumping kitsune around and with a heavy thrust, he threw it forward. Ayame gasped when the javelin skewered her fox, causing it to disappear from the strength of the thrust and she fell off. Ayame rolled down the sharp edges, cursing lowly to herself at the piercing edges cutting into her uniform and skin.

"Ouch! That looked like it hurt!"

More spears erupted from the ground around her and Ayame ignored her pain, rushing to make her ookami and ran away again.

Serpent won't work against him, dragon is too bulky. I have to rely on the fast creatures—what about the tengu? No—it has no attack power, Ayame thought quickly to herself. Kitsune can maybe defend against the spears but the tails are a big target. I'll rely on the ookami for now.

The wolf weaved around the obstacle, dodging the spears and appearing right in front of Noeru. He glared at the ghostly mount and a crystal lance materialized from his arm. He swiped it at the wolf but Ayame was prepared this time, using its paws to block the lance and jumped off.

"Get out of my face," a second lance spiked up from the ground at his feet, aiming in Ayame's direction as soon as she landed.

Ayame dodged to the left. "What is your problem?! Why are you always against me?!"

For as long as she can remember, Takarada Noeru hated her. Ever since the entrance exam, since learning they were classmates—in any situation, he would ridicule her. Ayame had done her best to ignore him for the most part—but she can only take so much of his insults!

"My problem," Noeru shifted the lance in his hand to stab through the ookami. It disappeared again, smoky trails slowly drifting up, "Is you."

He punched her stomach, sending Ayame flying back and crashing into one of the many crystal spears on stage. She let out a loud cry, dropping to her knees and clutching her stomach. Noeru glared at her from above, slowly walking towards her with a lance in hand.

"You are weak, annoying, and cares not for being a hero. You have no idea how lucky you are with your privileges. The fact that you made it into U.A. is unbelievable," Noeru glowered, "Was it your uncle who let you in? Was it your sister who convinced the faculty? Did they also convince Soharu-sensei to give that teacher's assistant job to you?"

What the fuck?

Ayame glared at him and rose to her feet. She moved her head as soon as the lance moved to stab her, sweating at the weapon piercing the crystal wall behind where her head once was. Ayame quickly called upon another kitsune and hid behind it.

"Is that what you think?! They had nothing to do with it!" Ayame argued back.

"I-is he—trying to kill her?" Kaminari asked nervously, gulping at the swings of attacks Noeru was aiming at Ayame.

"Senpai is being forced back," Kirishima said with worry.

"Her summons are too damn weak," Bakugo scowled.

Todoroki frowned, his eyes focused intensely on the two figures battling. Noeru was constantly on the offensive while Ayame was forced to dodge or block. At most, the kitsune was able to withstand two powerful blows before it would disappear, causing her to call another creature again.

"The more she summons, the worse her headaches will get," Yume whispered to herself, That boy—he's not giving her a chance to fight back… Ayame…don't give up!

"You've only relied on luck," Noeru ignored her shouts, putting one hand on the crystal spears formed from the ground, "You are irritating, Sasaki. You're a damn child who's only here to play around."

The crystal he touched evolved. The crystal widened into a small wall and a barrage of gemstone bullets shot forward. Ayame cursed and allowed the kitsune to take a majority of blunt attacks, both running forward to Noeru's direction.

"Why does everyone say that…" Ayame whispered to herself in displeasure, Yuu had said it before, too. "I'm here to be a hero, damn it!"

She reached him quickly and pulled her fist back to a punch. It'll be satisfying if she's able to land a hit on his stone face. Who was he to assume all of that?!

But, Noeru caught her fist, looking down at her with uninterested crystal eyes. Her eyes widened in shock, wincing from the pressure he put on her fist.

"Who was the one who kept going on about the new game she played? Who was the one that goofed off during last year's training camp? Who was the one with a hero for a teacher in her class—who have a strong hero for a sister willing to come to U.A. to help her train? Who was the one LullaCry pitied last year in the sports festival and allowed her sister to work in her agency for interns?"

Each word was a stab in Ayame's heart. She looked down, shaking in anger by the sheer accuracy of his damn accusations.

"You're a joke, Sasaki Ayame," Noeru hissed, "That's why no one in class ever took you seriously."

With that, Noeru kicked her away, sending Ayame to fly back with another shout. So far, she had been the only one to take the beating—the only one frustrated throughout this whole fight. Of course, Noeru was right to some degree but—she's trying to change!

Ayame got up again, her body throbbing from the constant attacks. Her head felt like a damn mess with the words rattling around, giving her a headache and messing with her concentration. But she ignored it; she ignored all of the pain just to focus on his lashing tongue.

