Moving in sync three boys quickly walked back to back, their eyes scanning what looked like a residential neighborhood as they moved.

Kosei Tsuburaba was at the back of the pack, his brown hair shifting as he nervously gulped out. Even though he had a nervous look on his face his body said otherwise, posed and ready to put up a barrier at short notice.

In the middle Manga Fukidashi had a shout just waiting on his lips...or well, whatever he counted as lips. His smooth round head tilting as he checked behind them as they moved.

And finally at the front of the pack walked Shoto Todoroki, his multicolored eyes glaring around as he moved. Despite what the others said he knew he had to be in the front, he was the strongest of the three. Turning his head a little he took note of Yoarashi flying overhead, the broad shouldered boy scouting from the sky as they made their way to the exit.

Knowing Eraserhead and his ability he was more then likely already stalking them, waiting for a moment to pick them off one at a time.

Although Todoroki appeared as cold and collected as usual the truth of the matter was that he was not fairing well at the moment. He cant recall a time that he was ever doing "well" but ever since the Sports festival it had gotten worse. It had been harder to sleep as of late and the way his family stared at him was not helping at all. His brothers and sisters acted like he was a different person and his father ignored him entirely. Even his older sister Fuyumi was acting differently, sure she was as kindly and motherly as usual but there was something else there that worried him. Todoroki had never been good at reading people but even he could tell something had changed at home...something concerning.

He had always hoped that his father would leave him alone but now that he has he's been as lost as ever, his father didn't even bother to send him an internship...not that he wanted one. Instead he spent his internship under some ice hero up north, to his disappointment nothing really happened and he failed to learn much he hadn't already learned under his father.

Now he's back and he cant seem to focus.

"I dont see anything yet." Whispered out Tsuburaba, his fingers wiggling to create a small thin barrier between his fingers.

"I don't either." Manga responded. "Do you think he's just gonna let us go without a fight?"

He shook his head at that. "I doubt it. Stay on guard. Eraserhead could be anywhere. Stay away from smaller streets and alleyways."

They agreed before that while taking smaller streets and back alleys would be better at keeping hidden it was the kind of terrain Eraserhead excelled in. It was better to stay out in the open and watch each other's backs, even if it was slower. Despite this they made progress rather uneventfully, an sound or movement coming from one of them.

That is until suddenly when they were crossing an intersection Tsuburaba felt the barrier between his fingers vanish. Closing his eyes he tried to focus on creating another one but couldn't, his eyes shooting open in panic.

"Guys my quirk!" Tsuburaba shouted out. "I think Eraserhead is near b..."

His words were cut off when gray scarf like vines lashed out from the dark, wrapping around one of his legs before forcing him to the ground. Scrambling against the ground he felt himself being forcefully dragged backwards.

Running in to help Manga hooked arms with him, his legs tensing as he tried to pull him free. "I got you! Hold on!"

Looking down the alley Todoroki couldn't see anything in the dark.

If he used his fire he would be able to...

Shaking the thought away he cursed silently before pointing an arm at the scarf. From the ground an ice spike shot up and impaled through the scarf near Tsuburaba's leg, cutting the tough looking fabric and helping him back to his feet.

"Yoarashi can you..." He called out to their eye in the sky only for him to wobble in the air.

"W-oah!" Yoarashi exclaimed, struggling to stay in the air before tumbling to the ground a few blocks away.

"Shit..."

Sliding into a guarded stance he pressed his back to them. The other two following his lead as they stood back-to-back to cover each other's blind spots.

"Do you see anything?" One of them called out.

"No." Shaking his head he peeked down the alley in the hopes of seeing anything but it was too dark. He couldn't see anything but another attempt to use his quirk told him he was cut off.

"Look out!"

Turning to where Manga was pointing his eyes widened, in the same motion he lept backwards, his teammates doing the same before stumbling to the ground. Barely a second later a lash of grey flew down right where they were just standing. Aizawa perched up on a telephone wire as he slide his scarf back to him.

"Not bad reflexes." He said a loud, not unlike he would in class. Returning his scarf back around his neck he lept into the air towards them.

As fast as they could they each rolled in different directions, Eraserhead landing in the middle of all three of them. It wouldn't be possible for him to use his quirk on all three of them so long as they circled him. Turning to face Todoroki he must have seen him as the biggest threat of the three, prioritizing him over the others.

Seeing an opening Manga had to take it, his head reeling back before it snapped forward as he shouted. "Boom!"

His shout took form, massive letters of the word flying towards him and carving through the neighborhood.

In an impressive display of dexterity their teacher kept into the air and swung out of the way of the attack, forcing Todoroki to do so as well.

Squinting against the dust Todoroki was yanked off of his feet, his body pulled up and wrapped around one of the light poles, suspending him in the air. Looking down at his team he watched them flee before looking back at Aizawa.

Standing in front of him Eraserhead had his head turned, watching them go before shaking his head and muttering out. "Minus points for needless destruction..." Taking one final look up at him Eraserhead dropped something into his eyes before flinging what looked like caltrops at his feet and running after the other two.

Tensing against his restraints he grunted, he could feel his quirk come back to him but he struggled to think of a way to free himself.

If you used your fire you would be able to burn yourself free.

