A/N: Hello friends! It's been a while! I've been very busy lately and I've moved to another country months ago. Since moving, I've been feeling really down and I couldn't write a decent chapter. On top of that, work has been hell and so I decided to take a break for my mental health. But this story is really special to me and it's hard to let it go. I'm trying to go back to my normal routine and so I found the courage to write again. I'm grateful that some of you are still reading it. Anyways, please enjoy!


CHAPTER 11

I closed my eyes and prepared to use my quirk.

BOOOOOM!

All I could see and hear was the intensity and the deafening sound of the large explosion. To my surprise, the villains didn't hurt me at all. I slowly opened my eyes and saw a mop of black unruly hair in front of me protecting me from the attack.

"Shindo-san?" I was taken aback at his presence.

"Hey Sora-chan!" He winked at me. "I knew you somewhat needed me here!"

"Th-thank you! Are you hurt?" I asked out of concern.

"Naaa. It's all good! Good to know you seemed fine." He examined me from head to toe. "Get the civilians to safety farther inside!" He shouted at Midoriya, me and the other heroes. "I gotta move them as far from the villains as possible. I'm gonna hit them with shock waves spaced at one second intervals! I won't let you get close"

"That's not good enough!" Before we knew it, Gang Orca was already in front of us ready to return his attack. Shindo-san ran short of countering the attack seeing that they're just an inch apart.

I quickly held out my arm to fight off Gang Orca's attack. I had to keep them away from the injured civilians as much as possible. Gang Orca and his underlings, together with a couple of rubble, flew away from us.

Shit. Gang Orca's quirk is no joke. I immediately felt my energy weaken a bit.

"Sora-chan!" Shindo yelled with concern. Midoriya ran to where I was and checked my condition. I felt a few red liquid drop from my nose. I quickly wiped it with the back of my hand as Midoriya drew closer. I had to hide how my quirk affected me.

"Are you alright?" Midoriya asked. Concern filling his green orbs.

"I'm okay. Don't worry!" I replied.

"Good move. But such a reckless one. You know you could've been badly injured if you're not strong enough to stop the attack." Gang Orca said dusting off some debris off his suit. "Saving more people is a priority." The killer whale hero took a glance at Shindo.

"I trust my quirk." I said confidently.

"Do you, now? You really underestimate me." Gang Orca quickly recovered and without hesitation sent another ultrasonic wave attack. Before the vibration reached me, a thick sheet of ice glacier appeared in between me and the pro-hero insulating me from his quirk.

"Shoto?" I said as I found the owner of the crystal obstruction in front of me. My brown orbs met his mismatched ones.

"Yuri, stay along with Midoriya. Take the ones we've rescued as far away from these villains as possible." Shoto told me as he kept an eye on Gang Orca.

"Th-"

"Thank me later." Shoto didn't let me finish. Instead, he froze the ground, not letting any of Gang Orca's men get any closer to us. I ran towards Midoriya and assisted people to get up transferring them to safety. Examining that the place was out of people, I began to run towards their direction as instructed by Shoto but a number of Gang Orca's men surrounded me.

"Not so fast!" Gang Orca's voice echoed from a distance.

Damn it. That move from earlier really decreased my energy. I guess I need to rely more on physical strength from this point.

I saw Shoto continuously aiming at Gang Orca with his ice quirk. He has become a lot stronger seeing how he can withhold his power and use it for a long period of time. However, even with those attacks, the pro-hero easily gets away with it.

"As expected from the number 10 hero." I heard Shoto acknowledge the pro-hero's strength.

The villains in black tight suits started to attack me simultaneously. I quickly got my nunchucks to defend myself. I started twirling it around aiming at the guys' head and body as they launched themselves before me. Since they were too many, I decided to use my quirk again. Pieces of debris and scrap metal float from the ground to hit them.

This is tiring than I thought. My vision started to become blurry. Come on, Yuri! No need for this right now. I slapped my face repeatedly.

"How dare you hurt, Yu-chan!" I heard Inasa's voice from above releasing a powerful wind against the villains. Gang Orca's underling's flew one by one off the pavement. He kept himself afloat on the air and gazed at me. "Yuri, are you okay?"

I looked up at Inasa, "I'm fine!" This guy always comes to my rescue every time.

"Catch up with the others, Yu-chan! I won't let any of these villains get near you."

