Hey, so quick thing- yes, I heard about the RT news. And I'm doing better than I thought I would about it. I've seen the writing on the wall for a while, since the 2019 layoffs and 2020 abuse scandal with an employee. RWBY's extended hiatus also was whatever. I've been geared up for a 'custom' finale for some time now.
Ultimately, I hope RWBY gets a nice new home- but Gemstones past V9's events will be totally original. We're stumbling in the dark here.
Anyways, here's your chapter. Here's the Discord: /cgFmXz3qJ5
The teachers had all taken a seat in the stands of the arena. Miss Joke was bothering Aizawa, as Jaune, Pyrrha and Kathleen were all explaining the situation to Ren.
"Every other school in the country gangs up on UA," Kathleen explained. "Because they can see what the kids can do from the Sports Fest."
Ren didn't like that. "So, it gives them an unfair advantage against the kids. How often does an entire UA class pass?"
"Very rare," Pyrrha frowned. "I've seen it a few times- it's not a pretty sight. Any stragglers get picked off soon after."
"It's kinda unfortunate, but it humbles the kids. Besides, there's another test- it's not like they need to wait another year to retry." Jaune added.
Ren looked at Aizawa and grimaced. If he didn't tell them, that just means one thing…
"Looks like they're starting," Kathleen pointed out. "Here's to hoping the UA kids make it out- my best protege is on the field. She's a beast!"
"Ben's successor is down there as well…" Ren noted.
"Wait, really? I didn't even see her." Pyrrha said. "How well has she been doing?"
"She's been training with Yang a lot- she's made some of the best improvements as of recently. At least according to All Might." Ren explained.
"Xiao Long, huh? Makes sense." Kathleen smirked. "They've both got a fire in their hearts…"
"You guys talking about the UA Crush?" Miss Joke asked.
"Yeah. Think it's gonna be really bad this year- my kids were pretty damn fired up to take Class 1-A. Especially after the Sports Fest." Kathleen smirked. "I trained them till they bled."
"And WHO had to heal them?" Jaune frowned.
Aizawa huffed. "The UA crush...it's not like I didn't tell them for any particular reason." Aizawa explained. "It's not going to change what they've got to do here. They still have to overcome the odds."
Ren used his Semblance to check Aizawa's true feelings- he expected to see some 'doubt' or 'worry', but most of his petals were red. The color red was associated with passion, strength, and fierceness.
Aizawa truly believed that all his students would pass, didn't he?
Just as Ren was about to turn off his semblance, he caught sight of a lone blue petal floating amidst the scatter of red ones. Ren's gaze returned to Aizawa, and then to the flower's petal.
Ren felt a bit of sadness when he saw that.
"A hero's job is to be able to turn the tables when things look dire, but after they've made it big, everyone will know all about their quirks. Without meaning to offend, we tend to focus more on the future than the rest of you." Aizawa stated.
"You sure are more passionate than usual, Eraser." Pyrrha noted. "Any reason why?"
"...When it comes to Class 1-A, one thing becomes obvious after watching them long enough." Aizawa explained. "They haven't realized it yet, but there's a pair of students everyone seems to follow. It's not that they bring everyone together, or serve as pillars. But they've spread this philosophy of passion and fervor into the class."
Kathleen smiled as she heard that. "I have a feeling I know who you're talking about."
"Truth be told, I was worried that one of the student's influences would fall through the cracks with everything going on." Aizawa hummed. "But, I think that's just made their beliefs stronger."
"It is odd, but it seems like they're at the heart of every storm nowadays." Pyrrha said. "At least from what I've heard."
"Heard nothing. You just need to watch their actions." Aizawa said. "And then you'll understand why they're an inspiration to the class."
Ren felt much better after hearing that.
The students had finished putting on their targets and grabbing the throwing balls they needed. The words "open up" still hung in several of their minds. Before any of them could ponder further what those words meant, the meeting room they were in started to shake. Looks like the question would be answered, anyway. The entire room unfolded like a box, the roof and walls falling away to thud against the ground of the arena. The assembled crowd was stunned to see that they were in the middle of a rocky plain, with simulated environments all around them.
To UA's students, it was like an upscaled version of the U.S.J. An industrial factory zone loomed over them to their right, firmly positioned between a fabricated forest and an artificial their left were two different urban environments, one a more typical city with smaller office buildings and hotels while the other sported massive, multi-floored high-rises and skyscrapers. In front of them was a giant highway bridge, probably meant to simulate high speed chases and incidents with high amounts of civilian traffic, while behind them was a large set of rapids and ponds, culminating in a lake at the base of a set of fabricated hills.
