Heroes Never Die It's Hero Time

by Guardian-Sigil

One would think that in a world where everyday people possess impossible abilities nothing would really be a surprise. Izuku Midoriya, who upon the age of four was diagnosed as quirkless, was denied of his dream of become a hero that can save everyone with a smile. But fate gives him a chance; allowing him access not to one but a universe of powers and abilities.

22. Ch:22 Friends and Foes

Hey it's me, sorry for the late update. I've been real busy lately so we may be back to updates only once a week. But to make up for being late, this is my longest chapter yet.

*Also I think I caused some confusion with the last chapter's title. When I said "Roaring" I didn't mean to hint to Rath. I was trying to say ""Roaring Start" to the Sports Festival." But that title is too long. Rath will eventually arrive but not for a while.

*I want to restate a few things:

1. Every Ben Ten alien from the original series, Alien Force, Ultimate Alien, and Omniverse will be included into this story. (The ultimate aliens are still on the fence though).

2. I am not trying to live a power fantasy with this fanfic and thus I have given myself a set of rules to follow on how, when, and where Izuku gains new aliens.

3. I have not watched the rebooted series (I tried to), so don't expect any aliens, elements, or anything from that series.

---

**********(Opening Theme)**********

*Lyric

*Scene

Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh ohh

Izuku slowly walks up a stage as he fades between his alien forms. Below him students look up in anticipation as the crowd cheers.

Instrumental

Izuku makes it to the top of the stage and looks down at his fellow students who look back up at him challengingly.

Itsuka bokura no ue o suresure ni toorisugiteitta ano hikouki o

Izuku flys through the sky on his hoverboard with a smile before running into turbulence and slipping off it

Fushigi na kurai ni oboeteru imi mo nai no ni naze ka

The teenager ends up crashing through a familiar building. A moment later he runs out as Mr. Baumann chases after him with a broom. Inside the store Nezu and Thirteen laugh as they watch the events unfold.

Fugainakute naita hi no yoru ni tada tsuyokunaritai to negatteta

Izuku walks towards class as he's joined by Ochaco and all his friends. They pass by other students such as Hitoshi, Mei, and the 1-B students and a few megawatts as they continue walking.

Sono tame ni hitsuyou na yuuki o sagashimotometeita

Izuku slows down to see Todoroki standing in front of him with a serious expression. Behind him Endeavor glares.

Zankoku na unmei ga sadamatteru to s***

Ochaco meditates as she allows One For All to flow around her as Toshinori looks on. Suddenly Toshinori turns around to look at Izuku in his middle school uniform on the roof.

Sore ga itsu no hi ka boku no mae ni arawareru to s***

Behind Izuku the shadows of his tormentors including Katsuki appear before fading, leaving just Henzu who gives a mock salute.

Tada isshun

Izuku and Henzu are seen laughing together at something.

kono isshun

The two are now standing back to back, Izuku looks sad while Henzu looks angry.

iki ga dekiru nara

Izuku turns to reach out to Henzu who walks away and slowly turns into his mutated form.

Dou demo ii to Omoeta

Izuku a single tear comes down his face before opening his eyes revealing back on the stage as the other students look up at him.

sono kokoro o Instrumental

Slowly a smile appears on his face as the other students give him challenging looks. He returns the challenge by holding his hand out in a 'come and get me' motion

Mou ichido tooku e ike tooku e ike to boku no naka de dare ka ga utau

Izuku runs across the field ducking and dodging other students as they let loose their quirks, such as Mei gliding by in support gear, Shiozaki creating multiple vines, Kendo shattering the ground with her hands and Shinso walking through it all with a cool expression.

Dou shiyou mo nai hodo netsuretsu ni

Ochaco grins as she roars out, all around her gravity begins to distort. Behind her the shadows of the previous wielders appear.

Itsudatte

me o harashita kimi ga nido to kanashimanai you ni waraeru

Heatblast destroys an oncoming glacier, XLR8 races against a certain speedster, Four Arms fights off Dark Shadow, Diamondhead dodges multiple falling rocks only to be consumed in a powerful explosion.

Sonna hiiroo ni naru tame no uta

Izuku runs out of the fire with a determined expression as he runs at all his waiting opponents.

Saraba kakagero Peace Sign

All across the universe multiple aliens look on their screens at the sports festival

Korogatteiku sutoorii o

Izuku grins as he holds the Omnitrix up.

Instrumental

The scene fades out to reveal Izuku in his Hero costume along with the 1-A students as they all head out into battle.

[Illustrated by Drag0n5on]

**********(End Theme)**********

Ch.22 Friends and Foes

"BURST COMET!"

Ochaco Uraraka rockets into the stadium to the resounding roar of the stadium along with a little grey frog latched onto her shoulder.

"How unprecedented! Ochaco Uraraka and Izuku Midoriya are our champions!" screams Present Mic over the intercoms.

The audience goes crazy over the results as fireworks boom in the sky and confetti showers down! None of them could have guessed how the Obstacle Courses ended the way it did!

---

Inko Midoriya is moved to tears after seeing her son take the win. So much so that she slips right off the family couch. "Oh, my baby Izuku!"

---

"Way! To! Go! Ochan!" ML-E is so hyped up that she's running about her family's living room like a chibi-tornado.

Her mother on the other hand. "ML-E settle down this instant!" Just by running around her daughter has already broken a vase and papers were thrown into the air.

---

"Woah-woo!" Mr. Baumann's otherworldly customers cheer as Izuku and Ochaco's images play over the screen.

"Way to go!"

"That was amazing!"

"Those two really know how to play with suspense don't they!"

"Meh, it's all just for show."

"Shut it, Argit!"

Mr. Baumann, himself, cannot stop smiling. "Woah-woo! Way to go Izuku! I knew you had it in you! I-" He finally notices how the aliens are eyeing him like he grew a second head, which isn't even that strange for some of these aliens.

Mr. Boumann coughs into his fist while fixing his apron. "I mean…if he does well, then he can become a pro faster… And he can pay me back for all the damages he caused, sooner!" Why does it feel like he threw the last part in as an excuse?

---

From outside the stadium Death Arms turns around to see what the big fuss is all about. And on the flat screen he watches as a little frog transforms into Izuku Midoriya.

"Hey, it's those kids."

Kamui Woods turns to see what his partner is talking about. Peering up at the screen he sees pictures of Ochaco and Izuku being announced as the winners. "Oh, yeah. They were the ones that took down that creepy clown… Should have figured they were Hero Course students."

And that must mean they are part of the famous Class 1-A. Wow, that might explain why they were able to take on the Freaks and Zombozo.

Death Arms smirks. "I guess those two will be the ones to watch."

"No kidding." Maybe he should try and scout them, assuming they'll accept.

Meanwhile, Mt. Lady isn't even bothering to pay attention as she poses for a small group of cameramen nearby.

---

Tomura Shigaraki slouches forward in his seat, scratching at his neck in irritation, as he keeps his eyes on the screen. "It's those brats again…"

Nue, or Henzu Uuichi, sits in the dark corner behind Shigaraki. He snarls at the image of his once upon a time friend.

---

Ochaco is panting very heavily, her foot is numb, and her heart is pounding. Meanwhile, Izuku stands nearby ready to provide any assistance.

Ochaco eventually throws her head up and takes in the cheering crowd as does Izuku. The entire stadium is alive with cheers and praise after witnessing such a thrilling start to the Sports Festival.

The First-Place winners scan the audience until their eyes locate the teacher's booth. From within they can see all the teachers, specifically All Might and Thirteen, giving standing ovations.

Izuku and Ochaco smile up at the mentors who are more than thrilled to return the gestures with their own gleaming smiles of pride.

Izuku and Ochaco share a look with each other, and smile, laughing while savoring the taste of victory even if it was a tie.

Toshinori Yagi watches as his successor dries her eyes before tears of joy have a chance to leak out. This Sports Festival's a competition where everyone aims for the top. Even though that means defeating your friends and classmates. And for professional heroes, popularity plays a huge part in their careers. So, they have to want to be the best. It's a bloodthirsty world.'

He peers up at the screen that's replaying Ochaco's Burst Comet that allowed her to rocket past Bakugou, Todoroki, and Midoriya's Mecha.

He looks back down at his grinning successor. 'At your core, you want to help others. That's why I chose you, Young Uraraka. But in all honesty, I also thought your kindness could be your weakness.' He smiles and claps his hands together. 'Turns out I was worried over nothing! You are a fighter!'

---

As the audience somewhat begins to settle down, Katsuki Bakugou is off by himself panting hard after such a grueling race.

He grips his arm tightly as his entire body shakes with rage and…shock. "Deku… No way… Not…again…" First the Entrance Exam, then the Battle Trail, and now…and now this… How can this be?! He's supposed to be the strongest, the best of the best! Not Deku! Not him!

Meanwhile, steam evaporates from Todoroki's body as he too tries to catch his breath. He really pushed himself in the end there, but it wasn't enough…and he can't accept that. His ice has to be enough, otherwise what is he doing with himself?

Todoroki eyes the two First Place winners as Present Mic's voice drowns out his thoughts.

"The contestants are pouring in one after the other! Let's hear some applause for all our competitors as we prepare the results."

"Uraraka, that was amazing!" shouts Izuku, the way she took the lead like she did was incredible! He just can't stop grinning when he thinks about it.

"Me amazing?!" Ochaco grins back at Deku. "What about you?! That robot-thing was so cool! I'm jealous!" No kidding, while she was booking it all the way across, Deku just had to sit back and freakin drive through the Obstacle Course. "Although…" Her cheeks puff out making them round as she pouts. "Weren't you the one that said we couldn't help each other? That we were rivals today?"

Izuku at least has the decency to be embarrassed. "He he, yeah sorry about that. But to be fair, you did destroy my mech."

"Touché…" She has to give him that one, she did do that.

As the audience continues to go crazy over the result, Ochaco takes a moment to reflect. 'To be honest, I got lucky. I was able to use One For All properly for a few moments back there, but…does that means I have control over it or was I just lucky?' She balls her fist. 'Either way I will control All Might's Quirk.'

Izuku holds up the Omnitrix admiring its glistening metal texture in the sunlight. 'I'm so glad I was able to think on my feet back there, but this just proves that anything can happen.' He watches as more of his classmates sprint into the stadium. 'My real abilities will be tested after this. Whatever comes next? I need to be able to adapt.'

---

A panting Momo Yaoyorozu finally arrives into the stadium as something on her back weighs her down. "How could this happen?" She's a recommended student, she should have been further in the lead than this.

A creepy maniacally laugh rings out behind her, where Minoru Mineta is gleefully perched to her back, using his Sticky Balls as a means to hold on. "Two birds with one stone. I'm a genius!"

"You are the worst!"

Eventually all the other students finally finish the Obstacle Course giving those with minor injuries enough time to get patched up before the announcement for the next event.

Recovery Girl just wrapped up Ochaco's toe to hold back the swelling for now. Thankfully, Ochaco's shoe was tight enough not to let the swelling to get too bad so she'll be able to participate in the next event without much hinderance.

Midnight strides upon the stage as the sea of students crowd around to await the results. "The first game for the first-years is finally over and what a game it was! Now, let's take a quick look at the standings, shall we?"

1st: Ochaco Uraraka & Izuku Midoriya

2nd: Shoto Todoroki

3rd: Katsuki Bakugou

4th: Ibara Shiozaki

5th: Juzo Honenuki

6th: Tenya Iida

7th: Fumikage Tokoyami

8th: Hanta Sero

9th: Eijiro Kirishima

10th: Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

11th: Mashirao Ojiro

12th: Yosetsu Awase

13th: Tsuyu Asui

14th: Mezo Shoji

15th: Rikido Sato

16th: Momo Yaoyorozu

17th: Minoru Mineta

18th: Mina Ashido

19th: Koji Koda

20th: Kyoka Jiro

21st: Hitoshi Shinso

22nd: Sen Kaibara

23rd: Kosei Tsuburba

24th: Denki Kaminari

25th: Kejiro Bondo

26th: Reiko Yanagi

27th: Itsuka Kendo

28th: Jurota Shishida

29th: Shihai Kuroiro

30th: Yui Kodai

31st: Hiryu Rin

32nd: Nirengeki Shoda

33rd: Kinoko Komori

34th: Togaru Kamakiri

35th: Neito Monoma

36th: Pony Tsunotori

37th: Tooru Hagakure

38th: Setsuna Tokage

39th: Manga Fukidashi

40th: Mei Hatsume

41st: Yuga Aoyama

Midnight continues with her announcement. "Only the top forty-two contestants will advance to the next round!" However, because there is a tie for first-place the cut off is the 41st place. "But don't be too let down if you didn't make the cut. We've prepared other opportunities for you to shine." She licks the sides of her lips, suggesting something else entirely. "Now the real fun is about to begin. The chance to fully move yourselves into the limelight! Give it your best!"

She has no idea how true some of the contestants are going to take that advice such as the humiliated and infuriated Bakugou and Todoroki.

Midnight whips her flogger to activate the holographic slot machine behind her. The image spins and spins and spins as if building up tension before revealing the next event. "Let's see what we have in store for you next." continues Midnight. "Will your wildest fantasies come to life? What could it be the waiting is torture!"

Izuku gulps, the anticipation is torture.

"Prepare, yourselves…for this!"

The slot machine comes to a halt revealing the next event: CAVALRY BATTLE.

Denki Kaminari frowns at the announcement. "Cavalry battles? I'm terrible at those." he whines.

Tsuyu Asui rubs her chin. "Huh, it's not an individual event." That's odd, she figured there would be no cooperating with each other today. "I wonder how they'll split us up."

The chief umpire overhears her comments. "Allow me to explain." She turns to the screen and an image of Thirteen, Present Mic, and Snipe stand together, linking their hands, while All Might stands atop of them their palms.

"The participants will form teams of two-to-four people as they see fit." She peers back at the students. "In theory, it's basically the same as a regular playground game. But there is one difference."

The students stand at attention, wondering what that difference is.

"Each player has been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course."

Rikido Sato nods in understanding. "I get it, a point-based system like the Entrance Exams. That seems pretty simple."

Ochaco adds in her own thoughts. "So, that means each team will have a different point value based on which students are on it."

Mina Ashido finger guns at the gravity wielder. "Uh-huh!"

Midnight whips her flogger angrily against the stage startling the girls. "Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you!"

On the screen, a set of points appear next to each student's name and ranking.

"Now, then." With the attention back on her, the umpire continues with her explanation. "The point assignments go up by increments of five, starting from the bottom. For example, 41st place is worth five points and 40th is worth ten."

Izuku and Ochaco eye the ranking curiously. "Huh?" So if their math is correct then they should have something like 205 points. But they are about to be made aware of just how naive they both truly are.

"And the point value assigned to the first-place contestant is…TEN MILLION!"

For the two first-place winners it feels like their hearts have gone silent along with the rest of the universe, even as their brains shut off temporarily. And then the reality of the entire situation comes rushing back into them like a humongous tidal wave.

"Ten…"

"Million…?"

Midnight cuts in amongst their inner chaos. "Because we have two winners for first place, we will be dividing the points up between them making each of them worth…FIVE MILLION POINTS EACH!"

That in no way makes either of them feel any better.

The other contestants instantly turn to their newly established targets.

The indigo-haired teen smirks. 'Really.'

