It's my boyfriend's birthday! ahhhh,,, i love him so fuckin much
Anyways, here's your chapter. Here's the Discord: /cgFmXz3qJ5
The news that everyone in Class 1-A had passed the first leg of the exam filled the Ante Room with excitement. The atmosphere was infectious, drawing even those who initially wanted to challenge UA to join in the celebration.
"This is fantastic!" Sero exclaimed. "Beyond fantastic!"
"The entire class aced the first round!" Kaminari grinned.
"This is... monumental!" Iida declared, doing his 'Karate Iida action'. "One of our finest moments."
"Hey, don't bust out the thesaurus yet, Iida!" Mina joked. "We still have the second half to deal with."
Ochako saw someone moving behind Iida- and to no one's shock, it was Shiketsu's Medaka Kurokami. She had a weird habit of that. Ochako couldn't help but wonder what her deal was.
*She was a candidate for the Omnitrix, she's got an overpowered quirk, and she's...all over.* Ochako wondered. *But she can't do anything for herself. There's nothing original about her moves. It's...weird.*
Izuku walked over to Ochako. "Everything good?"
"Yeah, just...looking at the Shiketsu kids." Ochako said.
"They kinda do have cooler costumes than us," Izuku admitted.
"Was that a joke?" Ochako smirked.
"Maybe," Izuku shrugged.
"Wow, passing that test made you kinda funny! That's a shock." Ochako grinned.
"Thanks..." Izuku blushed. Admittedly, he was looking for someone from Shiketsu- that blonde kid that helped him out. Izuku scanned the room again, and spotted him, by the refreshments that had been laid out.
"Hold on," Izuku said. "I gotta go thank someone..."
Zenkichi was getting a drink of water, one that was well deserved after fighting through so many students desperate for the chance to get their license. He couldn't really blame them, of course. Putting all they'd learned into practice was a prime opportunity.
"Um, excuse me?" Izuku asked, grabbing the Shiketsu student's attention, "Zenkichi, right?"
"That's right," the blonde nodded.
"I just wanted to thank you for your help with that screws guy."
"No problem. Kumagawa has always been a little...vicious. In a way, he's our second Bakugou, with the first being Seiji, but don't tell him or Medaka I said that."
"I figured..." Izuku said. "Why'd you help me, though? You could've taken me out if you had the chance."
"Yeah? And that's pretty cheap." Zenkichi scoffed. "I'm not the type of guy to pick up someone else's work and sign it like it's my own. A cool guy's gotta be fair."
Izuku tilted his head. He's like Kirishima then! Just replace cool guy with manliness.
"Nice to see you passed in the end," Zenkichi said.
"O-oh! Y-yeah. Pretty touch and go for a minute but it worked out," Izuku said.
"That's good to see. I don't really get the appeal of the UA Crush, y'know?" Zenkichi shrugged. "Seems like a waste of time to target one school. Especially when you guys have been through...a lot."
"I...think it's just a 'school pride' thing," Izuku said simply, not entirely sure of the reputation U.A had with the other schools outside Shiketsu.
"Still, pride shouldn't get in the way of respect. After everything your class has gone through, you deserve something of a breather," Zenkichi said.
Izuku nodded in agreement. "I guess. So...what's your power? I didn't get a chance to see it."
"My power? It's...kinda weird." Zenkichi admitted. "And invasive."
"Invasive?" Izuku repeated. It couldn't be any more invasive than using blood to paralyze people.
"Yeah. My power...lets me see things from people's perspective." Zenkichi explained. "I can also use it to predict their moves, which is how I was able to...pass the exam in the first place."
"Interesting." Izuku nodded. "This 'shared vision' power- does it let you communicate with others?"
"Nope. Only to borrow their eyes." Zenkichi said. "I have to make up for its supportive nature with my physical strength..."
"Do you have to touch someone to make it work? Or is it more like you have to see them as well?" Izuku asked.
"Just need to make eye contact." Zenkichi said. "It's helped me a lot...especially when trying to figure out a lot of people. Especially...her." He motioned over to Medaka, who was talking with Inasa.
"I can't believe Seiji didn't pass! He was totally prepared." Inasa frowned.
"From what I heard, the Quirk he was up against was a bad match for him," Mora said, "He is limited with his flesh at times, so he wasn't invincible."
"How disappointing- and after all that time he spent training us! I feel bad his efforts were for naught..." Medaka sighed.
"A lot of us didn't make it, either through being tagged out or timing out," Mora added, "I do feel bad for them, but we can't dwell on it, not when we have no idea about the second half of the exam."
"I at least was able to help Mogana with her request- so, I am satisfied." Medaka said.
"Request?" Izuku asked.
"Medaka's got this box- it takes requests. And she'll do ANYTHING that's in the box." Zenkichi said. "Requests like finding a dog or whatever, changing the lunch menu...I handle all that stuff as general affairs manager. Medaka took on this request herself- 'help me pass the exam.'"
Izuku raised an eyebrow. Why would someone submit something like that? Shiketsu had us on the ropes multiple times.
"What kind of training did you guys do to make you so…prepared?" Izuku asked.
"Star's training regiment- it was borderline military-esque training." Zenkichi explained. "Getting ready for a big test like this in as little as two weeks sounds hard, but it's not impossible if you're motivated and have the time and energy to put into it. I don't think we could've done this exam if not for her. And Star is…"
"A number one hero."
"And an influence." Zenkichi said. "I think our spirits rose thanks to her presence…but, it seems like it wasn't enough. I don't think she'll be too beat up about it, though. She's the type to 'get up and do it again'."
What an impressive spirit! Izuku thought.
"Hey, Deku." Ochako asked as she and Iida walked over. "Since you and Iida are sorta familiar with this guy…you gonna introduce me?"
"How casual." Iida joked.
"Oh, this is Zenkichi- he kinda helped me during the exam." Izuku explained. "One of the kids was being…weird around me."
"Nice to meet you," Zenkichi nodded.
"Likewise. I'm Uraraka, by the way." Ochako introduced herself.
"And good to see you again, Iida. Nice to see a kind of familiar face here." Zenkichi said.
"I trust you've been doing well. Hopefully you weren't caught up in that horrible Crimson King incident during your school trip." Iida said.
"...Would it make you feel better if I didn't answer?" Zenkichi asked.
"Probably."
"Yeah, thought so." Zenkichi said.