"The early bird gets the worm here," Izuku muttered, "People won't be fighting their own schoolmates; they'll be forming teams with Quirks they know for an easy win."
"Are you suggesting we do the same thing?" Ochako inquired.
"Seems like the fastest route to a win," Kirishima responded.
"If that's so…" Izuku nodded. "Everyone, let's try to stick together! Move as a group!"
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be a good idea," Todoroki said, "Apologies, but I won't be able to use my powers effectively if we're packed together. Too much risk of friendly fire."
"Todoroki-!" Kirishima was about to protest, but it was too late. Todoroki was already running off.
"It…does make some sense," Jirou agreed, "He's still working on focusing his power to more concentrated attacks."
"I…yeah, I guess, but still."
"I know he can handle himself," Izuku said, "but at the same, we're at a disadvantage. We're well known."
"Because of the sports fest?" Iida commented as Class 1-A ran in a random direction, following Izuku's lead.
"Exactly! The 'quick way to win' with teaming up with your classmates is something that the other students will take into account too! This'll turn from a battle royale to a fight between schools!"
"And they just need to pick a target," Ochako added.
"Exactly!"
"And who's a better target…than someone you already know? Oh hell," Jirou gasped.
The group rounded a corner, one of the many rocks jutting out of the fabricated ground and it was like realizing you'd just walked into the crossfire of two tanks. It was hard to tell if this was true, but it looked like every single one of the other students was there, Quirks and balls at the ready. The Ketsubutsu kids were there, taking positions to rain down spherical hell on the U.A. students, among plenty of other students.
Thus began the U.A. Crush.
Kaminari was about to try and jump back, maybe get behind cover. A few quick notes sounded out from what sounded like a synthesizer before the electrokinetic student slammed into…giant musical notes?
"Not my most complicated song," Kaede admitted from a good cover spot, "but it serves its purpose. Their escape route's cut off!"
Kaede Wakana! Quirk: Music Notes! Because of her quirk, Kaede can make physical musical notations appear when she plays an instrument. The music can be used to capture and ensnare adversaries. The song's complexity also correlates to its effectiveness. So, something like 'Row Row Your Boat" is gonna hold nothing, but Kaikhosru Sorabji's Opus Clavicembalisticum will hold down the fort for sure! It could probably keep down Humungousaur at full power!
"And now, the nail that sticks out the most…gets hammered down first!" Shindo smirked.
Taking advantage of the initial shock, the other students all tossed their balls at the U.A. group, thinking it'd be an easy win for them. They couldn't have been more wrong. A thick stream of acid flew out in front of the group, melting away any projectiles that slammed into it. Flurries of tape strands launched out, catching the spherical projectiles mid air and preventing them from ever reaching their targets. A massive shadowy hand launched out and caught more of the balls, while sheer wind blew aside even more of the thrown balls. Some of the balls even bounced off of thick, police-grade riot shields that formed a defensive perimeter around some of the students.
Aizawa could only look on with hidden pride as he saw his students handily defend themselves from the initial onslaught, but this was still the opening minutes. Plenty could change in the future.
Shindo was still with his classmates, watching the attacks from them and the other schools did not really do much against the U.A. class. The kid with the rigid, blue face, Makabe, turned to his classmate in a small bit of concern.
"They're repelling most of 'em," Makabe said.
"Honestly I'd be more surprised if this worked," Shindo admitted, "Won't be enough to just barrage 'em. But now we know what they're made of."
"And with that," The long-haired kid, Toteki, said, "we can deal with them."
Makabe took a collection of four spheres and activated his Quirk on them, pressing them between his hands a few times. When he was ready, the orbs were no longer as soft as tennis balls, but instead they were now hard as stone.
"Your turn!" Makabe called out, tossing the projectiles to Toteki.
"My turn indeed," Toteki nodded, catching the four orbs, two in each hand, "Apologies in advance for possibly being the first to pass the exam, everyone. But, considering that their numbers will be reduced, perhaps you'll forgive me."
He reared back both of his arms, ready to throw the next four rounds in the barrage.
"Target lock." Toteki began, "ON!" He then threw all four of the orbs at once, launching them through the stone ground and at the U.A. group as if they were land-based torpedoes.
Itejiro Toteki! Quirk: Boomerang! Itejiro's Quirk grants him the ability to throw objects with incredible accuracy and change their trajectory in mid-air. And also, he looks like Kohei Horikoshi!
They've gone underground! Izuku noticed. He wants us to be unable to react by hiding their trajectory!
