"The first game for the First Years is finally over, and what a game it was! Let's take a quick look at the standing, shall we?" Midnight declared, drawing in the classes once more. In the top ten were; Izuku, Ciana, Todoroki, Katsuki, Shiozaki, Yuuki, Honenuki, Iida, Tokoyami, Sero. "Only the top 42 will advance to the next round, but don't be too let down if you didn't make the cut, we've prepared other opportunities for you to shine," She gave a sly look and licked her lips.

"Now the real fun is about to begin, the chance to fully move yourselves into the limelight, give it your best!" With a crack of her crop, the holographic board appeared, spinning through the options. The whole student body tensed for what could be a make or break for some. "Let's see what we have in store for you next. Will your wildest fantasies come true? What could it be, the waiting is torture~! Prepare yourselves... for this!"

'Cavalry Battle!'

"Calvary battle?" Ciana blinked at what the announcer now told everyone, having no idea what that event was as she tilted her head in wonder. "What the heck is that?" Ciana was still clueless about these crazy games, now looking to her friends after hearing this new challenge.

"This challenge doesn't involve robots again does it…?" She asked with a sheepish smile, already tensing up at the idea of them facing off with them again…

"You've never played this? Great, you get to experience hell for the first time..." Kaminari groaned bitterly.

"Basically it's a playground game, just watch," Jiro pointed with her jack from behind Ciana.

"Allow me to explain-" Midnight began as a funny diagram showing Present Mic and Thirteen carrying All Might on their shoulders. "-participants will form teams of two to four as they see fit, in theory, it's the same as a regular playground game, but there is one difference. Each player has been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course,"

"So that means each team will have a different point value based on which students are on it," Uraraka surmised.

Looking up to where Jiro was gesturing, after hearing what the pro therapist said… Ciana was still confused about what kind of playground game everyone plays in Japan, now looking to Uraraka. "So we will be playing teams this time? That actually sounds like it'll be fun, sure will be a big help in knowing what to do." She comments with a smile, better than robots at least…

"It's real simple, see?" Ashido pointed.

The crack of a whip startled the girls. "Maybe you should shut up and let me explain things to you!?" Midnight irked, clearly not liking the interruption. "Now, the points go up in increments of five, from bottom to top, but the point value assigned to the first place winner?" She smirked. "Ten Million!"

...

...

...

Death, dark shadows circled Izuku with glowing red eyes. The whole student body ready to tear him apart with their bare hands. Only one reaction came from his shrinking form, "...oh crap,"

"That's right, its survival of the fittest for those at the bottom to overthrow the top!" Midnight declared

Ciana was pretty stunned how sharp Midnight was to pull her whip like that… which really tenses her up, though after hearing her full explanation of surviving these games and overthrowing others really took Ciana back more, not only in more confusion but how scary the next challenge sounds.

"W-wait… a-are we playing some kind of death match now?!" Asks her friends with clear fear in her eyes, Ciana didn't think they actually will kill each other but more being brutal to take the other out…

Noticing Yuuki now in presence of them… Ciana shrunk back anxiously as she kept her focus back on the pro hero, Ciana knew she be clueless but now felt like her friends are viewing her being really dumb… not like it's her fault she doesn't know everything here… Cianas expression became uneasy as she ends up staying quiet.

"Great… Some of my friends think I'm an airhead now, I should have just kept my big mouth shut…" she scolds herself, arms behind her back anxiously.

This revelation put Izuku right back in those years of abuse at the hands of those who were stronger. The taunting and mockery, it was like knives coming back for more. But while his body felt clammy, he clenched his fists to fight off that old memory of uselessness. "Those at the top are always pitted against those around them, that's just how it is as a hero," He could do this, he could fight back!

"Now, First Years, these are the rules you'll abide by!" Midnight waved. "The game itself will last fifteen minutes, individual point values will be added together for your team total. Everyone will know how much thanks to your headbands, swipe the bands to raise your score. All headbands must be worn from the neck up, so the more to take, the harder it is to manage. Another thing, if yours is stolen or you're knocked down, you can keep fighting until time's up!"

"So, if you lose your bands at the beginning you have more time to gather more?" Ashido waved her fingers, putting it all together.

"I dunno, Mina, I think we should wait to see what teams form before we start strategizing," Tsu replied.

"This is going to be rough, you may use your quirks as much as you like, but... the rules are clear. Make a team fall on purpose and I'll slap you with a red card, you'll be disqualified!" Then behind her, the tally turned into a fifteen minute countdown as she waved her crop. "Now, you have fifteen minutes to make your team, I recommend you get started!"

This challenge sounds like it'll be really rough also… but at least they are playing in teams now, Ciana looked to Izuku as she wondered if he still wanted to team up for this round. Already Ciana noticed Bakugo was getting crowded by other students wanting him to be a part of his team. "Of course everyone would be so eager to have him…" she smiled amusingly.

Her focus now back on Izuku as she goes to approach him. "Hey… do you by any chance want to team up again for this round?" She now asks with a little nervous smile.

Although, Izuku was having a bit of a loss. "Everyone's already partnering up, this is bad, no one will want to team with the guy who can score them a top place and also be the biggest target," He winced, his options were dwindling when Ciana spoke up, and he turned to her, bewildered. "Sorry, I must've misheard you, you... want to team up again? I-I mean, I wouldn't say no but... everyone's gonna gun for me, a-and I can imagine others would want you on their team, with your quirk, those carrying and fighting would never tire, it's perfect!"