"I've sorta formally met your class president, by the way! She's…weird." Ochako said.
"Sorry," Zenkichi sighed. "Usually I'm there to keep an eye on her, but…we got split up."
"Yeah- that earthquake kid did a number on everyone." Izuku admitted.
"Thankfully Mogana kept an eye on Medaka. She's…used to the usual Kurokami shenanigans by now." Zenkichi explained. "Meanwhile…I had to watch him." Zenkichi's eyes drifted over to the doorway, where he stood. He was the last one to arrive.
｢sorry for the wait｣ The boy laughed. ｢i got lost, i guess｣
Kumagawa's presence in the room was like a gust of wind blowing the doors open and extinguishing all the candle light around. It wasn't that he gave off a malicious aura, he was just…a disruption in the social order or something. Zenkichi made a face.
"He takes priority."
Kumagawa looked over at Izuku and smiled. ｢oh! so you passed｣ He clapped his hands. ｢congrats｣
Izuku looked away. "I can see why."
"That's a boy who needs more than basic discipline." Iida muttered.
"Now...with everyone back at the anteroom room." Mera boredly yawned. "Everyone please watch the screen."
All eyes turned towards a giant screen above the doorway. It flicked on, revealing the battlefield they'd just gotten on.
"Now that all students have been evacuated, we can begin phase 2." Mera announced.
"What's happening in phase 2?" Ochako wondered aloud, unaware of her presence right behind.
"Well, given how we just did an offense exercise..." Medaka said, making Ochako jump. She didn't expect her to be there!
"O-oh, my god..." Ochako said, holding her chest. "Don't do that."
"In the field, there's multiple types of heroes- offense, defense, rescue, support, recon, social and generalist (a multitracker)." Medaka explained. "Of the 100 of us, we have a healthy mix of those students- take Zenkichi, for example..."
"Please don't use me as an example to people we just met," Zenkichi sighed. "I don't like being put on the spot."
"His power isn't inherently offensive, but more similar to someone like the pro hero Nighteye- he's a 'support hero' for that reason." Medaka continued on. "They use their abilities to help heroes before or after they go into field work. This category is full of heroes with high intelligence, planning skills or those with medical abilities."
Medaka pointed over to Kumagawa. "He's a purely offensive hero- his strategy is always all out fighting. His abilities mostly focus on doing damage over anything else. And you..." Medaka's eyes met with Ochako's. "You'd be considered a rescue hero with your power. Those who have Quirks with high mobility or Quirks that help deal with obstacles such as debris are always in that field...ah, the beauty of organization!"
Ochako blinked. "Uh, yeah."
"Anyways, if I had to guess…" Medaka pointed at the screen. "That city is going to blow up."
"W-what?!" Kirishima said, having overheard everything. "That's crazy! No way they're gonna-" The second Kaminari finished that, a random building suddenly exploded. Everyone gasped as the buildings and surroundings suddenly were blown to bits, turning the entire place into…maybe the aftermath of a terror attack, or a freak earthquake.
Medaka smirked, as everyone's jaw dropped. "There's one thing all of us can do now- show off our skills and venture into these ruins as bystanders, and save innocents."
"What, are they gonna be, like...dummies or something?" Sero asked.
"Nope. They'll be real." Medaka said.
"...how do you know this!?" Kirishima yelled.
"Woman's intuition!" Medaka beamed.
Zenkichi sighed as he shook his head. "Again with this…"
"You examinees will enter the disaster scene as bystanders and undertake a rescue exercise." Mera explained.
"Bystanders?" Kaminari asked.
"People who happened to be on the scene." Tooru explained. "H-how do you not know this?"
"I just fried my brain. Gimme a break!" Kaminari pouted.
"You wil not act as ordinary citizens, but those who have hypothetically earned the license." Mera went on. "You'll be tested on how well you respond in rescue situations."
Shoji perked up when he noticed something. "That Shiketsu girl said something about...real people, right?"
"Uh, yes. Why?" Iida said.
"Look." Shoji pointed to the screen, to something moving in the ruins. Iida adjusted his glasses, and gasped.
"Old folk!" He yelled. "And children!?" Surely enough, in the ruins were a bunch of random oldbags and rugrats, crawling through the debris aimlessly. "What are they doing down there!? That's dangerous!"
"Everyone there is a highly trained rescue and in very high demand as of late! Please welcome the good people of Help Us Company, or HUC for short." Mera said.
"That's a job?" Inasa asked. "AWESOME!"
"Never even thought that was a job." Shindo smirked.
"Someone's gotta do it." Kaede hummed.
"The members of HUC will be feigning injuries all across the field." Mera explained. "You will be tasked with rescue- you'll be scored on how well you perform these rescues. Those who attain the required points will pass."
Izuku's eyes were locked on the screen, stuck staring at the destruction. Iida walked over, and stared up with him. "...it reminds you of recent events, doesn't it?"
"It has to be based on Kamino." Izuku guessed.
"Hey, now that you mention it...yeah, sorta does." Zenkichi said.
"A bit too soon, if you ask me." Ochako frowned. "But, with that memory fresh on everyone's mind...it must be fuel for our fires or something."
"A recreation of a tragedy- an excellent way to teach us. We must not make the same mistakes as the ones before us." Medaka nodded solemnly. "Many people died in that attack..."
Hearing that fired Izuku up. "And it won't happen here."
"You have a half hour to rest. Or strategize. Or whatever. I'm gonna take a nap." Mera announced. The sounds of a sleeping bag being unzipped came through on the microphone, and just like that, he was out.
Ochako looked around the room- it was so weird to think all of these mostly unfamiliar faces were in the same room as them earlier. This was what was left. Strangers- hey, why was Tsu hugging one of them?
Tsu was stuck in the warm embrace of some random girl- It was some bizarre snake girl. Her gray-patterned snake-like head and neck were her most striking traits. She had vivid yellow eyes with slit pupils and shoulder-length red hair spiked on top. The rest of her body looked like a normal human body. She is quite small and has fair skin.
"I can't believe you passed- I didn't even know you were here!" Tsu sounded really happy.
"I didn't either! If I saw you earlier, we should've totally teamed up..." The unknown girl sighed.
"Uh, hey. Tsu. Who's...your friend?" Tooru asked.
"O-oh, right. Where are my manners..." Tsu presented the snake girl. "Guys, this is my best friend from middle school, Habuko Mongoose."