No...

Why are you so afraid of using your fire?

I'm never going to use my fire...

A part of him scoffed out at ? Because a mother you dont talk to burned your face? Or...maybe it's because you're afraid!

I'm not afraid...

You are! You're so afraid of your own quirk! Afraid that you'll end up like Toya!

No...

Afraid that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

I'm nothing like my father...

You are more then you realize!

The sound of footsteps pulled him from his spiraling, watching as Yoarashi emerged from an alley coughing and covered in dust.

"Man! Isn't dust great! Oh hey Todoroki! You kind of look like a pinata up there! Thank goodness I dont have a stick!"

Hearing Yoarashi chuckle at his own joke he struggled to say anything, more just staring as his teammate smiled. Looking down torward the ground Yoarashi's eyes widened before he lifted a hand and blew the caltrops away with his quirk.

"Whoops! Wouldn't want to step on one of those! I once stepped on a Lego and let me just say I did not love that!"

"Can you just..." He was going to say shut up but he stopped himself. "Help me down..."

"Oh!" Yoarashi shouted loudly making him flinch. "My bad! Sure thing!"

Floating up to him he quickly ripped him free, Todoroki landing back to his feet. Rubbing his wrist before sprinting off after the others.

"Let's go. They went this way."

"Right behind you!"

Shooting out a sheet of ice along the ground he started to surf, leading them down an alleyway as Yoarashi flew next to him. Looking over at his teammate Todoroki frowned in thought before facing forward.

"Thanks. For...saving me."

Yoarashi looked a little surprised, doing a double take like he misheard him before chuckling. "It was nothing!"

"No really...I dont know what I would have done if you didn't show up."

His teammate looked like he wanted to say something but taking a look at him he frowned. "Yeah uh, sure..."

When they made it back up with the others Manga was tied up as Tsuburaba was struggling to defend himself quirkless, the poor boy not able to do much without his barriers. Receiving a good kick to the head Tsuburaba fell to the ground.

Turning to face them Eraserhead watched them for a second, it being impossible to tell who he was looking at at the moment. Shifting his weight he ran at them, running towards Yoarashi first. Lashing his scarf out he swung himself around, Yoarashi blocking his kick at the last second.

Going into a crouch Aizawa hooked Yoarashi's leg and flung him at Todoroki, knocking both of them to the ground.

Climbing on top of Todoroki he started to wrap his wrist, his foot holding Yoarashi to the ground.

This was it, he was going to fail...

Pressing his head to the floor he struggled but to no prevail, soon he was going to be caught. Then it was Yoarashi, then it was over. Gritting his teeth he could feel his blood boiling, the thought of his old man finding out making it even worse.

"Shota sweetheart...are you alright?" His mother called out, gentle descending the steps to their basement, her eyes squinting against the dark.

He remembers that day well. He had recently turned ten and his father had just started to train him. Huddled in the corner his knees were up to his chest as be cried.

Walking up to him his mother crouched down with worry in her eyes. "Shoto are you alright?"

Moving to nod his head he stopped himself before quickly shaking it.

"What's wrong sweety?"

Shakily pulling his hand out of his little cocoon he showed her his hand, a part of the skin around it a little red and starting to blister.

"I-I burned myself! I told papa that fire scares me but he didn't care! Papa says I moved my hand too quickly and that's why it got me!"

Cooing she frowned, gently taking his hand in hers before lifting the finger to her mouth and kissing it.

"Oh sweetheart, you should have told me sooner! I have an aloe vera plant in the garden. It's a magical plant that heals all burns!"

He remembers years later going to that same plant in the hopes that it would heal his face but it did nothing...

"R-really?" He whimpered out.

"Of course." Taking his hand she lifted him up in his arms before ascending the stairs with him clinging to her. "Lets get you healed up."

Going back up the steps she walked him back to the garden, the chorus of tears slowly turning into just sniffles.

"You know...fire may look scary but it can also be nice." His mother whispered softly. "It can hurt you but it can also keep your body warm on cold nights...you just have to respect it."

"R-respect it?"

"Yeah. Sometimes things dont mean to hurt you they just get a little...carried away. I'm not saying to always trust fire but scars are just lessons that the world throws at us. The world can be a harsh place full of hard lessons but that doesn't mean there isn't nice things in the world too."

"L-like you? And Fuyumi?"

"Exactly." Giggling a little to herself she came to a stop, the sudden movement making him pause. Peeking his head around to see what she was looking at he saw his father standing in the doorway...

And he did not look happy.

Getting angrier his mind drifted to his mother, about her smile, about the way she laughed. About what happened, pressing his forehead to the cool ground he felt his body getting incredibly hot. The temperature rising under his skin as it got unbearable...then, when it got to the point he couldn't stand it anymore.

Todoroki exploded.

Fire erupted from, exploding outward and forcing Aizawa to leap back to prevent himself from getting burned. The sudden, unexpected movement pulled his goggles off of his face and forcing himself to look away else be blinded.

Jumping to his feet quickly Yoarashi felt his quirk return to him, his hand thrusting out as wind wrapped around their teacher's body.

Running in from the side Tsuburaba blew into his hand before creating a barrier tightly around Eraserhead, the walls getting tighter before snaring around him like cuffs and pushing him to the ground.