At that moment, Shoto and Inasa made eye contact. Oh no, this is bad. Please don't do anything that will get you guys in trouble. I began to run towards Midoriya and the others while Inasa and Shoto fought Gang Orca and his men. As soon as I reached their location, my eyes zeroed in on those two. Even at a distance, their voices were audible.

"You keep saying things that distract me. Why don't you go help with the first-aid station evacuation? Your quirk would be well suited for that! I'll handle this." Shoto shouted out of irritation.

Inasa didn't give any response. Instead, I saw them release their quirk at the same time, which I thought wasn't a good plan. As soon as Shoto unleashed his fire directed at Gang Orca, Inasa used his wind quirk making the both of them miss their target.

"Huh? What are they aiming at?" One of the pro-heroes' goons said.

"Why fire? My wind changes direction with heat!" Inasa shouted from above.

"My flames blew away because of your wind!" Shoto replied hot-headedly.

While Midoriya and I helped the other injured victims, we stopped for a short while hearing all these bickering from Inasa and Shoto.

"You did it on purpose to take all the merit for yourself!" Inasa continued.

"Why would I do such a thing!" Shoto retorted.

"You definitely would do that because you're Endeavor's son!"

By looking at Shoto's expressions, I knew he had enough. "What is your problem? My father has nothing to do with —"

Shoto wasn't able to finish as one of the villains aimed a cement gun at his right arm. The cement penetrated into his hero costume and skin limiting his movements. Gang Orca bluntly chided how the two would even start an argument given the situation. As if hearing nothing, the two continued their squabble. Inasa was boldly persistent in asserting how much he hated Endeavor and Shoto. He had a reason to anyway. He had his fair share of unpleasant experiences with both Todorokis.

"Nothing to do with him? You have a lot to do with him." Inasa uttered in exasperation. "The main thing about heroes for me is passion. Their passionate hearts give hope and inspire people!"

Just looking at Inasa, I knew he vividly remembers how Endeavor ignored him when he was just young. Endeavor was his all time favorite hero mainly because of how strong and cool he seemed to be. But on the day Inasa first met the fiery pro-hero in real life, Endeavor gave the poor guy the cold shoulder when he was just innocently asking for his signature. Inasa told me that all he felt from Endeavor's eyes was a cold sense of anger. Later on, I told him that Endeavor was just as cold to any other people, including me. But no matter how many times I've explained Endeavor's lack of warmth, which is pretty ironic considering his quirk, he never listened. Inasa, as an aspiring hero, held on to upright values and pleasing character. Something that is as selfish as Endeavor might be impossible to possess.

The first time Inasa met Shoto was at U.A High School during the U.A. Recommended Entrance Exam. Taking on a fresh perspective at the younger Todoroki, he immediately recognized Endeavor's son and attempted to befriend him. However, Shoto's cold response towards Inasa brought back the same feeling he had when he met Endeavor. From then on, he grew a great hatred towards the two. I never explained to him why Shoto behaved that way. I figured it wasn't right to disclose something so personal about my childhood friend so I just kept my mouth shut and tolerated Inasa's negative remarks about him. I didn't blame him though, I also had the same feeling towards Shoto back then. But this time's different.

Even as Shoto was encapsulated by his ice wall protecting himself from the villains, he continued to respond to Inasa. Inasa, on the other hand, continued to avoid the cement guns aimed at him.

"You have exactly the same eyes as him!" Inasa screamed, anger brimming from his voice.

"The same eyes? Don't be ridiculous. I am not him."

"What are you doing with a villain in front of you?" Gang Orca interrupted their conversation.

Inasa, with his gaze on the ground, loudly exclaimed, "I will never accept you and your old man as heroes. That's all!" And with that, Inasa waved his hand unleashing a powerful wind towards the killer whale. Meanwhile, Shoto released a fiery blaze from his left.

Simultaneously releasing both quirks, Inasa's wind redirected Shoto's fire which was initially aimed at Gang Orca.

Seeing he missed again, Inasa said, "Again! You really are—"

However, the both of them froze in place as the fire found another route directly at the first aid station where we were staying. I vividly saw Shoto's flames making its way towards us. Right then and there, I've decided what to do. It was impossible to move these people one-by-one. The only thing that can save us is a forcefield wide enough to cover and protect us. I'm not really used to this side of my quirk but guess I'm left with no choice.