So far Ciana hadn't noticed anyone coming up to her, plus Ciana felt more comfortable when she's with Izuku as she gave him a fearless smile. "I don't care, teaming up with you gives me all the confidence I need!" She happily says, though… soon frowning as she thought he didn't want to for this round. "Do you… by any chance not want to be a team for this round this time?" Ciana nervously began to ask…

"Huh? N-no, I just... thought you'd like to team up with the others for a change, that's all," He honestly thought she'd like to challenge him, seeing how fired up she was about their spar made him believe so. "Well, if you're okay being with the guy who has a bounty on his head, then I appreciate it!"

"Hey, Midoriya!" They turned sharply, seeing the bubbly brunette smiling back at them. "Let's team up!"

"Really!? Y-you're not just pulling my leg here - s-seriously, you two have death wishes or something I don't know about?" His head zipped between the girls.

"If we run away the whole time we can win, right?" She pumped her fist.

Izuku smiled slightly, "Um, you're either overestimating my abilities or underestimating everyone else," Though in his case, a little silver lining wouldn't hurt.

"Exactly!" She then wrapped an arm over Ciana's shoulders with a blooming grin. "After all, it's better to team up with people you like!"

Ciana blushed shyly from the sudden wrap around her shoulder, but it's sure enough to perk her smile back up with a nod. "Right! I can't see myself teaming with anyone else other than you guys!" Ciana expresses happily, having a lot of confidence when she's with her friends.

Though… a thought did suddenly come to mind, Ciana wasn't ever supposed to be included in this world… What would happen if she interfered too much and took someone's place that Izukus was supposed to team up with? Is this okay…? Will she help achieve victory either way…?

"Ah... y-you guys..." Izuku felt a little emotional at this. He knew Ciana had his back, but Uraraka too? It was so much given his situation that it forced him to quickly flick a tear from his eye. "T-thank you, both of you for trusting me,"

"Anytime!" Uraraka held up a peace sign.

"But yeah, a game that requires teamwork, it's best to find people you communicate smoothly with," Izuku explained as the girls nodded in agreement. "Let's see... combining my quirk, Aura, and Gravity I may have a solid plan, but we need one other with mobility... and I know who to pick,"

He led them over to their one other trusted friend, patting his shoulder to draw him in, Iida. Soon, Izuku broke down the plan. With Uraraka's gravity, she'd float the three of them while Ciana kept her motion sickness at bay with Aura, with that, Iida would be able to move them around at high speeds while Izuku used his quirk to redirect them with a small amount of wind pressure in his arms. Clutching his chin, Izuku creased his brow. "Thing is, we still need a pretty strong rider, I don't know who can do it. I know it's not much but it's the only evasive plan I can think of this fast,"

But Iida's expression hadn't lightened up. "It's a good plan, but I'm sorry," He stepped back. "I'm afraid I must refuse your offer," This made them gasp. But again, Ciana could see it, his aura was a deep blue, filled with... envy but also conviction, a crackling spirit, "Since this all started I've been losing to you, please don't take this as an insult, you're a great friend, but if I continue to follow you I'll never get stronger," Adjusting his glasses, he stepped toward his team. Todoroki's team. "Bakugo and Todoroki have challenged you already, but they aren't the only ones who see you as a rival, Midoriya, I'll try my best to defeat you," With that, they were back to three.

"Woah, Iida..." Even Uraraka didn't know what to say.

"Well… it's understandable he want to compete against the best rather than with the best, everyone here is aiming for the top so it shouldn't be much of a surprise." She sheepishly smiles while rubbing her neck. "But this also gives us a chance to connect with the other students, I'm sure someone here would want to work with us." She tried to bring some encouragement for the group with both her fist raised and smiled confidently, knowing they will get through this no matter who they work with.

That was when a familiar cold aura pressed to Ciana's, and her body was turned to meet with that same cold stare to match. "I... require your aid," Yuuki spoke like she had to swallow her pride. She spared Uraraka and Izuku a glance. "Though, given your ties to them if you refuse I will not care,"

Ciana was… quite surprised by the sudden offer that she wanted to work with her, Ciana stared and blinked at Yuuki in confusion before glancing back to her group then back to her, she… wasn't sure why Yuuki wanted her help especially if she didn't like her… but she smiled apologetically towards her, Ciana wasn't comfortable working with someone who hates her. "Um… I'm sorry I already decided on a team to be with it, nothing against you I just feel more at ease with my friends. I hope that's okay…"

The silverette let out a long sigh, closing her eyes a moment. "...very well, though, I will say, you don't exactly wish to stand out, do you?" She brought her eye back to Ciana. "This whole time, you've worked with Midoriya, you've stuck to his side. Loyalty I respect, but yours... seems to be out of reluctance to leave," Turning around, she intended to walk away. "If you survive this round, we shall see how you fare in the final challenge,"

"H-hey, Yuuki?" It was Izuku to speak next. He didn't want to lose Ciana from their already short team, but... Yuuki was asking them for help, as far as what he knew of the strange girl from 1B, she was withdrawn, even to Kendo who appeared to be the closest person to her. "Why ask Ciana for help, why not your class?"

