Chapter 3: The Trial World
Before too long, everyone was up and about. The mattresses were taken away to be donated and the tables were all put back into their proper rooms.
Momo received the call from the hospital. They were ready.
Uraraka put on the giant trench coat that Momo made for her and a beanie to cover her head.
Midoriya clenched his hands nervously beside her.
"So, I guess we'll see you at the hospital then Kacchan. Shoto, drive carefully." Midoriya addressed his friends as they circled each other on the roof.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine. As I know you'll be as well." Todoroki smiled gently at his lover.
"Let's get this over with already. Come on, we'll be late." Bakugo walked to the door and left through it without looking back.
Todoroki followed him.
Midoriya smiled at Uraraka awkwardly.
"Well, just grab onto my back then. Hopefully, Momo made that trench coat thick enough to withstand your spikes."
Uraraka nodded, "I hope so too."
She grabbed onto Midoriya's back as gently as she could. She was situated firmly with his arms under her legs. The next thing she knew the world became a blur. She barely felt Midoriya take off. He landed quietly and gracefully on each roof that was on their way to the hospital. Before she even processed how much Midoriya had grown they were at the hospital.
The back entrance was open and a doctor stood at the entrance.
"Ah, Deku, good to see you."
"Good to see you too. I apologize for the last-minute request. I hope it wasn't too much trouble." Midoriya said as Uraraka got off his back.
"Not at all. Your agency has been such a pillar to society as a whole. I knew I would be able to repay you for making my job easier one day. Now come along. The hallways and elevator to where we need to go have been quarantined off like requested."
The doctor led the way down the hallways. It was strange walking through them. The smell was the same. The noise and bustle were muted by closed doors. Their footsteps echoed off the walls effortlessly.
The doctor tried not to be rude. Uraraka could tell he was tense and uncomfortable around her though. Sure, the trench coat covered her body, but her face was easily seen. Anyone would be unsettled by a blank face.
It was not long before they were out of the elevators and on the top floor of the hospital. They were led to a large room with two beds. Nurses stood by with clipboards. The beds had medical equipment by them and looked freshly made.
Uraraka saw Harae and Suka sitting by the window on the couch provided for the room. They got up upon Midoriya and Uraraka entering the room. Harae looked more tired than usual. Bags hung under her eyes as she smiled softly.
"Glad you could make it safely. The hospital staff has been very accommodating." Harae said politely.
"You should thank Creati for that. She set all of this up." Midoriya smiled, but his expression became worried very quickly. "Are you ok Harae?"
Harae sighed, "I admit that I did not sleep very well last night. I worry about Uravity and Dynamite. I probably shouldn't worry as much as I do."
"Is your quirk really that dangerous?" Uraraka asked. Her deep voice startled a few of the staff. Uraraka hunched over on herself.
Harae reached out and took hold of Uraraka's arm, "It is very dangerous. I once lost people to it before. My own parents in fact. I know it wasn't my fault. I didn't have control of my quirk at the time, but I still blame myself for what happened. Every time I touch Suka I wonder if she'll decide to judge me. But she doesn't."
"I wouldn't do that to you, Sis. I love you." Suka hugged her sister around her waist.
"I know, but I still hold that regret." Harae patted her sister affectionately on her head. "I know that you and Bakugo are prepared for what is ahead. As much as you can be. You're Heroes and you are strong. I know you will come back."
"Thank you," Uraraka said softly.
The door opened and Bakugo walked in with Todoroki.
"Damn Half and Half drives like a freaking grandpa. Next time I drive." Bakugo grumbled.
"You had your driver's license revoked for speeding. You can't drive." Todoroki stated with a deadpan expression.
"Fuck off. Not my fault I'm always in a hurry. I'm a fucking Hero. I don't have time for red lights and speed limits."
Uraraka chuckled causing Bakugo to glare at her.
"Before we start, I should tell you what I know about the Trial World. The few people I've used my quirk for have told me what they could about their experience." Harae stated causing everyone to shift their attention.
"Anything you know would be very helpful," Uraraka said quietly.
Harae paused, "The world you'll be put into is a world that is overseen by spirits. It is a world that is beautiful, but dangerous. The spirits there are ones that are trouble makers and or evil. They are locked away into towers. Each one represents a regret you have. The spirit you release will cause your regret to form. You will have a spirit that will guide you, but they will not be able to help you in the release of the spirits. That will be up to you. The total of trials is dependent on your regrets. That is all I know I'm afraid."
"So, we don't know how to release the spirits and they might kill us. That's just great." Bakugo frowned.
