"There you are!/We were worried!" Several voices yelled at once the moment they spotted Ciana's distinct green butterfly pin and raven hair.

"You two were like vicious animals fighting in a pit!" Mineta shivered, only for Tsu's tongue to slap him.

"What he means is we were worried when Yuuki suddenly snapped." The frog girl replied evenly.

"Yeah, what was that all about, even 1B were really on edge about it?" Kirishima, now bandaged up himself from his defeat, asked worryingly. "She looked really shaken up."

"Are you doing okay, Ciana?" Izuku asked from his seat, watching her with worried eyes.

"Yeah, you took a few really bad hits too!" Uraraka added.

"But you certainly dished them out," Jiro reinforced instead. "Nice moves out there."

"I'll say, you totally took a few notes from me, huh?" Ashido grinned, nudging Ciana's side.

"Sucks you lost but you made it to the quarter finals!" Sero winked with a thumbs up.

"It was so intense!" Hagakure cooed with Yaoyorozu nodding in agreement, though the rich girl looked a little pale herself.

Ciana was so relieved and happy her friends didn't look disappointed in her… hearing her friends comments around her, Ciana almost felt like crying. "I-I'm fine! I may have lost but I'm still standing strong and glad to have come this far with all of you."

She replied cheerfully. "Though I'm sorry if I worried you all… I admit, I was nervous thinking you were all disappointed in me… since I didn't see you all at the infirmary when I woke up." She admits anxiously as she begins to rub her injured arm.

"We tried to visit but Recovery Girl pretty much kicked us out before we even set foot inside," Izuku sweatdropped. "Either that, or she's finally sick of seeing me show up all the time."

"Probably both, String Bean," Jiro nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, besides, one loss ain't gonna change how we view you, so don't worry about it and come sit down,"

Ciana would have felt better if the nurse would just let them see her… but the ruckus was probably getting annoying enough to keep them away, nodding happily from her friends' comfort. Ciana took a seat with all her friends around her, already feeling at home again, though she still worried a bit about Bakugo.

"Thanks everyone! How's Bakugo by the way? Was he mad that I ended up losing…?" Knowing him, he might be upset that she wasn't strong enough to face him in the finals.

"He didn't seem phased at all, actually, which is strange," Hagakure waved her sleeve. "Like, he totally gave off the vibe he was really into the fight then made this odd scowl when Yuuki threw you out of the ring, after that, he just huffed and left," The invisible girl shrugged. "Swear, you can't get a read on that guy,"

"If anyone could, we'd all be having a much easier time talking to him," Sato bemused.

"I think Kacchan was impressed," Izuku drew in all eyes as he said this. "Though I can't tell for certain, he never took his eyes off any of the matches today, I think he genuinely was analysing all of us and our fights, though in battle, he acknowledge Uraraka and Kirishima, so I have no doubts he feels the same way about you Ciana, considering he's sparred with you so many times,"

"Bonding through physical abuse, talk about a hefty price," Ashido whistled to everyone's amusement.

Hearing that Bakugo huffed angrily at her loss made her think her hunch was right… Though also hearing what Izuku said made her look a little surprised, did he mean he was impressed how she fought in the beginning and then turned out angry when she lost? Ciana didn't fully understand how the guy felt but it made her blush shy and chuckle at what Ashido said. "Well I hope he doesn't take it too personally that I didn't get to fight him like he wanted…"

Though now her gaze turned to Mineta funny enough as her brow raised playfully toward him. "So… still think I'm too bland ball boy?" She asked the guy teasingly, thinking she managed to impress him enough to show she's more than a regular girl.

"Yeah, we'd really like to hear that reply," Jiro glared smugly.

"Busted~" Ashido and Hagakure chimed.

"Can't really worm your way outta that one," Tsu cocked her head a bit.

"You had this coming," Yaoyorozu murmured as Mineta shrank back in his seat, then promptly passed out again.

"Eh, he'll be fine," Ashido shrugged.

"I did try to warn him, honestly dude," Kaminari shook his head in disbelief.

Ciana was surprised by how Mineta passed out… but everyone's reaction caused her to laugh at the funny display. "Well I'm glad you at least didn't think I'm bland Kaminari, thanks for the compliment before… I'm flattered." She eyed the sparky boy with a smile and wink thankfully, recalling he said she was cute.