"..." She didn't answer right away, again, scratching above her mask. "...I do not know, I feel this... strange feeling to keep this to myself," Yuuki shook her head. "No matter, I will deal with this alone, your ally is already bewitched as is,"

"Huh?" Ciana was confused by what she was talking about… not understanding what she said as it sounded like a threat… causing her to tilt her head in confusion and wonder what she exactly meant. "Bewitched…? I-I'm sorry… what exactly are you talking about, Yuuki?" She now asks her, keeping her attention on her as she keeps trying to process her words.

Rolling her head a bit, Yuuki turned around. "Shinso's quirk is called Brainwashing, if you answer a question of his he can put you under a trance that is impossible to break without his command, as far as I know, though his commands can only be simple tasks nothing complex like speech," Yuuki pointed to Ojiro. "When you get closer, you can see his eyes are in a daze, hence why I require another's aid less I fall under his words,"

The trio tilted their heads to see the indigo-haired General Studies student standing not far away, with him was Ojiro standing by blankly.

Ciana was… quite shocked to hear what the guys been doing to Ojiro as she stared in much surprise and worry for the guy. "Wait… this guy is brainwashing another student here?!" That's the most cruel and sickest thing Ciana has ever heard, causing her glare to harden and her fist to clench. "Is he even allowed to do that?! S-someone should say something!"

Ciana was almost conflicted to go and stand up to the guy to try and help Ojiro out of the trance…

"Ciana, calm down," Izuku grabbed her shoulders to ease her up. "I don't like that either, but... he can't actively hurt other people, remember what I told you a while ago? Quirks aren't evil, only the person who uses them can dictate that choice, and despite what he's said to us, he's only trying to compete to be the best like everyone else," Izuku wanted to know more about his quirk, but now wasn't the time. They were running out of that with each passing minute.

Pulling away, he smiled slightly to her, giving a nod to Uraraka. "If you want to help Yuuki, then go for it,"

"Yeah, even just to help Ojiro out," Uraraka added too.

"You would give up one of the few allies you have to aid someone who would be your enemy?" Yuuki couldn't fathom this, and what Izuku said about quirks, it was... strange. Of course, she had her mission, ensure Ciana Finley makes it to the next round. For what reason, her master hasn't said, only that she must follow through on that order. But, with how closely tied Izuku and Ciana were, she doubted the girl who leave his side.

"If it means helping our classmate and friend? Then sure, we'll find a way like we always do, even if everyone is out to get me, I can't turn away from helping another," Izuku affirmed.

"...I see," Yuuki murmured, staring at his fierce eyes.

Ciana was… quite shocked that her friends were… insisting she leave the group, this actually stung her deeply deep down… couldn't they figure out how to help him together rather than her going off with someone else? Either way… Ciana didn't want the jerk to get away with brainwashing another student but it just felt like they were saying they are better off without her…

"If… that's what you guys want me to do…" she ended up sadly saying with her gaze looking down… Ciana didn't bother to question or complain as she just goes to approach Yuuki's side, at least this is for a good cause…

"It's your choice, Ciana, I'm just speaking my mind on the matter, if you want to stay in our group, you can or you can choose to help Yuuki and Ojiro," Izuku reworded, feeling she may take it the wrong way. He smiled reassuringly.

"If that's what you wish, then so be it," Yuuki replied, looking away.

She probably already did… it just sounded like to her they didn't need her, she just sighed as she went along with it… looking away. "Never mind… I'll go and help, I'd rather not let that purple hair jerk get away with this…" it's true she feels that way, but now just felt like she's getting in the way of his victory…

"I'll let you guys know the details later about what we plan to do…" she now says kinda irritatingly… now walking off with Yuuki with her fists clenched, not even looking back.

"I..." Izuku tried to speak but she was already out of earshot, and he deflated a bit. "Did I say something wrong?" Swallowing a pain in his chest, he turned to Uraraka who looked no less happy with how that went. "Let's… try to get our team together, there has to be someone willing to help us out while Ciana helps Yuuki,"

"Y-yeah, you're right," She smiled slightly. "Hey, you don't think we... came off harsh to her? Like, I'm all for helping out others but the way she looked was kinda like-"

"We didn't want her, yeah, I saw that too," Izuku shook his head. "I'll talk with her later, hopefully, she isn't angry with us," God he hoped so.

Meanwhile, Yuuki walked in pace with her... well, 'ally' she supposed. "Animosity, that's new," She commented briefly.

She just sighed in response, rubbing her neck anxiously. "Sorry for the drama… I know that was kinda childish, I just… reacted that way due to some… complicated issues I been worrying about…" Ciana does recall they didn't have a future with her… but also was just starting to feel like if she's becoming a nuisance and a threat to her friends now, she is clueless about the games and some of her classmates do view her badly, one of them being Bakugo and Todoroki… maybe this was a sign she should just work on her own…

Yuuki didn't get this girl. Her eye narrowed for a second, then she spoke up. "Do not say a word to Shinso, I will do the talking," As she said this, the man turned to meet them. "I have found us an ally, her quirk will be useful in maintaining mobility, durability, and stamina."

"I see, well, colour me impressed that another from the hero course would work with me after I already made it my mission to take one of them down," Shinso remarked with a small, humorous huff. Yuuki nodded once. "So, what's with the change of heart? Tired of being around the guy with the whole year after his head? You seemed pretty mad when you parted ways." He smiled a bit.