Ochako felt weird about that. A...frog and a snake as friends? Didn't frogs...usually get eaten by snakes?
"I've seen stuff like this in nature programs..." Kirishima muttered.
Habuko bowed. "It's nice to meet you all- I hope Tsu's been a good friend to all of you."
"She TOTALLY has!" Mina grinned. "So, like...how close are you two?"
Tsu grinned. "Very close."
Ochako chose to file that under the same category as 'the special bond that Momo and Kyoka have'. She'd interpret that as she wanted later.
"Nice going out there!" Inasa said with his usual, seemingly limitless enthusiasm, "Passing in the middle like that must've been crazy challenging! However you did it, I bet it was AWESOME!"
"Um...thanks?" a random student, clad in a full armored costume said in an unsure tone, "Um...could we go back a minu-"
"You don't mind if I ask what your Quirk can do, right? Hearing about others powers might help in advance!" the Shiketsu heavy hitter beamed.
"Well...I mean you're technically right on that one. It's no longer a free for all...but I dunno."
"Ah that's fine! Take your ti-" Inasa paused when he noticed someone out of the corner of his eye. His usual smile and happy look immediately fell. To call it weird was an understatement.
"Sorry...I'll be right back," Inasa apologized in a lower tone, making him sound very intimidating.
Iida and Todoroki were talking with a student representative- a student covered entirely by light brown hair, with no distinct features besides his eyes. His hero costume featured only a pair of dark pants, a belt, plus the peaked cap that is part of Shiketsu High's uniform.
"On behalf of Shiketsu, we'd like to apologize," Nagamasa began. "I know a lot of our students tried to go...all out on you."
"I understand. One's personal drive can often lead to some reckless decision making," Iida said, "But thank you for the apology nevertheless!"
"I say this to mainly start building a 'bridge' between our schools." Nagamasa explained. "Ever since Kamino, I feel tensions are high- so, we need levity. This silly rivalry between our schools needs to end."
"Agreed," Todoroki said...while feeling a pair of eyes on him.
Nagamasa heard someone walk up to the trio and, when he turned to see who, he was greeted by the imposing form of Inasa.
"Ah, Inasa. Good, maybe you-" the hair-covered student didn't get to finish as the wind-controlling student ignored him. Nagamasa blinked in surprise at such an out of character act, watching Inasa stride right up to Todoroki.
"Can I help you?" the half-ice, half-fire heir of Endeavor asked.
Inasa stared at Todoroki with a weird look of...contempt. Todoroki looked around, and then back at Inasa.
Iida got in between the two. "Is...there an issue, here?"
"Your eyes," Inasa said sternly, "They're the same as his."
That got Todoroki's attention. The way this guy emphasized that last word, he knew exactly who he was talking about. It looked like another of Endeavor's sins was about to clash with him.
"I'm sorry?" Iida asked.
"Sorry, robot guy. But this is between me and him." Inasa frowned.
"Did...I do something to offend you?" Todoroki said. "In the past?"
"Nah. It's just because you're related to him."
"...so you have a problem with my...father, and because you can't get to him-" Todoroki began.
"No. I thought you were different at first. I'm not that cynical. But then again, you clearly don't remember me," Inasa sneered.
"Then remind me."
"The entrance exam into UA. The one for those who got recommendations. I was there," Insasa jabbed his thumb to his chest to emphasize the point.
Todoroki blinked. "I'm...sorry, I don't recall."
"The race. I was the guy who came in first!" Inasa insisted. "I beat you by a hair!"
Todoroki made a face. "...I think I remember that."
"And then, when I went to congratulate you, you brushed me off!" Inasa frowned.
"...so, all of this is about a handshake?" Todoroki felt like he said the wrong thing, but it felt like...more than that.
"No, it's not just about a handshake!" Insasa raised his voice a bit, not by much, but enough to where his anger was obvious, "I thought you could be different than your old man, see the world in a different way. But your eyes are the same as his, cold, uncaring. That's not how a Pro should see the world."
"His...eyes?" Todoroki was very confused now.
"A hero should have such passion in his eyes that no words are needed!" Inasa said. "When I see your father's eyes, all I think is about how...cold and distant a man of such power can be."
"...okay? I...still don't see how this extends into hating me."
"Haven't you been listening? They're the same! Your eyes are just as cold and distant as his! Not to mention, you already proved you're not in this to save people. You're here to win. That's what you told me after the race back at U.A. Or did you forget that, too?" Inasa leered. His shadow was looming over Todoroki now.
"Inasa, that's enough!" Nagamasa ordered.
"I'm...just here to take an exam." Todoroki said. "I'm sorry if my attitude back then put you off...and I'm also sorry for my father."
"Sorry if I don't believe you," Inasa huffed and turned away, his cape hitting Todoroki in the face. That part wasn't on purpose, that was just a bit of dramatic flare that ended up turning into an insult.
Todoroki looked very confused. And saying that out loud, Inasa realized how...dumb he sounded. But he was gonna DIE on this hill.
｢quite the display｣ Kumagawa commented- he and Saki were chilling in the back.
"Heard all of that, did you?" Inasa asked.
"I mean...kinda hard not to," Saki shrugged.
｢i can see why you hate endeavor, honestly｣ Kumagawa hummed. ｢his eyes never matched his words｣
"At least you get it," Inasa sighed.
｢you're a strong fellow, inasa｣ Kumagawa said. ｢the issue is that shoto todoroki is stronger｣
"Um...Kumagawa...maaaaybe don't provoke one of the strongest students in the class?" Saki advised.
"That's...really not the problem," Inasa said before walking off, "It's about outlook."
｢wow｣ Kumagawa said. ｢well this is gonna be a fun second half-ERGH ｣
Medaka was pulling Kumagawa's ear. "Misogi…don't."
"Eh?! M-madam President?! W-where did you-?!"
"I have a seventh sense now, specifically to detect when Misogi is about to cause chaos!" Medaka declared.
"...d-do you actually?"
"Is it TRUE you terrorized one UA student?" Medaka demanded.
｢...no｣
Didn't you just say you were honest a second ago? Saki thought.
"Hmmm..." Medaka hummed.
Ohhh she's not buying it, Saki thought.
"Come with me, Kumagawa. We're gonna have a talk with Izuku…" Medaka said, dragging him away.