A dark-smile is plastered onto Mei Hatsume's features. 'In other words if you take down their team…'

Everyone eyes the two winners like they're lost sheep amongst a lion's den. 'You'll win the Cavalry Game and take the lead yourself.'

"That's right." Midnight smirks down at the glorious and exciting sight of youth being motivated like this. "It's survival of the fittest with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!"

Both Ochaco and Izuku step a little closer as the hungry eyes of their classmates and competition emanate with bloodlust.

The prey's hearts pound against their chests as anticipation for what's to come grows.

Izuku's mind flashes back to all the times his old classmates and especially how Bakugou used to claim that he [Izuku Midoriya] would never be able to hang with the best-of-the-best, that he was just a Quirkless wannabe… Oh, how the tables have turned.

'Things have changed so much since junior high, but I'm still a target.' Izuku's fists clench. 'Fine. It's like I said before, I'm the one to beat.'

Meanwhile, Toshinori, the Number One hero himself, gazes down at the two students. 'Now you both know the burden of being the best.'

Ochaco eyes the five million points displayed next to her name on the screen, as a combination of thrilling excitement and drowning dread swirl within her. 'So, what they say is true. It's hard being at the top. Right, All Might?'

"First-years!" Midnight swings her arm towards the screen. "These are the rules you will abide by." The previous image of the teachers as a cavalry team pops onto the screen, "The game itself will last fifteen minutes. Individual point values will be added together to reach your team total. Everyone will know how much you're worth thanks to your headbands."

They are beginning to see where this is going.

"Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team's score."

A few of the contestants smirk as if they've already formed a plan for this event.

"Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So, the more you steal the harder it'll be to manage them." Essentially take too much and they could suffocate themselves with headbands. "And another thing. Even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing until time's up!"

Yaoyorozu considers the challenge. "It's anyone's game, then."

Sato agrees. "And since there are forty-two contestants there'll be ten or twelve teams fighting on the field the entire time."

"Sounds hard." interjects a rather worried Yuga Aoyama.

Mina considers something else. "So, if you lose your headband at the beginning you have more time to make up a plan."

Tsuyu isn't too sure about that. "I dunno, Mina. Maybe we should wait and see how the teams turn out before we start strategizing."

Midnight poses atop the stage, swinging her flogger around like a whip "This is going to be rough. You may use your Quirks as much as you like. But there are still rules! Make a team fall on purpose and I'll slap you with a red card. You'll be disqualified!"

Bakugou scoffs in the background, looks like there goes his main strategy.

A timer for fifteen minutes pops onto the screen.

"Now, you've got fifteen minutes to build your teams. I recommend you get started." And with that Midnight leaves them to it.

Izuku cups his chin in thought as his classmates begin to look for others that they'd work well with. 'It doesn't matter how many points my teammates have since I've got so many. I just need to make sure I pick the right people. But who…?'

---

While the students begin to form teams Kamui Woods, Mt. Lady, and Death Arms are all seated in the Staff Break Room for all the pro heroes guarding this event can take a seat and watch a bit of the Sports Festival.

Death Arms rolls his cigarette between his fingers. "The Sports Festival isn't really about seeing how prepared they are at being heroes. It's more about simulating the competition they'll face if they go pro." He sticks the smoke back into his lips.

"Huh?" Mt. Lady sits up in her seat. "What are you talking about?"

Death Arms breaths out a large puff of smoke before replying. "We both know this country is overrun with agencies right now. If you wanna put food on the table you've gotta be willing to step on top of other heroes. That was the whole point of the first round."

Mt. Lady covers her mouth and tries to wave away the puff of smoke. "That's such a sad way of looking at our jobs."

Kamui Woods is instantly there to call her out. "Seriously?! You've never had a problem stealing the spotlight."

Death Arms puffs out more smoke. "But on the other hand even if you're battling each other for popularity there are plenty of cases where you have to work together."

She actually understood that. "Huh. You're right, it's just like this Cavalry Battle! Every point you score is not just for you, but for your teammates as well. Plus you have to think about how Quirks work together and who you're compatible with."

Kamui Woods twists the bottle cap off his water. "It's kind of like coordinating with your Sidekick or doing Quirk training with other agencies." He lifts the bottle up to his mouth but is stopped by his own mask, he wears the thing so often he forgets that he's even wearing it at times.

The more muscular of the three shrugs. "I'm sure at least some of the kids are thinking about all this. If they become pros it'll be their way of life."

Mt. Lady leans back. "They've still got a long road ahead of 'em."

---

The students are still trying to form teams and many of Class 1-A have their sights on a select few on who to join.

Sato jabs a thumb towards himself. "You should team with me!"

Mina cuts in. "No, you definitely want me by your side."

Aoyama stands nearby while trying to keep his guts from spilling out. "I don't wanna beg, but please."

These are only the few of Class 1-A that are gathered around Bakugou, begging to be on his team.

Unfortunately for them, Bakugou is at a complete loss here. "Wait, remind me what your Quirks are again. And your names."

Now that hurts.

Mina is absolutely appalled. "You're kidding! We're your classmates!" How does he not know everyone's names by now?

Sato offers up a theory on why. "Can you really be that self-centered?!"

The answer: he can.

Toshinori watches on as the kids figure out teams. "He's a hot head, but he came in third and he has 195 points. And considering how versatile his Quirk is I'm not surprised people are trying to join up with him."

"Bakugou!" Eijiro Kirishima shoves his way past Tooru Hagakure and Sato. "I was gonna try Todoroki, but he already picked a group. So, hey! We should team up."

"Hey, Shitty Hair." greets Bakugou with a bored tone.

"My name is Kirishima!" snaps the red-head. "And my hair's not that different from yours." That's a good point, and so is this next part. "Come on. You wanna be the rider, right? So you're gonna need a strong front horse who won't be hurt by your blasts." To prove his point Kirishima hardens up his arm. "That'd be me." It's not a suggestion.

But Bakugou still isn't convinced. "I need someone with guts."

Perfect. "My Quirk was made for this! I got you covered, man!" This is his final point. "Let's go charging into battle together."

That instantly strikes a chord with the elitist and Kirishima knows he's got him now.

"Ten Million. Bring it." That's a promise.

Bakugou growls as a fiery grin forms on his face. Hell, yeah. They'll definitely take the top spot.

At the same time, teams are still forming.

"Shoji! Shoji!" Mineta balls until the taller classmates finally notices the crying excuse for a decent human being. "None of the girls wanna team up with me! Please, be my partner!"

Shoji instantly begins walking away intending on finding someone else.

"I'm super tiny so I can't be a horse! But for some reason no one wants me to climb on top of them so I can be a rider!" He may have just answered his own question. "With your huge body and those tentacles you could cover me completely. So, no one'll take my headband!"

Mezo Shoji actually stops, that's actually a sound strategy.

"Right?! Please?!"

Shoji quickly grows a mouth out of one of his extra limbs and smiles. "Good idea. Let's go."

Izuku watches on as other teams are starting to take shape as well: Todoroki speaks to Yaoyorozu and Mina shows off her Quirk to Bakugou.

'Everyone's sticking to the people in their homeroom class so far. It's too much of a gamble to partner with someone if you don't know what their Quirk can do. I need to find a team of my own and fast.'

There's just one problem… He's been completely isolated by everyone else!

'Everyone's totally avoiding me since I'm worth so much!' And it doesn't help that he painted a target on himself during the Student Pledge either. Basically anyone on his team is going to have a rough time no matter their strategy.

Speaking strategy it would be better if a team could focus on stealing headbands than trying to keep their own. So of course no one is going to seek him out as a teammate.

But…there is someone. Someone that he can trust and rely on that may be willing to join his team. And from what he can tell she's having just as much of a difficult time finding a team.

"Hey, Uraraka. Y-you wanna be on a team?"

The co-winner responds. "Um…n-no thanks." The co-winner responds.

"Great, well we can… WHAT!?" Did he hear her right, did she say no?!

She did, but not because she doesn't want to, but because she feels like she shouldn't be. "I'm sorry Deku, but…I want to win this." No she needs to win this.

In order to realize her own dream and why she accepted All Might's Quirk in the first place. To become a hero that keeps everyone safe and make them feel happy with just her presence. But she totally believes that she needs to prove her resolve by winning the Sports Festival through her own efforts. To prove to herself and All Might that she was the right choice to inherit his power.

Ochaco speaks with all seriousness. "Deku."

The greenette waits for her to speak.

"I want you to give it your all. Because I'm going to beat you."

He doesn't expect that.

"I want to win this, Deku. Even though it was a tie, I want to make it clear who's the best out of our class. I want to win this! And even though you are my friend…I think I'm starting to rely on you too much."

She relied on him to save her during the mutant attack on the mall. He inspired her when she was kidnapped. She relied on him for a plan during the U.S.J. Incident. And even during the Obstacle Course she was willing and ready to work with him almost immediately. She needs to show that she can be a hero, a champion, all on her own. And this where she can begin to do that.

"I'm going to win and show the world that…I am here."

Izuku understands. He gets it because of the glimmer of determination in Ochaco's eyes. "Okay…"

Ochaco nods in appreciation. "Good. And besides…you were the one that said we aren't friends today, but rivals."

Izuku keels over as the feeling of rejection stabs him. It really hurts to have your own words thrown back at you, doesn't it? "Y-yeah…I did say that." He shakes himself off as he gets back onto his feet.

He offers up a determined grin. "Just remember you asked…ordered me to go all out. So, don't expect any mercy from me."

Ochaco grins right back. "I won't."

It's official these two friends are now competing for the number one spot. And if that means taking the other out of the running then so be it.

"Good luck, Uraraka."

"You too, Deku."

And with that the challengers turn their backs to each other and march away to find their own separate teams. And even though it somewhat hurts to challenge each other like this, there's still a thrill of competition pumping through their veins that just keeps driving them forward.

Izuku spots Iida and quickly approaches him. "Iida."

Tenya Iida turns to face his shorter classmate.

Izuku smiles up at him and gestures for him to lean in close.

Iida goes ahead and decides to hear Izuku out.

"Listen, I think the two of us would be a good match for this Cavalry Battle."

Iida doesn't say a word; his face remains calm and stern so Izuku assumes he can continue with his plan.

"I don't know if you remember from the Quirk Apprehension Test, but I have a transformation, XLR8, that grants me superspeed. So, you can be our initial horse, using your speed to evade everyone. And then when there's only ten minutes left, I'll transform, and we'll switch so I'm the horse. Together there'll be no chance of anyone catching us. So, what do you think…?"

Iida remains silent, but Izuku can't tell whether he's considering the plan or ignoring him.

"I know it's not much, but it's the only evasive plan I could think of this fast."

Iida finally reacts. "A good strategy, but I'm sorry."

"Uh…"

"I'm afraid I must refuse your offer."

"Huh?" gasps Izuku.

It feels like a heavy unshackled weight is pulling down on Iida, but he remains standing refusing to buckle under the pressure. "Since this all started, I've been losing to you." Even though it was just one event. "Please don't take this as an insult. You're a great friend, but if I continue to follow you, I'll never get stronger."

Izuku gasps, it's just like Uraraka. Like Todoroki and even Bakugou, too.

And Iida understands this as well. "Todoroki has already challenged both you and Uraraka already, but he's not the only one who sees the two of you as rivals."

Iida turns away and begins marching to his own team that have been patiently waiting for him on the sidelines. "Midoriya, I have something to prove too." That he has what it takes to be like his brother and be a hero.

"Iida…" Izuku can't hold it against him. 'So, it's already begun. Everyone's an enemy. I'm at the top and they'll all be coming for me.' Izuku gulps. 'I can't rely on anyone either. Not this time.'

That may sound cool on paper, but the reality is still that he needs teammates if he even wants to participate in this event.

So, Izuku strides past the other competitors with purpose looking for anyone that's still in need of a teammate or two. He sees Ojiro with his back to him, maybe he'll be on his team.

"Hey, Ojiro. Be on my team!" No time for politeness, he'll imitate Bakugou's manners if he must. He needs a team and fast!

The tailed teen doesn't respond; in fact he hardly acknowledges Izuku's presence.

"Um, Ojiro?" Izuku grabs the teen's shoulder while also peering up at him and he can instantly tell that something is wrong.

Ojiro's eyes are shadowed over as if in a trance.

"Hey, Ojiro!" He shakes the teen's shoulder.

It must work because Ojiro's eyes blink and return back to normal "Oh, what happened?"

"Um…I was asking if you'd join my team."

"What?!" Ojiro actually looks scared, he's already back away from Izuku's personal space. "Sorry, man…"

Ouch, now that hurt. He's been rejected three times in the span of five minutes! Is this how Mineta feels?! "Ooh, what am I going to do?"

"Tch." someone scoffs annoyingly.

Izuku finally takes notice that Ojiro was actually with someone else, that scary guy with messy indigo-hair.

"H-Hi…" Izuku offers up a meek wave.

The teen leers at Izuku before turning away, deciding to find someone else to snag onto his team.

As the teen begins to move away Izuku realizes something, he must be responsible for Ojiro's lack of response. Was it his Quirk? Maybe he was manipulating Ojiro or at least he stunned him for time. A Quirk like that may work!

"Wait!" Izuku throws himself at the teen, latching onto his legs. "Please join my team!" he begs.

"Let go of me!" snaps the teen.

"But I can really use a Quirk like yours on my team!"

The teen freezes in place. "What did you say?"

Izuku blinks up, he wasn't actually expecting the teen to stop and hear him out. "I-I s-said that I could use someone with a Quirk like yours…"

The teen actually looks nervous for some reason like he's just been found out. He quickly looks around to make sure no one is listening in before hauling Izuku up by his collar. He's surprisingly a lot stronger than he appears to be. "And what exactly do you know about my Quirk?" It's less of a question and more like a demand.

Izuku's going to play along with this. If this works out, he may actually have a teammate. "Uh, from what I can tell you were able to put Ojiro in some kind of trance. With a Quirk like that we could stop the competition in their tracks before they can get anywhere near us."

The teen is actually a bit astonished by Izuku's reply. He releases the greenette before turning his back on him. "You can't rely on my Quirk like that…" his voice almost sounds…sorrowful.

And Izuku recognizes that sorrow…because it's the same kind he'd always have to deal with growing up.

"Why not?"

The teen glares at Izuku, he doesn't appreciate his nosiness. "Leave me alone already."

Okay now this is ridiculous. Izuku's brows furrow as he steps up and grabs the teen's shoulder. "No."

"Excuse me?" There's an underline threat in the teen's voice.

"I said, no. Not until you join my team." Come on man, he's desperate! People have already started to form teams of three or four.

The teen will humor him. "Fine, then tell me why I should join the team of the biggest target here?"

Okay…that's a fair point. "Well…my…Quirk is very versatile!"

The teen's eyes flash with irritation. "Tch, typical."

"W-what?"

"Your kind is all the same, born lucky and you think the world owes you for it." spats the teen. "I'm going to get through this Sports Festival with my own Quirk and show everyone that I can be a hero."

Izuku finally gets it…this guy…is just like him. His Quirk is weak, it's not flashy or powerful. In this society those with no or weak Quirks are often put down especially if they desire to become heroes.

Izuku recalls what this guy had to say back to his class from a few weeks ago. That he wanted to be in the Hero Course too, but he couldn't. And now he knows why. Whatever his Quirk is, it can't be used on machines. But guess what? They won't be fighting machines during this event.