His face turned a little red, coughing into his fist. "W-well, no p-problem," On the inside, however. "She actually thanked me, total honesty does pay off in the end!" He silently prayed to the Gods for this fortune.

"Anyway, guys, match it about to kick off!" Kirishima ushered her down to a seat between Tokoyami and Izuku. "So, what's the odds now?"

"Yeah, now that we know what Yuuki's quirk is, what's your thoughts?" Ojiro inquired to the resident quirk nerd to Ciana's left.

"It's really one of those matches where the first to land a real connection of attacks will have the advantage. Kacchan's versatility makes me accustomed to any battle, whereas Yuuki's insane speed and agility makes her harder to hit, so it's really about feinting the other out," Izuku analysed in a flash, Yuuki's quirk was known now, for better or for worse.

Now with the topic back on Bakugo, her gaze looks forward back to the match. "Bakugo is pretty tough and observant himself… he clearly keeps an open mind towards everyone's moves and attacks, it might be possible Bakugo will still be able to fight off Yuuki. But she's pretty tough and swift exactly like a cat… will probably be a rough fight."

Ciana recalled how much her scratch attacks hurt… it was hard to fight her off, especially how sneaky she is.

On 1A's side was Yuuki, tucking her new bandana over her nose again while she adjusted her bow to conceal her ears. Katsuki stepped into view from the opposite side as the fire columns were set ablaze. ~And now, Bakugo versus Yuuki! Both have given a ferocious battle every time, but who out of these two brawlers will come out on top!?~

"Oi, cat ears-" Katsuki grunted, drawing Yuuki's eye. "-wipe that blank look off your face, you gave that Blank a good fight so don't you dare hold back,"

"...I don't care to satisfy your lust for battle," She lowered her stance a bit. "But I'll show you what I can do without it,"

~Begin!~

Katsuki wasted no time, propelling himself forward as Yuuki sucked in a breath and did the same only to wince when a blast went off just shy of her face, twirling Katsuki to her right when another explosion slammed into her shoulder, burning away her sleeve. She stumbled, catching herself in time to lunge under his downward blast that swept beneath their feet, taking advantage of this, her body swept under his backswing, lock his arm around hers to land two punches across his face before she let go to avoid his blast, intending to use this to grab him from behind.

She miscalculated how wide he could swing his blasts, the arc of thermal energy striking her forearms, tumbling backward onto all fours to steady herself.

~Without a second to lose, these two are already battling for control over the battlefield, but it looks like Yuuki's on the ropes!~

"Whoa… things are already heating up." Ciana recalled Yuuki mentioned she didn't want to use her quirk ether, if she kept holding back then Bakugo would be angry and disappointed… but she will have no choice to use it if Bakugo is getting the upper hand.

"Yuuki still hesitant to use her quirk… if she keeps this up then Bakugos really going to pressure her to use it." Her hand on her chin as she viewed the battle below her, now Ciana wondered if it was possible to fight someone without a quirk here… martial arts are still very useful either way.

Katsuki was relentless, moving forward while setting off small, rapid fire blasts that kept Yuuki from flanking him. She hissed, feeling the heat strike her body as the smoke covered her advance, sweeping her leg as Katsuki fell only to roll and swing his own right leg wide, smacking her side as he used her own body to whip his back into the air, striking her face point blank as the explosion tore up her spare bow, revealing her cat ears again.

"Suppressing your quirk won't save you, if you want to waste my time holding back then die, loser!" He roared, and from above, rained hellfire upon Yuuki.

~Whoaaa, Bakugo's unleashing a devastating barrage of attacks!~

From the smoke, Yuuki stumbled out into the open, panting heavily as she pulled her bandana down to breathe, wiping the soot off her face, but she looked frustrated, her right hand scratching her cat ears bitterly. "Dammit... what the hell does it matter if I use my quirk or not...?" She was losing, badly. She couldn't focus clearly, even her breathing was sloppy.

Katsuki flew in close, sweeping her arms with a wide blast. "You're so goddamn annoying!" Her defences were down so she sprang her leg upward, catching his stomach to twist and throw him across the ground painfully. Rubbing his neck, his red eyes narrowed. "She's using it passively, but those claws and that enhanced strength are nowhere to be found, tch, fine, these B-list idiots were a waste of time anyway,"

Ciana is definitely very taken back and gasped when she noticed Yuuki managed to strike him, even without using her quirk she's doing so well… Izuku could have even learned to do this if he still didn't have a quirk, the thought made her glance at him but then quickly back at the fight.