｢saki save me｣ Kumagawa cried out. ｢help｣
"Nah! This is what you get for lying."
｢betrayed...how could this happen so easily｣ Kumagawa lamented.
Izuku and Ochako were still talking to Zenkichi when Medaka waltzed over. "Oh, god. She's got the problem child with her." Zenkichi sighed.
"Oh, not him…" Izuku sighed.
"What? What's his deal?" Ochako asked.
"He's the one that tried attacking me," Izuku explained.
"Where I stepped in," Zenkichi added.
"Ahh. The Shiketsu Deku is apparently…a gremlin." Ochako frowned.
"Kumagawa! Please, apologize for your excessive force against this hero in training! You could be fighting alongside him one day." Medaka frowned.
｢fine...sorry for attacking you earlier｣ Kumagawa said, half-heartedly.
"Like you mean it!" Medaka said, yanking on the gremlin of Shiketsu's ear.
｢gah! ok ok! i'm sorry i tried to attack you in the early part of the first phase!｣ Kumagawa said, this time more earnestly.
Medaka raised an eyebrow. Kumagawa sighed.
"…I'm sorry I did that." Kumagawa huffed. Zenkichi raised an eyebrow.
｢there we go. can I go now｣ Kumagawa huffed.
"Yes. You may go." Medaka released him, letting him run back to Saki.
"...what was-?" Ochako asked.
"He hates having to use quotes," Medaka nodded. "He thinks the brackets make him sound 'cooler'."
[Author's Note: Yes, literally. Kumagawa's speech when written in brackets is based on a pun. Kakko tsukeru, when written as かっこつける, means "to put brackets on a sentence". When written as 格好 かっこ つける, it means "to show off" or to try to look cool. Therefore, when Kumagawa speaks with brackets, he is trying to be cool.]
"...wha?"
"Forget it. Anyways, I'm glad to see you passed!" Medaka smiled. "I saw lots of potential in you."
"T-thanks," Ochako said, honestly a bit surprised to see Medaka so energetic again so soon. Maybe that energy didn't have a limit, honestly.
"You're supposed to be going 'Plus Ultra', are you not?" Medaka asked. "I'd expect each and everyone of you to pass this next part."
"Uh…huh." Ochako nodded. I guess since she's an optimist, that could've clicked with Ben. Ochako then recalled the description her friend gave.
Medaka doesn't doubt people...she knows how to trust them. Even though she may hate certain actions, I don't think she could ever bring herself to hate the people.
"Um, excuse me. Miss Kurokami?" Ochako asked.
"Please, call me Medaka." The blue haired girl insisted.
"Medaka…I don't mean for this to come off as an invasive question, but…" Ochako said. "Why do you wanna become a hero?"
"Isn't it obvious? My powers are unmatched." Medaka explained. "What else would I be with them? I don't know what to be if not a hero."
Ochako knew 'I don't know what to be' was meant to be a 'general' statement, but there was this twinge of sadness secretly laced within that sentence.
"If a person like me was born for something amazing, then why waste it? It only seems fair to give back to the world- anything helps. I want to be a hero who improves others around me- to be an example." Medaka beamed. "It's why I'm here today. What about you?"
"I…" Ochako looked down at her wrist, and back at Medaka. Thinking back to it, why was she pushing herself so hard as of late? Without the Omnitrix? Then it all hit her.
Kamino.
The summer camp.
I-Island.
Each and every time, someone was in danger. But seeing those battles, being involved in a few of them, Ochako realized how…demanding the front lines were. She'd been mostly supportive since she started at UA, so this was…admittedly a step up. And each and every time, the main thought on her head went towards her classmates and allies.
The wounds.
The scars.
Pushing themselves past a limit.
Sometimes when she closed her eyes, she could still see Bakugou all bloodied and bruised, and Izuku on Shoji's back, looking exhausted and beat down. They were sacrificing everything- and yeah, that's what heroes did. They gave themselves up for others- but it wasn't a burden they had to bear alone! They…they could rely on others. There's an "i" in self sacrifice but not in team.
This dream of hers- the want to help her parents, now had a second goal. A big one.
"...I wanna be a hero that saves heroes."
Medaka nodded. "I see. It's not enough to save someone physically; you must also save their heart. And most people see Heroes more as "Products" than as "People". We don't take their feelings into account…"
"Yeah." Ochako said. "...I always got this sense of sadness from some of them. So, I want to help them too."
"A beautiful goal, Miss Ochako." Medaka nodded. "I hope this next part of the exam goes well for you."
"Excuse me," a familiar voice said, "Sorry if I'm interrupting something here." The group turned to see the blue-faced student from Ketsubutsu, Makabe.
"Oh, it's you! Um..." Izuku hummed, trying to remember if he heard this kid's name said during the battle royal.
"Makabe. Didn't get to introduce myself earlier. Shindo wanted to talk with you guys."
"All of us?" Ochako asked.
"You four, yeah," Makabe confirmed, "We're going around and getting other people together so we can make a plan for this rescue op."
"Why just us then?" Zenkichi asked, "Shouldn't it be everyone?"
"Well, I asked him about that too. Too many voices might interrupt and we wouldn't get a plan made. So once we have something, you'll tell the rest of your respective classes."
Ochako frowned. The guy who arranged an entire attack against us now wants to work together? I'd be more skeptical, but...to be fair, he led a good assault.
"Should we go over now?" Izuku asked.
"Sooner the better," Makabe said, "We only have like, half of the break left."
"Alright. Come on." Zenkichi and the others went over to Shindo, who was talking to Kaede and Tatami .
"We got the triage area set up, we got a team of healers- we just need some more 'physical' workers to do rounds and some good people with support quirks to clear debris," The tactful Ketsubutsu student said. "How are we doing on the rescue front?"
"Some offense type heroes are willing to 'give up a fight' and help with evacuations." Kaede explained.
"And if you're curious on the triage area- we got a few lucky healers who somehow made it through. They'll be willing to help." Tatami grinned.
"Excellent work." Shindo said, as the Shiketsu-UA duo walked over.
"Yo, managed to get the shining stars," Makabe called out.
"Perfect," Shindo smiled, "I dunno what you two can you," he nodded to the Shiketsu students, "Too caught up in the chaos. But I do know what the U.A. guys can do. Gravity and Super Strength. You two up for helping with the evacuations?"