"I…I don't know your Quirk or your life for that matter."

The teen was really getting thrown off by Izuku's lack of an outburst.

"But I understand."

He better not be surprised that the teen's reaction is less than friendly. "No you don't." he growls. "How can you possibly understand?!"

Izuku rubs his arm, the same arm that's attached to the Omnitrix. "Did you…listen to my speech? At the start of the festival?"

He did listen and…he remembers what Izuku had to say. That people put down his dream too. That bugged the teen greatly, how could the number one student of the Hero Course be told that he should give up on his heroic dreams?! He didn't see the guy actually use his Quirk during the Obstacle Course, but he did see the crazy decked out Mecha race on by. Maybe…this guy's Quirk is more unique then he gives credit for. Maybe it's unreliable and he worked to make it work for him? Something he wishes he could do.

The teen frowns. "Yeah…I did."

"Then you know what I've been through! Because you've been through the same thing…you're going through the same thing." Izuku grips the Omnitrix. "You see…I'm kind of a late bloomer, and I mean late."

The teen's eyes widen in shock as it finally dawns on him. They really are alike, aren't they?

"And I believe that together we can win this event and move on to the final event! We can win this!"

The indigo-haired teen is really getting thrown for a loop here. Just what's with this guy? "Why are you so hooked on getting me on your team? You don't know my Quirk or me. Sure, you may understand how I feel, but why do you think I'll be a good fit? What makes you think…we can win this?"

Izuku doesn't even have to think about his response. "Because guys like us don't know when to give up."

That strikes a chord within the teen's heart. This guy…Izuku Midoriya really does understand doesn't he…

He takes a deep sigh, accepting the inevitable. "Fine…"

Izuku blinks in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"I said, fine. I'll join your team."

"Really?!"

The teen looks away rubbing the back of his head in annoyance. "Yeah, fine. But you know everyone is going to be after us."

Izuku smiles. "Not to worry. I already have a plan to deal with them." There's just one more thing they need to take care of. "Oh, my name is Izuku Midoriya by the way."

"I know." It's hard not to know the name of the guy that snagged first place.

Izuku smiles sheepishly. "O-oh, r-right…"

The teen eyes him, he doesn't understand how someone like Izuku could exist. Someone that's somehow both determined, and a nervous wreck should be impossible, but here it is in front of him. And…there's something to admire about that.

"Shinso."

Izuku's head snaps up. "Huh?"

"Shinso…my name is Hitoshi Shinso." The teen looks away, he might actually be embarrassed.

Izuku smiles in appreciation. "Nice to meet you, Shinso. Now are you ready to win?"

Shinso considers it and offers up his own smirk "Yeah."

Looks like Izuku's finally got a teammate now if only they can get two more.

"Do you have room for two more?"

"Kero."

Izuku and Shinso turn to take a look at what may be their newest teammates.

---

"Would someone please join my team?!" cries Ochaco as she wanders around from contestant to contestant.

Each one of them has a similar response:

"Sorry."

"I'm already part of a team."

"Maybe if you give me your number."

"I don't want to be a target."

"Nope!"

It's been the same, nothing but rejection. Is this how Mineta feels?! Maybe she should have accepted Deku's offer… No! It's good that she didn't and she's going to stand by her decision. She'll find a team no matter what it takes! She just needs to pump up the charm and use those persuasion skills that she never developed. After all, it's not like a teammate is just going to willingly come to her.

A mad giggling encroaches on Ochaco from behind. "Oh, perfect, you're still alone. And you're the star."

Ochaco curiously turns around to see who's talking about her.

Hatsume rockets forward nearly smashing her face against Ochaco's "Team up with me, person in first place!"

How rude?!

Hatsume smiles as she removes her steampunk-like goggles revealing her yellow cross-sectioned eyes. "The name's Mei Hatsume of the Support Course."

Ochaco's head slouches downward as she deadpans. "I know who you are…"

Hatsume is thrilled by the news. "Really?! Am I that famous already?!"

"No!" snaps Ochaco. "We've already met!" Twice in fact.

"I don't remember ya!" She's not even ashamed to admit that.

"Ugh!" Ochaco facepalms. "You know…! You're building the support item to help me fly."

She can almost see the gears turning in the odd-girl's head.

"…Oh right! You were the one that made the horrible design of a gadget!"

"Is that how you remember me?!"

Hatsume brushes off her outburst. "Anyway, I want to use your current fame to my personal advantage."

"That's so straight forward!"

Hatsume practically zips forward in a blink of an eye, as if getting closer to Ochaco physically will make her agree, while chatting away at super lightning speed. "If I team up with you then I'll be in the spotlight! Part of the team that everyone is keeping their eyes on." She zooms closer, making Ochaco step back in fright even more. "That means my super-cute little babies will inevitably be seen by the big CEOs who're tuning into the Sports Festival!" She zips forward again, so close that Ochaco can actually see the veins in her eyes. "And following that line of reasoning this is the best way for me and my marvelous gadgets to get recruited!"

Ochaco scrambles backwards. "Could you slow down a minute?" This girl is a complete riddle to her, a very confusing riddle. "Did you bring babies here, or-"

Hatsume isn't done yet. "Plus, you will definitely benefit from…" She continues to ramble on as Ochaco is forced to hear her out.

'Oh, she doesn't actually care about my opinion.'

From seemingly out of nowhere Hatsume pulls out a massive chest and opens it up revealing a trunk load of gadgets and machines. "As you know, the Support Course specializes in creating equipment that helps heroes deal with their Quirks and enhance their skills."

Hatsume digs through the trunk showing off each invention of hers, cackling with far too much enthusiasm. "Hehahaha! I packed a ton of powerful babies to bring with me. So, I'm sure you'll find something you like floating around my arsenal!"

Ochaco scans the trunk and a peculiar item stands out to her.

Hatsume catches on that she's got Ochaco's interest now. "Oh, I see one's caught your eye." Hatsume pulls out a jetpack.

"Is that support item for me?!"

"Ha ha ha, nope! I have something else in mind for you." Hatsume hoists up the jetpack and smirks. "But since we're on a team, I'll let you use it if you want to."

'I never officially agreed!' Ochaco shouldn't really complain though now that she can actually form a team, but still…it be better if they could somehow get two more people

"Excuse me, you're Ochaco Uraraka correct?"

Ochaco blinks up and finds two strangers approaching her. "Yeah, I am. Why do you ask?"

"If it's not a burden, we would like to join your team. If you will allow it."

Ochaco is not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Of course! Welcome to the team!"

---

The teams have officially formed but with time still left on the clock many of them are huddled away from each other so they can each come up with strategies.

Such teams include those that are composed of Class 1-B.

"Almost everyone in the audience is foaming at the mouth for Class 1-A. Why is that?" The blonde-student of Class 1-B does not expect an answer from his teammates. "They're so full of themselves. Just like Tetsutetsu said earlier. Why are they stars?" The blonde says wickedly as he eyes his three teammates. "The only difference between us and them is that they fought a couple of villains. Just because we're Class 1-B doesn't mean we're second rate or can't win this whole thing. So, let's step it up and show those jerks what we can do. Are ya with me?"

They are.

But they're not the only ones with a set goal in mind.

"I chose the three of you because I believe we'll make the most stable formation possible."

Todoroki's team remains silent as he addresses them.

"Kaminari's our left wing. He can use his Quirk to keep enemies at bay." Todoroki turns to his next teammate. "Yaoyorozu you'll take the right wing. Focus on insulation and defense." And finally he turns to the last member. "Iida, you'll take the front. We'll rely on you for mobility and physical defense."

Iida likes this strategy, but he wants to clear something up about the plan. "And you'll be attacking and creating diversions of ice and fire. Is that right?"

"Not quite." Todoroki isn't offended by the question, but he looks away towards a particular part of the stands. "When I'm in battle…" His fists clench up tightly as he spots the target of his fury. "I never use my left side." It's clear that there will be no changing his mind on the matter, he needs to prove that only his ice, only his mother's Quirk, will be enough for him to become a hero.

Kaminari decides to keep the ball rolling. "So, are we going to go after Midoriya first or what?"

Todoroki pries his eyes away from whatever had his attention. "No. We'll save him for last."

"Huh, how come?!"

Yaoyorozu offers up an answer. "Think about it. Midoriya's Quirk, One Man Army, may be able to use multiple Quirks but he can only do so one at a time."

"And for only ten minutes at a time." adds in Iida.

Kaminari smiles. "Oh, I get ya."

Todoroki nods. "Right. We'll let him tire himself out and when he's reached his time limit, we'll go after him." It'll be easy pickings to take it from him, and if his team strategy works out like he thinks then they'll definitely win this event hands-down.

All too soon the fifteen minutes are up and a siren signals that the Cavalry Battle is about to begin.

"Oh, goody." Midnight stretches her arms excitedly as she smiles down at the curiously formed teams. "It's time to get this party started."

Present Mic cuts in. "After fifteen minutes to pick teammates and talk strategy. Twelve cavalry teams are preparing to go head-to-head!"

Aizawa leans forward examining said teams. "I see some unexpected student combinations."

Present Mic takes over again to get the crowd pumping! "Come on, everyone get your hands in the air! It's time for an arena-thumping U.A. battle royal!"

Izuku tightens his 5,000,360-point headband.

"Let me hear ya scream!"

The crowd cheers as the competitors line up around the field.

The number one target peers down at his teammates. "You ready?"

At his front, Shinso eyes Izuku before smirking. "Yeah…"

Izuku nods and turns to the horse on his left. "Asui?"

Tsuyu blinks up at the boy. "I told you to call me Tsu?"

"Jiro?"

Jiro's Earphone Jacks stand at attention. "I'm good."

Izuku inhales before declaring with as much enthusiasm as possible. "Let's do this!"

He is so grateful that they both willingly sought him out to join his team. And it makes sense why. Tsuyu knows what Izuku is capable of, she's seen him act on his feet in dire situations before. So, she's fairly certain in his capabilities here and now.

As for Jiro…it's more or less the same reasons. That and she just sort of took pity on the boy, especially after hearing what he went through during the Student Pledge. So, she just feels like she should help him out as if to help him get back at those who were wrong about him. Plus, she was all in after hearing Izuku threw together a rather solid plan.

"Okay, all you first-years! I hope you're happy with your chosen teams!" shouts the boisterous commentator.

Ochaco grips her own headband tightly because if she loses it then she loses a total of 5,000,257 points! She then adjusts the clips of Hatsume's jetpack before shifting her attention down at her valued teammates. "Are you ready Hatsume?"

From the right-wing, Hatsume chuckles in response.

"And what about you two?"

Itsuka Kendo and Ibara Shiozaki offer up confident grins from the front and left respectively.

"We're good to go!" cheers Kendo.

Itsuka Kendo has a similar muscular build to Ochaco. She has teal eyes and long, ginger hair that she wears tied into a high ponytail on the left side of her head.

Ibra nods. "Our victory will be assured."

Ibara Shiozaki has green, thorn-covered vines for hair that rests just above her waist. She carries a certain air of calmness and reason around her, that just seems to make her seem more pleasant to the eye and to be around.

"Let's get this party started!" declares Present Mic. "One final countdown before the game starts!"

Every single team ready themselves, and nearly each one of them has their eyes trailed on the same targets.

"Three!"

"Get 'em." Bakugou cracks his knuckles from atop Kirishima, Tokoyami, and Mina.

"Two!"

"They're ours." states Todoroki from atop his team.

"One!"

Izuku gulps as he places his hand over the Omnitrix and at the same time from the opposite side of the field Ochaco grips her teammates' shoulders.

Midnight cracks her flogger-like whip. "Begin!"

Almost every single team takes off and right to two targets worth over five million points.

At the exact same time Izuku disappears in a flashlight, his teammates nearly topple down as more weight pulls them down as Terraspin appears above them with the headband's strings waving behind his head.

"Woah! Izuku Midoriya has just transformed himself into a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! So rad!" Present Mic is really geeking out here, he loved that franchise as a kid! So, seeing something similar in the flesh is almost a dream come true!

"Stop geeking out." Leave it to Aizawa to bring down the moment.

Tetsutetsu's team takes the lead during the initial charge.

His front horse, Juzo Honenuki, is at a complete loss. "Woah, did he just transform or something! Is that his Quirk?"

Juzo Honenuki is a pale-skinned young man with mid-length spiked hair of beige color. His most unusual feature is his mouth; he has no lips and as a result his teeth are always on display giving him a skull-like appearance.

Tetsutetsu scowls, never pulling his eyes away from the prize. "It doesn't matter! If Class 1-A's top student's Quirk is just to become a turtle, then we're definitely going to put them down to size!"

They're not the only ones after Midoriya's Team, everyone wants a piece of the pie. No, they all want the entire pie, the 5,000,360-point pie.

With no time to waste Terraspin jumps up into the air. "Let's fly!"

He immediately begins to hover in place, he then glides down just as Tsuyu wraps her tongue around their teammates and jumps up allowing Terraspin to catch them in midair.

"Team Midoriya's members have switched positions!" declares Present Mic.

"What the hell?! That turtle guy can fly?!" shouts Tetsutetsu.

A flying turtle?! How does that make any lick of sense?!

"Is that even allowed?!" yells Juzo as they keep running.

Midnight smirks, licking her lips. "Why of course it is! Changing positions while in the middle of all the intensity keeps things fresh and exciting!"

Plus, it's not actually against the rules, and he never touched the ground so it's all good.

Aizawa is really regretting that he agreed to commentate with these two. "Stop making innuendos. You are aware that children are watching this."

Terraspin immediately takes off for the sky, leaving behind all the poor suckers who were not blessed with the ability to fly. "Everyone hold on tight!"

Shinso grips the front of Terraspin's shell while also laying down. Tsuyu's natural ability to stick to walls keeps her in place. And Jiro grips Shinso's shirt as a way to hold on.

Tetsutetsu's team comes to a halt, their hair gets whipped around as Terraspin flies right over their heads.

Tetsutetsu ducks down until they finally fly high enough away from them. "Hey, get back here!"

Juzo spots something. "Where's the headband?!"

Tetsutetsu grabs at his head, their headbands missing! He peers up and spots one of Jiro's Earphone Jacks pulling itself back to its owner with their team's headband wrapped around the end.

"DAMMIT!" Tetsutetsu is absolutely infuriated, he was so going to show up the Class 1-A jerkwads!

"What's this?! Team Midoriya is just full of surprises!" Present Mic turns to his co-host. "Yeah! How about some insight?"

Aizawa complies. "Midoriya's current form allows him the ability to fly while also generating gusts of wind. Combine that with Jiro's and Asui's extendable reaches they make for a dangerous combination."

Basically they can keep themselves far from danger while also playing an active role in stealing more points. Aizawa can only assume that Midoriya is aware that he will eventually have to land and that when they do there is a chance that they'll lose their five million points. So, having more headbands will help ensure that they stay in the game.

Jiro snags the headband, it seems Midoriya's plan is working out better than she had thought. "This is so cool." Jiro grins down as everyone is now trying to follow them on foot, hoping that eventually Midoriya's team will have to land eventually. "And you can keep this up indefinitely?"

Terraspin sticks his head out and offers a smile "Oh, yeah. I can keep this going for a while."

Well at least until his ten minutes are up. For now he just wants to observe and keep their own points as safe as they can be.