Her eyes narrowed realizing this. "This is something I could have done and yet I just kept relying on my quirk…" Ciana felt kinda disappointed in herself as she slumped in her seat.

"You and me both, but it's clear it's still giving her a hard time," Izuku whispered to her, writing down what he thought was needed. "She can't last forever, Kacchan's too much for her to overcome without a plan."

"What the hell are ya doin', Yuuki!?" From over the wall, Tetsutetsu's voice roared.

"You can do this, keep fighting!" Another yelled.

"You're the last of 1B left, show this guy not to underestimate us!" They were all cheering for her.

Seeing that her classmates were rooting for her, she smiled at the display as Ciana could see Yuuki had a lot of support. She was sure she was more loved than the poor girl realized, hopefully she will see that soon.

"Why...?" Yuuki paused, blinking slowly in wonder at why just the mere sight of them yelling and waving at her was causing her heart to race again. This wasn't adrenaline, so what could it be? Her hands felt tighter than normal, and her injuries didn't bother her as much. "Is this... what you were talking about?"

Katsuki landed in front of her, blasting forward only for Yuuki to smack his arm aside, drawing her right hand down as four gashes tore into Katsuki's jacket. He spun himself over her with another small burst, bringing his shin down on her nape, only to wince as a light pink tail wrapped around his ankle, tugging him down onto the ground for her snake her legs around his head, twisting to flick him face first onto the concrete, and away from her.

~Look at that shocking comeback, looks like Yuuki's back in the fight!~ This got the crowd roaring with life, seeing Yuuki stand with her cat mutations on full display, her eye narrowed with new found determination.

"Is this more fitting, Katsuki Bakugo?" She sneered.

"Hah, about damn time!" He grinned, sparks crackling between his fingers.

"That's it, kick that guy's ass, Yuuki!" Tetsutetsu chuckled madly.

"Do your best!" Kendo yelled too.

Ciana could see she's finally using her quirk, which clearly is getting Bakugo all excited. Even Yuuki's friends clearly didn't care how she looked and viewed her still as one of them. Which had her smile witnessing. "Yuuki is finally coming out of her shell again, hopefully she will be able to be swift enough to avoid his fiery explosives."

She comments while sitting up straighter, even if Yuuki didn't look so fierce, she actually looked really adorable with her cat-like traits. Especially her ears, Ciana giggled and smiled realizing this. Though still kinda scary from her sharp claw attacks… rubbing her injured arm recalling the attack. "Hopefully Bakugo won't endure the same treatment I did either, I really hope those scratches didn't leave a scar on me…"

Katsuki swung toward her with a wide blast, only for two hands to spring against his shoulders, Yuuki landing light as a feather as her claws dug into his jacket and swung him over her head. She let go as two small blasts threw Katsuki skyward. He doubled back around, using his momentum to swing a right roundhouse that skimmed by her ears as she pounced into a handstand, landing on all fours to skirt around his landing, striking with vicious slashes that kept him on his toes, pushing Katsuki on the defense.

"She's gotten faster," He noted, keeping his eyes narrowed as a pair of claws grazed his hair, followed by suddenly sweeping straight, connecting her knee to his left palm before a blast shook her shin and another slapped her right forearm guarding her face the smoke blinding Yuuki until the right snuck through to press to her chest. Thermal energy collided with her body, throwing her backward.

~Despite her overwhelming attacks, Bakugo isn't buying her any time to land successive blows! I almost can't keep up with their speed!~

"Hah... hah..." Yuuki was still recovering from her previous injuries, and using a quirk she's kept suppressed was tricky as her instincts were fighting for control. "I need to grab him, but he's aware of my martial arts, keeping his distance and attacking in wider bursts," Her match-up couldn't be any harder.

Moving in a zig-zag, Yuuki lunged with her claws streaking the air with silver, slashing toward Katsuki who hopped back to avoid her blows, but she did manage to leave three cuts across his right hand and shoulders from when she grabbed him. Using one large explosion, he launched himself backward while keeping Yuuki at bay, then fired forward almost instantly, slamming his boot against her forearms as the ground fractured beneath her.

