{ This has been modified since it's original publication. Characters' names, quirks, and plot has changed since started this story back during lock down, so I've shifted the story however, it still takes place before the end of the manga. In a time between the summer camp arc and the war arc }

"Gather over there with All Might, don't go in just yet." Mr. Aizawa was saying as class 1-A file off the bus. Even as teenagers, they couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. The looming iron gates allowed the hint of caramel and a distant tune waft in the evening September breeze to rouse their senses. The Starling Quirk Circus is written in looping cursive letters along a white banner on the gates. The Circus has gained fame around the world over the past few years. The famous maze of tents, varying in size, shape, and color, appeared overnight only a short drive from UA's campus.

The teachers at UA thought it would be an interesting spectacle for their students to see. Those with Quirks using them for entertainment, not Hero work. Mr. Aizawa encouraged his class to bring notebooks, for they must turn in a three-page essay on their observations. Rumor has it they're the only class that has an assignment.

"Alright, here are some rules," Mr. Aizawa said, joining the chattering class standing with All Might by the grand iron gates. "Stay in small groups, don't go off by yourself, and do not do anything stupid. Take notes, it'll be helpful when you write your paper."

"Don't forget to have fun," says All Might, smiling.

Midoriya has his notebook at the ready. He hands his ticket to the child sitting behind the ticket booth. He walks through the threshold of the swirling metal designs on the enormous gates and it's as if he stepped through a veil that masked everything enclosed in the surrounding fence. The colors are brighter than anything Midoriya's ever seen. The mouth-watering smell of all different kinds of foods drifts in the golden air. The music is louder and makes the air around him vibrate. Everything about it was exciting. Midoriya jotted a note, taking another look at the barred fence and wondering what kind of quirk is being used to keep everything from spilling into the Tokyo streets.

"Oh wow," Uraraka says breathlessly, spinning to take it all in, "I did not expect this."

The Circus seems immensely larger on the inside than from the outside. One massive tent of crimson and gold stripes sits at the very center. Smooth dirt paths lead between and around the other tents. All the tents are striped, but each of different colors. There's regular circus stuff there, too, of course. A man on stilts with batons aflame walking through awe-struck crowds. A man with clown paint making balloon animals, hats, and swords for children. The kids prancing around have painted faces, sticky fingers from the sweets, and bells tied to their ankles.

"This place really is amazing," Someone else agrees, but Midoriya didn't look to see who.

"Why thank you, my sweet boy," a sultry woman's voice comes from directly behind him, making him jump a little. Everyone turns to a tall, curvaceous woman dressed in a golden corset covered by a red-tailed coat. Her long legs are covered by fishnet stockings and tall, shiny black boots. Raven hair is tied with golden silks in elaborate braids on her head.

"My name is Stella Starling, one of the owners of the Starling Quirk Circus," she says with a red-lipped smile. She's older than one might think at first, her beauty distracts from the lines on her face.

All Might stands beside Midoroyia, "The owner? What a nice surprise."

Stella Starling grins widely, "A little birdy told me that the infamous UA students would be joining us tonight. How lovely it is to meet you all. Unfortunately, my dear brother is dealing with the backstage affairs and cannot be out and about with me." Her dark eyes scan everyone. Her voice is seductive and breathless. Everyone nods and chorus a hello in return. Midoriya watches this woman, teeth bared down on her bottom lip as if she can't contain her excitement.

"This path leads to the menagerie," she says while motioning with gloved hands, "It's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. And the big tent will have the best shows, of course. But there's a psychic down that way and a tent full of stories in a bottle down that direction." She spins around, arms wide, "The whole Circus is amazing, you can't possibly see it all in one night."

She's basically glowing. She puts an arm around Bakugou, "Ah sorry I know I'm being a bit...eccentric. Tonight's been going very well! Oh so very, very, well! Great business deals. Great guests of honor," she runs a finger down Bakugou's arm as she says this, "you pretty pups could be an attraction."