"Eraserhead has been captured. Team Yoarashi has passed."

And just like that it was over. Getting back to his feet they quickly freed Manga before walking Aizawa back to the entrance. Words of encouragement was said...followed by harsh critique all the while Todoroki hung back and watched. Too busy lost in his thoughts to notice Yoarashi watching him let alone start to walk next to him.

"Hey." Yoarashi said with a smile before stopping himself. "You did uh...good out there."

When he didn't say anything Yoarashi tried again, raising a hand to cough into it. "What I meant was...I'm...sorry. for what I said at the Sports festival."

That took him a little by surprise...

"I've been unreasonably angry at you for a long time, comparing you to your dad and I guess I just got a little carried away. I'm not used to being this angry so I think I might've...um, overcompensated." Kicking at the ground the broad shouldered boy huffed. His apology weirdly reserved and less loud then usual. "You've been really quiet lately and I just wanted to say...if you want to talk I'm all ears."

When Yoarashi gestured to his actually kind of big ears Todoroki smiled a little. It wasn't a massive grin or a loud laugh but it was something.

"Thank you. I appreciate it Inasa."

Grinning widely at that Inasa's two hands went behind him as he marched.

"No problem dude!"

"Do you guys want to play a game while we wait?"

Itsuka Kendo had been in many uncomfortable situations in her life. Growing up as the protective big sister stuff like that was a given. When you radiate a sense of safety and comfort people tended to come to you about problems...and some of those problems just so happen to be awkward.

But even so she wasn't sure if she had ever been in as uncomfortable scenario as this.

The bus rolled down the road in a quiet, eerie silence. She could feel the heat radiating from Monoma's eyes as he glared at their teammates, his shoulder practically touching hers.

Whether someone forgot to teach Monoma an important lesson in boundaries growing up or just that it was just because of her for some reason she had no idea...

Kirishima, bless his heart, was trying his damndest to bring up the energy but it felt like his cute puppy routine was doing more harm then good. Monoma seemed to be on edge and Bakugo was weirdly quiet...which of course was putting everyone else on edge even more. When their eyes met Bakugo huffed slightly and looked out the window as if he was a sulking child.

Looking amongst her "team" she let out an annoyed breath of air.

Great. This is her team huh? An overly powerful puppy, a ticking time bomb and...and Monoma. Just her luck.

"Maybe later Kirishima." She said waving his suggestion off but making sure to smile to let him know it wasn't done out of malice. Leaning back against her seat in thought she crossed her arms. "We are going up against the strongest hero in the world, even with him being weighed down we need a plan."

Kirishima looked a little disappointed but it quickly went away, the crimson headed boy nodding with a serious look. "Right. Got it! Any ideas?"

"Obviously we run." Monoma cut in, his voice leaking venom as he shot Kirishima a look. "We don't stand a chance against All Might."

He makes it sound so easy.

"No way dude! Running from a fight isn't manly!"

"What are you stupid!?" Monoma all but shouted, getting up from his seat before the bus hit a bump in the road forcing him to sit back down. "All Might once caused an avalanche in the arctic with a single punch! What chance do we have?"

"Oh dude that fight was pretty crazy. I'm glad they got that one on video! It wasn't as cool as that time that Red Riot..."

"Hey! Don't change the subject!"

Hearing Kirishima and Monoma argue back and forth Kendo could feel the start of a headache forming. Opening her mouth to break up the fight it was cut off by a third, unexpected voice.

"Are you guys fucking idiots? There's no running from All Might! If we are going to fucking do this we have to be precise!"

Bakugo's voice cut through the arguing in an instant, turning to glare at all of them with his burning eyes. Kendo wanted to argue with him for a split second but something he said struck her.

WE have to be precise? Does that mean he's actually willing to work together? This whole thing might not be a wash after all...

Instead of backing down all Monoma did was change targets, his angry eyes meeting the equally as pissed ones. Opening his mouth to shout back she cut Monoma off with a soft tone and a raised hand.

"What do you suggest we do then?" Her question being directed to Bakugo.

Meeting her eyes Bakugo thought of what to say for a second. "Fighting All Might is a suicide mission. He's going to tear you three alive leaving me to pick up your bloody pieces and running isn't much better. All Might can rival speeds of some of the fastest heroes in the world, weights be damned. But...maybe we can do both."

"Both?" Monoma scoffed at the idea. "This isn't some trick question! You can't fight AND run idiot!"

Bakugo's eye twitched, his hands balling into fist at his side as he glared back at Monoma. Sparks flickered from his fingers for a moment before Bakugo took a calming breath. Looking away to address her instead.

"We make All Might think we're fighting, then, when we find an opening we stun him long enough for two of us to make a break for it while the other two hold him off."

That's...actually not that bad of a plan.

"Do any of us have enough power to stun someone like All Might?" She asked a loud, looking among her teammates.

"I can hit him as hard as I can but it's kind of a one and done kind of thing." Kirishima said with a shrug. "I have one good hit in me but I always break my arms if I do it. I'm getting a little better at controlling it but it's still a risk."

Monoma shook his head as well. "As for me I can try and take All Might's quirk but that requires actually touching him. I have a feeling he's not gonna let me do that."