~Bakugo pulls off an insane counteroffensive and dived straight over Yuuki!~

With a stable footing, Katsuki dove straight over her cross chop, shoving her forward but she instantly spun around to strike as he landed. Instead of evading, Katsuki held his palms close together, tiny explosions bouncing in close proximity with each other. Yuuki's eye widened as her breath hitched, seeing the bright light beginning to expand a crackle from his palms. "Stun Grenade!"

The reaction caused a massive explosion to consume them both, black smoke rising high into the air within seconds.

~How am I supposed to commentate when I can't see? What's happening?~

The smoke and dust was expelled, a constant thermal blast held up in Katsuki's right hand, his left pressed down on Yuuki's face as she struggled to move him, her face scrunched up in pain. "You... used my senses against me?"

He gave her a hellish grin, "It was easy to figure you out, most animal-like quirks all have heightened senses so a flashbang would hurt like hell, Blank's was smaller and you've seen her use it, whereas this is entirely new!" He leaned forward, gripping her face tighter. "You were a bad match-up for me, you're done."

Watching the awesome fight they both displayed had Ciana at the edge of her seat, Ciana was a little worried for Bakugo but her worries weren't needed as he ended up winning… which brought a wide smile to the girls face as she stood up to cheer. "Whoo! Way to go Bakugo! That was amazing!"

Ciana shouted out with her fist raised in the air, Ciana did feel bad for Yuuki but she knows she will have her friends to be there to comfort her, now comes the bigger fight with Todoroki and Bakugo… that's definitely something Ciana did not want to miss.

"I really thought the cat girl had it for sure," Sero pointed out.

"I know right? Even then, her quirk wasn't a good match against a guy that throws explosions," Kaminari countered, but was a little disappointed Yuuki didn't win.

"So light sensitivity was her weakness, interesting," Kirishima rubbed his nose, frowning a bit. "And Bakugo's the type of person to exploit that,"

"I agree, that stun grenade of his would be my own undoing," Tokoyami murmured in agreement.

"Cats do have very sensitive hearings too." She replied, knowing what they are like as well. "I guess Bakugo knew that too when he unleashed that attack, Bakugo may not be an animal but he sure acts like a wild one himself…" she giggled, the guy is pretty smart and hyper aware so he has something planned out from watching her match with Yuuki.

"I actually had a feeling he thought this through, he's like you Izuku. Studying people's attacks and figuring out a strategy on how to use them against his opponents." She comments with her gaze now on Izuku while giving him a smile.

"That's Kacchan for you, he may act..." Izuku cocked his head a bit to find the word.

"Like a complete asshole?" Jiro offered.

"That, yes, thank you," Izuku sighed a nod. "But he's undeniably smart and perceptive, brute strength won't win a fight and he knows this well,"

"Hey! That's a pretty blunt way to put it." She playfully punched Izuku's shoulder, even if Jiro made the comment first but Ciana didn't think he agreed to that harsh language. "Though I admit, maybe it's a good thing I lost or otherwise I get blown away by the guy…" she sweat dropped with a sheepish smile, knowing how intense and painful his grenade-like palms are.

"He did want to beat us both..." Izuku hummed, not at all wanting that outcome himself. "Instead I help create a thermonuclear warhead, and you get attacked by a giant cat - to be blunt about it," Maybe he's been listening in on Jiro's blunt humor and Ciana's jokes too much.

Over by 1B, Kendo tapped Monoma on the head with a smirk. "You chose the wrong person to make your enemy~"

"Not at all, just luck his quirk works so well against her," He hesitantly answered.

"Dammit! This whole festival's been one big showcase for 1A, and our best just got wiped out at the end!" Tetsutetsu's eye twitched, but was glad one of them made it this far at the very least. "Still, Kendo, you had any idea about that quirk of hers?"

"I did, though she was very reluctant to let me speak of it," Kendo admitted, having one time caught Yuuki off guard in the girls' bathhouse. She frowned worryingly for the girl now walking away, concealing her mutations. "Let her talk to us first, don't hound her about it, I think her quirk's a sore spot for her,"

"Gotcha," Honenuki nodded alongside the rest of the class.

"Poor girl..." Shiozaki cupped her hands, hoping Yuuki will confide in them.

Glancing up at Yuuki's classmates, this actually brought her attention back to Yuuki as she remembered how hurt she felt from her eyes… Ciana stood up as her expression now became serious. Waving her hand to Kendo to get her attention all of a sudden. "Hey Kendo! Mind if we have a quick private talk if that's alright?"