Uraraka elbowed Bakugo, "It's ok, we'll figure it out. Will we have our quirks? I mean at least Bakugo."
Harae shook her head, "No, quirks are not available in the spirit world. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. Like you said we're Heroes. We'll get out alive for sure." Uraraka pumped a fist in enthusiasm.
"Got that right Cheeks," Bakugo smirked in approval.
"I'm glad you're both confident. I guess there's no time like the present then."
Uraraka took a deep breath and took off her trench coat and beanie. The staff gasped at the sight of her. She walked over to one of the beds and sat down. Bakugo sat on the bed next to her.
The doctor and nurses had a hard time trying to find a way to hook Uraraka up with an IV. They were able to find softer parts of her armored skin though. They had to hook up the heart monitor with pads that stuck to her head.
Once they were done with the preparations Harae walked into the space between their beds and reached out her hands to each of them.
"Good luck, we'll be here waiting for you both," Harae stated with a kind smile.
Uraraka and Bakugo reached out for her hands. Harae closed her eyes. Uraraka and Bakugo felt a tingling sensation and then their vision went black.
Bakugo opened his eyes and before him was a world that was nothing like he ever imagined.
The trees spiraled high into the pale, shimmering, yellow sky. Twisting and turning on themselves. Their leaves seemed to simmer, but if he stared long enough, he realized that each leaf changed colors slowly. One was pink and then slowly transitioned into black. Another was silver and transitioned to white.
Clouds covered the ground as far as the eye could see. The roots of the trees sprawled across them as if they were dirt and grass. They moved with the wind and settled like a thick fog.
Towers as far as the eye could see were scattered all around them. They were all made differently. One shimmered with crystals. Another appeared to be a pile of clothes. Another looked like a castle. The differences between the towers were staggering. It was hard to keep track of them all. The small tower of stone Bakugo stood on was the one exception. It was simple and smaller than all the others.
The air was crisp and brought a chill. It sang as it blew through the gaps in the towers. It almost sounded like a haunting song being played.
There was nothing to smell in the air. Not a single living thing could be seen amidst the pale-yellow world that seemed to have no sun.
Was this the kind of world the spirits naturally lived in? If that was true then he would have seen one by then.
Uraraka groaned as she awoke and stood up.
"Wow," She gasped next to him in awe.
There was a pop. Bakugo and Uraraka looked around startled. A white sheet with two black eye slits floated near them.
"Hello, welcome to the Trail World! My name is Michinii and I will be your guide in this world! It's great to finally meet both of you! I've heard so much about you from the other spirits! To think that two great heroes would find themselves in the Trial World! Simply fantastic!" Michinii happily spun and bopped around them through the air. The spirit had a very girly voice. It grated on Bakugo's nerves. Yet, it reminded him of Mina in a way.
"That's great, now help us get off this stupid piece of rock." Bakugo barked at the spirit.
"What are you talking about Bakugo? There're paths all around us." Uraraka stated as she pointed in front of them.
Bakugo growled, "No, there's nothing there."
Michinii giggled, "Uravity is part spirit! That's why she can see the paths! But you don't know which one to take, so that's why I'm here!"
"At least let me see where I'm walking you damn ghost." Bakugo angrily stomped.
"You'll see once you step onto the path. Take Uravity's hand if it makes you feel any better." Michi twirled and then settled on their left. "We'll be going this way to start with. Any questions before we begin?"
"Do you know how to release the spirits here?" Uraraka asked.
Michinii squeaked, "Yes, but I'm not at liberty to tell you. It's far more interesting for you to figure it out on your own."
"You're really fucking useless," Bakugo stared at Michinii like she was a piece of gum on his shoe.
Uraraka smacked him on the head, "Be nice! She's our guide through here Bakugo."
Bakugo rubbed his head as Michinii laughed, "Oh it's alright, I was briefed about his bad behavior. I find it entertaining."
"We're not here for your entertainment. We're here to get Uraraka's body back." Bakugo glared at Michinii.
"Yeah, and I'm here to help! You're welcome to get lost and die here, but I doubt you want that. So, just follow me. Be careful to follow me exactly. I wouldn't want you to stray from the path." Michinii floated ahead of them and swished back and forth.
"Come on Bakugo, we have to trust her." Uraraka walked forward and light blue puddles formed around her feet in the air where she stepped.
Bakugo gaped at the sight and swallowed. He shook his head and to a tentative step forward. The air felt soft around his feet. It almost felt like marshmallows with the slight give. It was strange to walk on air. To not see where he was stepping or if he was stepping on the right area.
He remembered what Harae said. That he might die there. He had no quirk. If he fell, would he die? Bakugo sweated at the very thought.