"Uh, yeah. Sure, I guess." Izuku said. "You're certainly taking charge."
"Have to. We're in a crisis- look at that damage." Shindo said, jabbing his thumb to the screen. "That's a full on terrorist attack- we can't sit around and twiddle our thumbs."
"That fire, that spirit, it's so admirable!" Medaka nodded, "The plan is sound as well from what I heard. Are you doing a standard sweep or are you doing a grid search? Double back in case you missed someone?"
"We were gonna double back anyway, just in case, ya know?" Shindo said.
"I recommend throwing out some people to survey the area. In case there's some...attackers." Zenkichi said. "We need our most brutal heroes on patrol."
"Knowing them though, it wouldn't surprise me if there was a twist in this..." Medaka rubbed her chin in thought, "Have some out on patrol, but make sure you have at least a few guarding the triage area. For all we know, the 'terrorists' are waiting in the wings for a second attack."
"And the last thing we want is the injured being exposed in the fight," Ochako noted.
"Who were some of the most brutal fighters? Besides myself, obviously." Shindo smirked. Tatami smacked the back of his head to humble him.
"Um, I guess...Todoroki and Kumagawa. Todoroki recently developed his own Flashfire Fist and Kumagawa was...well." Izuku said.
"Kumagawa." Zenkichi said. "You caught on fast to how crazy he is."
"I experienced it first hand."
"I'd also like to throw in Inasa." Medaka said. "He was the first to pass, and he took out 100 people with one attack."
"That was him?!" Izuku and Ochako said in unison.
"Shiketsu's very own Gale Force," Zenkichi confirmed.
"So, Todoroki, Kumagawa, Inasa...we need like two more, and I think we'll have a good team of 'Avengers'." Ochako said. "Who to throw in?"
"Kirishima, maybe?" Izuku suggested.
"Which one is he again? Sometimes I lose track of who's who in your class," Zenkichi admitted.
"Guy who can harden up."
"Oh! The one who helped taken down Seiji!" Medaka said.
"I dunno. We need someone with good ranged attacks." Shindo said. "Know any good long ranged attacks?"
"Hmmm...long range," Izuku thought, "There's Aoyama, but there's a limit on how long he can keep up his blasts. Toorhu has her Light Refraction perfected..."
"Did you really forget about me?" Toteki spoke up from behind Shindo.
"Oh! Mogana! She's perfect for long range stun moves!" Medaka suggested. Across the ante room, Mogana couldn't help but feel like she was just mentioned. Specifically by Medaka, too.
"Well, I guess the team needs some diversity. What can Mogana do?" Shindo asked.
"Oh! I can explain. Mogana Kikaijima! Quirk: Aqualung! Having an increased lung capacity, Mogana can unleash sonic shouts and breathe underwater." Medaka explained, presenting her friend.
"M-medaka, please. I barely passed the first round. I needed your help, y'know..." Mogana frowned.
"But you still did an amazing job!" Medaka countered.
"It wasn't as impressive as you say..."
"I mean you had me running for a bit there," Ochako said, hoping to cheer the girl up a bit.
"That was her using MY powers..." Mogana said. "Listen, I'm out of my league here! I'm just here to help my mom with the money load."
Ochako blinked when she heard that. "...huh?"
"Y-yeah. My mom needs...money help and- gah, this is so stupid! I'm not gonna pass this exam." Mogana said. "My selfish needs are-"
"TOTALLY JUSTIFIED." Ochako said, pointing a finger at Mogana. "I BELIEVE IN YOU!"
"E-eh?!" Mogana gasped, taken aback by Ochako's sudden enthusiasm, "W-where's this-?"
"We share motivations!" Ochako said, "I know exactly how you feel! You're me from a few months ago!"
Medaka couldn't help but beam at the display. A student from Shiketsu's greatest rival school was throwing her support whole-heartedly behind one of her classmates. It was perfect; this was going to evolve into an inspirational speech, she just knew it!
Mogana glanced over at Medaka and frowned. This was your plan! She totally used Zenkichi's quirk to try and find a good 'match' for me to bounce off of. That's the real reason you went after this gravity girl, isn't it!? Mogana huffed.
"I...I mean, money's more important than...all of this." Mogana frowned.
"Imagine getting payed THOUSANDS." Ochako said, trying to hype her up.
"...thousands?" Mogana repeated, a little intrigued now.
"You live on a budget too, don't you? I know that look- that look that says 'I ate yogurt and a bowl of granola for breakfast and dinner'." Ochako said. "Well, look at it this way. Thousands of dollars towards your mom- and some of it towards an actual meal."
Mogana blinked. "...Ohhhhh..."
Ok, Medaka...starting to take it all back, Mogana thought.
"You may FEEL like you're outmatched, but rest assured, there is something deep inside of you that needs to be let out! You have to prove yourself to those terrorists! Show that you're more than just a random girl in a swimsuit costume!" Ochako said. "You are...A HERO."
"You're...you're right..." Mogana gasped, balling her hand into a fist in sheer determination, "I AM a hero!"
"Louder!" Ochako said.
"I AM a hero!"
Soon, everyone in that group was adding to the chant, but the most enthusiastic ones were Ochako, Izuku, Medaka and Mogana. Not to say that the others weren't hyped up, but in terms of magnitude, those four had the rest beat.
Medaka hummed. A hero who saves heroes indeed. I don't think she would've done this if not for your words.
"Alright," Mera's voice suddenly sounded over the loudspeakers, "Time's up," he cleared his throat a bit before continuing, "This city has come under attack from a terrorist organization. Several explosive devices have gone off and, while the police are on their way to offer aid, it may take some time. As such, you are the first responders to reach the scene. You have people to save!"
That last part sounded kinda phoned in, Izuku said, He sounds ready to fall asleep again...how little does he ACTUALLY sleep?
"With most of the roads out of commission, rescue and relief squads are having a hard time reaching the scene!" Mera said as the building began to unfold. "Until they arrive, its up to you heroes to take charge and rescue civilians."
Ochako put her helmet back on and slapped the sides of her head. She was READY.
START!
The second the building collapsed, the remaining 100 students began to rush all over the place. They were eager to set up the triage zone, get the roads clear, and patrol for anything out of place.
They mentioned a scoring system, but not anything about criteria. Ochako said. Until we know more, just do it like it's practice!