Even if my mind hesitated for a second, my body did not. I ran towards the fire and used my quirk to deflect its impact. I was just a second late as I felt a trace of heat brush past my shoulder but I was able to generate a field protecting the people in the evacuation station. It only lasted for a few seconds until I diverted the direction of the fire.

I let down my guard and the forcefield was gone. Before my vision went blurry, I saw a mop of green hair running towards me. I thought I was doing okay and that my hazy vision would soon come to normal when suddenly, I felt nauseous. Before my knees hit the floor, I felt somebody caught me and laid me carefully on the pavement. A trail of blood seeped out of my nose as I wiped it the second time today.

"Sora-chan!" I heard Midoriya call out to me touching my face gently. "Are you okay? Wake up!"

I felt fatigue eating up my entire body but I can't lay here for a long time. A lot of people needed help and those two dumbass weren't done bickering like little girls. I shook my head lightly and opened my eyes.

"Sora-chan?" Midoriya said full of concern. "Where does it hurt?" As Midoriya said those words, I inspected my frail body and saw that I had slight burns on my arm. I warily adjusted my position and carefully got up while the green-haired assisted me. My head still pounded from the effect of my quirk. "I think… I'll be okay. We just need to—"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Midoriya yelled at both Inasa and Shoto.

With those words, Inasa and Shoto froze in place. Were they aware of what they're doing right now? Isn't there another time and place to fight over these things? As I watched from a distance, I saw Gang Orca use his ultrasonic waves paralyzing both of them. His underlings ran towards our direction.

I can't use any forcefield right now. God knows what will happen if I use it the second time today. As I mentally argue inside my head, I thought of using my time quirk. Can I? In this condition?

I clenched my fist prepared to endure the aftermath of my decision. I started to concentrate. Maybe a few seconds will be fine. But before I even closed my eyes, Midoriya carried me away from the villains.

Damn. I can't use it now that we're in physical contact.

"Sora-chan! I'm sure Todoroki-kun and Yoarashi-san will do something about Gang Orca. Whatever it is, please don't use any more of your quirk. You might get seriously injured. Trust me. I know how it feels." My eyes trailed to the traces of scar on Midoriya's arm as he held me close.

"Thank you Midoriya!" I smiled at him. "But I can still help, you know." Seeing some of the villains catching up on us, I let some rocks and rubble hang in the air and aimed at them. "That will slow them down."

"But, I thought…" Midoriya tried to object.

I suddenly butted in, "I couldn't use that field like I did earlier but my quirk is still handy." As we reached a safe place, Midoriya let me down. Both of us are still gazing at the battlefield.

Shindo fell in beside us. His arms on my shoulders. "Sora-chan! Are you okay?" I just nodded as a reply. He then turned to Midoriya, "Put those villains out of action! Split up and finish the evacuation. Sora-chan, just stay here with the victims. You might get hurt if you still come with us."

I nodded and with those words, Shindo and Midoriya made their way to Gang Orca to help Shoto and Inasa. From a distance, I saw Inasa and Shoto's wind and fire trapping the killer whale. Even without any movement in their bodies, they were able to release their quirk smoothly. Both of them are really strong heroes. I'm sure they'll grow into so much more only if they realize their mistakes. Especially with what happened today.

I saw Gang Orca unable to move from both elements. I was pretty sure this fight would come to an end. Even if the villains try to attack Shoto from behind, he was still able to use his ice quirk to protect his body.

What incredible strength. He's able to use both of his sides.

As Gang Orca's underlings attempt to add more damage, Midoriya has already pounced after them with his powerful quirk. As soon as the evacuation was complete, other students from different schools came to help. I felt relieved. This was the first time I've seen a lot of heroes help each other. Oji-chan's sacrifice wasn't put to waste after all.

Feeling a bit recovered from my injury, I stood up and tried to help. But in that instant, a tangle of long hair suddenly blocked my vision.

"Mora-san!" I happily called out his name.

"I sent Inasa, but seeing there are still this many left is a disgrace to the Shiketsu name!" More hair went flying in different directions twisting around the villain's body. He gazed at my direction. "You did well, Yuri-chan! How are you doing?"

"I think I'm okay. Just some wounds on my arm but I'll be fine." I replied.

The ongoing ripple of fire entangling Gang Orca caught our attention. But the pro-hero hasn't really given up yet. He defused Inasa and Shoto's joint quirks only after a few minutes without any scratch on his body.

"So what's next?" He uttered confidently as steam visibly appeared around his body.

So this is the level of a pro-hero.