Ciana now called out to the class 1B classmate surprisingly.

Noticing the head and arm above the wall dividing them, Kendo blinked then nodded slowly. "Uh, sure, one sec guys,"

"What's gotten your class all worked up? Considering how lucky you must be to - ack!" Monoma was again knocked out before he could start by Kendo's hand. The guys caught him so he didn't fall but all sighed.

"Sorry about him again, come on," Walking up and around to meet Ciana she motioned for them to walk away from their classes to speak. "So, what's up? This about Yuuki, seeing as you're the one that got her to show off her quirk, which was a little startling to be honest,"

Ciana couldn't help but chuckle at the funny knock out Kendo displayed again, she's pretty cool. It's no wonder she's so popular… Now walking with the girl to talk somewhere privately, once they had the space to themselves. Ciana now eyed the girl with a concerning and worrying expression.

"I honestly was startled too, it was a shock but it's not her sudden attack that concerned me…" she rubbed her injured arm anxiously. "When I was facing off against Yuuki, I… actually felt she was in a lot of pain… even if my quirk couldn't sense it I could clearly see it in her eyes."

Kendo nodded, slowly catching up to speed, "Right... your quirk allows you to absorb emotions passively so you can sense them too," She made a weird face as she crossed her arms. "Yuuki is... complicated, I think I've said that before, but she almost never talks about her life before UA. What I've gotten is the impression her life outside of school is really isolated, she has almost no sense of social cues, and can be blunt as you know. But what you've said probably only scratched the surface, that'll be what triggered her to attack you like that," Kendo's blue eyes then lingered on Ciana's bandages. "Speaking of, are your arms okay?"

"Hm?" Glancing to her arm she pointed it, the scratches did hurt but she wasn't too concerned about it as she smiled and waved it off. "Yeah I'm fine, don't worry, the scratches hurt but not like I haven't been clawed by a cat before." She made a small joke, but then her eyes went back to looking concerned. "Yuuki is actually going through something that's made her so pained that's not only what went on in her past but someone making her see a negative perspective of the world…" Ciana ended up sharing, feeling like Kendo needed to hear this.

"I believe she needs you and her other friends more than ever to be there for her… I noticed Yuuki confines in you the most, so… if you ever see her still feeling troubled then I'm sure she will eventually open up more to you knowing how much you all care for her." Ciana knows if anyone can get through to Yuuki it's Kendo.

"Haven't heard her call us that before..." Kendo wondered, but smiled softly. "Sure, and thanks, I'm really just walking on eggshells, one wrong move and Yuuki could shut me out too so in a way, I'm glad you provoked her, she even used her quirk again if only for a bit, that's already far more progress than I've been able to get with her," Kendo then bowed her head a bit.

She smiled more, Ciana had faith Kendo would help her. "No problem, people like her will probably push you away when they are feeling depressed but as long as you don't give up on her then I know she will change her views if you keep letting her know you all care." Ciana has done that for Todoroki and Bakugo and now she feels closer to them.

"Will do, you can leave it to us," Kendo then extended her hand to Ciana. "That aside, no hard feelings about a certain someone's views on your class?" She giggled.

She now smiled proudly with a nod, taking her hand to give her a firm shake. Feeling like she's also a friend to Ciana too. "Of course not, I know we're basically are all rivals but that doesn't mean I don't view some of you as my friends as well." She replied happily, referring to not only her but Shinso, Testsu, Yuuki and Awase, but probably not Monoma… but also the others as well she made amends with.

"Happy to hear, now let's go, final match is between your friends now so - e-eh?" Kendo paused after letting go of Ciana, leaning left to view past Ciana. The ravenette turned as well, only to jump in fright when Yuuki appeared silently like a ghost, unphased by their reactions... and still covered in soot. "Yuuki? Didn't you go to Recovery Girl?"

"No, these slight burns don't bother me," She noted, holding up her right arm, the skin a little red in places. "I can walk."

"That's no excuse - better yet, your legs are trembling!" The ginger exclaimed, almost berating the stealthy girl who glanced down at her legs to see them shaking a bit.

Her head rose again, "As I said, I am well, Katsuki Bakugo was unpredictable so-" But Yuuki was cut off when Kendo marched past Ciana to grab Yuuki's shoulders tenderly.