Of course, Izuku wasn't the only one to notice. Jirou adjusted the new gloves she wore, her earphone jacks plugging into them with two quick clicks.
"This is where I shine," Jirou smirked. She slammed her hands to the ground, ensuring that the gauntlets touched the stone floor.
"Amplifier Jack: Heartbeat Distortion!" the sound-manipulating student called out. The gloves she wore used a similar design to the stereo-speakers built into her boots, but with even more increased power and precision. The amplified sounds of her own heartbeat turned to destructive sonic force that tore up the ground. The balls that Toteki threw were thrown skyward from the move.
"Impressive," Shindo smirked, "She dug 'em up. No use panicking if you can take away the advantage. Guess they really aren't the same students we saw at the sports fest."
A loud yawn echoed over the speaker system, surprising Medaka a little.
"Oh don't tell me he's awake! He hasn't gotten near enough rest, especially from how he-" Medaka was cut off when a ball missed her face by a few mere inches.
"Well," Mera yawned, "that was a good quick rest. Let's see…no one's passed yet. Complete stalemate…huh. Oh, I should've mentioned before, I'll be doing a play by play from the announcement booth."
"Alright…looks like their defense is too strong," Shindo smirked, cracking his knuckles, "Gotta split 'em up! Everyone get back!" The Ketsubutsu student slammed his hands to the ground and activated his own Quirk. His arms began to vibrate violently, followed by the very ground itself.
"Maximum Force!" Shindo yelled, "TREMORING EARTH!" The words were almost immediately drowned out by the very earth and rock beneath everyone's feet exploding, ripping up the battlefield and giving it a more wasteland like appearance. Entire classes were scattered from the sudden eruption of stone, class 1-A included. Ochako watched as rocks jutted up and cut off Mina and Tooru from the rest of the class. She even saw Izuku get cut off, her vision blocked by the upheaval of stone.
Yo Shindo! Quirk: Vibrate. He can make anything he touches vibrate! Depending on the intensity and speed of the vibrations, however, the aftershocks can render him immobile for a short time.
Shindo panted as the storm of rubble and debris subsided, some of his friends coming over to him to provide a bit of cover. As it stood, he wasn't gonna be moving for a minute or two.
"Heh…you're not," Shindo huffed, "the only ones who worked on ultimate moves."
Despite the action going down in the arena, Mera couldn't help but be a little…bored. His eyes were constantly checking on the number of people who had passed and so far, not a person had passed or failed yet. There were some hits here and there, but not enough hits to make some fail.
"So…does anyone actually feel like passing today? Or is this gonna be one giant stalemate?" Mera asked over the loudspeakers, with a hint of passive-aggressiveness to his tone.
Someone took those words to heart.
Over in the simulated city area, another battle was already raging. Several students from different schools were duking it out, using everything they could to try and gain an advantage. This is where most of the single or double hits came from that Mera noted on his tracker, but still no passes.
One of the students, a girl in an outfit reminiscent of a Chinese martial artist, felt the tremors from Shindo's ultimate move and paused for a moment, just wondering what the hell was happening.
"Is…is that an earthquake?" she huffed, "Someone's Quirk maybe?"
"No time for that!" one of her classmates called out, a girl in what could only be described as a rancher outfit, "Focus on the battle at hand!"
"Not looking good here!" a student in an armored costume called out to them, blocking a few thrown balls with his shield, "We need to restrategize! Make a plan based around the Quirks we can-!"
But then he was cut off. Hell, everyone stopped mid-fight because of the sudden gust of wind. At first, it was just higher than normal, catching the students off guard, but then it kept getting stronger. The gusts even managed to rip the balls from the grip of some students.
"T-this wind-! Our balls-!" one student clad in a bug-themed suit said.
"Dude, phrasing!" one of his classmates said.
"Well sorry, but look! It's only the balls getting swept up!"
He was right. From the battle in the streets, every single student had lost hold of their balls, swept up into a massive vortex that reached high above one of the lower buildings. But, of course, this wasn't a normal vortex. At the base of the vortex was another student fighting for his provisional license.
It was Inasa. He still sported that iconic hat of Shiketsu's, but he was clad in his own hero costume now. It was a thick burgundy suit pinned together with yellow buttons, a thick furred collar, and a cape draped over his shoulders, that almost concealed a jetpack-like propulsion system attached to his back. His left arm was completely concealed by the same material that made up the rest of his suit whereas his right arm is completely exposed other than the skintight blue sleeve that appears to be a part of his undersuit. His right hand also sported a large tan glove with air pipes on it. There were several tubes around his torso and ankles and plates resembling gas masks padding his knees and left shoulder. The outfit was complete with large brown shoes and a pair of goggles around his head.