Ciana blinked her eyes in confusion, very taken back when she realized that she's… teaming up with Shinso? "Huh?" She stepped back when realizing this, she almost blurted something out but immediately covered her mouth like Yuuki instructed. "W-what's going on here?! S-she never said I would be working with this guy…?"

Ciana glanced at Yuuki in confusion, already starting to question her motives…

Seeing the shocked look on Ciana's face only made the silverette roll her visible eye. "...you didn't know who I was referring to?" Shaking her head, Yuuki let out a disgruntled sigh at how annoying this may be. "No matter, we have four people, what's your strategy?"

"Hm... simple, just follow my lead and we'll get to the next round, all I need is for you to watch our blind spots, this monkey here to handle any attackers, and for this girl to keep us energized," Shinso pointed simply, then jabbed a thumb at himself. "I'll be the one you carry, obviously,"

Ciana wasn't sure if she wanted to go along with this plan anymore… she glared at the jerk in front of her, turning around as she planned to run back to her friends. But… she didn't get to when she noticed they already found two other team members… which stunned her and… actually really hurt her to see.

Ciana did not want to help this guy… it felt like she was tricked into aiding him, she wasn't sure if Yuuki's intentions were actually good anymore, but it looked like it was too late to turn back… Ciana ended up having to face forward with her head down… her fists clenching in anger and sadness… right now this guy sounded like he wanted to use her as his tool…

"Monkey here will take the front-" As he said this, Ojiro moved without complaint like a zombie. "-Finley and Yuuki at the back," Again, neither responded but he didn't mind. "Well, you all certainly follow orders well enough, guess this will be a piece of cake."

Ciana at least did glance up at Ojiro in worry, Ciana might be stuck helping with this jerk… but maybe she can somehow figure out a way to snap him out of it while she's here… knowing this guy can brainwash people… maybe she can do something when Shinso not paying attention to either of them, Ciana really wanted to shout this guy's ear off… but only clenched her fists more to hold herself back… maybe instead of helping them she can make them lose instead… there's no way she will want to power this guy…

Before long, a horn blared, signalling it was time for the cavalry battle.

"Oh goodie, it's time to get this party started!" Midnight announced over the speaker.

~After fifteen minutes to pick teammates and talk strategy, these teams are ready to go head-to-head!~ Present Mic began. ~Come on, everyone! Get your hands in the air! It's time for an arena-pumping battle royale, let me hear you screeeeam!~

"Hey, Finley?" Shinso spoke up with his eyes forward. "Do you honestly think I don't know what you two are up to? I'm not an idiot, Yuuki here's far too sharp to trick, so she roped in you as her dead-weight to confirm how my quirk works, meanwhile, this monkey up front fell hook, line, and sinker, heh, honestly pathetic," He chuckled once.

"..." Yuuki didn't speak, her eyes obscured by her hair.

Just hearing what this guy was saying really ticked her off big time… averting her gaze but her expression showed a lot of anger in it, Ciana could tell very well what this guy was trying to do, even if what he said was true… Ciana was not going to let herself be tricked into being his mindless slave.

All she can do is just keep her gaze away and clench her fists more, this has to be what he does to fall victim to his quirk… angering his victims enough to get their guard down to control their minds… Ciana wasn't that stupid and refuses to show that.

~Okay, all you First Years, I hope you're happy with your chosen teams! With all of you now ready, let's get this battle for the top started!~ With Mic's declaration, a countdown began on the holographic board. Tension and breaths were held at a knife's edge.

Three... Two... One...

And the battle erupted with nearly everyone gunning for Izuku's team as expected. But Shinso held back, eyeing those that moved around the outer edges. A team was close so he relaxed and motioned toward them. "Alright, head for the outermost group," Only Ojiro moved, the girls stayed put. Squinting his eyes a bit, he looked down at Ciana. "You deaf, the round's started, or are you still hung up about being used?"

"Let me make this transparent to you," Yuuki spoke in a deep, chilling tone. "We are here to advance to the next round, we will do so on our own terms. So, either cooperate or I will personally break your leg in a way that no one will notice." She warned, then glared up at him. "Think I may be bluffing? You both are more alike then you realize as you both are clueless. I know you won't risk being outed from this match, because to you, there's too much on the line if you fail," Shinso's face twisted a bit at her threat. "So, what will it be?"

"..." They stared each other down for a while, then reluctantly, Shinso lost his glare for a flat, bored stare. "Tch, fine then, I'll not use it on either of you, happy?"

Ciana still didn't trust this guy… and refused to say any words to him, all she can do is glare and show the seriousness in her eyes… indicating that she's not going to be played for a fool any further, as much as Ciana wanted to tell him off… She knows when to keep her anger together during serious situations. Ciana can only hope that Izuku and her friends don't view her as a traitor after this… right now she and to keep her focus on Ojiro, once she figured out how to help him… she will drop out, not caring if she wins or loses this, Ciana refuses to let this sorry excuse for a hero get away with his wicked schemes.

"Bring us in close, Finley, use your quirk to boost this guy and yourselves, I can handle myself without it," Following his orders, they fell in behind one of the teams, it was a two person team consisting of two students from 1B. One with a reptilian-like appearance and green hair, and blonde girl with two large horns. "Hey, lizard face, what's with the dumb Mohawk?"

Instantly, the guy turned to yell back. "What was that you little-" Then his eyes clouded over, lost in a trance.