Putting his hands on his wrist Bakugo twisted one of his grenade like gauntlets, the piece of gear clicking before sliding off of his wrist and making a heavy clunk sound when it was placed at his feet. The sound drawing their gaze to him again.

"I got the support department to make me this at the start of the semester. It stores my explosive sweat in them to release a channeled blast all at once. I've been jogging back and forth ever since we started the finals so they should be all juiced up. All I got to do is pull the pin on them and kaboom."

Now that she thought about it it was a little weird that she had not seen Bakugo at all in the examination room.

So that was his plan...

"Woah bro! So that's what those things do! I just thought they made you look cool!" Kirishima said with awe in his eyes, looking down to get a closer look at them, his hand reaching out to touch it before wincing back when Bakugo lightly smacked it.

"Hey! What the fuck did I just say!? Big boom! No touch!"

Watching Kirishima wave his hurt hand her teal eyes gazed down at the intimidating piece of machinery. "That sounds extremely dangerous...they just let you, of all people, have that?"

"Fuck off Red! I haven't even used them yet so I bet All Might doesn't even know I got them!"

Well...its still not her name but it's better then Man Hands.

"And you're sure All Might doesn't know about them? Cant he just look them up in the school registry?"

"Have you seen All Might fucking teach!? Just because he's the best hero in the world dont mean he's a good teacher."

Raising a hand to argue she thought about all of the hero classes with the pro hero before lowering her hand.

"Fair point."

"Well I'm not convinced! THIS is your big plan?" Monoma scoffed again, gesturing down at the gauntlet. "Two pieces of junk that we dont even know if they fire!?"

"Ok big shot, what's your plan then?"

Monoma looked furious, a murderous aura radiating from him before he grunted and turned away annoyed.

"Who should be the runners? We need one from each class right?" She looked amongst her classmates with a frown. "I'm probably one of our fastest runners."

"Great. You got the part because I cant see blondie here running far" Bakugo said while gesturing to Monoma.

"You're blonde too you idiot." Monoma muttered out.

"Obviously I need to stay cause I got the gauntlets which means you're running Rocky." Bakugo said before turning to Kirishima, picking his gauntlet off of the floor and twisting it back onto his wrist.

Kirishima looked like he wanted to argue but after thinking it over and looking over his teammates he relented. Clenching his fist he flexed his arm as he spoke. "You can count on me!"

Rolling forward against the ground Bakugo landed back onto his feet, his hair billowing behind him as he fired off a blast towards the ground, rocketing himself into the air. Cresting in the air he turned and aimed his palms at his opponent, firing off a few blast as he skirted around.

Holding both of his arms in a cross formation Hound Dog blocked the incoming blast, standing unphased besides a few scorched hairs.

Letting out a growl he went onto all fours and sprinted towards Bakugo not unlike a rabid dog, his teeth snarling and growling as his claws scraped against the hard wood floor of the gym. Leaping into the air he pounced, snatching Bakugo out of the air and slamming him down hard against the ground.

Staring up at his teacher Bakugo could feel a small hint of fear as the much larger man pinned him down. He had heard that many that have run from Hound Dog would be in a panic after they were caught, their eyes opened wide and twitchy as they were loaded into a police car. Now he can see why...it was like being stared down by a wild ravenous animal. But then, just like every time before a bell rang signaling it was the end of the day. The claws retracted and the snarling animal was once again the nerdy ass counselor that he was studying under.

He only hesitated a second before taking the extended hand and being pulled back to his feet.

Letting out an amused chuckle Hound Dog reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out his glasses before affixing them onto his face.

"Well played Bakugo, you almost got away from me that time!"

Something in the wolf man's tone made Bakugo roll his eyes, letting out a huff before picking up his backpack. "You don't have to fucking condescend me. I know I did shit."

"That's not what I said at all Bakugo."

Looking away he slide his hands into his pockets, unable to meet the man's eyes. "Whatever."

Making his way towards the door he was looking to sulk in privacy, yet clearly his teacher had a different idea. Feeling his furry hand on his shoulder he slung it off before turning to face him. His voice coming out more angry then he meant to."What."

Looking him over a moment Hound Dog seemed to take him all in for a moment.

"Before you go Bakugo I just wanted to let you know how proud I am to see how far you've come in the small time you've been under me. Pretty soon the internships will be over and you'll be back in your normal classes."

Clicking his tongue he scoffed to ignore the small warmth he felt in his chest at his words, coupled by a weird feeling of dread that hung after.

"Yeah."

Interning under Hound Dog had been...nice. It has been a weirdly enjoyable time to learn under someone who was so similar in many ways. Yet now that it was over Bakugo was cut free of him and he did not trust what he was going to do after he was out of sight.

"Here I thought you would be happy to be rid of me." Chuckled the older man. "I'm glad that you've taken at least a little of a liking to me. I've enjoyed our talks."

Licking his lips Bakugo stared at the ground, his teeth pressed together as he ground out the question that had been on his mind all day. "What if...what if I just go back to the way I was before."

"Then you try to improve again. Falling back on bad habits is normal, you just have to kick it again. Every time it becomes easier."

He makes it sound so easy...but he just gets so mad sometimes.