"I BELIEVE HEROES SHOULD BE HOT-BLOODED!" Inasa shouted down to the students below, "SO GOOD JOB ON THE FIGHT GUYS! IT SHOWS YOUR WHITE-HOT PASSION!"
"He's from Shiketsu!" one student called out, "But he's…alone?"
"What the hell is he even talking about?" another asked, tilting their head a bit.
"Wait…with the balls gone, we don't have any options…!" a third realized in horror.
"IF IT'S NOT TOO MUCH TROUBLE, I'D LIKE TO JOIN IN! Please and…THANK YOU!"
Inasa made one powerful throwing motion with his hands and the winds changed direction.
A ping suddenly got Mera's attention, peaking his interest enough to check at what happened.
"I know that sound," Mera yawned, "Sounds like someone finally managed to pass thi-WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE GHOST OF ALL MIGHT?! Er-I mean…uh…WOW. One hundred and twenty participants! All taken out…by ONE PERSON!"
The sudden turn of events left the students bewildered, their eyes widening as they processed the shocking revelation. Inasa, with his winds still swirling dramatically around him, stood on the edge of the arena, a confident grin on his face.
Mera, still staring at the screen with disbelief, couldn't help but express his amazement. "Well, well, well! Looks like we've got a real powerhouse in our midst! I'm so awake now! NOW! Let's get to the fun stuff!"
As she recovered from the earthquake, Ochako rubbed her head. Damn those Ketsubutsu kids! She thought as she stood back up. Aside from being a very dishonorable move on Shindo's part, it also drove a significant wedge between Class 1-A- now they were all separated from each other. With kids hunting them like wolves, it probably didn't bode well for her success.
Did that tired guy really just say someone took out 120 participants!? Going above and beyond for sure- so that thins the numbers down to…1,330 people. Ochako thought.
She looked around to see if she was alone. So they made us split up, and if they're not careful, someone could actually die from one of those crazy tremors. I want to call out to someone, but that would just draw the attention of the other school to me.
Ochako let out a happy sigh as she realized no one else was around. "Thank Goodness..." She clenched her fists. But just because no one's around doesn't mean I'm safe! Those kids are lurking somewhere. My classmates can't be that far apart, right? First I gotta avoid getting outnumbered…
While Ochako was searching for a location to protect herself, she noticed something buried beneath the debris. It looked like a gorgeous ribbon pattern, the kind that may be found on a kimono or other traditional Japanese garment. Ochako's worst thought came first. Did someone get crushed!? She panicked, as she rushed over to the rubble.
She quickly touched the debris and activated her Quirk, levitating the rock into the air just enough to free the person beneath it. Ochako pushed the stones aside and was about to offer some aid to the poor soul that was crushed, only to blink. It was just the ribbon under the rock, no person attached.
"Huh?" Ochako muttered. Did she just assume the worst?
"Idiot! You fell for it!" A childish voice yelled.
Ochako was caught off guard when ribbons suddenly wrapped themselves around her and tugged her backwards. She struggled to free herself as the pint sized brat from Ketsubutsu walked out.
"I know YOU were eliminated in round one of the sports fest, so you must be easy to deal with." The girl smirked. "Sorry to cut your hopes short, dumby~!"
Haruhi Saionji! Quirk: Ribbon Manipulation! Haruhi has the ability to conjure and control ribbons. They can extend up to ten feet in range, and use them like limbs to attack and grab objects. Fun fact: she interned with Best Jeanist, but her attitude was so bad it made him weep! She liked it.
"Wait, so you-?" Ochako began.
"Set you up so you'd put your guard down? Exactly! Smart enough to figure that one out at least," Haruhi smirked, "Now, don't struggle. I'll just tap your targets and we can both move on to better things! Well, I'd be moving to better things."
Ochako smirked. "So, wait- you guys only know about our abilities from...a few months ago?"
"Yeah, stupid! I just said that we watched your Sports Festival footage." Haruhi smirked. "You got exactly what you deserved for being so arrogant as to believe you could compete with that one moron. Remember where you stand!"
Ochako's sneer just grew. "If that's the case, you're missing some important details."
"Like what?"
"My quirk can easily help me escape from TIGHT binds." Ochako tapped the ribbons.
"Eh?" Haruhi gasped, before she saw her ribbons unwind and float up skyward. Ochako smirked as she was freed from the binds and Haruhi blinked a little nervously.
"Not your best moment, I'd take it?" Ochako asked.