"Looks like your buddy's not looking so hot," Shinso smirked as the girl looked flabbergasted.

"Hey, what's-" And she too fell for the trick as Shinso waved his hand.

"Now, fork over your points and walk away," Like puppet on strings, the reptile guy handed over his two bands as Shinso slipped them on, "Alright, take us to the outer edge, less heat the better for us," Yuuki again said nothing, not even looking the two from her class in the eye as they ran.

Ciana really wasn't comfortable going along with her new teammates instructions… it felt like she's aiding the criminals from the league of villains… Ciana was pretty shocked enough knowing she's helping a guy who's brainwashing people… but hearing before how Yuuki threatened Shinso was… terrifying, she sounded pretty serious about it too.

"As much as I don't like this guy either, I didn't think she got far to threaten to break his legs…" Ciana glanced at Yuuki a few times as she was still going along with the team, questioning her motives still. "Something isn't right about her… I know it, I… I'll have to figure her out myself, with or without my friends."

The thought is now back to her friends… Ciana's heart clenched when they suggested she go off on another team… not understanding why they feel that way when they could have worked together as hero's to help their friend, they didn't even ask her first what she wanted to do… Instead, Izuku and Uraraka already settled with two other members.

"I get it… everyone thought I be nuisance to them since I'm so clueless about these games… they are aiming to be the best so I'm probably just a threat to everyone now… that's all everyone cares about is winning here!" Ciana's teeth clenched when that thought came to mind, maybe she truly is a mistake in their life… Izuku was willing just to stick with Uraraka… the girl he was destined to be with… without realizing it, Ciana's glow turned a darker color… biting back her lip to avoid showing any tears…

"If this is what they want… so be it! I'll figure out how to help Ojiro on my own! I was always better off on my own from the start anyways!" Even her eyes were starting to glow fiercely in both pain and anger, not realizing instead of a pretty glow, they showed a beastly look but only temporary as she was now determined to work by herself during the remaining of these stupid games and not rely on anyone…

For now Ciana made up her mind to help Shinso, they are all in this to win after all… so it would be bad to just make them lose and make herself look bad further… which is best to avoid, but that doesn't mean she will let a word slip out and let him take control of her mind.

Time went on by with Shinso playing the defence game for a time, allowing the others to duke it out for Izuku's headband, so long as the two girls followed his lead they'd make it without issue. However...

The inner turmoil for Ciana didn't go unnoticed as Yuuki shook her head a bit to clear an eerily familiar sensation from her head. "She's starting to drain our energy, this could be bad," Thankfully, it didn't seem to be a strong of a pull that she was familiar with, instead, her head twisted. "We need to evade, now!"

Without thinking, Ciana grabbed Ojiro's shoulder tightly, and with more strength than she intended, threw her whole team to the right as Shinso hair was just barely grazed by the hand of another inches from snatching his two headbands from his neck. He stared back as four people from 1B put some distance between them and Shinso's team, the blonde on top smiling sardonically. "Well, isn't this surprising, never thought you'd settle for being used like a horse, Yuuki?"

"I did what I had to, Monoma," Yuuki muttered. "Don't let him touch Finley."

"Right..." Shinso agreed, this guy was bad news, even as his team led them away. "I barely had a second to realize he was there,"

"Monoma is crafty, he's the one who probably hates 1A more than you," The silverette revealed. "And you-" Her eye met with Ciana above Shinso's legs. "-calm down, you're draining our stamina..."

"Huh, what the heck's going on?" To their surprise, Ojiro had snapped out of his trace, the iron-grip on his shoulder from Ciana and the pull she made had snapped him out of his trace. "When'd the cavalry battle start?"

"You… don't remember what was going on?" Ciana at least managed to calm down at little as she was more focused on their classmate, kneeling down to meet his level. Relieved he's now out of the trance. "You were under a trance… are you alright?" She asks in concern as she places her hand on his shoulder for comfort. Ciana had enough focus to help her classmate at least.

"Y-yeah, thanks. I just feel like I blacked out for a time, because... you!" Ojiro glowered over his shoulder at Shinso trying to keep his balance.

"Do you two mind, if I fall we're all done," He grunted. "Yeah, guess my trick's out, happy?"

"As immoral as your trick was... we mustn't lose, Monoma will try again, he won't care if he takes you out because I'm the only one from 1B on this team," Yuuki replied calmly as she helped Ciana raise the team back upright. "You two can complain about how events go later, we must bide our time,"

"Right, move but keep an eye out for any more sneak attacks," Shinso agreed. "Chew me out for tricking you guys later, I don't care,"

Ciana was at least glad her friend was now out of harm's way, nodding a thanks toward Yuuki. Ciana eyed Shinso now with a serious glare. "Listen Shinso, I'll go along with this team and help anyway I can. But only if you promise not to brainwash any of our teammates, especially goes for my friend."

Ciana firmly tells him, at least willing to work with the guy now… as long as he doesn't try and mind control her, that thought really creeped her out.

"I already have her breathing down my neck... and I already said I wouldn't," He rolled his eyes a bit. "Seems you have some bite after all,"

"Huh, you make that sound like Finley's weak," Ojiro commented as they jogged around the outer rim of the chaotic battle between Todoroki and Izuku as both teams and others struggled to catch the evasive greenette, the combination of Zero Gravity, Dark Shadow, One For All, and technology was keeping them safe... for now. But Ciana blinked at her friend at the front as he stared back at Shinso. "She's gone toe to toe with villains and had that guy as a sparring partner for two weeks," His tail jabbed toward the hot-headed Katsuki blasting his way toward Monoma like the devil while his team struggled to keep him from touching the ground.