With that, the evacuation teams stormed into the disaster zone, while others quickly set up the triage zone. Mogana, Todoroki, Kumagawa and Inasa hung back to help establish the zone, too. Everything was going according to plan for now. The healers and their security were ready to receive any wounded, while the search and rescue teams swept through the ruins.
As soon as they hit the metro zone, they were all hit with the sound of screaming and crying. Ochako had to give the "Help Us" company credit- their employees were damn good actors.
"Look!" Izuku yelled. "A CHILD!"
There was a small boy wearing headphones and a backwards cat. "WAHHHH! SAVE ME!"
"Don't worry! We're on our way!" Ochako called out.
"The damage to the city's worse than I thought," Izuku said, racing over to the "kid" to check on him along with his classmate.
"Are you ok? Can you walk?" Ochako said when she reached him.
Uraraka's playing it by the book- good. Izuku said. She always excels in rescue training- not saying I should leave it all to her, but she's our best fit.
"Oh, you poor boy!" Medaka sighed. "Can you walk!? Show me your head!" Medaka reached into her suit's pockets and pulled out some first aid.
...and with Medaka...it's weird. The successor thought.
"Was there anyone else with you?" Izuku asked, breaking out of the mental monologue, "Your parents?"
"T-there was my grandpa. H-he's- I think he's under some of the rubble h-here"
"You guys start to take care of the rubble." Izuku instructed as Medaka finished wrapping the boy's head wound. "I'll take him to triage."
Ochako nodded. "Right!" Before she could rush in, Medaka stopped her.
"Hold on, Uravity." Medaka said. "We need to examine the rubble first..."
"Examine-?" but then it clicked. Ochako took stock of her surroundings and there was one word that perfectly described the place. Unstable. One wrong move and a whole building could come down, with who knows how many people going down with it.
"You see it now?" Medaka asked.
"Yeah...yeah, I do. Gotta make sure we can get him out without putting him in more danger."
"Think of it like a massive math equation," Zenkichi explained. "And we have to solve it on the fly."
Shiketsu didn't just have more 'combat training' over UA- it had a lot to offer with its curriculum. At Shiketsu, students learned at an accelerated pace. Those kids were working with Year Two material right now. It also taught fundamental life lessons such as respect, discipline, accountability, solidarity, and leadership among other vital core characteristics. All of these traits are indicative of a citizen who possesses a high moral character.
Ochako frowned. I wish I could use Grey Matter right now. She'd have something prepped... Her eyes drifted over to Medaka, who was doing a bunch of calculations in the dirt. They looked pretty advanced, too.
The president of Shiketsu's student body hummed in thought as she went over the equations again, using her finger to draw connections between the solutions in the air.
Meanwhile, the grandpa actor was still under the rubble, sticking to his script, but opening one eye to check on his would-be rescuers.
They've realized the unstable situation could lead to more harm if they acted recklessly, that's good. I can appreciate the girl's understanding of the situation, but now's not the time for long theories. Unless she has some intelligence-boosting Quirk, that lack of momentum's gonna dock her some points, the actor thought.
"Ochako, Zenkichi. Start with removing the rubble on the left side. When you make eye contact with the grandfather, use your quirk to see how he's doing." Medaka instructed.
"Got it," Zenkichi said, as the two started to get to work.
With that, the actor closed his eye again to sell the act that this old man was knocked out. Ochako raced over and tapped some of the rubble with a slight pink glow.
"Ok, you're good!" Ochako said as the rubble began to float every so slightly. Zenkichi grabbed the rubble and began to pull it away.
Zenkichi made eye contact immediately with the man, and began to 'see' into his thoughts. Zenkichi made a face.
"Okay, so...the old man's got a broken leg, a few broken ribs and...one heck of an attitude." Zenkichi said.
Hitoyoshi Zenkichi! Quirk: Zenkichi's enhanced vision enables him see through others' eyes. He may also observe others' worldviews and thoughts. The user's pupils turn white and eyes turn red upon activation. Zenkichi uses this new sight to anticipate and avoid his opponent's attacks. This helped him learn the enemy's tactics.
"The attitude we can ignore," Ochako said, "the broken ribs and leg...I can try and use my Quirk on him, making it easier to carry him back to the triage area."
Hm. The kid used his quirk to know my status! Smart. The actor smirked. That's a quick way to do a check up...but still! Momentum is necessary. Points deducted...but only a few.
Ochako and Zenkichi pulled out the man, and took a look at his status. "A few superficial cuts, nothing too banged up besides his ribs and leg..." Ochako said. "Sir! Are you okay? Can you respond to my question?"
The actor groaned and struggled to open his eyes, looking up at the two heroes-to-be that saved him. He weakly nodded yes to Ochako.
"Ok, good, good. Alright, stay with me here, we're going to get you to a triage area. You might feel a small tingle, but don't worry, it'll be harmless," Ochako tapped the actor on the chest and made him begin to float, Zenkichi managing to grab hold of the guy before he flew too far.
"There, that way we don't have to worry about his leg," Ochako nodded.
"Just carry him, piggy back style." Medaka instructed. "And be careful with how you treat him! Some roads aren't clear."
"Don't worry. I got this." Zenkichi said, as he took off running.
"Can't wait for him to come back, we gotta keep going," Ochako said.
"Of course," Medaka agreed, the two of them taking to the search once again.
Every kid had one shared thought on their mind- 'do your best.' But when under the thumb of meticulous graders, that added to some of the stress on the mind.
...mostly.
"SHIKETSU HIGH SCHOOL FIRST YEAR STUDENT INASA YOARASHI! HERO NAME GALEFORCE!" Inasa yelled as he used his powers to fly through the streets and remove some debris with ease. "REPORTING FOR DUTY AND READY TO ROCK!"
"Inasa!" Mora yelled, watching the debris fly. On paper, it seemed sloppy. But he was sorting people and rubble by shape and size, using countless separate airstreams. What unbelievably delicate control...But still sloppy. One of the actors definitely took note of that, deducting a few points for that.
Kirishima and Kaminari found two older actors that had only suffered minor injuries, some scrapes and small bruises. The duo made sure to ask them all the right questions, see how bad the injuries were. Of course, in the end, Kaminari still escorted them to the triage zone, but only close enough to where other heroes could finish the journey, since they were 'low priority' when it came to injuries.