"Quit deflecting, we're going to get you patched up, even your gym clothes are torn," Sighing at the girl's inability to look after herself, she smiled awkwardly at Ciana. "Sorry, guess we'll watch the fight from Recovery Girl's office,"

Watching the cute display between Kendo and Yuuki already saw some hope for the poor girl, really warming her heart as she kept her smile intact. "Don't worry, just make sure the girl is taken care of." She advises, now turning around but still eyed them both as she waved.

"I'll see you guys later, hope you feel better, Yuuki!" She says before taking off to meet back with her own friends, Ciana believed Yuuki will be fine now… she had so much love around her she hasn't realized just yet.

[Transition]

Ciana, now with her class, sat in anxious anticipation of the battle ready to explode. The flames were lit, eyes and ears taut as a calm wave of fire pulled and pushed between them. Katsuki's almost psychotic visage faced Todoroki's emotionless, solemn stare. Their hearts were on fire, or one was, the other lost in a sea of reflection vast and empty.

~Welcome to the final battle of the UA High School Sports Festival! In a moment, we'll see which of these first years come out on top!~ The boards flashed with their cards. ~From the hero course, Shoto Todoroki! Versus, his classmate Katsuki Bakugo!~

"I'm having a hard time deciding who to cheer for…" she comments, though Ciana was kinda worried for both of them… this match will probably even be bigger than Todoroki's fight with Izuku. Ciana prays they don't end up getting killed or suffer worse injuries.

"I'm kinda scared to imagine what will happen…" the match hasn't even started yet and already Ciana felt a little shaken up.

"No kidding..." Izuku added, his hand over hers to steady her nerves.

Ciana glanced over to Izuku with a smile and some pink appearing on cheeks, appreciating his comfort as she held his hand and squeezed it. "Let's just hope they don't blow up the whole stadium this time…"

~Begiiin!~

Not a moment the words left Mic's mouth did a glacier of ice rumble across the arena, plunging the stadium into a deep freeze as the ice jutted forward in a cold-snap, Katsuki's furious explosions lost in the elements.

~Todoroki starts with a craaaazy ice blast! Bakugo seems to have been completely buried! Is it possible we already got a winner down there!?~

Izuku leaned forward alongside Ciana, "This isn't like when he attacked Sero, the ice just now is more controlled." She nodded along with him, however, there was a different energy in the air surrounding their half-and-half friend. "He's being cautious."

"He sure looks really cool out there so far." Pun intended as she giggled after saying that. "I guess he is still kinda hesitant to use his flames, either way he uses it both his sides are pretty powerful." Ciana was glad she wasn't fighting Todoroki either as she wasn't sure how to face him off without freezing to death, or burned…

There was a distant ring of explosions coming from within the ice, Todoroki steeled himself, he wasn't certain his attack would finish Katsuki off easily. He'd have planned ahead for this but his mind kept blotting out any strategies, shaking his head, he kept on target as the ice blew part in at the base, forcing his footing back.

Both Sero and Kaminari sounded vexed, "He tunneled through the ice like some kind of mole man!?/These two are insane!"

"You got some pretty powerful attacks," Katsuki growled, his hands melting the ice he pried his body free of, Todoroki stood firm, frost licking his forearm while he lunged forward, the blonde doing the same. "But you're a bad aim!" He fired off one shot to throw himself away from Todoroki. "Try harder!"

Again, his mind was clouded as Katsuki snagged his shoulder and hair, stomping down onto the ground while pulling Todoroki high. "Are you underestimating me!? IDIOT!" His roar snapped Todoroki out of it in time as a blast flung him. Moving fast, Todoroki caught himself on a wave of rime, regaining his balance.

~Todoroki surfs an ice wave to avoid going out of bounds, looks like fun!~

Evading the ice, Katsuki reached for the edge of the wave, catching Todoroki as he came closing in fast for a counterattack, the blonde screaming as he unleashed an explosion, however, Todoroki parried the blow by grabbing him by the arm, time at a standstill as he felt himself consider the idea of using his fire to put one of Bakugo's arms out of commission.

However, a voice of spite made him decide otherwise, the look of surprise in their eyes. "...Do it, Shoto!"

Ciana was pretty wowed seeing the way Todoroki was sliding on his own ice, really making him look a lot cooler, Bakugo was looking pretty impresses too but his way of attack was more scary… seeing the grab, Ciana noticed Todoroki seemed to be considering something but hesitant at the same time…

Which brought Cianas attention further as her eyes perked up a little wide and leaned forward in concern. "Something's wrong… it looks like Todoroki is debating on what to do…" Now she was starting to worry for him again.