"I'm not as weak as I might look to you, glad you're finally seeing that." Ciana responded to Shinso kinda playfully with a determined smile now, at least managing to perk up since Ojiro is not brainwashed anymore. Ciana provided her aid to her teammates with her aura as she gives it her all, Ciana was a little worried what her other classmates might say of her teaming up with Shinso… but hopefully not anything bad she prays…

They played the waiting game, only five minutes remained on the clock as they observed their classmates battling tooth and nail. That's when Shinso narrowed his eyes. "Alright, this time, we're stealing our spot," For a moment, Ciana felt a rush of desperation and worry travel down her arms from Shinso. "I never got into the hero course due to my quirk, I was shadowed by others more talented, so call me what you want, berate me, I don't give a damn," He clenched his fingers on Ojiro's shoulders. "...I will use whatever methods I have, any dirty trick if it means I get to become a hero, so when I say fight, I want there to be nothing standing in our way, understood?" His eyes burned with relentless grit.

Ciana glanced up at Shinso in surprise when she felt his emotions… processing what he just said as her eyes narrowed. "So… that's why he has been so blunt and determined?" Ciana didn't really like he's taking a dark path to being a hero… but in a way, she can understand why Shinso would go that way if he wanted to prove he's just as strong…

But it wasn't really necessary still. Ciana still didn't like his behavior but her eyes softened up on him a bit. "You know… even with a mind control quirk, I think you make a pretty good hero, Shinso. You're obviously strong and determined like any hero would be. Though if you just ease up on the mind control on your teammates and just work together as a duo then I would have been more than happy to help you, even if you're a little rough around the edges."

Ciana playfully but kindly tells their team leader with a smile picking up more, happy to have understood Shinso a bit more better.

As they ran, his glare didn't let up, but he kept what she said in mind for now. "On our left," Yuuki murmured, and the team turned to spot another group of 1B, this one they recognized. Specifically, the metal man on top. "Tetsutetsu is much like Kirishima, his quirk turns his skin to iron, if you want to defeat him... well, simply annoy him,"

"Well, that certainly won't be hard," Ojiro sweat dropped a little.

"...who should we aim for first then?" Shinso murmured, now communicating rather than brooding silently.

"From my first impression of him before… he's clearly a hothead like a certain somebody I know." Ciana smiled a little amusingly being reminded of Bakugo, eyeing the other team where she is. "I don't think it'll be too hard to tick him off, maybe if you try and insult his moves you can not only get him mad but get him to want to tell you off."

Ciana knew people with bad tempers never like to be called weak, usually it's enough to want to shout something back.

~Less than a minute remaining!~ Present Mic's announcement was their warning that it was now or never.

"I can handle Shiozaki," Yuuki replied as they snuck up behind the group.

"Guess I'll watch the other two," Ojiro tagged in, though he was noticeably frustrated but never said why.

Once in close, they could hear Tetsutetsu yelling. "-we've gotta grab all the points we can!"

"But we're in third place, even though Monoma's plan fell through we shouldn't risk it this late into the game, the clock's almost run out," The boy with a skull-like face and mid-length spiked hair that was beige colour, Honenuki, exasperated.

"Let's back down," The guy with long spiked up black hair, Awase, spoke up.

Tetsutetsu flailed his arms at them, a red tick above his head. "Grah, this is freakin' annoying! That cocky bastard from 1A's already blown back up into fourth place!" He grinded his teeth angrily.

"Wow, someone's got a short fuse, remind me to bring ear plugs next time you start squawking," Shinso remarked dully that Tetsutetsu's body became encased in a silvery hide as he swung his fist round to them.

"You want some too you-!" And like that he was frozen.

"Crap!" Awase jumped in fright while Honenuki shifted his foot forward, causing the ground to start liquifying.

Ciana gripped her teammates, then, threw them off their feet over the ground touched by Honenuki's quirk, all while Shinso spoke. "You, take off your bands and hold them behind you."

While Tetsutetsu did so, much to his teammate's fright, Shiozaki threshed out her vine-like hair, wrapping her allies in a cocoon of thick greenery. Yuuki took a breath, then, to Ciana's surprise, swung her left arm only once, slashing the bindings apart with ferocious force. The wide cuts with her bare hand were enough for Shinso to sweep his arm through and slap Tetsutetsu's hand, pulling away from the vines another headband with a triumphant smirk. "Like that was any trouble at all."

A horn blared seconds later as they came to a sudden stop, and saw Katsuki fall flat on his face between Izuku's and Todoroki's teams.

~Time's Up!~ Mic yelled and the crowd went wild. ~And with that, the Second Round is officially over!~

As soon as the match was over… Ciana took a moment to wipe the sweat off her forehead, that challenge wasn't as bad as she thought it would be… though it definitely was rough and exhausting… but it sure was exciting in a way, now placing her hands on her hips with a proud smile. "Phew! Glad that's finally over."

Ciana turned her attention to Ojiro with a smile now. "Glad that you're out of that trance Ojiro, I admit I was worried a while ago. But it didn't really seem like you needed much of my help… nice moves you pulled off during this." Ciana praises her classmate friend, always at ease when she's with someone she knows.