Asui, Todoroki, and a few others were helping out in the now destroyed lake area of the arena. The water was now littered with fake debris from a few boats, with people either floating in the water, flailing around for help, or holding onto pieces of debris. Todoroki had set up a small fire to let people warm up after Tsu had saved them from the water.
Mogana, however, was in her element. She swam through the water like a mermaid- like there was nothing stopping her.
She's in her element! If I wasn't an actor and in actual danger, I wouldn't mind being saved by her in a scenario like this. An actor thought as Mogana took him to shore. She popped out of the water, and passed him off to Todoroki.
"Administer CPR, pretty boy." Mogana said, before diving back in the water.
Pretty boy? Todoroki thought. He shrugged and got to work on it, administering CPR before the civilian began to cough, coming back to consciousness.
"Can you hear me?" Todoroki asked calmly.
"Y-yes...oh god...t-thank you..." the actor coughed a bit more.
In the factory area, Mina was melting aside some of the metallic rubble to get closer to some actors dressed up as factory workers. Dark Shadow slithered in to gather up the civilians, handing them off to others so they could check on and then deliver them to the triage zone.
"Don't worry, everything's going to be fine, citizens," Tokoyami reassured.
Yuga was once again acting like a beacon- a guiding light for all to follow. While he wasn't the best at other hero skills, he was great at attracting attention.
"He really likes doing that," Iida hummed as he carried a person to triage.
By no means was anyone perfect, but in large scale disasters like this simulation, there are never quite enough rescue workers on hand. That means the ones who are around have to make every action count as efficiently as possible. The most important thing, however, is knowing the limits of one's own quirk so that roles can be divided up into everyone.
...but personality wise? That was...a hard situation.
Like if Bakugou WAS here (don't worry, you'll see him soon!), his 'intense' mood would put off others. Or if Monoma was here, his condescending attitude would dock a lot of his points. But neither of them were here.
But Kumagawa was.
｢hey there｣ Kumagawa said, reaching his hand out to one of the victims, ｢your hero has arrived｣ The Shiketsu kid tilted his head and, with the lighting he had, he looked more like a demented villain than an actual hero. The poor actor was terrified, scooting away from him a bit.
｢what? whats wrong? im trying to help here...｣
I...I don't know why but there's something OFF about this kid! The actor thought. But his face...it looks so...nice!? Why can't I get close to him?
"I-I'm fine!" The actor laughed, despite the fact he had fake shrapnel in his arms.
｢...you are not fine. i can literally see shrapnel in your arm. you were close to one of the bombs weren't you?｣
"Y-yeah, but, like! It's only a flesh wound. J-just focus on other stuff, okay?" The actor nervously said. "I'm fine!"
Why am I acting like his? I'm probably breaking this kid's ego! The actor thought. Poor ki-
｢ok｣
And then Kumagawa walked off.
HE JUST LEFT!? The actor thought.
｢guess i'll just need to find someone else to save｣
Izuku rushed over to the triage area- the anteroom had been made their base of operations. A lot of actors were being 'treated'- aka, just having coffee and donuts (not for the kids' consumption). Shindo was pointing and shouting where to put people.
Makes sense why he's in command. His quirk is kinda useless here. Izuku thought as he brought the kid over. "Hey! Are there any open stations?"
"Yeah! Right over there!" Shindo pointed to where Kaede was.
"On it!" Izuku said.
"Alright," Jirou said, her ear-jacks stabbed into the wall of a building in the city zone, "I'm picking up at least ten people in here. Two on the bottom floor, I can handle both of them. We got three on the fourth floor, one's got shallow breathing and one's crying it sounds like. We got another two on the sixth floor, one's hyperventilating there, and then we have three on the roof!"
"I can send some pigeons to check on the three on the roof, see how bad their injuries really are!" Koda suggested.
"Good idea," Iida agreed, "I'll take those on the eighth floor. Yaoyorozu, are you ok with the fourth? We'll need speed here, though."
"Elevators are unreliable right now," Momo said, "So we'll either need to take the stairs or I can make a grapple to scale the side of the building."
"Or I can simply carry you to the fourth, drop you off, then race to the eighth," Iida suggested.
"O-oh. Well, yes we could do that, too."
"Can't you teleport?" Jirou asked. "You're magic."
"No, still a work in progress." Momo sighed. "...although, I could try something else." Momo held out her hand, and started to make a staircase of mana leading towards an opening on the building.
"That works as well! A perfect compromise!" Iida nodded.
"Alright, let's go!" Jirou said, removing her jacks from the wall and throwing open the doors to the building, "Hello?! If you can hear me, gimme a shout!"
"I hate to ask more of you my friend," Koda said to a pidgeon, "but I need you to fly up to the roof and tell me how badly the people up there are injured. Can you do that for me?"
The pidgeon got a determined look on its face before giving a feathery salute and flying up to scout.
Momo quickly ran up the stairs, ignoring the nasty glare she was getting from the ground- it seems Gunki and Yanami were watching her ascend.
"N-no. She's...she's using magic!? That's totally cheating!" Gunki scowled.
"It checks out. Seiko's intelligence only extends to prior knowledge- and she doesn't account for emotional quotients either." Yanami hummed. "I figured it had to be one or the other."
"That doesn't excuse-!"
"Oh be quiet already," Yanami sighed.
Momo got to one of the windows on the eighth floor and quickly kicked the window in. It was a good thing no one was near the window, too.
"Hello? Can you hear me? Please, if you're conscious, speak to me!" Momo called out.
An actor came out- he was dressed as a young boy, and holding a stuffed rabbit. Give it to the HUC- they typecasted well.
"W-where'd you come from?" The actor sniffled.
"Are you okay?" Momo asked, walking over. "Are you hurt?"
"I...I..." the actor sniffed, tears coming to his eyes.
"Hey, hey, hey, there's no need for tears. A hero's here now, I'm here now," Momo knelt down, putting a hand on the actor's shoulder gently.
Momo began to wave her hand across his body and began to 'heal' his wounds. "Is there anyone else on this floor?"
"U-um...y-yeah, t-there was...there was a guy in a suit f-further that way," the actor pointed behind him.
"Follow me, then." Momo offered her hand, as they went towards the other actor. The actor took her hand and they walked together.
She's pretty nice, and she has useful powers...I see no reason to dock anything yet. The actor thought.
"Where did you say you saw the other person?" Momo asked.
"They were stuck in the bathroom." The actor said. "He sounded all weird, though. I hope he's okay..."