Todoroki held on tight then tossed Katsuki far enough away that now he was against the massive wall of ice. Katsuki tisked, eyes trembling with a rage unlike any normal person could muster. "Stop screwing around... what, you think I'm not worthy of your fire?" His whole expression was fury at a millimeter tipping point, the whole glass fractured in his eyes.

~Bakugo timed his explosion to avoid being caught by Todoroki's left side, he's done his homework, his aptitude for this becomes more apparent with every fight~ Aizawa chimed in.

~Interesting!~

~Todoroki is doing well so far, but his attacks are too simple, it almost seems like he lost spark after his match with Midoriya~ Aizawa continued to add.

The heterochromia teen couldn't deny it, slowly, the doubt was corrupting his focus. What would have been a match won with sheer versatile might was now a poor imitation. His nerve was unsteady, his mind clouded, and his heart unsure of who he was anymore, the choices he's made were all muddled.

"His father is still getting to him…" she comments in worry, the guy was probably still here and watching which clearly doesn't help him… Todoroki still didn't want to give his father the satisfaction of using it again. "Not only that but Bakugo is getting angry that he's not using his flames… this is clearly getting overwhelming for them both." Ciana had a feeling this might not end well…

An explosion drew his lost eyes to rage incarnate. "You bastard. I'll tell you what will happen if you make a fool out of me! I'll kill you!" That struck a chord finally, "I don't want there to be any doubt that I'm the best student at the festival, that's only possible if you come at me as hard as you can!"

"There's no point to winning if you don't come at me with the same power you used against Deku!" Katsuki bellowed for all the world to hear. "If you don't want to win this then why are you even here!?" He ran for Todoroki, murder in his eyes. "Show everyone you're trying to DESTROY ME!"

Todoroki remained frozen in place, his mind's eye bringing back all he's heard, all the words spoken to him today by so many points of view. "I'm sorry, Bakugo, ever since Midoriya's, and Ciana's words... I'm unsure whether or not I did the right thing." Ice crawled over his skin, his body beginning to slow down under the visible haze that blackened his mind. "What my left side means to me."

"Come on Todoroki!" Izuku's voice cried from afar, and his lowered hand stopped, holding out to the last of his fighting spirit. His eyes caught sight of him and Ciana standing tall, the greenette screaming loudly. "Don't give up, do your best!"

Ciana had her hands over her heart as she stood up to cheer for the class prince, also calling out for him to give it his all. "I believe in you Shoto! Give it everything you have from your heart!" She cheered as she smiled brightly for him, not even realizing she used his first name.

He grit his teeth, the ice ceased its infectious grasp gently. "Midoriya! Finley!" His spirit was set ablaze, traveling across his eye and arm brightly.

Katsuki smiled, using dozens of small blasts to propel himself into a spin, conjuring a tornado of air pressure and heat. The powerful whirlwind crackled with unstable sweat particles with every turn, his spirit finally on fire too at the sight of Todoroki giving his all to win. Deep down if not for the nerd and blank he despised it may never have occurred.

Todoroki was ready to end this, here and now with one blow!

But fractured memories of his abuse, his mother, his awful father, it twisted inside his soul. And his spirit, his fire... died out, lowering his hand in acceptance. Instead, a palm struck the nearest ice shard, igniting everything in its path. "Howitzer IMPACT!" A titanic explosion obliterated the ice, arcs of ignited air dispersing amongst the black smoke. The sheer intensity blinding everyone.

~Woahaha! Bakugo combined speed and rotation for a devastating blast like he used against Uraraka! He turned himself into a human missile!~ Mic was enjoying every bit of it. ~Todoroki didn't fire off his flame attack like he did with Midoriya, so waht has become of our top two competitors!?~

Ciana thought some hope was finally coming to Todoroki when it seemed like he was going to use his flames, though noticing that he was still struggling in his heart and didn't end up using his flames… which left Ciana in more concern for Todoroki, but even if he didn't use his flames the ice looked so large and cold…

Ciana took hold of Izuku's hand again as she was becoming afraid that this will lead both Todoroki and Bakugo. "Something's wrong… I-I can feel he's still overwhelmed with pain…" Ciana really hates Totodorkis' father right now for causing him this much suffering…

Izuku didn't say a word, swallowing a lump in his throat as his hand squeezed back.