"See! You're doing so well! We have quite a ways to go. Stick close to me now!" Michinii bounced ahead.
Uraraka paused as she saw Bakugo look down. She did not say anything as he clenched his hands and took a deep breath. He looked up and stepped forward. He tested his step cautiously.
Uraraka reached out her hand but then retracted it. Bakugo was never one to ask for help. He always saw it as an insult. Her hands were not suitable to help anyways. She turned and walked slowly instead. She could hear Bakugo stepping behind her ever so slightly.
The simmering paths she could see were everywhere. They shined brightly and weaved around each other. Uraraka wished Bakugo could see them. She couldn't imagine stepping blindly into the air. Yet, it comforted her slightly that he trusted her to lead the way.
Then voices started flitting through the air. Some were quiet. Some were loud. Some moaned in agony and anguish. Others laughed maniacally. Uraraka tensed at the sound.
"What are all those voices?" Uraraka asked as they continued down the path.
"Those are the voices of the spirits trapped here. Be careful not to listen to them for too long. Wouldn't want you to go mad now." Michinii said cheerfully.
"I don't hear anything," Bakugo said softly.
"You don't want to. Trust me." Uraraka focused on the sound of the trees rustling in the wind to block out the voices. They made her skin crawl.
"So, you're the only free spirit here?" Uraraka asked.
Michinii bobbed, "Yep, I'm the guide and the keeper. I guess that's why my name is so weird."
"Were you human before?"
Michinii fell silent.
"I'm sorry if I asked something weird. We're new to this whole thing." Uraraka apologized politely.
"No, it's not weird. I just don't know. You're so sweet Uravity." Michinii sang as she spun in the air.
"So, you're always here by yourself?"
Michinii shook back and forth, "Nope, I go home whenever I'm not summoned. Spirits don't live here. This is a prison. Keeping an evil spirit imprisoned is easy enough. Shackling them down with human regrets has always been how we contain them. I'm always happy to release them to the void. It gets so crowded sometimes."
"So, we're your cleanup crew essentially," Bakugo stated unhappily.
"Yeah, I guess you are."
"Can you tell us how many spirits we need to face at least?" Uraraka asked hopefully.
Michinii laughed, "Nope."
Bakugo growled. He was agitated with Michinii. Uraraka understood that feeling. She was starting to feel a little irritated as well.
The path twisted around a tower made out of pots. Uraraka kept a close eye on Bakugo to make sure he was following closely.
"Eye's forward Cheeks," Bakugo snapped.
Uraraka sighed as she continued to follow Michinii. Bakugo was fine. She knew he was smart. She just could not help the natural pull of wanting to help.
Bakugo groaned as he saw Uraraka slump. He knew she was just trying to help. He hated this place so much already. It put him on edge. The insecurity of not having his quirk was stifling.
The path soon led them to a tower made out of school desks and chairs. The door to the tower even looked like a school door. Michinii stopped in front of the door and turned to them.
"Past this door is your first regret Dynamite. Once I open the door you both will need to hurry in. It's always a pain catching escaped spirits. So, the door will be locked until you release the spirit."
"Whatever, the sooner we get it done the better," Bakugo stepped forward and Uraraka stood beside him.
"We're ready," Uraraka said with as much confidence as she could muster.
Michinii bobbed and then touched the door. It shimmered a white and then opened before them. Bakugo and Uraraka stepped through the doors quickly.
A playground greeted their vision. The sky was blue with the sun beaming down on them. Cars rolled by on the street near the park. City buildings surrounded the small playground and children could be heard laughing.
Bakugo tensed as he looked towards the swing set area. Of course, this would be his first regret. A smaller version of himself loomed over a younger Midoriya. He felt sick to his stomach. He did not want Uraraka to see this. He could not move as the all too familiar memory played out.
"Why are you being so mean? You're making him cry Kacchan!" The small Midoriya cried before the kid Bakugo. "If you keep on hurting him, I'll uh, I'll stop you myself!" Midoriya weakly put his fists up to protect the crying boy behind him.
The younger Bakugo smiled viciously, "You want to pretend to be a Hero?" He asked as he popped a fist into his open hand, "You don't stand a chance without a quirk, Deku."
Midoriya gasped with tears in his eyes as Bakugo and his friends charged at him. They beat up Midoriya while laughing and smiling.
The area around them shifted and changed. A small river with a tree fallen over it in a small forest was now before them.
Bakugo was still young here. He slipped and fell into the river below as he crossed the river with his friends. Midoriya raced to him and put out his hand to help Bakugo. He looked truly concerned and worried for Bakugo. Bakugo glared at Midoriya and smacked away his hand.