While he has his head out Tsuyu takes the headband from Jiro and wraps it around as best she can around Terraspin's neck. His neck is so short that it's tucked inside his shell so it's even more protected than the one wrapped around his head.

"Don't think you're safe just because you can fly!" shouts Sero from below, as he rides Ojiro and Sato.

The grinning teen fires off a stream of tape that flies through the air right towards Terraspin.

"I don't think so!" The propelling turtle simply shifts his body and amplifies his air currents, generating a strong enough whirlwind to deflect the tape. "Sorry but taking our points isn't going to be a breeze for you!"

Tsuyu actually groans. "Midoriya, please stop with the puns."

"He he, sorry I can't help it. Blame my transformations."

Sero's team continues to run after them. "Ojiro! Sato!"

"Right!"

"We got you!"

Sero positions himself onto Ojiro's tail and Sato places his hand underneath. Together the two horses use their combined strength to launch Sero right into the air.

Midoriya's team is in for a surprise as Sero quickly reaches their height.

"Those points are mine!" Sero fires off twin strands of tape onto the flying turtle's shell and quickly begins to reel himself in.

"Woah!!" shouts Present Mic. "Sero purposely flung himself away from his horses! Is that against the rules?!"

Midnight's voice cuts in through the intercom system. "He never touched the ground so technically it's okay."

Terraspin tries to swerve around in the air but it's not working, if he does anything too dramatic, he might just lose his own teammates. "Tsu! Jiro!"

Tsuyu's tongue lashes out right for Sero whacking him across the head, while its natural stickiness snags the headband. While Jiro's Earphone Jacks rip through his tape.

With the tape cleared Shinso gives the go ahead. "Move it! Shellhead!"

"Call me Terraspin!" The temporarily named Shellhead snaps as he swerves away from Sero.

"Oh, man." The falling teen frowns as he shoots a tape to his muscular teammate who grabs it and pulls him in, where they catch him.

He was trying to take points not lose his own.

"Nice try!" jeers Jiro as they fly off.

Even Tsuyu is smiling, gripping the newly acquired headband in her hand. "Midoriya, this plan of yours it's amazing."

Terraspin chuckles. "I can't take all the credit. None of this would have worked out if it weren't for all of you."

Jiro and Tsuyu grin, but Shinso looks a bit ashamed that he can't really do more but hold on.

The morphed Izuku picks up on his sullen silence. "And you have an important job, too. While we're all busy you need to be our eyes."

That's right, because Geochelone Aerios can only see what's directly in front or below them when they use their abilities. So, Shinso needs to be on his guard to watch their sides and their flank.

Shinso nods. "You got it. Just try not to get shell-shocked when someone else tries to come after us."

Terraspin tries to choke back a laugh but fails.

Tsuyu shakes her head. 'Guh, there's two of them.'

Jiro smirks and scans the area; from the other side of the field she can see that they are not the only ones who've taken to the sky for safety.

---

Meanwhile, at the other side of the stadium, at the exact same time as the match began.

Ochaco uses Zero-Gravity on herself, Hatsume, and Ibara as the rest of the opposition make a beeline right for their 5,000,257-point headband. "We got this!"

The other teams are already charging right for them, hoping to secure what they think will be the key to their victory.

"They are not even going to offer up mercy to us. How brazen!" Ibara frowns. "Such is the fate of those that seek those who are persecuted."

Kendo readies herself; she'll be the main runner since everyone else is weightless. "This is it."

Despite the fast approaching enemies, Hatsume is still smiling. "Here they come."

Ochaco glares as the approaching foes. "Then get ready!"

Before they can enact their plan, a member of Class 1-B fires out a glue-like substance from the many holes on his face.

He is very large and muscular in stature, possessing very wide shoulders in comparison to his slender waist, and unusually sizable hands. His skin is a yellow straw-like color, and his head is shaped somewhat like a glue-dispenser with a lappet on top, along with seven "eye-holes" on his face.

The glue comes flying at them like a gushing wave.

"Shiozaki!" shouts Kendo.

Ibara's vine-like hair quickly embedded themselves into the ground and before the wave of gunk can strike them a wall of vines shields them, acting as the perfect barrier, blocking the glue.

"Would you look at that!" shouts Present Mic. "Class 1-B's Shiozaki has successfully stopped her classmate's attack!"

Glue drips off of the edges of the vines, slowly seeping through.

"What is that?!" cries Ochaco.

Kendo pulls her team behind her; she enlarges her hands to have a better grip over them as she begins to run away. Her agility really is something. It's probably on par with Ochaco's, but Hatsume's hoversole boots might also be helping along with that.

Even while running she is able to offer up an answer.

"That's Kejiro Bondo's Quirk, Cemedine, and it's essentially a fast-acting glue, so if we get caught in it, we'll be done for!"

"Really?!" shouts Ochaco.

Then it was a good thing Ibara and Kendo acted so quickly.

"Wow, Shiozaki you're Quirk is really something isn't it?!"

Ibara smiles up at the rider. "Thank you for the praise. But I'm afraid our battle has only just begun."

"Hahaha!" cackles a shirtless Hagakure as a blushing Aoyama and Koda carry her forward. "We'll be taking that headband, Uraraka!"

By his rider's command, Aoyama fires off a series of laser bolts.

Without waiting Ibara generates another vine shield.

"Ooo! And Shiozaki's vine wall has returned for a second showing! But will it be enough to protect her and her teammates from this onslaught?!"

Ochaco can smell the vines being burned away and the longer they remain behind the vine wall the more surrounded they are becoming. "Hatsume!"

"Yeah?" replies the engineer.

Ochaco gestures to the jetpack. "You sure this is going to work?"

"Of course!" She's actually offended that Ochaco would think otherwise.

Suddenly before they can do anything else Mineta's maddening cackle rings out from nowhere. "Hahaha! Hahaha!"

Ochaco spins around but she doesn't see Mineta all she sees is a spring Shoji racing right towards the. He has his arms up behind him acting as a tent for his back. She can only assume that Mineta must be inside.

"This is too easy!" declares the purple shorty. "It's not a fight! It's more like a massacre!"

"Who the hell is that?!" shouts Kendo.

"Language." snaps Ibara.

A shiver runs down Ochaco's spine. "It's Shoji and Mineta!"

Hatsume is actually worried as she peers around at Hagakure's and Bondo's teams charging for them. "Hey, we gotta get moving!"

If they stay, they will be trapped by multiple opponents. And their likelihood of winning will go with them.

"We have to get out of here!" yells the brunette of the group.

"I won't let you!" shouts Mineta.

Like a gatling gun from within a heavily armored vehicle purple Sticky Balls shoot out from between Shoji's arms.

Bondo releases another wave of glue from his eyes.

And a flock of birds, under Koda's control, zip past him, Hagakure, and Aoyama.

Ochaco glares at the oncoming teams and their attacks. "It won't be that easy!"

She closes her eyes and focuses and before any of the attacks can land a sphere of heavenly pink light booms out, pushing back the attacks, before they all stop and float in midair.

"Oh, no!" cries Hagakure.

Hagakure's team tries to stop, they recognize that move, but it's too late. They get swallowed up by the pink light as do the other teams and begin to float up into the air. Their legs flail about as they try in vain to regain traction.

"Hahaha! There it is! Uraraka's famous Zero-Gravity Field, just look at that thing it's like a giant dome of dazzling light!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, they can't get enough of Uraraka's surprises, they're totally freaking out.

Kendo is sort of freaking out as well, sure Uraraka said she could manipulate gravity, but she didn't think it was to this extent.

Ochaco's voice cuts through the cheering of the crowd. "Kendo!"

Kendo snaps out of it and repositions herself, the hoversoles fire up just as Ochaco fires up the jetpack, and then they are all launched high into the air and away from the danger.

Ibara gazes down as they rise into the air and everything has pink hue to it. "What is this heavenly light?"

From what she can tell the sphere of light seems to be following Ochaco and it stretches about a quarter the width of the whole field. If she were to stray too close to the audience, then she'd most likely affect them too.

"It's part of my Zero-Gravity Quirk. If I focus, I can unleash it over a big area."

Kendo shivers with goosebumps. "Sheesh, I knew you had some power in you, but this was totally unexpected."

As they continue to fly up, Ochaco takes a few seconds to admire the looks of determination and thrill of the teammates that belong to Class 1-B. They have no idea how grateful she is that they joined up with her.

##########(Flashback)#########

"You want to join my team?!"

Kendo isn't offended by the question; in fact she was kinda expecting it. "Yeah, we do."

"Um, not that I'm ungrateful or anything, but…why?"

Ibara claps her hands together as if praying. "Your spirit has sung out to us and we wish to put our faith in your capabilities to lead us into victory."

Ochaco looks to Kendo for translation.

"We saw how you went from zero to a hundred, and we think we actually have the best shot at moving on if we join you."

Ochaco blushes. "Really?!"

Did she really inspire them with just her performance?! Guess actions do speak louder than words.

"But are you sure? Don't you want to be with members of your own class?" That's what everyone else is doing.

"Yeah, we could." agrees Kendo.

Ibara continues the explanation. "Although that is strategic, there is something to be said by utilizing the best from both groups. Class 1-A is unaware of our Quirks, and Class 1-B will be intimidated by yours."

Kendo nods. "So, if we use our differences to work together." She thrusts her fist forward like throwing a punch. "Then we'll seriously kick some ass!"

Ochaco smiles, she really likes this girl. She has that older sister type vibe about her, but if you get on her bad side then she can kick your ass easily.

"Well I see no reason to say no so… Welcome to the team."

Kendo smiles. "Thank you for having us."

Ibara is grateful too. "We put our faith in you, Ochaco Uraraka."

########(End Flashback)#######

Ochaco releases her Quirks and the jetpack goes silent when she feels like they've reached a good enough height.

Hatsume smiles up at Ochaco. "So, what do you think of my babies? Aren't they just precious? Cuteness can be manufactured you know!"

Ochaco chuckles, she's actually starting to find this odd girl somewhat charming in her own strange way. "They're working just fine! Your babies are really something, Hatsume! I can't wait to see what you come up with for my own support item."

"Aw, thanks! And I promise it'll be one of mine best creations yet!"

And now they use her gadgets to keep them in the air. For as long as they can, they'll use the jetpack and hoversoles to drift back down to the ground. In the meantime, they can let the other teams duke it out between themselves now that they can't even reach the five million points.

Heck it seems like Hagakure's Team has lost their own headband somehow after the pull of gravity returned.

"Yeah!" cheers the humanoid cockatoo. "Watch those headbands! You can even ignore the five million points and go after other chart toppers!"

Ochaco can't help but smile with the thrill of a challenge making her heart pump. This competition is really starting to heat up. But she better stay on her guard, there's still quite a bit of this event left. And all it will take is for someone to step in the way of their victory.

---

Terraspin's passengers hold on tightly as their ride bobs and weaves in the air, avoiding a pair of incoming projectiles.

After getting away from Sero's team, another team decided to step up to the plate and challenge them. And it was a girl from Class 1-B.

The girl, Pony Tsunotori, is short, with a round face, and a short equine muzzle. Her face is framed by thick, wavy blonde hair which reaches halfway down her back. Her eyes are very large and round and blue in color. Her calves are notably rounded, shaped similarly to those of a horse, and she has brown hooves for feet. There's also a short horse tail poking out from the end of her tailbone. But what really stands out is the pair of tall, lyre-shaped pale tan horns on her head.

Which is what she launched at them from the ground level.

"Midoriya's Team isn't doing too hot! Looks like the skies weren't as safe as they first thought." It's almost comical to the main announcer. "Class 1-B's Pony Tsunotori is really giving them a hard time and without having to be anywhere near them!"

From what the morphed Izuku can tell, Pony's Quirk allows her to fire off her horns and control their trajectory. But as of now she's only controlling two of her horns while another pair has already grown back on her head. He doesn't want to think how hard of time he'd be having when she eventually figures out how to control more than two at a time.

The horns buzz around Team Midoriya while two of its more long-range members try to bat them out of the sky, with little to no luck.

A horn slips through Jiro's whipping Earphone Jacks and makes a beeline for her head.

"Ahh!" she screams out, holding on tighter to Shino's shirt.

With his teammate's scream in his ear, Shinso does something unexpected. He leaps forward and catches the flying horn before it can slam into Jiro's face.

Shinso growls. "Quick, get rid of it!"

Snapping out of her surprise. Jiro pierces the horn with one of her jacks, she sends a high-pitched frequency through it shattering the horn into pieces.

Both sigh in relief as the horn shatters away in the wind.

Shinso leans back onto Terraspin's back. "That was close."

"No kidding." breathes Jiro.

"Don't get too comfortable." interrupts Terraspin. "We still got one more."

The last horn zips around them as if looking for an opening. It finds one and zooms in from the rear.

Tsuyu lashes out at it as does Jiro but they both miss as their individual appendages clash. Actually just as fast as before, Shinso waits and kicks the horn away. The horn gets knocked back and caught in Terraspin's spinning arms where it gets chopped up and batted away.

"Phew." The morphed Izuku is so glad that's over.

A resounding boom comes from underneath them. As if to say that his worries are only going to get worse.

Terraspin looks down, his eyes widen with fear. "Bakugou!"

A very angry Bakugou is rocketing through the air, propelling himself with dual explosions. "Don't think for a second that you're safe."

Tsuyu and Jiro lash out at him, but the flying bomber knocks them away with a swing of his arm.

And all too soon he's upon them. "I've got you!"

Out of instinct Terraspin positions his body so that his underbelly faces his childhood friend and tormentor.

Bakugou thrusts his arm forward and releases a fiery explosion.

The crowd goes wild over the new development, finally someone is able to challenge Midoriya to a fight. By taking to the sky too!

Terraspin groans, as his underbelly feels like it was just thrown onto a patch of hot coal while his passengers desperately try to hold on for dear life. Tsuyu used her tongue to secure the other two, and Jiro jams her Earphone Jacks into Terraspin's shell to keep her from falling off.

"How'd you like that, Deku?!" God, it feels good to put Deku back in his place.

Bakugou throws his arms back and rockets straight for Terraspin.

Shinso scowls. "This guy is like a mad dog."

Jiro can't help but agree. "You have no idea. It doesn't help that he's had it out for Midoriya for a while now." Yeah, it's hard to miss all the death glares Bakugou gives to the greenette on a daily basis.

Terraspin tries to swerve away quickly, but Bakugou's maneuverability is far more dynamic.

"Die!" Bakugou sets off another explosion that strikes Terraspin from behind.

"That's smart. Looks like Team Midoriya is in a real pickle here! Looks like Bakugou isn't going to let them go scot free!"

Not satisfied yet, Bakugou flies in to give a little more. "I want that headband, Deku!"

Shinso has had enough, he didn't want to use it yet. He was really hoping to save it until the final event where it'll matter the most but if he wants to even make it to the last event then he has no other choice.

Shinso calls out to Bakugou. "Tell me, why are you so hell bent on Midoriya?!"

Bakugou glares at the indigo-haired teen. "Shut it-..." Bakugou's eyes gloss over, much like how Ojiro's were earlier.

Shinso smirks as Bakugou goes quiet and his explosions stop all together, and as expected he immediately begins to plummet back down to the Earth.

"What?! What?! What just happened there?! One second Bakugou is an unrelenting attack dog and then the next second he's just gives up?!"