As Gang Orca reached out to pick up Shoto, I saw Midoriya approaching from nowhere. "Please, stay away from those two!" He kicked the hero on the side of his arm but it looked like it didn't hurt him.

BUZZZZZZZZZZ!

The final alarm notifying the end of the exams started to go off. Everyone halted.

Mera-san spoke with a pleasant tone in his voice, "At this moment, all deployed HUC have been rescued from the danger zone. It may seem quite arbitrary, but as of now, the whole provisional license exam process has been completed. After we tally the scores, we will announce the results. Those who are injured head to the infirmary. The rest of you, please change and wait."

It's over? I thought to myself. Suddenly, as if on cue, every part of my body started to ache. Maybe it was just the adrenaline that made me resistant from my injuries. I looked at Mora-san and let him know that I'll be at the infirmary to have myself checked.

I started to walk out of the devastated arena when I heard Inasa's voice calling me from afar.

"Yu-chan! Yu-chan! WAIT!" My buzzed cut friend darted towards me with a pained expression on his face. I saw Shoto just walking behind him. His eyes avoided mine.

Finally, Inasa has caught up to me, "Yu-chan!" Inasa suddenly wailed and hugged me. I winced at his tight embrace.

"Ow…" He quickly released me from his grip.

"Sorry Yuri-chan! I'm so sorry for doing such reckless things while on the exam! I didn't mean to hurt you, I promise!"

I just smiled at Inasa, "Don't worry, Inasa-kun. I'm fine. Just make sure your behavior's in check next time."

"Yes, Yu-chan! Can you walk on your own? Do you want me to carry you to the clinic?"

He insisted on carrying me.

"Yoarashi!" I heard Mora-san scream at my friend. "We need to talk! Come out quickly of the arena! There are some things we need to discuss."

"But senpai!"

"Come out at once!" Our senior strictly said.

I gestured to Inasa to just follow Mora-san. He would never want to get on his nerves. Our senior is a nice person but his rules must be strictly followed.

I was about to turn my heel when I heard Shoto call out my name. I stopped and faced him. At this time, most students were already making their way out of the arena. If you'd ask me, I prefer just going straight to the infirmary to rest and recover. I'm not mad at Shoto. It's just that I just really feel weak dealing with other stuff right now. Honestly speaking, I would've accepted Inasa's offer to carry me to clinic if only Mora-san didn't call him.

I took a deep breath. "Shoto, if you're here to apologize, no need. It's really-"

"Get on my back." Shoto's broad back was suddenly in front of me.

"But-"

"No buts. Just get on my back. Right now." He slowly bent down so I could move closer to him.

I slowly drew near him and warily placed myself on his back. My hands held onto his shoulder blades. I heard a disapproving sound in his voice. He grabbed both my arms and let it travel around his neck. "You'll fall easily if you only grab my shoulders." After lifting my legs close to his waist, he started to walk.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" I said as my chin rested on his shoulders.

"What do you mean? If I can carry you or if it's my first time carrying someone on my back?" His reply was straightforward. I felt my cheeks heat up.

"No! What I mean was… You were in a fight against Gang Orca earlier. Do you have enough strength to carry me?" I can only hear his footsteps in the hallway going to the clinic.

"Don't worry about me. I'm pretty sure my strength wasn't all used up. Plus-" He paused for a bit. "This is the least thing I could do for you after what I did to you back there." His tone went bitter.

"Hey, Shoto-kun. Don't tell me you feel sorry for yourself again?"

"Why wouldn't I? I was reckless a while ago. I almost hurt you. You have your quirk to thank for."

"Hey, Shoto…" I managed to speak with more power in my voice. "Like I said to Inasa a while ago, it's okay. At least you learned something from your mistake, right? Don't worry about me anymore. And besides, these are just minor scratches."

"How can I not worry?" Shoto's pace slacked-off. "The last time I made a mistake… I lost a friend." Shoto's stride came to a stop.

Was he talking about—

"What are you talking about Shoto?" I asked him. With those words, I felt Shoto bent to let me down. I felt my feet touch the ground. Shoto turned to face me. The clinic was just a few steps away from us.

"I'm sorry Yuri." Shoto's heterochromatic orbs were fixed at my brown ones. "I'm sorry for today and for what I told you years back. I know I'm such a coward for apologizing just now." His gaze slowly traveled on his feet.

He's apologizing? Am I hearing this right?