"I know," Ayame admitted, "I know—all of that…! That's why—I'm trying to change now! I know my problems seem minor to you but—I will change! I will get stronger so others will take me seriously! I won't take advantage of my privileges anymore—but you're also wrong in that!"

Ayame ran forward again. Noeru shifted his foot and two spears jumped out from the ground to stab her. She immediately summoned a tengu, flying up to avoid the crystals. Ayame dived down, using the tengu as a distraction to jump on Noeru.

"They've never treated me special because I'm family! I passed the entrance exam by my own strength! Shouta-oji never acknowledged our relationship in school!" She crashed into Noeru and he raised one hand to her collar to hold her back. "Yume-nee may have trained me but it was only recently that she did! Onee-chan didn't give me any special treatment in my interns! So who are you to judge?! Are you taking your anger out on me because of your father?!"

Noeru paused and Ayame froze, both pair of eyes widening at her accidental shout in anger. She had no intention on mentioning the last part—she was just rebuking in anger and—hadn't meant to let him know—she knew!

"It's funny. In the end, she wasn't fighting for herself anymore—she was fighting…because of you."

"What the hell did Yuu say?" Noeru glared at her, "What do you know?"

Ayame gaped as Noeru pushed her off of him. Now it was his turn to straddle her, crystal eyes shining in anger. He trapped her wrists together while the other hand formed a ruby dagger.

"What's this—?! These two have such chemistry with each other?!" Present Mic yelled.

"I'm not sure if 'chemistry' describes them…" Sero laughed uncertainly.

"They're—literally at each other's throats!" Jirou commented.

"They're arguing," Shoji spoke up, bringing his classmates attention to him. Todoroki slid one eye in his direction before quickly focusing back to the two below. "Senpai… They're both angry at each other."

"What are they saying?!" Ashido gasped.

"I can't say for certain," Shoji's mouth said, "But Takarada-senpai…really hates Sasaki-senpai."

In 2-A's booth, all of them were looking down keenly. Yuu lost his usual smile, icy blue eyes peering at the two rivals. None of them had an inkling of an idea for their conversation; all they could see was them shouting angrily at each other. It was the first time they had seen Noeru so—riled up. Even Ayame was holding her ground but—just barely.

"Ayame-chan…" Hotaru whispered.

"He's not trying to kill her—is he?!" Nao gaped.

"Sasaki-san! Are you able to continue?" Ume asked from the side, vibrant plum eyes staring at the two with a barely concealed worry. She had heard every word exchanged between these two. Takarada's anger was rooted deeper than she can imagine.

"Yuu barely said anything!" Ayame replied back, both students ignoring their teacher, "But I—guessed just as much…!"

"Then you know nothing about me," Noeru scowled at her.

I should stop this, Ume thought to herself, before he seriously hurts her.

"Sasaki-san is unab—"

"I can still fight!"

Black tendrils wrapped around Noeru's body, a long serpent form beginning to take shape over his torso. The hold he had on her wrist disappeared as Noeru was forced to tug the serpent off of him, eyes flashing dangerously at Ayame. The two separated from each other, Ayame jumping back a few feet away while massaging her wrist.

"I know nothing about you—because you never said anything about yourself!" Ayame shouted back, "I get it if you hate me but—what about everyone else?! You never attempted to share your burden—we're your damn classmates!"

Noeru ripped the serpent off, glaring heatedly at Ayame. Another crystal trail shot out in her direction, forcing her to dodge to the side but—she realized something. The gems aren't as large-scale as before—just like Todoroki's ice against Midoriya. Was he reaching his limit?

"And that's all you are!" Noeru retaliated, "I'm here to be a hero! I'm here to be the best! How can you ever possibly understand what I have to deal with?!"

A pair of mismatch grey and turquoise eyes flashed before her eyes. Ayame startled back at the memory before quickly brushing that from mind; her opponent was Noeru right now. She clenched her fists, running forward again.

"Then tell us!"

Another ookami appeared to pounce on Noeru. He sidestepped away from it, dodging to the right and turned back to Ayame—just to see her inches from him. Her right arm had the same serpent coiled around it like her match against Yuu, enhancing her punch as she aimed it towards his stomach. A thin layer of crystal appeared as armor to his front but—Ayame broke through it.

Her serpent disappeared and Noeru's armor shattered. Ayame cursed mentally, her knuckles red with blood but she continued with her onslaught of attack. Noeru quickly covered to block, glaring down at the brunette.

"Make us understand so we can help! It sucks that you have your own problems to go through but—you're not the only one trying to be a hero! You're not alone in this! Maybe you're the real idiot—you—baka Taka!"

Ayame punched his face, sending him flying back with a hiss.

"I don't need your pity," Noeru growled.

"It's not fucking pity," Ayame glared back.