Momo walked over to the bathroom, holding the child's hand tightly. She knocked on the door, as the actor held his breath.
Hopefully, this won't require me to dock her. The actor thought as the door was suddenly kicked in from the other side. In an instant, Momo had raised a magical shield to protect herself from the onslaught, but it had been damaged by a smattering of "cement" projectiles.
"W-what the?!" Momo yelled, as the person inside stepped out. The assailant was fully concealed in a black bodysuit that fit like a second skin. They were all dressed in tan armor with various pads covering their faces and hands, and their bodies were marked with thin white lines. The eye apertures in their masks were dice-like diamond shapes.
"Kyeehhhhh...there's a pesky hero..." The man spoke, holding up his weapon.
I recognize this person- it's one of Gang Orca's sidekicks. They must be here acting as the terrorists! Momo thought.
"Stay behind me!" Momo ordered the actor sternly, not dropping her concentration on the shield for a second.
The Gang Orca sidekick began firing again, but Momo held her ground. Momo focused all her energy, as her hands lit up again. Wait for him to drop his attack! And look out for other terrorists! I'm sure he's not alone. Momo said, as the sidekick's cement gun ran out. In that instant, Momo used her magic to ensnare the man in magical bindings. She removed the spell, and the man was shocked to see that he was now in chains.
"H-how did you!?" The ensnared sidekick yelled, as Momo kicked him down.
I used the magic to hide the chain. I call it 'creation embedding'...it's rough, at least it worked here. Momo thought.
"W-woah...that was cool!" The actor cheered on.
"Thank you...but we can't stay here!" She used her magic to levitate the downed "terrorist" and made her way back to the window she'd entered from. She made another mana staircase to take the kid and criminal down, before radioing in to the others.
"Everyone, keep a sharp eye out! The terrorists may still be in the building! I repeat, the terrorists may still be in the building!" Momo warned.
"Terrorists?!" Iida yelled. "Of course. They'd still be here. One has to wonder what their goals are!"
The actor Iida was helping made a face. "Kinda wish we developed the lore, but- we got th best of the best to play the villain."
"Don't break character," Iida scolded politely.
"O-oh, uh, right. Sorry," the actor apologized.
"We need to hurry on evacuations-" Momo said, as she got on the ground. "We got someone BIG as our main antagonist."
"Who?" Iida asked. His answer came in form of...something bursting from the ground, in the center of the city.
Concrete and pipes rained down around the impact site, terrifying everyone who saw it. Water rained down from the sky too, showing that the explosion originated from the sewer system. A silhouette was obvious in the dust that the explosion kicked up. Two of the Atlas students were closet to the blast zone. A pink-haired girl in a worker's overall suit, that seemed to be made out of denim of all things didn't even move as pieces of rubble splashed through her body.
"Yawn," she huffed.
Atlas Academy Second Year: Otome Yunomae! Quirk: Liquid Body! When activated, her body becomes a green, viscous liquid, at least internally. On the outside, she still looks like a normal human! This allows her incredible mobility, reach, and an almost limitless array of options!
"Please, do try to take this somewhat seriously, Otome," a girl in a dark navy blue sweater said, her eyes obscured by her somewhat lighter hued blue hair. That hair then lashed out and wrapped around two falling pipes, catching them before setting them down gently.
Atlas Academy Second Year: Yutori Chizuken! Quirk: Hair Manipulation! In a similar vein to Nagamasa Mora, Yutori's Quirk allows her to control her hair as if they were prehensile limbs! The max length she can stretch her hair out is ten meters!
"Whatever, Yutori," Otome sighed, "it's probably just some extra theatrics."
"Extra theatrics, you say?" a deep voice chuckled from the dust, "I would reconsider that attitude, hero."
"A villain?!" Yutori yelled, going on guard.
"Pfft, I got this," Otome walked, before going into a jog. Her legs then turned into a full-on perpetual wave, letting her rush towards the villain, her hand morphing into a watery hammer. Before she could even rear the hammer back, a sharp shriek echoed out, slamming into her with the full force of a truck. Her body exploded into liquid droplets that slowly reformed on the ruined ground.
"I thought you were made of sterner stuff, heroes of ATLAS!"
Gang Orca stepped out of the smoke, and cracked his knuckles. "But I suppose...I expected too much of you guys."
The top 10 Hero, Gang Orca! Quirk: Orcinus! Gang Orca's Quirk gives him the attributes and abilities of a Killer Whale. He has enhanced physical prowess and can produce hypersonic waves to paralyze his targets.
He can use his abilities on land, although his Quirk is superior in the water. Also, Gang Orca is ranked third among heroes who look like villains. Kinda messed up to have him do this RIGHT after he was involved at Kamino!
"Gang...Gang Orca?!" Yutori took a step back in fear.
"Sink or swim, hero. There's blood in the water now and sharks aren't the only thing that FLOCK TO ITS SCENT!" Gang Orca rushed the Atlesian student, the speed he showcased kicking up a cloud of dust on par with his original entrance. Yutori's blue hair rushed out like tendrils to try and restrain the Number 10 Pro, but she just watched him dodge out of the way. He grabbed hold of one tendril and came to a stop. He yanked on that tendril and pulled the poor girl towards him, grabbing her by the face when she was in range.
"R-release-!"
"Like I WOULD!" the giant orca hero slammed the girl into the ruined girl, cracking the stone beneath her.
Otome tried to quickly restrain Gang Orca by wrapping her liquid form around his head and face, but Gang Orca laughed. "Please." Gang Orca said. "Like THAT can stop me!"
"Even you need to breathe," Otome narrowed her eyes.
"I do...but you forgot something," Gang Orca smirked before releasing another sonic burst, "The blowhole."
"The...blowhole?" Otome's eyes widened. Oh, of course. Whale biology.
Gang Orca started to 'click', before he unleashed a small burst of his hypersonic waves. Brief, but strong enough to splatter Otome across the map.
"Hmph," Gang Orca adjusted his tie, "As I thought, all flash, no substance. Atlas should be disappointed."
He's…our villain of the evening? Yutori frowned. How the hell can we fight him?
Gang Orca started to crack his knuckles whilst motioning to the sidekicks. He began pointing toward each of the Atlas students. "Hurry and get rid of them. We won't let these kids have the upper hand- they're Atlas' kids."
The real challenge was just getting started.