"I'm fine stupid Deku," The kid Bakugo snapped as he went up the shore to rejoin his friends.
The area morphed again. This time it was the middle school Bakugo attended with Midoriya. Scenes in the hallways. Punches to Midoriya's gut or face. Glaring, taunting. Bakugo could not do anything as he watched each scene unfold. His feet felt like led. He wanted it to stop.
The classroom popped into view. It was their last year as middle school students. The teacher boasted about them all taking the hero career route. The middle school Bakugo talked himself up to the whole class. He was proud of himself for getting accepted to take the hero exam for UA. Then the teacher mentioned Midoriya taking the exam as well. There was a pause and then everyone laughed at him. They teased him for being Quirkless and even trying.
"Well, actually they got rid of that rule. I could be the first one." Midoriya weakly talked back as he stood up from his seat.
Bakugo angrily exploded his desk sending Midoriya flying. "Listen up Deku, you're even worse than the rest of these damn rejects you, Quirkless wannabe!" Bakugo smirked at Midoriya victoriously, "You really think they would let someone like you in when they can have me?!"
Midoriya paled and flailed his arms as he tried to get away from Bakugo, "Huh?! No way! You got it all wrong! Really! I'm not trying to compete against you! You gotta believe me!" Midoriya looked at the ground sadly, "It's just that, I wanted to be a hero ever since I was little. I may not have a Quirk, but I can still do my hardest, can't I?"
Bakugo let off black smoke from his palms while giving Midoriya a threatening look, "You'd never be able to hang with the best of the best! You'd die in the exams! Defenseless Deku! This school's already crappy! You want to embarrass it more by failing so hard?!"
Midoriya did not say anything. He kept looking at the ground.
The bell rang for the end of classes. Midoriya sighed in relief at the sound. Bakugo scuffed and walked away. Midoriya collected his things at his desk as the class left. He picked up his notebook and Bakugo snatched it out of his hands.
"I don't know what you think you're doing Deku, but we're not done." Bakugo said with a sneer.
"Hey what you got? His diary?" One of Bakugo's friends asked. Bakugo turned it to his friend, "Huh? Don't tell me you're taking notes on how to be a Hero. That's so pathetic." He laughed as he clutched his stomach.
"Yeah, real funny guys! Just give it back!" Midoriya said with worry to Bakugo.
Bakugo narrowed his eyes and then crushed the notebook between his hands and exploded it. Midoriya cried in dismay as his notebook smoked. Bakugo tossed it over his shoulder out the open window of the classroom.
"Most first-string Heroes show potential early on. People look at them and they just know that they're destined for greatness. When I'm the only student from this garbage junior high to get into UA, people'll start talking about me like that. They'll realize I'm legit, the next big thing. That's not ego talking, I just know that I'm good." Bakugo stepped forward and put a hand on Midoriya's shoulder. It smoked under his grip, "Here's a little word of advice, nerd. Don't even think of applying. Or else."
Midoriya whimpered as he gaped at Bakugo. Bakugo walked away with his friends.
"That's just sad, I thought you would at least have a little fight in you." One of them said in pity.
"He gets it. He'll never be a Hero. Better to find out now instead of later." Another mocked.
Bakugo paused at the door to the classroom and smirked over his shoulder at Midoriya, "You know if you really wanted to be a Hero that badly, there might actually be another way. Just pray that you'll be born with a Quirk in your next life. Then take a swan dive off the roof of the building."
Midoriya growled at Bakugo with tears in his eyes.
The present Bakugo threw up. It was too much. It made him sick.
Uraraka was by his side as he panted and gripped at his chest. His chest felt so tight. He could not breathe. Tears leaked from his eyes as he stared at the ground.
"Bakugo, calm down, it's ok, none of this is real," Uraraka softly spoke to him.
"Yes, it is, I did all of this. I was fucking shitty. So, fucking shitty." Bakugo sobbed.
He felt pressure on his back. It was comforting. "It's not real, because it's all in the past Bakugo, you need to accept that. This was you before you started really looking at yourself. You've changed so much since those days. I remember being so scared of you when we first met. You were so angry and explosive all the time. Then, I really saw you. You did it all because you were insecure about your own strength. You saw strength in Deku and it scared you. You apologized to him. You're back to being friends. I never thought I would ever see that, but it happened. You made that happen. I thought all of this was behind you then. But you've always been stubborn. You bottled it up. You didn't accept it. You have to accept it. Otherwise, it will keep eating away at you."
Bakugo relaxed as Uraraka talked. He almost heard her actual voice come through. He knew she was right. He took deep breathes. It felt better. The crushing weight of regret was no longer suffocating him.