"Then what is it?" Noeru taunted, "Are you going to lose on purpose, too? Are you going to let me win—or will you forfeit? If I can't win, then I can't be a hero."

Ayame froze.

Wait, that was right. What if—Takarada really leaves U.A.? What if—his father won't let him continue?

What if the situation was reversed?

If Ayame was in his situation—if she couldn't be a hero—what was she going to do?

"I knew it," Noeru scoffed, "I'm fighting to stay at the top. You're fighting your hated opponent. It's as simple as that."

Noeru readied a stance, exhaling, and a crystal spear shot up from beneath his feet. Ayame was frozen still, her eyes wide on him as she whispered,

"I don't hate you."

The spear stopped short of her face. Ayame blinked at the purple crystal, relaxing when it did not pierce her body, and walked around it. Noeru looked bewildered as she faced him again.

"You're an arrogant, egotistical jerk, and definitely an asshole but—I don't hate you. I don't think…Yuu would try so hard for someone not worth fighting for," Ayame said quietly.

"You're unbelievable," Noeru scowled, his eyes narrowing more on her as he tried to contain the nervous itch within his stomach. Damn Sasaki, why was she trying hard? "Then fight me seriously. My own circumstances are not your concern."

She flinched from his tone, hesitating more now that Ayame wasn't fighting by anger. What if he really does lose? What if he can't be a hero?! What if—

"Aren't you trying to change?!"

Noeru grew frustrated with her, after all that she said—she was just going to ignore it? He doesn't need any pity—he doesn't want to win like this! Yuu had already done enough—but the one before him wasn't Yuu.

This was Sasaki Ayame, the girl he had always hated. She—who was the opposite of him—received everything he wanted. How dare she only talk and yet—not show any action for it?! What was the point of their argument if she's just going to revert back to her old self?!

"Prove it!"

His arm crystallized into gems. Noeru ran forward, arm pulled back for a punch. Ayame snapped out of her thoughts and blocked, the serpent wrapping around her arm like gloves. She didn't have time to think when Noeru continued to attack her over and over again, forcing her to defend against his onslaught.

For a split second, Ayame saw an opening and took it. She slammed her hand forward but at the last second, missed her target. Ayame stumbled and Noeru grabbed her hand with a glare.

"Stop holding back," he whispered in her ears, "You'll never change at this rate. You're going to stay in LullaCry's shadow. Your Quirk will never improve. You won't be a hero."

Her eyes widen, anger slowly taking over at his relentless taunting. Ayame pulled her arm back, the smoky tendrils rushing from her body in waves. The serpent around her arm joined the mass of black trails, intertwining with each other in a cyclone around Ayame.

Noeru's eyes sharpened, bringing one hand up to shield his eyes from the wind she was producing. Unbeknownst to him, a smirk had spread over his face as he felt the power surge from Ayame. His hands clenched together, crystals forming beneath his feet while plates of crystal armor wrapped around his body.

That's more like it, Noeru thought, you were hiding this much power? Damned Sasaki, Noeru smirked, show me a good fight so I can beat you fairly.

"You're weak," Noeru continued, "Helpless against the League of Villains and worthless with your Quirk. How can you compare to your sister—to All Might—like this?"

Ayame glared, "Shut up!"

"Then make me."

A huge formation of crystal structures shot out of the ground behind Noeru. He lifted one hand and touched the wall next to him, rearranging the gems' structure to be sharper and stronger within.

I'll end it with this move, Noeru narrowed his eyes on the smoky trails, before she can finish conjuring something.

"I'll become a strong hero just like All Might!"

"I'll be big and strong, smiling with saving others and telling them—'I am here'!"

The smoke finally took form over Ayame's figure. Her head was pounding in pain, eyes wide yet unseeing as the memories flooded in. She barely noticed Noeru manifest the giant crystal block and suddenly—it rushed her way.

"Senpai!" Class 1-A shouted as Noeru began his final assault.

That looks like my attack, Todoroki glared at the waves of gems. His eyes returned back to the brunette in the cyclone, don't lose…

"Fight!" Hotaru cheered.

Ayame! Yume cried in her mind, eyes widening at the giant gem block—rushing towards her.

"I'll be stronger than you one day, Yume-nee! Stronger than Shouta-oji—and stronger than All Might!"

The black tendrils took shape. A large body appeared, swallowing the girl within the cyclone and continuing to drift upwards. A pair of muscular arms took shape along with a head, two strands of hair sticking straight up.

Ayame pulled her arm back and the smoky shadow's arm followed the movement, her lilac eyes were finally focused back on the upcoming attack.

"N-no way…" Ochako gaped.

"Th-that—looks like—!" Midoriya couldn't finish.

"All Might—Smash!"