"W-what's going on with these things!?" Haruhi frowned, as they aimlessly floated around. "Why can't I control their movements!?"
"I removed their gravity." Ochako grinned.
Haruhi sneered and tried to generate a few more ribbons to lash out at Ochako. The gravity manipulator dodged out of the way as the cloths each missed their chance to ensnare her. A few more quick taps from Ochako and even those ribbons began floating up, frustrating Haruhi even more.
"Is that your limit?" Ochako asked. "Only a few ribbons? Doesn't seem like much."
Haruhi unleashed a set of distinct violet ribbons adorned with intricate designs "Ultimate Move! Koki-murasaki Serpents!" The ribbons transformed, resembling serpents as they slithered gracefully around Ochako. Each serpent held one of the orange balls in its mouth, creating a visually captivating and formidable display.
"I'll move so fast you won't even be able to predict where I'm gonna strike!" Haruhi said. "I'll draw first blood-!"
"Hmmm…" Ochako said, dodging one more normal ribbon. "No!"
"N-no?" Harhui stammered, "What do you mean n-!"
Tink! Haruhi blinked, looking down at one of her targets. A star was now connected to the target on her right shoulder.
"What...what is this? You know the targets only register if you hit it with a ball!" Haruhi snarked.
"Alright!" Ochako said, holding up a ball with a white star on it. "Lemme fix that." She chucked the ball as hard as she could, and it locked onto her target with ease. Haruhi gasped as her target lit up.
"W-what the!? Did you just copy Ballman's lame quirk, you witch!?" Haruhi cursed. "The hell did you do?"
Ochako wore a smug smirk as she proudly raised her gauntlet. "You caught a glimpse of me without my gear…ever see me fight with it?"
"A point and shoot system?" Ceres asked, as she looked over Ochako's notes. "This is something, kid..."
"I thought 'what am I lacking with my current powers?'" Ochako explained. "And I realized- Gravattack can attract stuff towards her, which is REALLY useful! But I can't in my normal form. And that could really be useful since I have no control over the stuff I touch!"
"And you wanna cover that weakness so you don't have to JUST rely on one form. Smart move," Ceres nodded, "Can make this for you in no time."
"The main idea is that these stars- I can attach them to an object and have them follow me around. Then, I shoot a black star onto my target, and then the stuff with the white stars just attracts towards that..." Ochako explained.
"Easy enough to replicate. I have some Polymorph tech I can repurpose into the stars," Ceres hummed in thought, aloud.
"It also makes my moves have some more precision! Can't have anyone else get injured by falling debris." Ochako went on. Ceres chuckled a bit. "Huh? What's up?"
"Sorry, your...rambling kinda reminded me of Ruby." Ceres said.
"Oh, it does?"
"Heh, yeah. She's always looking to upgrade Crescent Rose for all KINDS of scenarios."
Ochako chuckled as well. "I only got the idea because everyone was asking each other for help. Looking to do stuff they couldn't...and, I've been so focused on my aliens, I haven't focused on myself. So, I hope this adds to my powers..."
"Trust me, when I'm done, you'll have everything you need for the exam," Ceres nodded.
Ochako continued to shoot stars towards Haruhi, and both of these shots were successful in hitting their targets. "This test was kinda perfect for my new gear!" Ochako said.
"W-what..." Haruhi blinked in total shock. She looked down to see all three of her targets glowing red.
"But...n-no. Y-you...you're...inferior..." Haruhi muttered, defeated.
"Sorry, kid!" Ochako said. "But I need to pass this just as bad as you d-"
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Haruhi started to cry, shocking Ochako.
"I...l-look, I'm sorry. I know this is important for all of u-" Ochako began to apologize.
"What? No, I'm not actually offended by! I'm just crying loud enough so someone else along and takes revenge for me!" Haruhi smirked evilly. "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Wait, what?!"
Ochako eventually turned around and saw a person perched on top of a nearby cliff while Haruhi's cries grew increasingly louder. Oh, crap! She got somebody's attention-!
"Is this how UA educates its students?" Someone said, "To be barbaric and heinous with no sense of shame?"
Ochako's eyes expanded. Oh, no! Not HER!
Medaka jumped down from the cliff when someone appeared on the cliff. "H-hey! Take care of yourself, Medaka! The ground is extremely unstable, and I don't want you to break your leg in the process!" The second girl had glasses, long brown hair done up in a ponytail with a blue ribbon, and wore glasses over her purple eyes. She was dressed in something that looked like a swimsuit worn by lifeguards, with a color pattern of blue and light blue.