Aizawa sighs. "There's a little more to it than that."

The silent and clearly out-of-it Bakugou continues to plummet but the sentient Dark Shadow zooms in from below and catches the ash-blonde. "Got ya!"

Upon impact Bakugou snaps out of his daze, while Dark Shadow carries him back down to his team. "Huh? What the hell happened?"

"Don't know?" replies Dark Shadow. "You were attacking Midoriya and then the next thing we know you're falling."

"What?!" Bakugou tries to recall what just happened, he was stupefied for a brief moment back up there. It couldn't have been Deku's goddamned Quirk, and the other two can't pull off something like that. So, it had to be that fucking extra's fault. His Quirk must have made him freeze up somehow. Dammit, with him on Deku's team he won't be able to get anywhere near the five million headband.

Dark Shadow carries Bakugou back to his team.

"Nice catch, guys!" praises Kirishima upon Bakugou's return.

Dark Shadow drops the bomber onto their hands and gives a big thumbs up. "It wasn't a problem."

"Shut up!" snaps an ungrateful Bakugou. "I was fine on my own!"

"You really weren't…" murmurs Mina.

Tokoyami appears to be unaffected by Bakugou's tantrum. "Is that so, next time I will be sure not to interfere."

Bakugou growls and glares at the crow-headed teen, not appreciating his sarcasm.

Meanwhile, Terraspin flies off and goes just a tad bit higher to ensure that Bakugou isn't going to assault them any time soon.

Jiro looks back as Bakugou is safely returned to his team. "What was that?"

Tsuyu peers down at Shinso, who's gone offlay quiet for some reason. "Was that you? Was that your Quirk?"

Shinso eyes her warily, but he doesn't respond as he considers whether or not to divulge the knowledge of his Quirk to them. "Yeah…it was." He winces, bracing himself for possible scorn.

"Amazing!" shouts an overly enthusiastic Terraspin with sparkling eyes. "So, is your Quirk activated through speech?"

Shinso jolts up, he wasn't expecting them to figure it out that quickly. "Y-yeah…"

"So, cool! What else can you do?"

Shinso becomes quiet again, he's hesitant to answer. "I rather not say…"

The other members of his team frown, they can tell that something's bothering him. Like he's worried, not about the competition, but about something more personal.

"Aw, man…" sighs Terraspin. "I love learning about a new Quirk. You sure you don't want to share?"

"Sorry, but you'll just have to wait and see." Maybe Shinso can dilute a little. "Just know that it only activates when I speak."

Jiro grins. "Cool, just don't use it against us, alright?"

She meant it as a joke but judging from Shinso's frozen expression he doesn't feel the same way.

Jiro frowns, she didn't want to upset him. "Hey, it was a joke. You understand, that right?"

"Yeah, sure…"

Terraspin can tell that something's eating his teammate, the teammate that he can relate to the most. "Quirks are what you make of them, not what others think of them."

Shinso and the others remain silent as Terraspin continues.

"All Might often said that in interviews and take it from a guy that can turn into monsters." Well-aliens but still. "Quirks are what you make of them, not what others think of them."

The team continues to soar in the air for a minute until Shinso finally speaks up. "Brainwashing."

"Huh?"

"Brainwashing is the name of my Quirk. I can make others do whatever I want as long as they respond to me verbally."

"Woah…" Jiro and Tsuyu are completely blown away, who knew a Quirk like that was on their team?

Shinso winces bracing himself for the indefinite hurtful comments and scorn. Good thing he's with someone that's far too sympathetic to others.

"That's absolutely amazing!"

He was not expecting that reaction.

Terraspin's head pops out so he can try and awe at Shinso himself. "You can be an amazing hero with a Quirk like that!"

Shinso's entire demeanor lightens up, but he's still in disbelief as if he's dreaming. "Are…are you serious?"

"Huh?! Of course I am! You can stop hostage situations, calm down panicking victims, and even have villains arrest themselves! And all with a few words! How can I not be amazed?!"

Shinso's looks like he's about to cry like he wants to believe Midoriya's words, but he's not naive. He knows that if he gets his hopes up, he's only going to get burned…again.

Tsuyu nods. "That's true…huh now I can see why you couldn't get past the Entrance Exam. What a waste."

"Wh-what?" Shinso blinks up at her.

Jiro agrees. "You're Quirk only works on living things, right? Otherwise you'd have scored way higher on the Entrance Exam if we fought faux villains that were alive and not non-living machines."

Are they serious right now?! This is not what the Brainwashing student was expecting at all. "That's right. I was essentially set up to fail from the start."

"And that's why you need to do well in the Sports Festival." adds Terraspin.

Shinso leers down at the turtle. "Yes, I need to prove myself. And that my Quirk can be used for hero work…so that I can be a hero."

Terraspin smiles. "Then let's make it happen."

"Pardon?"

Tsuyu adjusts herself so she can look Shinso in the eye. "Don't you get it? You've just become our team's secret weapon. Kero."

Jiro nods. "She's right. And with our combined powers we can definitely make it to the next round."

Shinso still can't believe what he's hearing, or rather what he's not hearing. Usually when people find out about his Quirk, they are usually so quick to say that it's a villain's Quirk or that he can use it to do and take whatever he likes. But that was never him, never the purpose of his Quirk. And now he's being told by real people, people he scorned himself, that his Quirk is amazing and fitting of a hero. And now…now they want to work with him to win this whole thing.

He smirks. "You Hero Course students are really something aren't you?"

Terraspin chuckles. "You can say that. Now how about we win this whole thing?"

"Sure, why not?"

---

Back in the pro hero break room, the pro heroes are gathered around the television watching Midoriya and his team fly through the air.

"As expected, everybody is after the first-place teams!" announces Present Mic. "But both teams have taken to the sky for safety giving them each some much needed time to breath. Clever, ain't it?"

Kamui Woods smiles from underneath his helmet. "Those two really are something?" Damn, if only he and the others cooperated with them, they could have been on good standing when they send them scouting offers.

Death Arms grins. "Wow, those Class 1-A guys are pretty good."

Each one of them is unique with their own flashy Quirks. Hell those in the stands are starting to have a hard time about which ones they should watch.

---

The aliens in Mr. Baumann's store are going crazy. Class 1-A is really putting on a good show.

"Amazing!"

"Way to go Midoriya! Way to go Uraraka!"

"The rest of their class isn't too bad either."

"Looks like the experience fighting villains made them level up superfast."

Argit scowls. "Psh, they probably just got lucky and now full of themselves for livin'."

"Na, they're amazing!"

"Oh-boy! I can't wait for the final event. It's going to be epic!"

"Either way Class 1-A is doing an amazing job.

Mr. Baumann frowns at the screen. "I'm not so sure about that…"

---

Back at the stadium the event has just reached its half-way point so Present Mic decides that it's as good a time as any to check on the current rankings.

"Now who wants to take a look at each team's points so far? So, let's get those rankings thrown up on the screen!"

Everyone, heroes and civilians alike stare at their screens with the same assumptions: Class 1-A is in the lead. But what they see instead is far from what they could have expected.

The audience collectively gasps at the sight.

Not even Present Mic, or Aizawa, was expecting this. "Hold on here. This is an unexpected turn."

As Present Mic's voice echoes across the stadium, Bakugou can feel his headband being ripped away from his head.

"Other than Midoriya and Uraraka, Class 1-A's not doing so hot."

The member of Class 1-B that stole Bakugou's points smirks.

"Even Bakugou is losing!" He currently stands at zero points!

Bakugou gasps, wheels around as a smirking blonde passes them by while on his own team.

The blonde smirks at Bakugou's surprised expression. "Your class is too small minded. Think bigger."

Mina gasps. "He got us!"

Her gasp is drowned out by Bakugou's own outburst. "What did you say?! Come back here!"

The blond isn't even afraid as his team slows down allowing him a moment to rub the win in Class 1-A's face. Around his neck he wears not only his own team's headband but also Hagakure's.

"Midnight said the Obstacle Course was just the first game and we figured they wouldn't cut that many of us right off the bat. Would they?" The blonde, Neito Monoma, smirks back at Bakugou.

Monoma has slick blond hair that's parted to the left. His irises are a periwinkle purple, and his pupils are white. His smirk fits comfortably on his face as if it's part of his signature look making him look contemptuous.

Bakugou isn't sure where this guy is going with his stupid rambling.

"Assuming they'd keep at least forty contestants for the next event, all we had to do was make sure we stayed within that group as we ran."

And from there they watched how Class 1-A used their powers and abilities to clear the way throughout the event.

"From our spots in the middle ranks we could fully observe the Quirks our rivals had and judge their capabilities."

Although Midoriya was the exception to that rule since they didn't really get to see him in action.

But he doesn't matter right now, what matters is putting Class 1-A in their place, mainly by putting down the one that is the most bloodthirsty for victory. "Only a fool would obsess over winning the preliminary rounds, wouldn't you agree?"

Bakugou scowls, he gets it now. "You planned this as a class?"

Monoma chuckles. "It wasn't totally unanimous. Hell some of my classmates have completely ignored our little rivalry."

But even with those two traitors, the plan is still going over fairly well. Midoriya looked like he was really struggling to get away from Tsunotori's flying horns. But that's just proof that they're strategy is working. Because Class 1-A has no info on any of their own Quirks. And often in long-term battles, those with the most knowledge win the war.

"It's better than chasing after a temporary frontrunner like a horse with a carrot waving in his face."

Okay showing how smart you are in one thing, but directly insulting Bakugou was just a stupid idea.

Monoma is completely oblivious to the spark he just set off as he continues to mock Bakugou. "You know it's funny. Midoriya said he was the one to beat, but in truth it was really Class 1-B you had to look out for the whole time. Talk about irony, huh?"

Bakugou is really starting to get angry, more than usual somehow.

Monoma isn't done yet. He's absolutely enjoying the furious expression on Bakugou's face. "Oh, while I have your attention. You're kinda infamous, aren't you? For surviving the attack by a sludge villain." His smirk somehow becomes even more condescending. "You'll have to tell me about it sometime."

Bakugou is shaking with rage, his eye twitches as he glares daggers at the egotistical jerkwad.

"It must be strange to always find yourself in the role of the victim." First the sludge victim and then the League of Villains. "I thought heroes were supposed to be able to save themselves, not the other way around."

And that…was the final straw.

"Kirishima, we have a change of plans." Bakugou's voice is burning with a silent rage that's waiting to show itself at the right time.

Kirishima looks back at his rider and his face is absolutely terrifying as Bakugou radiates an inferno of rage around himself. The others feel it too becoming slightly concerned with their own safety.

Mina and Kirishima whimper in fright as Bakugou's dark and raging aura dances around him. They would have never figured that his anger could get to this point.

Bakugou's eyes flash red like he's been possessed by a chaotic demon. "Before we take down Deku. We're going to kill every last one of these B-list idiots!"

Monoma smirks once again unaware of how much he's going to regret picking a fight with Bakugou.

---

Ochaco's team lands again onto the field before they take off in a full sprint. They've been keeping with the same strategy, run for as long as they can and use Ibara's vines to block attacks. And when things begin to get too hairy, they take to the sky to put distance between themselves and the other teams. But because both her team and Deku's have decided to fly around, the other teams have now begun to target each other, seeing the two of them as impossible to catch.

Ochaco smiles with relief. "Everyone, I think we're going to be okay."

She may have spoken too soon as a new team intercepts their path.

Kendo hits the breaks bringing them to a sharp stop.

Standing before them is Todoroki's Team and their leader has a very intense and determined look in his eye.

Not even Present Mic's voice can cut through the intensity. "And now we've reached the halfway point of the game!"

Ochaco glares right back at Todoroki with the same amount of intensity. "I guess the funs not over yet."

The crowd's cheers ring out throughout the stadium, but none of their cheers reach the two opposing sides.

"As the cavalry battle enters its second half it's still anyone's game!"

How true as other teams begin to lose their headbands to each other.

"Class 1-B has made an unexpected showing, but who will wear the five million points in the end? That's the real question, sports fans!"

Todoroki and Ochaco continue to square off as they wait for the right moment to strike.

Todoroki makes the first move in the form of a declaration. "I'll be taking that, now."

Meanwhile, not too far from their position Mineta and Shoji spot the two foes squaring off and distracted.

"This is our chance." cackles Mineta. "Shoji! Full-on attack mode!"

Shoji's arms rip away from each other and burst forward like huge bat wings with a multitude of arms and hands at the ends. And with no second to waste he takes off, sprinting right for the two leads.

Mineta shouts. "We'll use all our power to steal the points from those two teams!"

They are not the only ones with the same idea as other teams charge in from all sides.

In the meantime, Kendo steps back a bit wary of the new challengers. "He really seems to have it out for ya, Uraraka. What's with that?"

Ochaco doesn't move her eyes away from her opponent. "Pride."

Kendo wants to request that she give a little more detail but it's not really the time for that. "Well we can't stop now. The event's nearly over!"

Ochaco looks down at Kendo and nods in agreement.

In that brief moment when she looks away, Todoroki takes command of the situation. "Now, Iida. Forward!"

"Right!" Iida's engines come to live and hot steam shoots backward, launching Iida's legs forward.

The team leader addresses his left-horse. "Yaoyorozu. Be ready to protect us."

"On it!" Immediately Yaoyorozu begins to manifest several items from her bare arm and belly.

Todoroki calls out his final teammate. "Kaminari-"

"Oh, I know what I gotta do." interrupts the grinning blonde.

Ochaco grimaces the situation is getting dire as other teams are beginning to surround them. "Careful! They're coming from all sides!"

Sparks fly off of Kaminari as they race towards the five million points. "I hope you made something strong, Yaoyorozu!" That's the only warning he gives.

Todoroki grabs a blanket from the girl while she in turn stabs a rod-like structure into the ground, while they are still in motion.

"Indiscriminate Shock: 1.3 MILLION VOLTS!" Kaminari discharges his stored electricity, the bright burning energy dances and foods the surrounding area.

Ochaco flinches as does most of her team, but the ever calm Ibara thrusts her vines into the ground and a wall of greenery shields them from Kaminari's attack. But not everyone is as lucky as they are.

All the other teams that went charging in, from Classes 1-A and 1-B, are treated to a special kind of shock treatment making them howl in pain as their body's freeze up from the powerful jolts.

"Dammit, Kaminari!" shouts Mineta between all the pain.

Soon the electrical boy shuts off his Quirk allowing Todoroki to ditch the insulated sheet.

Todoroki's right hand begins to freeze up. "It's time to make a move!" He grabs the rod-like structure on Yaoyorozu's arm and uses it to direct his ice downward into the ground.

The ice flows down the staff, over the ground, and all before encasing the other teams' feet, effectively locking them in place.

"Sorry, but there's no other way."

The teams struggle to pry themselves out of the ice, but it's just too strong.

Present Mic is just as surprised by the move as they are. "Will you look at that! He's stopped all those teams cold in their tracks!"

Aizawa has something to add about that. "But only after Kaminari had immobilized the students using his electricity." Aizawa recalls how Todoroki froze many of the students at the beginning of the last event. "In the Obstacle Course, he was surprised by how many people avoided his attack." In other words. "He's adapting his strategy."

Present Mic gives his friend a thumbs up. "Nice commentary."