"Ah, yeah, no prob..." Ojiro forced a smile, nodding with her.

~Now, let's take a look at who our four top teams are! In first place, Team Todoroki! In second place, Team Bakugo! In third place is Tetsute - wait, what!? It's Team Shinso, when did they come back from the dead!?~ Even Mic was left in disbelief.

"Thanks for all your help," Shinso waved, walking away. "And, apologizes for messing with you, couldn't have my chances to win be blown," He briefly looked shameful with a grin, rubbing his nape.

"Hm, your tricks were cunning, it appears I made the right choice after all," With one last look, Yuuki moved in the opposite direction.

Ciana glanced over at Shinso in surprise at his apology, but working with him made her understand him a lot better and strangely… She's glad for that, Ciana smiled more toward him as she no longer felt any anger toward him. "I understand what you're trying to aim for, you have a sharp tongue but a lot of determination which I admire. Whatever happens, I hope you'll be noticed more for your potential and be the hero you always wanted to be."

She told him this as he walked, her smile became brighter towards him. Now happy to have helped Shinso and hoped he will be recognized more.

He stopped, glancing back with a strange look, clearly not used to praise like that as he appeared surprised by it. "...right, thanks again," He said it but it came off as more sincere as he left.

~And in fourth place is Team Midoriya!~ That announcement made the greenette in the distance burst into tears of joy. ~These four valiant teams will advance on to the final round! Now, let's take an hour lunch break before we start the afternoon festivities! See you soon!~ Then came a pause from Present Mic. ~Hey, Eraserhead, let's grab some food~

~I'm taking a nap...~ Aizawa grumbled.

"No fair, I want a do-over~!" Over towards the left, Ciana saw that Tetsutetsu was distraught in frustration, same for his team at how sudden their loss was.

Ciana glanced over when she noticed Testsu was pretty upset of his loss… she actually felt bad to see he and his team were distraught, she wasn't sure if it would help… but she went to approach to try and maybe bring some light to them. As Ciana approached Testsu… She gave him a sympathetic smile. "Hey… I'm sorry about your loss, but you and your team really did amazing during that round." She praises him and his team so far, arms around her back as she smiled more.

"I was really impressed by what you guys displayed and showed off, maybe it doesn't mean much from me but I'm sure the world thought so too even if you win or lose." She tried to comfort him, hoping to cheer him up a little.

"You, you're part of that team too!?" Tetsutetsu pointed, then he growled as he clenched his fists. "Dammit, I'm so mad but you're being so nice about it...! Grah, I'm still pissed off!"

"What he means to say is we appreciate the gesture, even though we lost in the final minute," Honenuki replied, sagging his shoulders. "It's frustrating but that's on us for letting our guards down,"

"Tch, Yuuki's gone through so I guess one of our class is good enough as any," Awase huffed, crossing his arms.

Shiozaki then cupped her hands like a prayer to Ciana. "Thank you for your kindness... Finley, yes?"

Ciana chuckled a little on the inside of Testsu behavior, he sure is a lot nicer than Bakugo. Smiling towards his other team members, she nodded to confirm her last name. Still not used to it… "Right, I understand how frustrating a loss might be but I'm sure you all learned a lot from this experience!" She responds more cheerfully with her head tilted and eyes closed with a bright smile.

"I'm sure the pro hero's are just as amazed by your performances, I know to watch out for you guys next time when we ever come to face off again. I already know you'll be quite a bigger challenge to face by then." Ciana glanced back at Testsu, still keeping her smile. "You remind me a lot of a certain somebody I know… he's also tough with a hotter temper but really strong and admirable like you, I'm already looking forward to seeing how you kick butt again next time!"

That at least made their mood lighten, though Awase tried to appear aloof to it, blushing slightly from Ciana's bright smile while Tetsutetsu clenched his fist with a roaring silver aura. "That's right! Next time we throw down I'm coming at you full force, and don't you forget it!" Then he yelled toward the far left of the arena. "Grraah, you better kick their asses, Yuuki!"

The silverette flinched sharply, rubbing the black bow atop her head as she turned to Tetsutetsu with a glare, making him freeze in place. "Let's not anger her," Honenuki sighed.

"Agreed," Awase gulped.

Ciana giggled again from his fiery behavior, giving him a confident nod and a thumbs up. "I don't expect any less from either of you!" She praises more, happy to have brightened up their mood.

Though happy to make amends with some of 1B, Ciana noticed that Uraraka was busy talking with Iida, with Izuku moving for one of the tunnels leading through the stadium alongside Todoroki, and it looked pretty serious from her viewpoint.

Now glancing over to Izuku's group… She was a little surprised to see Izuku going off with Todoroki, Ciana was still upset with Izuku, but… the viewpoint made her curious with her head tilted in wonder. "Where are they suddenly going? I-I didn't think Todoroki would want to see Izuku privately… especially since he's a lone wolf kind of guy."

Ciana knew it was none of her business and should bud out, but… this just had her suspicious and curious about what's going on, clenching her fists… Ciana actually ran toward their direction to find out what they were doing, hopefully will be sneaky enough to not be noticed by either of them…

The interior meant for staff and students were all interconnected tunnels that were easy to get lost in but a map here and there on the wall helped as Ciana turned corner after corner until she spotted the last person she suspected to run into. Katsuki kept his head tilted slightly to the ground, back pressed to the wall as he glanced over to Ciana and quickly covered her mouth to cut off her stupid question. Then she knew why.