"How about this. Anytime you want to talk you know where I am. My office is always open, even if you just want to talk about a show or some new hero thing."

That drew his gaze up to his face for a moment before breathing out a puff of air. "Yeah sure. Fucking thanks I guess...I'll think on it."

Gripping his shoulder strap a little tighter Bakugo stood there for an extra moment before turning to head for the door out of the gym.

"Remember Bakugo." Stopping in the doorway he didn't dare look back at his teacher. "We grow more from failure then we do success, we just have to channel it and learn from the experience. Mistakes are normal, no one gets something perfect the first try. Practice and hard work beat naturally born talent any day and I for one cant wait to see what you become."

Lingering in the doorway an extra moment the words of his teacher rang through his head before he slowly stepped last the doorframe and away from sight.

Ten agonizing minutes later and the bus finally pulled up to the training ground. Silently, the four exited the bus and made their way to the large entrance gates to their exam.

This was it.

"Start!"

As soon as the gates swung open the four of them made a mad dash towards the center of the fake city. Glass windows reflected in the sun as they sprinted down a fake street, Kendo turning her head to look down an empty back alley as they ran past.

These fake cities always weirded her out a little. It's just so empty, lacking in any semblance of life or activity.

"What's this? Four young heroes looking to take me in?"

Suddenly, in a blink of an eye the area they were standing exploded outward. The sounds of shattering glass filling her ears as the road crumbled and shattered around them. It was chaos in an instant, the fake street bending and breaking under an overwhelming force.

It was like a bomb went off in the middle of town, the sheer force making her struggle to stay on her feet. The others didn't seem to be doing much better, each of them staggering in place before quickly righting themselves.

Dust billowed around them and in the center of the smoke Kendo could almost make out the tall figure, his antenna like hairs bouncing as he emerged from the destruction. Kendo found herself taking a step back before the realized what she was doing.

Is it any wonder that crime had gone down ever since All Might had made his way on the scene?

"My aren't you four bold! Here I thought I would have to hunt you down and here you are coming straight for me! Don't think that just because you are my students I'll go easy on you!" The looming silhouette started to take shape. "I'm a villain right now. It's not every day I get to let loose and I plan to take advantage of this to the fullest!"

Raising a fist he slammed it into the ground creating a second gusts of wind that blew her ponytail back and cleared out any of the left over smoke.

Standing their, with his signature smile on his face All Might punched into his hand.

Ok. Now she's worried.

In the blink of an eye All Might was standing in front of her, moving much faster then she could track with her eyes. Slamming his fist into her she flew backwards letting out a strangled gasp. Her body soaring through the air and rolling across the ground with a thud.

Struggling to breath she coughed out excess spit, her whole body shaking from the single hit. It felt like All Might just punched her soul out of her body for a second before it sling shot back into her like a big rubber band.

The sounds of battling snapped her out of her haze, willing herself back to her feet.

Bakugo and Monoma were circling All Might as they peppered him with Bakugo's quirk, All Might's hands raised to shield his face. Even with his eyes closed All Might crouched down, the earth shaking a little as he was upon Bakugo in an instant.

Running in close Kirishima pushed Bakugo out of the way of the attack before turning towards All Might and covered his body with armor. "Watch out dude!"

All Might's fist slammed into his shielded body, his feet grinding into the dirt as he was forced back and slammed into one of the waiting walls. Kirishima's armor breaking off of him in an instant.

Rushing in to help she jumped into the air, both of her fist growing in size before coming down upon him with a dual hammer fist.

Normally when she did that there was a loud crash only this time there was nothing. Pushing forward she struggled to push her enlarged fist down harder, the dust clearing to reveal that All Might stopped her attack with a single outreached hand. Trying to pull her hand away he would not let her go, forcefully twisting her arms before striking her fast and hard, his knee slamming into her and knocking her to the ground.

"Nice try heroes but you are gonna have to try a little harder then that to defeat m..."

"Shut the fuck up!" Bakugo bellowed, sliding in close before getting into a battle stance and pointing both of his arms out towards him. "Stun Grenade!"

Unlike his normal explosions, this blast detonated in a blinding flash that managed to illuminate the entire street. The sheer light coming from his palms making her have to shield her eyes away it else she be blinded.

The attack actually managed to stop All Might dead in his tracks, Bakugo launching himself at All Might like a bat out of the hell.

"All Might!" He shouted out, much like his old ways. "I'm going to beat you and prove that I'm the strongest there is! Just you fucking wait All M-Mmph!"

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear." No sooner had Bakugou started his rant then it was silenced by a huge hand forcefully clamped over his mouth. "You are going to need to do more then that to..."

Interrupting his speech this time she hopped onto her feet and slammed an enlarged fist into his unguarded chest, her attack knocking him back a little and giving Bakugo a chance to bite down onto his hand like a rabid dog. Letting out a few volleys point blank into his unmoving body Bakugo used the force to twist his arm and free himself of his grasp, flipping backwards and back onto his feet.

"Choo choo! All aboard the pain train!"

Charging at All Might with everything he had Kirishima shoulder tackled into the larger man, All Might's feet grinding back against the concrete as he was pushed back from the force.