Back down on the field Todoroki raises his arm up as he passes by the last frozen team. "I might as well take these." In his hand are a couple of headbands.

"Get back here!"

"What mine too?!"

"Damn you, Todoroki!"

The dual-haired teen ignores them as large icicles burst out of the ground behind him.

Ochaco's team backpedals quickly while Ochaco tries to fire off the jetpack, but instead of it starting up it gives a weak puff before breaking down. "The jetpack's stopped working!"

Hatsume is devastated by the news. "Baby! Guess it needs some upgrades…"

Kendo tries to use the hoversoles while pushing back on her team, but it's not enough, Iida is just too fast. "We can't get away!"

"Allow me to disperse them!" Ibara's hair lashes out as one moving appendage right for their pursuers, but she unknowingly aims for Todoroki's right side.

"No wait!"

Ochaco's warning comes too late as Todoroki throws his hand forward and ice rushes through the vines freezing them in ice.

Ibara gaps as the ice encroaches quickly towards her and her team.

To Ochaco it's almost as if everything is in slow motion while her mind works into overdrive. She can't allow his ice to make contact with them. Otherwise it'll all be over. She needs a pla-NO she needs to act!

As the ice is nearly upon Ibara, Ochaco throws her arm down as a pink hue surrounds it. With One For All boosting her strength, her arm chops right through Ibara's vine mere inches away from the oncoming ice.

With the frozen vines still in his grasp Todoroki gets pulled down by the sudden weight, slowing his team down slightly.

Kendo makes use of the opportunity to put as much distance as she can between them all.

Ibara examines her hair with regret, it's up to her shoulders, which is way less than what she had before. She looks up at Ochaco who's holding her aching and red-colored arm. "Dear Uraraka, what did you do just now?"

Ochaco winces as she braces her delicate arm. "It's an aspect of my Quirk that gives me a boost of strength!"

And hurts her in the process. She takes note of her injured arm and figures that she still needs to control the output of One For All. It also hits home that she may have gotten lucky during the last stretch of the Obstacle Course. Otherwise who knows what would have happened.

"Are you for real?!" shouts a disbelieving Kendo. "I thought your Quirk was Zero-Gravity!"

"It is!" defends Ochaco. "But this is new, I'm still figuring it out!" That's true at least. "Gah!"

Her team comes to an abrupt stop. She spins around and sees that they've been backed against the playing field's end, one step backwards and they'll be disqualified.

Present Mic's voice cuts through all the tension. "Team Uraraka has nowhere left to run."

Ochaco scowls about how true that statement is. Not only is the jetpack kaput, but Todoroki has cut them off from the rest of the field.

Ice rushes around them from both sides creating a large jagged glacier, trapping the two teams inside. The circular glacier is so vast that it'll definitely keep other teams out while also creating a miniature stadium for the two teams to fight it out.

With little chance to escape Team Todoroki makes a final run at them.

"What do we do?" cries Hatsume.

Kendo doesn't take her eyes off their opponents. "What about your Zero-Gravity Field? Or that move you pulled earlier?"

Ochaco shakes her head. "Zero-Gravity isn't that reliable." Especially under these circumstances, if she uses it now, she may just push her own team out of bounds. Plus the hoversoles aren't meant to fly them up but to help them land and move on the ground, so it just adds to the risk. "Also, if I use the same move again, I'll just be putting myself out of the game." Ochaco gestures to her red left arm.

Kendo swallows her spit with worry. "Then…what now?"

She has no idea. They can pray for a miracle… Or they can make one.

"I don't know…but I'm not going to take this lying down!"

That's right, if she wants to survive against Todoroki then she needs to take action.

Ochaco glares with determination as Todoroki and his team continue to charge forward. And that's when her eyes land on Todoroki's left side…the side that he outright said he would not be using today.

All Might's successor gives a sly smirk as an idea pops into her head.

---

"Kirishima, we have a change of plans." Bakugou's voice is burning with a silent rage that's waiting to show itself at the right time.

Kirishima looks back at his rider and his face is absolutely terrifying as Bakugou radiates an inferno of rage around himself. The others feel it too becoming slightly concerned with their own safety.

Mina and Kirishima whimper in fright as Bakugou's dark and raging aura dances around him. They would have never figured that his ager could get to this point.

Bakugou's eyes flash red like he's been possessed by a chaotic demon. "Before we take down Deku. We're going to kill every last one of these B-list idiots!"

Monoma smirks once again unaware of how much he's going to regret picking a fight with Bakugou.

"Monoma." One of Monoma's teammates actually has some sense of self-preservation. "Don't provoke him, man. That's the kinda thing he would do."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Monoma throws his hands out to the side with full sarcasm. "It's not very heroic of me." He gives a dark smirk back towards his target of ridicule. "Besides, you know how these things work. Heroes are always being hounded by moronic villains desperate for some kind of revenge."

Bakugou is shaking with rage, so much so that his horses are getting rather concerned.

"Calm yourself, Bakugou." states the ever calm Tokoyami.

Kirishima very much agrees with that statement. "Yeah, you've gotta keep a level head or we'll never get our points back!"

"Shut up!" Shouts Bakugou as he slams his fist against his palm, they flare up as they smash together. "I've never been calmer." His voice is deadly calm, like he knows screaming isn't going to help his case. "Can't you tell? Now get after them, Kirishima!" There's a maddeningly evil grin on his face that should belong to a villain, not a hero.

"Please, don't make us regret this."

And with that Team Bakugou takes off after Monoma who is staying rather composed even with Bakugou screaming his head off.

"You think you're tough?!" Bakugou throws his arm forward fully intending to put this bastard in their place. "Die!"

The smirking Monoma calmly shifts his head to the side while brushing his palm against Bakugou's arm as his explosive hand misses and his team runs on by.

Bakugou is absolutely thrown for the loop. 'How in the hell was he able to dodge that?!'

He snarls, spinning around to try again but he's in for a surprise when Monoma's palm reaches towards his face and then… Boom. Monoma's hand sets off a rather small explosion right into Bakugou's face.

Monoma grins excitedly. "Huh. Wow. I see why you like this Quirk!"

As Bakugou reels back from the Explosion, Monoma throws his hand down, brushing his fingers against Kirishima's forehead.

Bakugou shakes off the attack. "My power…"

Kirishima seems to be in a more state of shock than his leader is. "Whoa, weird! That guy has your Quirk!"

Bakugou snarls, no way is he going to be shown up! He swings his arm at Monoma. "Damn it!" As his hand slams into Monoma he releases a fiery detonation that envelops Monoma in smoke and heat.

However, there is no sound of pain or scream from within the attack, instead Monoma sounds like it wasn't a bother at all. "You both have impressive powers." The smoke clears revealing that the left side of his body has hardened up like a rock. "But I think you'll agree mine's better."

Now Bakugou is surprised so much so that he actually gasps in shock.

Kirishima and the others are just as stunned. "Huh? What? Mine, too?"

Mina frowns with worry. "His Quirk….is it like Midoriya's?" Does he have access to several Quirks or something?

"No." replies Bakugou, gaining his team's attention. "That bastard. His Quirk. He can copy other powers."

Monoma chuckles. "Very good." He can copy the Quirks of those he touches, but only for five minutes or so, and one at a time. "So even an idiot could figure it out."

Bakugou is really getting tired of this bastard's bullshit, but before he can make a move Bondo and his team appear, and the big lug spews out a steam of glue between Bakugou's and Monoma's teams.

Monoma smiles at his approaching classmates. "Nice one. Thanks for the backup, Bondo."

Monoma's teammate interrupts. "Monoma! If we keep those headbands, we're good. As long as no one gets near us we'll make our class proud." With that Team Monoma begins to turn and run off away from Bakugou.

Bakugou scowls as Monoma runs away from their fight. "Stop 'em!"

"It's too sticky! Crap!" Looking down they notice that Kirishima's leg has been ensnared by Bondo's glue. "I can't move!"

Mina presses her foot against the glue and acid begins to pour out from the soles of her shoes, melting away the glue. "No prob!" Steam rises as the glue begins to melt away.

Tokoyami observes how far Team Monoma already is. "Try to be quick about it. The longer it takes the longer we sit with zero points."

Monoma must have heard that because he turns around and waves mockingly at Bakugou. "Oh, no hard feelings, right?" He sets off a pop of Bakugou's Explosion. "If it makes you feel better, I'll definitely be the one to take out Midoriya. After all, he's the one to beat." He really doesn't know when to shut his trap, does he?

Bakugou grins with a combination of rage and excitement, like he knows exactly how he'll make the fucker pay. 'This isn't over. I'm still gonna come out on top. And I won't just make it to first place, I'll be the undeniable champion.'

As they move away from Bakugou and the other teams, Monoma checks out the scoreboard and sees that their team has a total of 1,095 points. "Third place. We've done pretty well for ourselves. Sure if we can take a few more points, but I think we can let the clock run out."

Bakugou's voice rings out from behind them. "Losers! Get back here!"

Monoma groans, what's the use of yelling when he can't even catch them? "Doesn't he ever give up? Knowing you've been bested is an important part of being a hero."

That is bullshit and Bakugou is going to show this bastard why.

Firstly, he blasts himself away from his team, charging in from overhead towards Monoma and his headbands, which are all wrapped around his neck.

Kirishima calls after his team leader. "Hey, don't just fly off on your own!"

Monoma is actually surprised and worried now. "Tsuburba! Stop him!"

Monoma's front horse inhales and then blows his breath out and a glass-like shield appears in midair. Unable to stop, Bakugou slams into the shield, but he quickly grips the sides of it to prevent himself from falling and being disqualified.

Tsuburaba grins at the results. "Alright!"

Kosei Tsuburaba is nothing too unique compared to those in either class. He has spiky short brown-hair and oval-shaped eyes with large pupils.

Bakugou pounds his fist against the Solid Air but it's not making a dent.

"Ha ha." laughs Tsuburaba as their team turns away. "You look pretty stupid fighting with air."

He should have kept his mouth shut too, because that gives Bakugou the drive to smash right through the air shield like it was glass. The ash-blonde grips the headbands.

Monoma only has less than a second to react, he grips the headband as Bakugou rips his hand away taking with him two of Monoma' headbands.

"Crap, he snatched some of 'em!"

The crowd roars, they are thrilled to see someone like Bakugou display his fighting spirit.

Bakugou leaps backward before Monoma can retaliate and Tokoyami's Dark Shadow manages to catch the mad bomber.

"Let go of me, Bird Stand!"

Dark Shadow smiles, "Na, I want to join in."

"Huh?!"

"Bakugou!" calls Tokoyami as the rest of his team try to catch up. "Don't forget. You're not the only one that wants to win this!"

And that is the fucking truth.

Bakugou grins, proud of his choice for minions. "Then let's tear these assholes a new one. We're going to be the indisputable champions of the game!"

"Aye aye!" replies Dark Shadow.

Bakugou's team charges forward with Dark Shadow way ahead of them with a grinning Bakugou in its claws.

"They're coming!" cries Tsuburaba.

Team Monoma tries to run as fast as they can while using Monoma's Copy and Tsuburaba's Solid Air to defend from other teams.

"Not to worry!" Monoma grips the 655-point headband as if his life depends on it. "If we defend this one to the death and take a few more we'll be able to move forward."

Aizawa smiles from underneath his heavily bandaged face. "Now look at this. Class 1-B's strategy was a reasonable one. But there's one thing they never bothered to consider."

Bakugou adjusts himself in Dark Shadow's grip. "Bird Stand, get me in close!"

"Right!" Dark Shadow rushes forward like a black and winding rollercoaster.

While Bakugou is flown through the air, Toshinori watches the display of pride and determination with sheer amazement. 'Young Bakugou. You understand something crucial, a truth no one had to teach you.' He watches as Dark Shadow pulls Bakugou back like it's going to throw him like a baseball. 'That there's a difference between those who aim for the top, and those who will settle.' Dark Shadow throws Bakugou, its arm stretching and pushing Bakugou forward to give him more speed. 'And that difference matters.'

Aizawa finishes his thought at the same time. "Class 1-B didn't take into account Bakugou's overwhelming tenacity."

Tsuburaba puts up one of the biggest Solid Air shields that he can muster, but it's nothing compared to Bakugou's own will power and rage.

The mad bomber throws his hand out, unleashing a fiery demise that completely obliterates the pathetic excuse for a shield, snagging his points right off the bastard's neck.

Present Mic and the entire stadium cheers. "Bakugou is a merciless force! A point hog! That was a shield break heard 'round that arena! And I can't wait to watch the replay!"

Dark Shadow grabs Bakugou and carries him back to his team who are grinning just as widely as their leader is. "Now! We're going after Deku!"

Bakugou looks upward and spots the turtle-looking Deku flying towards the opposite end of the field where Todoroki's ice is.

Team Bakugou turns to head right on over there, seeing no point in arguing with Bakugou anymore. However other teams have already diverted their attention towards them, intercepting and blocking his path.

Tokoyami frowns as Dark Shadow snakes around them acting like a living shield that's ready to deflect any attacks. "It appears none of them are going to let us through that easily."

"Fine then." Bakugou grins excitedly. "Then we'll tear right through them too." They'll all be a warm up for when he destroys Deku!

---

Kendo swallows her spit with worry. "Then…what now?"

She has no idea. They can pray for a miracle… Or they can make one.

"I don't know…but I'm not going to take this lying down!"

That's right, if she wants to survive against Todoroki then she needs to take action.

Ochaco glares with determination as Todoroki and his team continue to charge forward. And that's when her eyes land on Todoroki's left side…the side that he outright said he would not be using today.

All Might's successor gives a sly smirk as an idea pops into her head. Even though that in a few short minutes the enemy will be upon them…or so they think.

"In coming!"

Iida comes to a screeching halt, his feet skidding across the dirt before Terraspin cuts his way between the two teams, drawing a line in the sand with his propelling blades as he flies past them.

Terraspin circles around before stopping and leaning back. His team jumps down to the ground with Shinso in front all before Izuku turns back to normal and lands on their linked hands.

Izuku smirks. "Sorry for cutting in, but I hate feeling left out."

Shinso chuckles. "Nailed it." He's so glad he recommended that line.

Tsuyu just shakes her head in disapproval.

Todoroki is astonished to have Izuku willingly throw himself at them, and while he's distracted Ochaco guides her team to a safer position. Thankfully Present Mic's booming voice provides the right amount of cover.

"After Todoroki put so much thought and effort into getting some alone time with the item of his attention, Midoriya swoops in interrupting the fun and is now their third wheel!" Present Mic laughs at his own joke.

Aizawa deadpans. "You've been hanging out with Midnight for too long."

"But seriously why'd he bother transforming back now? I thought he'd be flying around the rest of the game."

At that moment Aizawa decides to indulge that very answer. "Midoriya's Quirk can only last for ten minutes and he has to wait another ten minutes before he can transform back."

"Now that's inconvenient!"

Inconvenient for Izuku perhaps, but for Todoroki it's the most convenient thing to happen to him all day.

Todoroki's team adjust themselves so that their leader can properly use the right side of his Quirk. "I wanted to save you for last, but if you're just going to trap yourself then so be it!" He's about to grip the staff but the look Midoriya's teammate is giving him makes him hesitate.

Shinso smirks maniacally. "What's the matter? Aren't you going to attack?"