"Or you could go back," A voice spoke in the darkness that now surrounded them. The voice echoed off the walls as it laughed, "Don't you want to feel powerful again? Stepping on Deku was so much fun and it made you feel good. Why not do it again?" The voice sang with a burst of low laughter.
"Fuck you," Bakugo quietly said as he closed his eyes.
"Oh, come on, it's so easy to take power away from people. Just glare at them. Push them down. It's so thrilling to watch them squirm." They could hear the grin in the voice without even seeing it.
"I said fuck you," Bakugo said a little louder.
"There you go. Talk down to me. Make me really feel it. Hold on to that feeling of power. Call me useless. Make me feel worthless. Doesn't it feel good? Doesn't it make you happy? Come on Kacchan. Is that the best you've got?" The voice taunted joyfully.
Bakugo glared into the dark. He collected himself and stood. His body shook as he did. He took a deep breath.
"You really think this weak shit is going to work on me? I'm not interested in bullying an imprisoned spirit. I'm done being a punk ass bully," Bakugo confidently faced the darkness.
Uraraka was right. This was just a scar from his past. It was time to accept it. Bakugo stopped shaking. Light began to collect in his hands. He looked down at them in surprise. He flexed his fingers at the light collected and burned brightly.
"Come on man, you like the thrill," The spirit said weakly at the appearance of the light.
The spirit was revealed as a worm. It squirmed in front of them as the light revealed it.
"I used to, now get the fuck out of here!" Bakugo rushed forward and touched the spirit.
The light in his hands enveloped the spirit. It screeched in agony and then dissipated into simmering particles. Bakugo sighed in relief. He fell to his knees feeling exhausted. He felt so drained.
"Bakugo!" Uraraka rushed to his side. He heard her voice. Her real voice. He never knew how much he missed it.
He felt her catch him with her arm and he looked at her with tired eyes.
"Shit, it's good to hear your voice again," He smirked at her as she shook her head.
"You look exhausted Bakugo. Are you ok?" Uraraka asked with worry.
"Course, I just feel like I fought a thousand villains, fuck," Bakugo rubbed his head.
The door to the tower opened. Michinii floated in with a twirl.
"You did it! Well done you two!"
Bakugo groaned, "Stop shouting you damn sheet."
"Oh goodness, you looked wiped-out. That always happens the first time. It takes a lot of energy to release a spirit. Who would've thunk?" Michinii giggled in delight.
"Is it safe to rest here? He really needs to." Uraraka stated as Bakugo tried to stand unsuccessfully.
"I'm fine," He stated stubbornly.
"No, you're not," Uraraka shoved his shoulder to sit him with ease.
Michinii hummed, "Yeah, it's safe here, so feel free to rest. You may be in a coma, but your brain is still working in overdrive by being here. I'll pop up when you wake up."
Uraraka nodded, "Ok, thank you Michinii."
"No problem, like I said this is a win, win situation. Have a good nap." Michinii waved and her white sheet floated to the floor lifeless.
"Thank god she's fucking gone. Her voice is annoying." Bakugo complained as Uraraka forced him to lay down.
She got up to gather the sheet. She balled it up and put it under Bakugo's head, "I think she's just strange, but I think that's most spirits probably."
Bakugo scoffed, "Every spirit I've met has been out of their damn mind. Fucking folk tales were all wrong."
Uraraka laid down near him, "Seems like it, except for the ones where the spirits trick people. That seems pretty spot on."
"Guess, fuck, my head is pounding," Bakugo frowned.
"You're tired, go to sleep Blasty, I'll stay up a little longer to make sure we're ok here."
"Thanks, Ochako."
If Uraraka had a face she would have been blushing. Bakugo rarely called her by her first name. It was nice to hear it.
"No problem, Katsuki."
She wondered if he heard her as she saw his chest slowly rise and fall. He looked so different when he was asleep. She always liked watching him sleep. So soft, so strong.
It almost made her forget how Bakugo broke down. She never wanted to see him like that again. She felt her heartache at the thought of what would have happened if he had been alone. He might have died.
Uraraka felt resolved and determined. She would not let that happen. She would help him through these regrets. It was not just about getting herself back anymore. It was about healing Bakugo.
Uraraka stared at Bakugo's relaxed face and felt herself drift to sleep.
AN: So much happened! I hope you guys liked the first trial! I can't wait to write the next one! I feel like my writing has been getting better and better slowly but surely! Please let me know! Favorite, follow, or comment on this! I'm also on Tumblr and Twitter! Thank you for continuing to read this! Until next time!