Crouching All Might stopped the push in an instant before raising both of his fist and slamming them down on Kirishima's shoulders hard. The concrete cracked as Kirishima found himself being wedged into the ground, the red headed man screaming out in pain.

"Come now young Kirishima, you should know an attack like that will not stop me for long!" All Might declared before pausing when Kirishima hooked both of his elbows around All Might's arms and locking them in place.

Flying in to help Monoma fired off a few of Bakugo's blast before getting close enough to place both of his hands on All Might's broad shoulders, his eyes closing for a second before they shot open in shock.

Watching the tussle from a far Bakugo raised his gauntlet next to her and aimed it for a good second, both Kirishima, Monoma and All Might within his sights. He clearly thought about firing for a good moment before relenting and lowering his gauntlet.

Thrusting his head forward All Might's head slammed into Kirishima's, easily breaking free of his hold he gripped hold of Monoma's extended arm tightly. Lifting the blonde into the air he swung him down like a club, first smacking him into Kirishima before swinging him around and tossing him away as if he was a sack of potatoes.

They were both running in to help but Bakugo noticed Monoma flying straight for him and forcing him to quickly rolled out of the way. She however wasn't as fast, Monoma's body slamming into her and knocking her to the ground as well.

Not looking back at them Bakugo didn't look away from All Might, bending his knees and rocketing back into the air, slinging himself in the air like a pin wheel. Flipping forward a few times fire erupted around him, his spinning getting faster and faster until he was a roaring ball of fire that crashed into All Might like a missile.

Seemingly unphased by the literal ball of fire that slammed into him All Might took hold of Bakugo and kicked him into the air, the poor boy letting a wad of spit out of his mouth as he soared through the air and landed in the dirt not far from them. Quickly getting back to his feet Bakugo let out a few strangled coughs, wiping the back of his knuckle against his mouth and launching himself back into the fray.

Going to move Kirishima was back onto his feet yet again to try and hold All Might in place, his rock fist slamming into All Might repeatedly, the protective shell shattering off of him from every hit.

Throwing Monoma off of her she rolled back onto her feet. "We need to get back in there!"

But when she turned to face Monoma she was surprised to find that he had not moved, merely sat up and staring down at his hands with wide eyes.

"...Monoma?"

"Hes a dud..." Monoma whispered out as if he was in a dream. "I cant believe...I thought for sure I could..."

"Monoma what are you talking about?"

Turning towards her for the first time his gaze snapped into focus as he stood to his feet. "W-we need to run!"

The statement was so weird she just stared for a second, the sound of their teammates fighting in the distance echoing through their silent stare down.

Frowning she shook her head at him like he was crazy. "What are you talking about? We have a plan."

"That plan is never going to work! We need to make a break for it while they are distracted! Just you and me!"

Raising an eyebrow at his crazed shouting her frown spread across her face in a look of disappointment.

Where was this even coming from?

"Have you forgotten we need one from both of our classes to escape in order to pass? Stop being stupid." Turning her back to him she got ready to head back into the fray. "Stay here if you want but I'm going to help."

Taking a step forward she jerked when Monoma reached out and grabbed onto her arm.

"Why do you never listen to me!" Monoma shouted out, his nails digging into her. "I bet if I was fucking Midoriya you'd run away with me!"

Her blood ran cold when she heard Midoriya's name being said with so much venom. Turning to face him she wrenched her arm free before glaring back at him.

"This has nothing to do with Izuku." She growled out.

"This has everything to do with Midoriya!" Monoma screamed, raising both of his hands into the air. An explosion going off behind them was the only thing telling them that their teammates were still standing. "If you weren't so obsessed by getting some punks fucking dick our class would be working together and we wouldn't keep being showed up by 1A!"

...

She wasn't sure what pissed her off more. The implication that she only spends time with her best friend to sleep with him or the sheer ignorance of their class being shown up by 1A.

"Monoma. That is enough."

Flip flopping back Monoma almost looked apologetic for a moment before he opened his big mouth. "I have been nothing but nice to you and you don't even look my way! What's so great about Midoriya when I'm right here! I'm a much better option then him! I could be so good for you!"

At that moment the truth hit her in the face like a bucket of ice cold water. She always thought Monoma was weirdly nice to her but she could never peg why exactly but now it all clicked together. Monoma was interested in her. Monoma was jealous of her and Midoriya's relationship and most importantly, Monoma was a creep trying to pray on her kindness and insecurities. Suddenly all of their interactions took on a new light and it disgusted her.

Turning to leave again to hide the growing disgust on her face Monoma went to stop her again, only this time more forcefully. "Where are you going!? I said we need to run!"

That was it.

Whipping around to face him she drove her fist into his face as hard as she could, months of pent up anger and frustration forcing it's way right into Monoma's face in the form of a closed fist punch.

She must of swung extra hard because Monoma went out like a light, his face whipping back before falling back against the ground.

Looking down at her bruised knuckle and then at her knocked out teammate she silently cursed out.

"Shit..."

Fuck fuck fuck!

This wasn't working.

With Kirishima trying to pin All Might down he couldn't get a clean shot without hitting both of them! Neither of them were backing down and he couldn't scream at Kirishima without giving the plan away.