Todoroki is hesitating and for good reason: that guy looks so calm like he wants him to attack, even Midoriya is smirking like he knows something that Todoroki doesn't, hell his team isn't even moving like they think they'll be safe if he strikes at them.

Shinso eggs him on some more. "What's the matter? Feel free to attack, we won't even move."

Iida doesn't like the look of them either. "Todoroki what do we do?"

Todoroki scowls before checking on Uraraka. Her and her team have moved away from the edge of the field and have now positioned themselves to Todoroki's left, and away from his ice Quirk.

Yaoyorozu's eyes switch between the two teams. "This isn't good. We're the ones who are trapped."

Izuku smirks, happy to hear that their bluff is working. He and his team watched as Class 1-B took on Bakugou and their other classmates, and now that they are reaching the end the others are getting more desperate for points. But in here, they have a better chance of winning and moving on to the next event. Their main plan is for Shinso to act as a red herring by instigating Todoroki who is far to level minded to carelessly attack anyone. And that's what they're banking on, that Todoroki will think that Shinso's Quirk can somehow counter his ice. Of course to pull this off the rest of them have to act as calmly as possible as if they have nothing to worry about, Tsuyu is unsurprisingly good at that actually.

Besides this place offers some other benefits, sure it puts them with some of the most powerful competitors but if they lose their points in here then they will have a better chance of recovering said points then out there where it will undoubtedly be a feeding frenzy.

And this is working out so much better than he could have hoped, Todoroki looks flustered. He wants to go after Izuku but there's just one issue.

'That guy…he's from General Studies, right?' Todoroki eyes Shinso. 'Dammit, I have no idea what his Quirk is. For all I know it can counter my ice or any of the other's Quirks.' And then there's Uraraka to consider.

'She's staying to my left side. That's her strategy. From this position if I try to freeze them, I'll hit Iida.' Sure he could redirect himself to go after Uraraka, but he can tell that she's using his own promise to himself as his own weakness. She's trying to keep her team on his left side, the side he promised that he'd never use. 'Damn her!'

And if he readjusts himself to go after her, there's nothing to stop Midoriya and his team from attacking him. And the same is true if he goes after Midoriya.

'Plus, the girl from Class 1-B, with the vines, can defend against Kaminari's electricity. And for all I know that indigo-haired guy can counter it too…' He eyes his two opponents. 'You bastards.'

Looks like Yaoyorozu was right. Rather than trapping Uraraka in a cage, he ended up trapping himself in a cage with two powerful foes.

And so they stay there, each team gauging each other for an opening. Each one of them wants to win this and they'll do anything to do it. That said this is not a real two on one fight, Ochaco and Izuku keep sending each other looks like they know that this truce is extremely temporary, because the moment anything happens, then it's all out on the table. Today they are both friends and foes.

This stalemate continues, every now and then someone would cautiously make a move to a new position, but the others would mimic the response. By the time three minutes pass everyone is walking on eggshells, waiting for the inevitable bomb to go off.

It's then Iida decides that now is the time to take some drastic measures, after all he has something to prove too. "Everyone, we have less than 120 seconds. I'm gonna do something that'll make me useless to you."

This takes Todoroki and the others by surprise. "What are you gonna do?"

Iida props his leg forward as his Engines buzz at the ready. "Make sure you get that headband." His Engines buzz even louder as Iida leans forward. "Brace yourselves. Hold on tight!"

That's their last warning as blue flames roar out of Iida's Engines, supercharging them and heating up so much that the metal turns red hot.

"Torque Over!" Like a missile Iida rockets forward.

Ochaco gasps. "Watch the-"

"RECUPROBURST!"

But it's too late, in a blink of an eye…Iida moved nearly as fast as XLR8 and in that time, Todoroki managed to grab her 5,000,257 headband.

Iida zooms away before curving to the side and then coming to a halt as his Engines give out. But he was able to put some distance between his team and Ochaco's but ended up closer to Izuku's.

Present Mic is in absolute amazement. "Wha-ho-ho! What just happened?! That was one big blur!"

He's not the only one who's in amazement so is the crowd, and Iida's own teammates.

"Holy smokes, folks! Why didn't he show off that super speed in the preliminaries?"

Todoroki is still wide eyed over the whole rush of the moment, as he wraps Uraraka's headband backwards around his neck adding it to his collection. "Iida. What was that?"

Iida is trying to catch his breath, when he's good does he reply. "Forced my torque and RPM into overdrive, which gave me explosive power." The ends of his Engines are releasing streams of smoke as he speaks. "Unfortunately, the recoil stalls my engines for a while. It's a secret move I've been saving. No one in the class knew about it."

And it worked out, because both Ochaco and Izuku are at complete losses here. Izuku only assumed he'd ever see XLR8 move that fast, and Ochaco would have never guessed that he'd move so fast that they'd never get the chance to react.

Iida leers over at them both, before grinning with satisfaction. "I told you…I have something to prove too."

The crowd loves this new upset, one of the main leaders of the game has finally been toppled after holding onto one of the top spots for so long!

"Insanity! The entire game was just turned completely on its head! Todoroki's team has five million points and Uraraka's team is suddenly left with nothing at all!"

"We have to get them!" screams Ochaco.

"But his ice!" points out Ibara, her hair has grown back to its normal length.

"Let's go!" Ochaco shakes her head in frustration. She can't lose, not here! "We'll get our points back! I know it!"

Kendo scowls at Todoroki. "Okay! We'll put our trust in you." She charges forward, the hoversoles giving her a much-needed boost.

Izuku has a similar idea. "Let's go!"

"Right!" His team doesn't even hesitate, Izuku has been a great leader for them so far, they are not going to question him now.

Izuku is determined to take Todoroki's headband. 'If we manage to take his points, then we can eliminate him from the competition here and now!' And possibly Uraraka, too.

Izuku and Ochaco are upon Todoroki in mere seconds.

The dual-Quirk user glares at his main opposition, the two top contenders for Class 1-A and possibly U.A. He can feel their determination emanating from their very souls.

As a result he doesn't even hesitate or register what he does next to defend himself. He thrusts his left arm forward, igniting with flames, as to use it as a means to drive off his attackers.

Ochaco throws her hand out just as One For All flows through it giving it it's signature pink hue. She didn't even think about it until her fingers were mere inches away from the dancing flames.

Ochaco swings her arm to the side, extinguishing Todoroki's flames and throwing his arm away, leaving him wide open to attack.

Todoroki internally gasps, not because of Ochaco's attack, but because of his own. 'My left side. What am I doing?!'

He should really be paying attention to the real issue of the matter.

Ochaco briefly examines her hand, how it's not injured, normally she'd be thrilled but now is not the time.

Izuku is upon Todoroki as well. And noticed how Todoroki has turned the bands around to hide their point value. Ochaco realizes this too, but they have no choice. Both latch onto a different headband, praying that it's the five million points.

"I got it!" they both cry out as their teams race on by.

Izuku grins before checking the headband. "What?1! It's not it!" It's sure isn't it's instead 205 points.

He wheels around and judging from Ochaco's devastated reaction, she didn't get the five million points either.

Yaoyorozu clears it up for them. "We mixed the headbands up. There's no way we'd leave the prize on top. You both underestimate us."

The two scowl.

Iida checks on their leader who's grimacing while glaring at his left arm for having a mind of its own. "Todoroki. Better watch yourself. That was too close!"

"Oh, no!" shouts Present Mic. "Neither Team Midoriya nor Team Uraraka got the points after all that! Is this the end for Team Uraraka?!"

Ochaco gazes at the scoreboard and sees that she only has 125 points.

"The game is almost over!"

Ochaco glares at Todoroki. "It's not over, we still have a chance!"

"Right!"

"Of course!"

"We're with you!"

Team Uraraka charges fully intending to take what is rightfully theirs! They will be moving on!

While Team Midoriya watches on. 'You can do it, Uraraka.' Damn, if only he can stop Todoroki here and now if only…if only… He can't take it, something inside of him snaps, maybe it's the pressure of the whole competition or the thrill of the challenge, but he knows he can't let up. Not now!

"Screw it!" Izuku screams and desperately slams down on the Omnitrix, hoping in vain that it'll work despite the lack of recharge time.

To his surprise and to those of his team, Izuku disappears behind a flash of green light. They all nearly topple over as Izuku's weight miraculously becomes heavier than what it was.

Todoroki gasp as Ochaco's team pounces at them while he throws the rubber sheet over them. "Kaminari!"

Kaminari unleashes his electrifying Quirk, but black tendrils with golden plugs wrap around Todoroki, binding his arms in place while also absorbing the electricity. "What?!"

"It's over Todoroki!" shouts Feedback.

And it is, with nothing to interfere, Ochaco's team charges forward to claim victory.

The side of the ice wall is blasted away as Bakugou leaps onto the scene. "Deku!"

Feedback gasps, but Shinso reacts quickly enough. "Stay back! Will ya?!"

"Shut-" Bakugou falls silent but Dark Shadow, who was following along, grabs him before he collapses.

Ochaco thrusts her hand out at Todoroki, meanwhile Ibara's vines lash out in all directions giving them the look of Amazonian warriors out to make a kill through the jungle.

"You won't win!" Cries Todoroki as he unleashes his ice, the ice courses down Feedback's tendril but with the boost from Kaminari, he lets electricity to flow through his veins and act as a heater to slow the frozen attack.

While trying to hold up her team leader, Tsuyu lashes her tongue out towards the two clashing teams.

Bakugou, after snapping out of it, notices how everyone is directed on Todoroki and quickly assumes that he has the most points. "Dammit, Ice-Hot!" He blasts himself right towards the teen.

And that is the current state of things as Ochaco just barely touches a headband, when Present Mic's voice somehow cuts through all the action. "Time's up!"

Everyone freezes in place, even Bakugou somehow defies physics as he just plops unceremoniously to the ground below.

The crowd screams loudly after such a battle.

"And with that, the second round is officially over!"

Ochaco scowls in frustration, She couldn't get the last headband. 'N-no…'

Meanwhile, Bakugou's team run up to check on their leader. "Bakugou!"

Kirishima makes it first. "Are you okay, man?"

Bakugou's only response is to press his face harder against the ground, screaming his lungs off, while pounding his hand against the field like a child having a tantrum.

Todoroki jumps down off his team as Feedback releases him. "Damn it…" He lost again, to both of them…

Team Midoriya sighs in relief as they can finally let the much heavier and taller teammate down.

Shinso frowns. "Shit, how many transformations do you have?"

"11 and counting." Replies a grinning Feedback with a thumbs up to boost their ego.

Jiro scowls up at Feedback. "You could have warned us before transforming you know!"

"I…didn't think that would work."

"Huh?"

Tsuyu frowns before she realizes something major. "That's right, your recharge time is ten minutes but that was way less than that."

Jiro finally registers it too. "Yeah, then how were you able to use your Quirk again so quickly?"

Feedback looks down, rubbing his neck as he thinks about it. "I…honestly have no idea." He eyes the Omnitrix symbol on his chest. 'Was…was it the lifeguard mode again…? It couldn't be, it only does that when I'm in danger. Was it something else, or just a fluke?'

Feedback shakes his head. "No matter, what matters is that we came in first." Yeah, they did. That makes two events in a row where he came in first, guess he really is the one to beat.

"It is irresponsible to assume that victory could come so easily."

Team Midoriya looks over at Ibara, who unlike the rest of her team doesn't look like she finds their defeat all that devastating.

Ochaco chokes back a sob. "Shiozaki…wh-why do you say that?"

"Hm? Oh, my. My mistake, I guess I should reveal this."

One of Ibara's vines stretches out and at the end sits a headband. A headband with 5,000,360 points.

Everyone screams out all at once. "WHAT!?"

During the last skirmish, when she threw her hair out, a few of them stretched over and took Team Midoriya's headband while they were all distracted.

Feedback plants his palm against his head and sure enough his headband is gone. "No way!" he gasps.

He falls to his knees. "Did…we lose…?"

"Nope. Kero."

They all turn to the poker faced Tsuyu. "Shiozaki isn't the only one who had a similar idea." She sticks out her tongue cheekily, as she holds up Todoroki's own headband worth 600 points.

Shinso blinks. "Wait, if you have that then that means…"

Present Mic will happily reveal the answer. "Now, let's take a look at who our top teams are!"

The scoreboard displays said teams.

"In first place we have the team that faced off against death and then spat in its face. It's Team Uraraka!"

That's right! Ochaco and her team were able to pull away with a total of 5,000,485 points!

Ochaco and Kendo inhale and then leap into the air throwing their arms up in celebration. "Yeah!"

Ibara smiles at them enjoying their display of joy while Hatsume is not paying attention as she tries to fix the damaged jetpack.

"In second place we have Team Todoroki!" They have 5,00,257 points and from just one headband.

Yayorozu sighs, although they didn't exactly claim victory they did somewhat win and will be moving on. "We ended in second place, but it was too close for comfort."

Iida clenches his fist in shame. "I'm sorry. I let everyone down, didn't I?" Perhaps he used his special move far too soon.

"That's not true." His teammate offers him a kind and appreciative smile. "You're the reason we won. Thank goodness for that special move of yours."

While she comforts him, Kaminari is wandering around in the background. He has a stupefied expression on his face while thrusting dual thumbs up at everyone. His brain was fried during the last attack, even though Feedback was absorbing his power he didn't realize it and kept it up until he fired his own brain.

"In third place, we have one of the front runners who managed to cling onto victory at the last second! Team Midoriya!"

Feedback and the others stare up at the scoreboard where their team is displayed next to a point count of 1,760 points. Not as impressive as five million, but it's enough to get them through and that's all any of them could have asked for.

"We did it!" shouts Feedback

Shinso looks like he's in complete disbelief, but grins excitedly at the board. Soon he will have his chance to shine.

Jiro smiles and gives Tsuyu an appreciative shoulder pat. "Way to go back there."

"Thanks, but I had a lot of help." Tsuyu looks at Feedback. "Isn't that right, Midoriya."

Feedback flashes her a giant grin.

Jiro tilts her head to the side. "So, how come we've never seen this guy before?" He seems pretty useful; he can absorb electricity and has appendages similar to her own. Is he copying her?

Feedback examines his current physique. "Oh, Feedback. Yeah, I don't always get to use him but when I do, I promise it'll be one heck of a show." Assume the Omnitrix would give him the Conductoid.

Present Mic finishes off the rankings. "And finally bringing up the rear, it's Team Bakugou!"

This team sits at 1,095 points, enough to pass.

Mina shakes her hands, as if shaking off her stress. "Ugh! We were so close to snagging first place." They really weren't, if they had a few more seconds who knows if Bakugou would have been able to do something about it.

Tokoyami hums. "Hm. Perhaps, but it is not best to dwell on things. We are moving on to the final round, and we should be grateful for that."

Kirishima sheepishly smiles, he is not convinced. "I don't think our leader would agree with you." He watches as Bakugou sits up on the ground, he's shaking, but not from pain. "Like at all."

Bakugou screams with fury. He lost! He fucking lost not only to Deku but to the other bastards, too! For a second event in a row.

"With the guidance of the same exact winners of the last event, these four valiant teams will advance on to the final round!"

From the stands, All Might and Thirteen release sighs that neither knew they were holding.

Meanwhile, a very quiet and somber Todoroki is eyeing Izuku and Ochaco. He may have gotten second place, but in technicality he actually lost to the two of them.