"Thank you so much for your concern, Mogana," Medaka said with a giggle.
"Concern nothing! Hospitals levy excessive fees!" Mogana scowled.
After shrugging it off with a laugh, Medaka turned to look at Ochako. "You!" She struck some poses. "Ochako Uraraka!" She struck some more poses. "It is quite obvious that you did not grow up in a culture of positivism, which is what led you to choose the route that you are on now. Don't be concerned! I will show you all of my affection in the hopes that you will learn your lesson and never do anything dishonorable again."
Ochako made a face. "W-what!?"
...you know it figures the one to hear me is a weirdo like this, Haruhi thought, Buuut she is the weirdo that took over the announcements...-and- and she's from Shiketsu. So this is all but assured to bring me vengeance! Goodbye Och...Ocha...eh, I don't care enough. Goodbye, Obito! I might have failed, but I'm taking you with me!
Ochako took a few steps backward. I don't know what her quirk is, but if she's coming up to me like this, it must be something strong. Must be close quarters.
Medaka knelt down, placing her hand on the earth's surface. Ochako couldn't help but wonder if she was gearing up for a sprint. Confusion clouded Ochako's thoughts—what was Medaka planning?
Suddenly, Ochako's eyes widened in astonishment. As Medaka rose to her feet, chunks of the ground levitated around her. A realization struck Ochako: Medaka was wielding Ochako's own power. Before she could fully process this, Medaka swiftly kicked the floating rock shards in Ochako's direction.
Reacting with instinctive reflexes, Ochako swiftly dodged, allowing the shards to shatter against the ground and other elevated pieces of earth. Seizing the opportunity created by the chaos of the attack, the UA student sought cover.
Her Quirk...is it JUST like mine? Or can she copy powers she's seen? Ochako wondered, trying to think of a plan.
Mogana slid down next to her class president, and watched Ochako run. "She thinks she's being smart, doesn't she?"
"Come now. She has the common sense to flee." Medaka said, as she looked up at the floating debris around her. "Her quirk is quite useful, so she's smart to stay in this terrain. A lot of broken fragments of Earth could be used to replicate her meteor technique she used against her opponent in the sports fest."
"Hm." Mogana said, nodding. Leave it to Medaka to break down a person's powers in an instant.
"Now then!" Medaka clapped, accidentally deactivating the zero gravity. "Mogana! I need to borrow your power to level the playing field."
"Of course!" Mogana agreed.
Better cover your ears," Medaka cautioned Mogana, a swift warning before she inhaled deeply. With a burst of sonic energy that rivaled Echo Echo's abilities, Medaka unleashed a shout that reverberated through the surroundings. Ochako, along with several other unsuspecting students, winced in pain as they clutched their ears in response to the powerful sound wave.
Some took advantage of the sonic destruction. Balls hit the targets of three students and knocked them out of the game, all seemingly thrown by...a living mound of hair?
"Looks like we have Medaka and Mogana to thank for this," the hairy student said, adjusting his own hat as his targets flashed green.
W-what the heck was THAT?! Ochako wondered, her ears still ringing from the intense sonic attack. Stumbling around, she realized she had no shelter, feeling vulnerable and exposed. No shelter...I'm a sitting duck!
She was proven right when a ball missed one of her targets by a few inches. Time slowed down for Ochako as she watched the orange rubber orb pass by, her eyes widening as it bounced off a rock.
"Dammit!" a familiar voice called out, one that Ochako almost didn't hear. It was Medaka's friend, the one concerned with the healthcare system. Wait, but if she was here... did Medaka copy another Quirk that quickly?!
Ochako surveyed her surroundings and fired some white stars around. I'll guard myself with these rocks. I'll leave enough space to see where the attacks are coming from. The rocks started to levitate and rotate around her body.
When there wasn't a black star active, anything with a white star would float around the user. It was a good defensive technique, probably with more applications. She needed to sit down with Deku and theory-craft.
Her timing was perfect. Another ball bounced off one of the defensive rocks around Ochako, ricocheting back to Mogana's hand.
"A clever plan," Mogana admitted, "but as Medaka's shown, sound can break rock!"
So the sonic power is HER Quirk! Medaka just copied it! Knew it! Ochako thought.
"Break THIS!" Ochako said, firing a black star at Mogana. The rocks followed the star, which latched onto the ground before Mogana.
...I need to improve my aim. Ochako thought.
"...so close," Mogana shrugged, before taking a deep breath.
The rocks smashed into the ground at full force, which did make Mogana jump backwards. She's using support gear to enhance her range. Smart. Mogana thought. But Medaka...