No matter how many explosions he put in between them it didn't keep them a part for long.

God damnit. Why did both of them have such thick fucking skulls!?

He could already feel the dull ache in his chest, he didn't have much time until he was out of commission and his other two teammates are nowhere to be fucking seen! Just his god damn luck!

Watching the two trade blows he could see Kirishima was losing ground fast, his armor breaking off of him just as fast as he made a new layer. He was starting to slow down and looked to be losing steam fast.

Then it came to him, an idea clicking in his head.

God this was stupid...if his mom finds out he did this she's going to kill him.

Wrapping his hands over Kirishima's All Might's hands were like baseball mitts compared to his, his large hands forcefully twisting his hands upward before he took a step forward...and then another. Trying to fight back against the larger man Kirishima found himself being pushed back with every step, the concrete starting to crack as he was pushed back into the ground. Red sparks flickered around Kirishima's body but it did little to stop the unyielding force known as All Might.

Just when it looked like all was lost Bakugo was upon them in a second, his body getting between them with a startling speed before he axe kicked down on All Might's arms with enough force to break them apart. Landing in between them Bakugo lunged forward before All Might could respond and pressed an open palm against All Might's chest. Looking up at his idol with a sadistic smile he took hold of the pin on his gauntlet and pulled it point blank, only a single word coming from his grinning mouth.

"Die."

Boom

With a sickening crack Bakugo's gauntlet exploded, turning everything within All Might's vicinity into a shifting ball of flames. The sheer force of the blast pushed both Bakugo and Kirishima backwards through the air and landing far away from the crash zone.

Sitting up with a curse Bakugo could feel the all too familiar burns all over his body, his body scolding him for doing something so incredibly stupid.

Looking towards Kirishima on the ground he slowly stood up. "You fucking ok?"

"No..."

"Can you stand?"

There was a pause before Kirishima got to his feet as well. "Yeah...I think so."

"Then you're fucking ok." Bakugo scoffed out annoyed, wincing at the sharp pain in his hand that held the gauntlet when it exploded. "That's not going to keep him down for long."

"I don't know...you might have got him."

"Yeah and I'm the queen of England...what the hell happened to the other two?"

Almost to answer his question Red came running up with the copycat slung over her shoulder, sliding to a stop next to them.

"...what the hell happened to him?"

"Don't ask." There was a level of disgust on her face that told him immediately to drop it.

Red seemed to think of something for a second before holding the copycat out towards him. "Change of plans. You need to take Monoma and run."

...what.

"I'm not going to fucking run from this fight, that was not the damned deal!" He shouted, his neck bulging a little as he glared at her. "I'm not a god damn coward!"

"Will you just listen to me!" She shouted back just as determined. "You are the fastest one of us even when carrying an extra person! Kirishima and I will hold All Might off, you just have to get to the exit with Monoma as fast as you can!"

He hated this. So. Much.

He's not going to do it! There is no way in hell that he's going to sink so low! He'd rather lose then win like that. Red had the fucking nerve to try and boss HIM around, like he was some weakling! Like he needed a fucking hand out! It will be a cold day in hell if you caught him...

"You're the only one who can do this!" Itsuka exclaimed, a fire licking behind her eyes not unlike his mother...before all this. "Its the only plan I have! If you have a better one I would love to hear it!"

What will you have at the end of things Katsuki Bakugo?"

Movement in the smoke drew all of their gaze, Bakugo watching as the shadow of his idol shifted and started to stir.

Damnit damnit damnit damnit...

Standing to his full height All Might let out a cough, raising an arm before waving it aside, air flowing fast around him as the cloud parted in one quick motion. Squinting against the still disappearing smoke All Might ran a knuckle against his mouth as he tried to see where they had run off to.

They couldn't have gone far...if he could tell what direction they went he could catch up with them...

Straining to hear anything a loud explosion behind him made him spin around quickly just in time to see a young Bakugo rocket past carrying Monoma on his shoulder. Bakugo shouting as he fly by.

"GODDAMNIT!"

Alarmed, All Might went to stop them but it was too late. Emerging from the remaining smoke Kirishima rushed him, slamming into him and wrapping both of his arms around his waist, anchoring himself to the ground. Struggling to pry his successor off of him All Might raised both of his fist and slammed them down hard upon Kirishima's shoulders, his armor splintering off but still he did not let go. Slamming his fist into him again and again the concrete cracked under the force. Kirishima gritting his teeth in pain before shouting out.

"Kendo! Hit em now!"

Parting from the smoke on the other side was Kendo, holding the other gauntlet to her arm and aiming it straight at the both of them.

"Sorry about this, All Might!" She yelled out, her free hand reaching down as she pulled the pin.

Eyes widening All Might quickly took note of the situation, turning his large body completely around before wrapping his arms around Kirishima, his large frame folding over him like a blanket to shield him from the blast.

In a flash of light the area in front of Kendo exploded into a large ball of fire, the force of the blast launching her backwards off of her feet. Her arm tensed as she was forcefully jerked backwards, heat radiating off of her face as she tumbled back against the ground. Her entire arm ached from just the recoil of the thing, a sharp pain running up her arm and into her shoulder.

Geez. She's lucky the thing didn't tear her arm off entirely...its a good thing she just did that to THE All Might else she might have to go to prison for murder...