He then draws his eyes to his offending left arm. 'I said I'd never use this to attack. I even made a point of it earlier…but as soon as I was overwhelmed, I broke my own promise.' He clenches his left fist, digging his nails into his palm. "At this rate…he'll win, and I'll end up exactly who he wants me to be…" He cannot allow that to pass, no matter what.

Up in the stadium, the crowd disperses for snacks, restrooms, and other needs.

"Now, let's take an hour lunch break before we start the afternoon festivities! See ya soon!" Present Mic turns to his co-host, forgetting to shut off his mic. "Hey Eraserhead. Let's grab some food."

They can hear Aizawa plopping to the ground in his sleeping bag. "I'm taking a nap."

"Whew." huffs Present Mic.

Back on the field, the students begin to make their way to the exits.

"Way to go Deku, you're moving on!" cheers Ochaco.

Sure they're rivals today, but that doesn't mean they can't cheer each other on too.

"And so are you!" shouts Feedback. "And way to snag first place."

"He, thanks, but I had a pretty great team on my side."

"I hear ya." Feedback flashes a smile and points at his own team. "The same goes for me."

Shinso smirks back at him. "Thanks, but I only joined because I pitied you."

"What?!" Feedback can't believe this. "Dude, I thought we bonded. We had a moment together! We made puns!"

Tsuyu passes by with an annoyed frown, she definitely could have lived without those puns.

Shinso chuckles at his face. "I'm just messing with ya. But I have to admit." He eyes the taller being with a healthy amount of respect. "Thank you…for giving me a chance."

Feedback understands, he's thanking him for sympathizing with his dreams. "Any time, and good luck in the final round."

"You two, but if we face." Shinso jabs a finger at his chest. "Then don't expect me to hold back."

"Hehe, I wouldn't dream of it."

Shinso smirks one last time before leaving to get some food.

While other students pass on by Ochaco leans up to the Conductoid. "So, um quick question. Why are you Feedback?!"

Feedback leans in close before whispering. "I…don't know. It was some kind of quick recharge or something, but I don't know what caused it."

"Was it the lifeguard mode, you mentioned it a few times here and there."

"Um, maybe but I'm not so sure, hm…"

While the two ponder and make their way through the exit, someone interrupts their wandering minds.

"Hey, um sorry, Kendo here."

Feedback spins around and finds Ochaco's teammate waving up at him alongside Ibara. "Oh, hello."

Ochaco beams. "Kendo! Ibara!" She leaps forward grabbing both of their hands. "Thanks again for joining my team. You were both so amazing and I couldn't have done it without either of you!"

They smile and Ibara returns the hand holding gesture. "We should be thanking you. We put our faith in you, and you didn't let us down. You are strong willed, and I wish you the best during the next challenge."

"Awe, thanks."

Kendo raises her hand. "I have a question to ask."

"Okay, shoot."

Kendo actually addresses Feedback. "What is your Quirk exactly?"

Feedback is a bit taken back, not expecting the question, but after everything he did it makes senses people would have questions.

"It's called One Man Army; I can transform my body into different forms that grant me different abilities."

Ochaco chips into the conversation. "Like how his turtle form allows him to fly."

In the distance Tetsutetsu's yells rigs out. "That still doesn't make sense!" Feedback moves on ignoring the loud member of Class 1-B. "Yeah, and I have more forms. Each with their own power sets and skills." And weaknesses, but no need to tell anyone about them.

Kendo and Ibara gasp, even other students of their class who were listening in gasp in surprise.

"Aw, man! How can someone like you exist?!" whines Tsuburaba.

Juzo frowns. "I know right?" He never even got to use his Quirk just because Midoriya could fly.

Ibara strokes her chin. "It's almost like Monoma's Quirk."

Like a demon summoned from hell, Monoma literally pushes himself into the discussion, with a desperate grin on his face as if trying to pretend his loss to Bakugou isn't eating away at him from the inside. "There's no way! No one can have a Quirk like mine!" Is this serious?! Can this plain-faced kid really have a Quirk like that?! There's no way it's got to be a trick. "Well with power like that, you wouldn't mind sharing it would you?!" He desperately reaches his hand out to touch Feedback's arm. "I bet it's just an illusion or something! No way Class 1-A has someone like you. I bet you cheated. I'm sure of it!" he rushes forward. "Hahaha-Ack!"

He collapses onto the floor with a thud and a bump on his head.

Kendo sighs as she lowers her hand after delivering a swift chop to the back of her classmate's head. "Sorry about him. He's just compensating for his loss."

In the background Bakugou is grinning, finding the display rather amusing.

Meanwhile both Feedback and Ochaco are stunned, how could Kendo of all people consciously hurt her own classmate like that?!

"She was so composed!"

"Has she done this before?!"

Kendo enlargens her hand and picks up the unconscious yet hauntingly still grinning Monoma. "And sorry about him. And thanks for answering my question." She shakes her head with a smile. "I guess it goes to show you that there are all sorts of Quirks out there huh?"

Ochaco grins. "You have no idea." Seriously, she has no idea.

Kendo gives a final wave before running off to catch up to the rest of her classmates, Ibara strides alongside her. "Anyway take care you two, and if we face off in the next event then let's make it a good one!"

Ochaco waves after her. "You got it!"

Meanwhile, other teams and students are having similar interactions.

Tsuyu walks up to Mina. "Mina, congrats." Both of them are moving on.

The pink-girl doesn't feel the same way. "Thanks, but Bakugou only asked me to join because I could melt Todoroki's ice. That or hurt Midoriya somehow." Her frown then changes to a smile. "But I heard you did real well. I was told you snagged the winning headband for your team."

"I did."

Sero is walking alongside Jiro. "I can't believe you guys stole my headband, that was just cold."

"Well, you attacked us. Seems only fair."

Nearby Ochaco and Izuku have caught up to Iida.

"Iida, you were holding out on us!" Exclaims Ochaco as she runs in place, a poor imitation of Iida's special move.

Feedback nods his head rapidly in agreement. "I had no idea you could do that!" He wishes he had his Quirk Analysis notebook, maybe later he can try and record Iida's speed or something.

Iida waves his hand. "Rest assured it wasn't my intention to deceive any of you. I was just being strategic."

In that moment, a stupefied Kaminari joins the conversation, but all he can contribute is a stupid grin, far off look, and two thumbs up.

"I merely wanted to show that I could compete with you both."

The morphed Izuku smiles. "And you sure did. That was absolutely amazing." He gives his own thumbs up alongside Kaminari.

"Midoriya. Uraraka."

The ones that were called out turn to face a cold faced Todoroki. And immediately all their feelings of joy and exhilaration are gone and replaced with a sense of dread. It's almost as if Todoroki is emulating the use of the cold-side of his Quirk to affect their own psyches.

Ochaco decides to break the ice first. "Wh…what's up, Todoroki?"

He doesn't respond not right away but when he does, he has one simple demand. "Come with me. I need to speak with the two of you."

---

Meanwhile, within the halls of the stadium a loan hero roams with flames dancing across his body.

This flaming hero is a tall, sturdily-built man with a very muscular physique. He has short crimson hair which he wears spiked up around his head, and sharp turquoise eyes. His beard and mustache appear to be made of fire. His hero costume consists of a tight, navy turquoise bodysuit with lines of flames streaming across his chest, upper torso, arms and most prominently his shoulders. He uses his flames as a makeshift mask around his eyes, and the tall boots he wears appear to be either made of fire themselves or constantly left alight, as only their soles and laces are visible around the flames. He sports white bracers on his lower arms, styled in a cage pattern, and a blue belt with a pouch attached on either side.

This man, this pro hero, marches on with a sense of motivation and pride. He is on a mission and he would rather not be interrupted. But he's not as alone as he would think.

"YO!"

The pro hero stops, he can never mistake that voice.

All Might smiles down at his fellow pro hero. "LONG TIME NO SEE! LET'S CATCH UP. ENDEAVOR."

Endeavor's flames dance upward as if responding to their master's will. "All Might." Endeavor turns to leer at the Number One Hero as if his very presence is an insult to the Flame Hero.

---

And that was Ch.22 Friends and Foes. Like I said, it was a long one. And soon we will begin the individual battles. Those chapters may be shorter than others because I'll want to focus on some major character elements later. But hopefully that means I can get the next chapter out sooner rather than later, no promises though.

*This chapter made up nearly 3 episodes from the anime. I was going to split it in half-but I'd rather get the Cavalry battle out of the way so we can get to the really good parts: the Tournament!

*Throughout the chapter you could probably tell that I didn't describe every team in full detail. That was on purpose because I thought it would distract from the main action and dialogue throughout the chapter. But here is a list of the teams and how many points they had in total.

5,000,360: Izuku Midoriya, Hitoshi Shinso, Tsuyu Asui, and Kyoka Jiro

5,000,257: Ochaco Uraraka, Mei Hatsume, Itsuka Kendo, and Ibara Shiozaki

655: Katsuki Bakugou, Eijiro Kirishima, Mina Ashido, and Fumikage Tokoyami

600: Shoto Todoroki, Momo Yaoyorozu, Denki Kaminari, and Tenya Iida

495: Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Juzo Honenuki, and Yosetsu Awase

460: Hanta Sero, Masahiro Ojiro, and Rikido Sato

295: Neito Monoma, Kosei Tsuburaba, Sen Kaibara, and Shihai Kuroiro

265: Mezo Shoji and Minoru Mineta

205: Yui Kodai, Reiko Yanagi, Setsuna Tokage, and Kinoko Komori

150: Nirengeki Shoda, Kejiro Bando, and Manga Fukidashi

145: Tooru Hagakure, Yuga Aoyama, and Koji Koda

125: Kiryu Rin and Jurota Shishida

70: Togaru Kamakiri and Pony Tsunotori

---

Responses to "Guest" reviews from Ch.21:

Guest: Wonderful chapter!

Do you have any intention of introducing any other major ben 10 villains other than vilgax such as malware, aggregor, or the Atasians (Highbreed)?

Just curious

CreateGunner1209: Yes I will introduce other Ben Ten villains, but gradually. So, it will take time to get to some of them.

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Aztec 13: Wow this chapter is awesome, at the start we see Izuku giving his speech to not just to the whole world but also to the universe, good speech. On to the race itself, it was awesome there we see Ochaco showing how she grown thanks to her move bust comet but also showing Izuku as Grey Matter his intelligence and on fly thinking and finally the last at the end the how it should have ended, that is funny cause as xlr8 Izuku could have won. As what alien Izuku could use in the race Terra spin with him Izuku could have flown over the Obstacle race.

Please continue

CreateGunner1209: Glad you liked the speech as well as the Obstacle Course race. I thought the HISHE would be a nice touch, and a proper way to explain why I didn't use XLR8 from the start, it would have been boring to read. And thanks for answering my request; terraspin definitely would have had an easier time.

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Atom king: So the the sports festival has begun at the start of the chapter we a news woman and her camera man talking about the security of the school I wonder if the news woman appear again in later chapters, than we see Izuku and his class mates getting ready for the festival there Todoroki has challenge both Izuku and Ochaco since he view them as big threats I can't for the tournament part of the festival.

Now we see Izuku giving his speech I can only imagine how nervous he must be, as for his speech it was good better than any I could think of, I like towards the end of it he said that he's one to beat it reminds of something you'll hear in wrestling shows, I do wonder what was the original script of his speech?

Now on to the race itself, it's incredible we see each student showing off thier skills, Ochaco showings off her new found skills and a new super move call the bust comet I wonder will she be able to improve that move and turn it into full on flying?

Izuku transforming into Grey Matter that is hilarious but at the same time it's great, it show the on the fly thinking that grey matter is capable of, now I want to see jerry-rigged to show up I can see him and Mei Hatsume get along. Anyway back to grey matter building a mech suit so he across the race course is awesome I hope he can build another one, I love the mad Max reference he did all it was missing was can of silver spray paint.

Now we see everyone watching the festival from the pro heroes to the alien community like ML-E cheering for Ochaco to win and Mr. Baumann and his store customers watching it as well with Mr Baumann cheering for Izuku in secret, but what my attention the most is what Argit say, he say it's hero propaganda and it got me thinking I know argit doesn't like heroes but do some of the aliens in the community feel the same way too like they view heroes as some kind glorified security Force that keeps the planet in check like in a dictatorship?

Now at the end of race we get a tie between Izuku and Ochaco with Izuku as grey matter riding on Ochaco shoulder when she destroy his mech, will there be a tie breaker?

I love the hishe short at the end of the chapter it's funny cause it's true, Izuku could have won if he gotten xlr8.

Can't wait for the next chapter please continue.

CreateGunner1209: Happy to hear that you enjoyed Ch.21 and Izuku's speech. Would you believe that his speech was the first draft? (it's true)

As for Ochaco's Burst Comet it will improve over time.

Also, it's great that you got the Mad Max reference! I hope to have more when Upgrade and Jury-Rigg get here.

As for your question about the aliens; most aliens are on Earth because they feel relatively safe in this hero society. They can blend in and are generally free from threats. But they do understand that living on Earth is still a risk if they are discovered.

As for the "tiebreaker" for Ochaco and Izuku. I hope this chapter answered that question.

Finally, I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the HISHE. I've been hoping to include it for a while now.

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Guest: Magnífico es todo lo que te digo estuvo muy bueno y una duda sobre Spitter

¿Aparecerá en el festival deportivo?

Solo es eso

Buen capítulo, esto me está gustando cada vez más

CreateGunner1209: Spitter will eventually be added but not during the Sports Festival, sorry.

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Guest: Buen capítulo una duda

¿Spitter estará en el festival deportivo o no?

¿O será otro alien?

Buen trabajo, contigo si se puede disfrutar la cuarentena

CreateGunner1209: Glad you liked Ch.21. And Spitter will eventually arrive but not during the Sports Festival. Stay safe out there.

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BlueRanger-Lyric: Awesome chapter there, as always, I love how everything played out, and it was about time the whole not getting the alien he wants gag came back to mess with Midoriya, though I was hoping to see a "Going XLR8 *Transform* Grey Matter, oh man" As for his speech, I was really wondering what he was going to say there, and I love what he said, it really got me puppet up to see what happens next, and I loved that "How it should ended" gag, because honestly I did think he would go for XLR8 and win easy peasy, but I still liked how the main story played out, now I'm really curious to see how the cavalry battle plays out and who will be paired up with who, and what alien Deku will become in it, keep up the good work!

CreateGunner1209: Yeah, I've been meaning to bring that gag back, and here was the best time for it. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Izuku's speech and the HISHE. I really liked both parts greatly, too. Anyway I hope Ch.22 lived up to your expectations.

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Guest: I found it rather cute that Tsuyu used a pun like Deku did, I could almost imagine her blushing after realising that she did, and how funny it is with how much of a hypocrite she is with Izuku's pun use

CreateGunner1209: I thought it be funny if she had a pun too. Maybe someday she'll slip and say one in front of Izuku too. Who's to say?

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Shark: I'm really happy you chose the route you took for Izuku. It could would have been a a bit unsatisfying if he just turned into XLR8 and one the challenge without even trying. Also will wrath ever play a factor into this fic?

CreateGunner1209: I agree and that's why I went with Grey Matter. And it would make the race a little more interesting. And yes, Rath will appear eventually as will all other Ben Ten aliens from the first four series (original, Alien Force, Ultimate Alien, and Omniverse).