Medaka got a glint in her eye. She slammed her hand down to the floor before raising it skyward. Countless pieces of broken rock flew skyward, dotting the horizon in an ominous manner. Ochako looked up to see her own technique being used against. Even some of the still recovering other students looked up to see the oncoming storm of rocks.
"And...release!" Medaka smirked, throwing her hand out and letting the rocks fly.
Ochako's eyes widened as she recognized the attack. T-that's MY move! Ochako thought. How come there's like a BAJILLION more rocks?! WHO IS THIS MEDAKA GIRL!?
Medaka Kurokami! Quirk: The End. "The End" maximizes every skill, trait, natural affinity, talent, and power. Medaka's bio-energy aura lets her copy and improve any ability. Her energy also lets her copy Emitter quirks. Medaka can learn skills beyond her physical abilities, but she cannot mimic their physical attributes. She can mimic Mirko's moves, Bakugou's quirk, but not Tsu's mutations. She woulda been OP as hell with the Omnitrix!
Rocks slammed down all around Ochako, some of them even striking other students, sending them flying as if bombs were being dropped from above. Medaka ominously walked among the carnage along with Mogana. The brown-haired banshee student managed to tag out two students, putting her in the closest position to passing. Medaka hadn't even tagged out a single one; she just walked past them. Now, you'd think that was a stupid move, leaving herself open to retaliatory attacks. After a display like that, though, few were willing to risk her fury.
Besides, she was more focused on a certain student from U.A.
"Are you sure you don't want to tag any of them?" Mogana reminded.
"Of course. They still deserve a chance to reach their dreams!" Medaka said, "Besides, we still have plenty of time!"
"You assume the best of people, don't you?" Mogana frowned.
"I believe everyone is capable of some good," Medaka explained. "Even the worst of people..."
"Even someone like Stain?" Mogana asked with a raised brow.
"That's a bit more complicated, but that is a debate for later!" Medaka nodded.
Ochako huffed as she hid behind a bunch of rocks, covering her mouth. She's not gonna tag me? Is that what she said? Then why is she going this crazy!?
"So...how do you intend to pass?" Mogana asked.
"I had a plan the moment I read the requirements! And then I made a second and third as back-ups," Medaka confirmed.
"Well, go on. I'm listening." Mogana said. "I DID ask for your help, y'know. I'm just here to get my license for some job opportunities."
"Well in that case," Medaka smirked, "the original plan was to find those who may need a bit more training or those who seem...maybe a bit too non-heroic. Like that Bakugou kid.
"Kumagawa was saying the same thing, y'know...what makes you so different?" Mogana frowned. "You get on his case about it."
"Nature vs nurture, Mogana." Medaka said.
"Explain, please?" Mogana asked, dodging a ball that almost hit her. Medaka effortlessly ducked under the ball as well, sending a rock over to smack into the student that threw that.
"See? Someone like that is in need of guidance." Medaka said. "Striking at us while we're having a conversation! Rude."
This is an exam. It's expected. Mogana thought.
"Anyway, this...Ochako girl we're chasing. I thought she was a model student, but it seems that was a mask! A shame, truly!"
Ochako huffed. A mask!? I swear... Ochako grit her teeth. I need to show her that I'm not all that bad- it's probably the only way I'll get her to stop attacking me.
"Now... where did she go?" Medaka asked, surveying the battlefield with plenty of rocks still at her disposal.
Ochako began looking around. Okay, there are a lot of knocked-out kids—maybe I could, like, try and... move them around? Out of harm's way?
"She couldn't have gone far," Mogana looked around.
"Hmmm...on the off chance she has, I may have a way to find her," Medaka said.
"And how is that, exactly?" Mogana asked.
Ochako held her breath. Oh, God-
"The girl's stars." Medaka held up a white star. "I'm feeling a slight pull in this direction..."
She still has my stars?! Ochako panicked. Wait... but I can get rid of... I can throw her off! A plan quickly formed in Ochako's head. She took aim and launched one of the black stars, hitting a wall far from her. If Medaka was so determined to chase her, then why not let her?
Medaka's eyes darted over to where Ochako fired the star. "Oh! Looks like she's moving in this direction...come on! She can't escape enlightenment!" Medaka and Mogana ran off, as Ochako took off running in the opposite direction.
Perfect! Ochako looked over her shoulder as she ran. Ok...now how can I convince Medaka to stop chasing me. Whatever I do, she needs to see it, otherwise she'll keep coming. I need to beat someone honorably...let her see that...