Stumbling to her feet she rubbed her injured shoulder her gaze not leaving the large smoke cloud. After a long tense moment there was movement, the sight of All Might standing up making her heart skip a beat...before he fell back to a knee with a cough. Any tension leaving her body as worry took over, quickly jogging over to him.

"All Might!" It was hard to make him out in the smoke but he looked pretty beat up. "Are you guys all..."

Raising a hand All Might waved her off reassuringly, letting out a low chuckle as he righted himself. "We are fine young Kendo. No need to worry just...please tell me you dont have a third one of those under your sleeve. My heart would not be able to take it!"

Letting out a good nature laugh she sighed as she watched Kirishima emerge more or less ok.

"Yeah there was just the two."

"Good...remind me to do a lesson on proper equipment safety cause my lord do you children need it!"

"Bakugo and Monoma have crossed the finish line." An automated voice called out through the intercom. "Team Kirishima has passed."

Wiping blood from his mouth All Might chuckled. "Well done you four, you all did exceptionally...now can you do me a favor and help me up."

Flanking him on both sides both her and Kirishima started to walk All Might back to the others, excitement and relief on both of their faces.

They did it, they faced the impossible and survived.

A faint hiss could be heard followed by the continuous, rhythmic sound of beeping. Each beep was evenly spaced like a heart monitor. The shadow of a short man passed by as the camera started to follow him, the sound of water slushing nearby as some kind of liquid in a beaker bubbled up before the figure moved on. Following the sound of his footsteps past a trail of vials and beakers the view turned into large pods and vats. The glass windows foggy and hard to see inside. Taking a good moment to look at one the pods the figure wrote something down on a clipboard before a large mangled hand slapped up against the glass and making the figure jump back in surprise.

Letting out an amused chuckle he moved on. Slowly he followed the sound of beeping until eventually the area opened up to reveal a large crooked chair illuminated by multiple televisions. A rusted and destroyed throne decorated by sin and age...and of course what was a throne without it's king.

Sitting dead center of the middle of the chair a being more scar tissue then man sat, his face devoid of anything that would actually make it a face. The skin smooth and stretched over like a bad wound, the only thing resembling a human was a wide smile on his face.

Turning towards the figure the being chuckled, facing him as if he actually had eyes to see him.

"Ah doctor. Is everything coming together nicely."

Nodding his head slowly the doctor peeked down at some of his files before back to the entity. "Yes, the nomus are coming along nicely and are evolving at an exceptional rate, the new test subject especially. That one is moving along above record expectations."

A throaty laugh rang out at that, the beings 'gaze' shifting back to the televisions. "Good good. Say what you will about Shigaraki but he knows how to pick them."

Wandering next to the chair the doctor peeked up at one of the monitors as well, raising a hand to adjust his glasses. "I still don't see what you see in the boy but I've learned to not question you at this point...how is he fairing?"

The smile on the mysterious man grew wider, almost impossibly so. "Things have been going exceptional. Shigaraki had finally started to find his way just as I expected. I fail to see what happened but something changed within him, there's a fire and an understanding behind his eyes that rivals my own."

"I've noticed it too, he's been different lately. More quiet then usual and more focused. I can't help but wonder what happened..."

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth doctor."

Frowning the doctor's bushy mustache tilted down as he hummed out. "I just wish he would stop demanding so much of me. He's already taking more then enough Nomus, I fail to see why he needs all of these other things as well."

"Give him all he needs doctor. You of all people should know I reward those under my care. "Turning to look down at the short doctor he chuckled, a low, concerning laugh."I will give you the world Doctor Garaki...if you can proof that you can take it."

Lowering his head in a bow the doctor flustered a little before turning. "Of course my excellence. I did not mean to question your word...I will get the things prepared now."

Wandering farther into the darkened lab his footsteps faded away, leaving the creature all alone in the dark. Turning his smooth head he stared at one of the monitors, the blurry image of a group all discussing amongst each other where standing at the head was a joint leader of both Hero Killer Stain AND his successor Shigaraki.

There was a sign of fire behind Shigaraki's eyes that he had never seen before. Smoldering embers flicking around in the dark and he for one could not wait to see what it turned into. He will sit back, for now, and stoke those flames. Watching with a manic glee as it spreads and consumes all that you hold dear. Letting out another laugh his head cocked back as his smile grew and grew.

"What fun this will be...All Might."

Notes:

Annnnd that's a wrap on the semester practical. Not a bunch happened but some characters grew and other characters were squashed. Kendo and Bakugo's relationship has drifted a little closer to what will eventually become begrudgingly respectful. Todoroki is starting to question his own actions and Monoma was given his third strike.

I thought it would be interesting to draw a parallel between Bakugo and Monoma where one is actively trying to become better where the other is so closed minded that he refuses to change, leading to his fall from the hero course.

Also I may or may not have read way too much reddit "nice guys" to try and get in the headspace like someone like Monoma and let me just say I feel gross. I had to go take a shower after writing that part.

Anyway, this arc was kind of fast and skimmed over mostly because I'm really excited to write what happens next. This next arc is going to be fun...for me mostly.

Debatable for you guys. See you guys then!