"What are you trying to tell me, Todoroki?" Izuku's voice drew Ciana's attention, and she peeked around the corner next to Katsuki to spot him having a stare down with Todoroki. She clearly missed the start but she wished she never followed them with what came next.

"Have you ever heard of Quirk Marriages?" The way he said the last part sounded like Todoroki wanted to be sick. "They became a problem in the first few generations when quirks became widespread, there we those who sought out potential mates solely with the intension of creating powerful children. Many people were forced into relationships, it was simply viewed as old fashioned arranged marriages, but clearly it was unethical,"

"My father not only has a rich history of accomplishments, but plenty of money to throw at his problems. He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her quirk, and now he's raising me to usurp All Might," The news dug into Ciana's mind like hooks, her stomach twisted into a knot while Katsuki remained stoic, listening while holding his hand against Ciana's shoulder to keep her still. "It's so annoying...! I refuse to be used as a tool for that scumbag, in every memory of my mother, I only saw her crying,"

His hand raised to cover his left eye. "I remember she called my left side 'unbearable' before she poured boiling water on my face," Todoroki admitted to, his face scrunched up in rage. "The reason I picked a fight with you was to show my old man what I was capable of doing, without having to rely on his damned fire quirk," Lowering his hand, Izuku saw with his own appalled expression the sheer malice behind Todoroki's eyes. "You see, I'm going to show him that I reject his power, and that I can take first place without using it."

Despite being surprised Bakugo was also spying, Cianas eyes widened hearing what Todoroki shared with Izuku… she recalled before that he mentioned wanting his dad to watch him and that he didn't look happy at the mention of his own father… "So his injury wasn't from his quirk… it was from his mothers actions." She says mentally, Todorokis father sure sounded like a terrible person… her fists clenched at the pained toned Todoroki sounded, maybe even starting to shed some tears knowing why he's so blunt and distant…

This also explained why he also didn't use his quirk… she can definitely understand that as she felt the same way with Meru Zena, that could be why Todoroki admired her actions from before… her eyes began to show anger in them hearing what his father put her friend through, Ciana might even plan to confront his father soon…

Izuku could never have guessed the kind of life Todoroki lived. How stark the difference was, compared to the ace of 1A, Izuku had it lucky with his abuse at the hands of others, but family? That stung deeper than most wounds. By now, the heterochromia teen was done, walking away.

"You're obviously connected to All Might," Todoroki added. "Even if you won't tell me about it, but no matter how fiercely you come at me in the future, I will defeat you by only using my right side, I can assure you of that,"

"Hey, wait!" Izuku stepped outside a little to stop Todoroki. "I'm only here because others have supported me, even those I've let down recently like an idiot, despite that I've been really lucky," He looked at his hands, ashamed of how lacklustre he's been, how badly he messed up what he said to Ciana. She probably hated him now. "Even after coming to UA, I've been lucky with the support I've been given," He saw it, his mentor, his mother, new friends, the person he loved.

"I've been grasping at straws this whole time, and even then, all I've managed to do is either scrape by or screw up the things I already had!" He meant that more toward Ciana. "...All Might is the greatest hero I know besides one other, I want to be just like them, in order to do that, I have to be strong enough to become number one,"

His tone drew Todoroki's flat stare. "I know my motivation may seem stupid compared to yours, but still-" He raised his head confidently. "-I can't lose this either! I owe it to everyone that's supported me to try my best. You declared war on me earlier... well right back at you. I am going to beat you!"

Whether his words reached Todoroki or not, the boy walked away, leaving Izuku with a heavy heart. He still had one last person to talk to, one thing to fix. But, he knew whatever came next, he had to confront it without question, Todoroki, Katsuki, Shinso, and so many others if he wanted to prove all the efforts that brought him here weren't wasted.

The conversation was over, so Katsuki let Ciana go, leaving back down the hallway like he was never there, whatever Ciana did next was none of his concern.

Ciana kept listening to what they both said but more towards Izuku now, her eyes becoming sad how he also sounded… she might have taken his words the wrong way again and thought he cared only about winning at the moment, glancing down at her feet in sadness at this. Ciana began to feel like she's getting in the way of Izuku's goals… looking back to see Bakugo leaving, she guessed he was also curious about Todorokis motives.

As soon as the conversation was over, Ciana wasn't sure what to do next… she could either talk to Todoroki or Izuku. Or maybe go find his father… Ciana took a moment to decide what to do, she had some time before the next event came. Todoroki might hate her more for budding in… but she felt like something needed to be said, glancing at Izuku one more time, she made her decision… Ciana began to take off now. Her aim going towards Todorokis dad… Ciana will talk to Izuku afterwards, but for now felt like she had a chance to do something for Todoroki…

Endeavor, number two hero of Japan. Ciana had heard of him due to Izuku's wealth of knowledge on heroes. The Flame Hero was powerful in his own right, and a competent hero. In all reality, he was someone people looked up to and considered strong for not only his quirk but tenacity. However, that viewpoint was shattered to Ciana. All she knew now was how much of a scumbag he was as a father. Not only leading to Todoroki's mother losing her mind, but everything that affected her classmate until now.