The fist slammed forward, shattering the pointed peeks of the gems and cracks were spreading over to the source behind. A large shockwave of wind and gems blew around wildly. Noeru shifted his leg behind him; a wall of crystal appeared to block the shockwave as he felt his body pushed further in. The crystal crack beneath his weight, his eyes widening more in shock and—he was blown backwards.

Smoke, gem rubbles, and wind clouded the arena as the sound of an explosion echoed the stage. The giant All Might disappeared, leaving Ayame gasping for breath as she collapsed on her knees. The smoke in front of her finally cleared, everyone's attention was focused on the other opponent.

Noeru was lying down on his back, broken shards of crystals fallen everywhere. He stared at the bright blue sky and closed his eyes, bringing one arm up to cover his face. He already knew the result of the match.

"T-Takarada-san…is out of bounds," Ume announced. This time, she wasn't able to hide her shock. "Sasaki…Ayame-san—is the winner!"

The crowd roared in applause. Class 1-A were screaming their lungs off as they looked at Ayame. Her friends in Class 2-A were cheering as well but—a majority had been stunned silent by her powers.

Meanwhile, Ayame…wasn't paying attention to any of that.

Her head throbbed in pain and she felt no strength in her arms and legs but—she forced herself to stand. Ayame's lips were slightly parted as she stared wide eyed on the collapsed Noeru. She barely—realized what had happened.

She ran, stumbling once in the beginning but Ayame continued on. Noeru had not even moved since the announcement and her heart continued to pound in her chest as to why he's not moving. Ayame panted and fell on her knees next to him, wide lilac eyes looking down at his battered form. She probably looked just as bad, if Ayame took the time to look down, but she couldn't think about herself now.

Her hand reached out to him slowly, her mouth opened to say his name—

"I hated you, Sasaki Ayame."

—and froze. Her left hand hovered over his shoulder but she slowly set it back to her side, eyes focused on his lips moving.

"I hated who you were related to, hated your naïve attitude. You didn't deserve to be a hero as the way you are. Whereas I have to prove my worth and negotiated with my father, you bounced in happily without knowing anyone's circumstances and barging into everyone's business."

Ayame looked down, waiting for him to continue. He wasn't wrong per say…but it also felt like Noeru sounded…defeated. This was far different from the usual cold, impassive class president she knew. This boy…felt vulnerable and…sad.

Noeru lifted his arm, crystal eyes looking up to see her right by his side. She was looking at the ground with a sullen face and it only made Noeru frown even more. He sat up and leaned down, their foreheads mere inches apart.

"I don't know if it's your naivety or stupidity for you to help your enemy in the middle of a match," Noeru smiled sarcastically, her angry outbursts running through his mind as she retorted all of his statements, "But, I guess, I don't hate that about you."

He put a hand to her head, tapping her down slightly as his fingers gently touched the tan tresses.

"I'm only saying this once," Noeru whispered, "Thanks, for not holding back. You beat me this one time—but it would never happen again," there might not be any opportunity to. "Now wipe that look off your face. It's unfitting for a winner."

Noeru stood up, cooling brushing the dirt off his shoulders and began to walk away. Ayame's head shot up, unshed tears brim the corner of her eyes before she hastily wiped it away.

"I hated you, Sasaki Ayame."

That was past tense.

"But, I guess, I don't hate that about you."

"Takarada!"

Noeru paused in his steps, glancing behind him with one crystal eye. Ayame stood up boldly, lilac eyes wavering with those leftover tears and he felt something itch in him again.

"You'll be a hero! One way or another—you will!"

A slow smirk appeared on his lips. Noeru tilted his head and Ayame caught onto the quirk of his lips, heart beating from the rush of adrenaline and surprise.

"Idiot," he turned back around, "Of course I will."

A/N:

Yes, I still love Takarada Noeru and will keep his name as Noeru in the story now. I was honestly debating whether to have Ayame win or not but—it is more impactful if she did. Noeru needed to grow and let go of his hatred and Ayame…also needed to grow up from her childish self.

Although Ayame had shown bursts of power, she's more of a 'glass cannon'. Very powerful—but also very fragile would best describe her. So far her main summons are serpent (enhancement/guard), dragon (power), ookami (speed), tengu (aerial), and kitsune (defense).

It will still take awhile for Noeru to redeem himself but I hope you'll able to see his appeal too! Sorry there's not a lot of Todoroki but I promise, next chapter, is another favorite of mine! Yuu and Noeru will not have chapters centered around them like this anymore; they will only receive a few screen time.

Reviews are very much loved! I noticed a spike in viewers too—but I can't tell if it's just me refreshing the page oops

P.S. It has been one year since I posted this story! Besides the fact I took like a 6-month hiatus from it, this is still an anniversary ahaha