The next thing that came to Ochako's attention was the sound of footsteps coming up from behind her. Ochako was taken aback when she turned around and saw that Medaka was following her. W-what!? She figured out my plan!
"A clever distraction indeed!" Medaka called, "You almost got me!"
"H-how did you!?" Ochako yelled.
"Woman's intuition!" Medaka smiled, as she suddenly rushed forward- it's like she picked up a sudden speed boost out of nowhere! The forward momentum of Medaka caused a sonic boom that wiped out everything in her path, both in front of and behind her.
"ULTIMATE MOVE!" Medaka yelled. "KUROKAMI-"
Ochako tapped her body and jumped up into the air as she avoided the attack.
"PHANTOM!"
The sonic boom wiped out their surroundings...but also seemed to do some damage to Medaka as well.
Her speed...is it...greater than Iida's?! Ochako mentally wondered. Medaka came to a skidding halt, looking up at her opponent with a smirk.
"Very nice!" Medaka applauded, "Most people aren't fast enough to dodge that!" She began to wobble, and stumble around. "Always...a good thing..."
Ochako's eyes widened when she saw Medaka drop to the ground. Does she have a Deku situation, where her quirk is too much for her body?
Ochako quickly raced over to check on Medaka once she was back on the ground. There didn't seem to be any broken bones that she could see, but at the same time, there was no way to account for internal damage or something she couldn't see on the outside.
"Are you okay?!" Ochako asked. "What was that move?"
"An…attempt at an original move…" Medaka chuckled. "It's still a work in progress…"
Ochako felt her body for any potential broken bones. "I mean, you were doing everything fine earlier."
"Copying other people's moves," Medaka sighed. "Mirko's movements are incredibly useful, especially in terrain like this. And then mixing it with moves from…others."
"So, that Ultimate Move was…"
"Totally my own making." Medaka explained. "It seems I couldn't even manage it."
Ochako blinked. So, she's perfect at replicating other's around her, but can't…make something of her own?
"Great artists steal" comes from the idea that creative people get ideas from the work of others and then use those ideas as a starting point for their own work. Artists can make something new by putting old work in a new context, remixing it, using it instead of something else, or doing something else similar. Medaka was a "gestalt collective" of all the things she has stolen with her quirk.
People often use the words "original" and "creative" interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Originality means something that is the first of its kind or has never been done before. Creativity is coming up with new ideas and ways of doing things.
Medaka Kurokami was probably the most 'creative' person here, due to her powers.
"...Miss Kurokami," Ochako said. "I'd...like to apologize for the confusion earlier. You see, that girl, she was..."
Medaka held up her hand. "You needn't say anymore, Uravity. Just now...that was some pretty good strategizing. It shows you trained really hard."
Ochako blinked, as Medaka stood back up. "W-what?"
"Keep up the devotion!" Medaka said, as she brushed herself off. "I really like people who always give it their all..."
And then she jumped away, leaving Ochako even more confused.
What's WITH that girl!? Ochako thought. I don't get it! She had every reason to attack me, and clearly had an upperhand in strength and smarts- why didn't she do anything?
Ochako heard someone walking up behind her. It was the other Shiketsu girl with glasses. Her targets were all blue- she'd passed.
"Hm? Oh, it's you." Mogana said.
"W-what's with your class president? Why is she...like that?" Ochako demanded to know. "I've never felt more confused in my life."
"Medaka's...an odd one, even for someone from our class." Mogana explained. "It's not that 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."
Ochako took that in. "An all loving hero."
"She's top of our class. Top of our school. Top of everything. It's scary how perfect she is." Mogana said. "Makes her hard to talk to."
"She's all over the place." Ochako frowned.
"Be glad you only made it up to her second trump card," Mogana said, walking off to the examinee waiting room. "The third one is weird."
Ochako stood there for a second, looking totally confused by everything that had just happened.
Medaka was chosen before me, right? To wield the Omnitrix? Ochako thought. But Ben passed over her and went to me, despite the fact she outclassed me in powers and strength. There's no denying having the watch would've made her a double threat...
But maybe someone like that wouldn't look at the watch the same way I do.
Ochako heard the sounds of something shooting out in the distance. It sounded like...tape?
"There you are!"
Ochako turned around to see Sero, swinging back down to the ground. He looked out of breath. "You will not believe how crazy those guys are..."
Ochako made a face. "Believe me. I would know. Where's the others?"
"No idea...but if we're lucky, maybe we can find some. Come on!" Sero said, as the duo took off. Ochako shot one last look behind her, and shook her head.
She's perfect, but...
Why did I feel this air of loneliness coming off of her?