"Well, they're here for school." Mr. Aizawa stepped between them, his voice hard and warning, "Thank you for your warm welcome, but I think-"

"Steellaaaaa!" A voice sings, cutting Mr. Aizawa off. To the group's left, they see a small group of teenage girls on the carousel. They walked in the opposite direction, making their way across it to get to the other side. Stella's face immediately drops.

"Stella! You found us boys!" One of the girls says with a squeal. There are six of them; the one who leapt off the carousel first has tightly curled blonde hair with pink tips, growing out instead of down. The other girls follow, stalking around the UA students like lionesses eyeing their prey.

Three of them are obviously triplets, all with brown hair and big, doe-like eyes. They each wear tight bodysuits of similar patterns and colors. One of the girls has dark skin and two puffy buns on her head. Her two-piece outfit is black and white striped with a bright red train on the back of her shorts, a tiny, bright red top hat, and red ballet shoes. The blonde wears a rainbow leotard and yellow pants with suspenders and holds a large lollipop prop. There is another girl who hesitates, eyeing the students with narrowed eyes. She's dressed as a gypsy, her cinnamon red hair has golden clasps in it for decoration, it hangs low in waves down her back. She's clad in blue and gold, her silks sparkling in the warm light.

"Uh, hi," Todoroki says to the blonde who is circling him. "W-who are you?"

"They're nothing," Stella snaps, her demeanor now severe, "They should be getting ready for their next show!"

The gypsy girl finally saunters forward, a smirk spread across her face as she waved a hand, "C'mon Stel, don't be so bitter."

"We are the Circus' biggest stars," One of the triplets says with a flip of brown hair.

"You're all super cute," The blonde goes on, now putting an arm around Todoroki's waist.

"Go get ready for your next shows!" Stella barks, but the girls ignore her completely. They don't even glance at her direction.

"So, what do you guys do?" The girl with dark skin tilts her head.

Iida strikes a pose, his arms stiff in right angles, "We are students of the prestigious school UA High! We are heroes in training!"

This made the blonde and the triplets light up, "Heroes!" They all squeal.

Midoriya sees something flash across the gypsy's face. She stiffens.

"Don't be fooled by the hero complex. They're all just another Orpheus." She snips without looking at any of them.

"Orpheus…" Midoriya repeats. He recognizes that name, but can't remember who that is.

Stella is suddenly behind the gypsy. She grabs a lock of her hair, and yanks. The girl yelps in pain.

"When I say go, you go." Stella growls. She no longer looks beautiful but like an evil witch from a kids movie.

The girls freeze. The gypsy puts a hand on the back of her head and glares down at the ground in front of her. The air grows tense as the seconds tick by. But then she turns her face back to Stella, a crooked, nonchalant smile on her face like she wasn't bothered. But her eyes… her eyes had fire in them. She takes the lollipop prop from the blonde.

"Whatever you say, Stel," She says as she uses the edge of the lollipop and the side of her foot to lift a small rock off the pathway. It's in the air for just a moment before Mia winds up and whacks the rock like baseball.

Plink!

It ricochets off the carousel and hits Stella right in the ass. She yelps this time, hands covering her backside. The pack of Circus girls bursts into laughter, quickly locking arms, keeled over giggling and scamping away.

"Hellions," Stella hisses before taking a deep breath between her teeth. It clearly took a lot of effort for her to plaster a smile on her face, "Sorry… Oh, I'm awfully sorry. They have terrible manners."

Mr. Aizawa eyes Stella suspiciously, "We'll be going then."

"Of course, of course," Stella nods, distant now. "I should... go talk to my brother anyhow... Have a great time, mes enfants! Enjoy yourselves!"

"Thank you!" They chorus half-heartedly, then begin to break into smaller groups.

It's been sooo long since I've looked at this. So much has happened and I've changed a lot of this story. I hope everyone still enjoys it! :)