The smoke was intense so it took a few seconds for the majority to clear, but by then the results had been finalized. Katsuki was on the ground, looking a little bewildered when the news sank in. He shakily stood up, spotting Todoroki laying against the remnants of his glacier, unconscious. He stumbled then toward Todoroki, then into a sprint as Izuku's face was pulled in shock at the outcome.

"Hey!" He yelled, grabbing Todoroki by the collar as he yelled with rekindled anger. "You - stop messing around! This isn't a real win unless you try harder!" His eyes were filled with unparalleled levels of fury and spite, but his voice couldn't accept he won. "I can't win this way so get up!" By then, Midnight had already unleashed her quirk, knocking Bakugo out soon after under the effects of the pink mist. "Don't..."

~Todoroki is out of bounds! That means... Bakugo is the winner!~ Despite Midnight's claim, and the crowd's triumphant cheers, Izuku felt his stomach hollow out, this certainly was bittersweet.

~And with that, the final match is officially over! The First Year Champion of the Sports Festival is Katsuki Bakugo from class 1A!~ Present Mic hyped up further.

Ciana gasped seeing the display Todoroki was in, staring down at him as her eyes were filled with so much worry. Maybe this was for the best… win or lose, Todoroki shouldn't be pressured after what his own father was putting him through. "Todoroki…" Ciana was also worried for Bakugo too, and by the way he looked… he was going to blow a fuse when he wakes up…

Ciana's eyes began to be filled with tears, clenching her fists seeing how hard Todoroki's own father pushed him too much not to stay true to himself… this pained Ciana enough herself to witness… her hands went to her face as she couldn't help but cry, she felt pretty pathetic herself and sad she wasn't able to help him…

"It'll be okay..." Izuku whispered to her, not caring if the others were around them as he brought her against his side for a hug, watching the two unconscious teens being taken away. "What you've done mattered, Todoroki... has a lot to think about now,"

Ciana didn't object to the hug as she ended up crying against his chest, she shook a little but knew Izuku was right he still needed to work things out… it would be a lot better when his father isn't around which might help him be more at ease… she nodded in Izuku's chest in response, now that the match was over she wasn't sure what will come next for everyone…

[Transition]

~The First Year students have completed all of the events for the UA Sports Festival! Now it's time to relax and enjoy the award ceremony!~ Midnight declared as the dazzling fireworks display went off above.

A large blast of smoke then revealed the winners. In a joint Third Place was Tokoyami and Yuuki. In Second Place, Todoroki, and lastly... First Place. The top spot had the most uncomfortable or downright bewildered as a large concrete slab was bolted with chains and a thick steel brace around his arms with chains, alongside a muzzle over Katsuki's mouth as he thrashed around like a wild animal, his yells muffled but his rage practically battering Ciana's aura like a bad smell.

"What the heck...?" Jiro blurted out.

"He's been going nuts ever since he woke up," Kirishima sighed, rubbing his temple. "Man, Bakugo, pull yourself together..." He, in fact, did not.

Ciana actually felt frightened seeing Bakugo like this… never has she ever seen him look this ferocious, it was scary enough for her to flinch as she stared at the winner in a bit of fear with a sheepish smile and a sweat drop.

"I always knew he was feral b-but I never thought he would actually revert to becoming rabid now…" she comments, shaken up, Bakugo looks like he belonged in a cage scary enough…

~Now, let's break out the hardware! Of course, there's only person worthy of distributing the awards!~ Midnight declared as a boisterous laugh echoed from atop the stadium, the buffed out form of the Symbol of Peace standing proud. Even as All Might started to speak to the adoring crowd, Midnight continued without a hitch. ~All Might, the Number One Herooo...!~

There was an awkward pause as All Might landed, craning his head back to look at Midnight as she hid her teasing smile behind her hand. "I ruined that didn't I?" She grinned apologetically while All Might twitched a bit as his ruined entrance. Clearing her throat, Midnight held up the medals for him with a flustered look. ~Now that you're here All Might, why don't you start the presentation?~

Taking the two third place medals, All Might chuckled a bit, "Young Tokoyami, congratulations," He placed it over his head. "You showed great strength out there,"

"Your words humble me, sir," He replied, then was surprised a bit when All Might embraced him with a pat on the back.

"However, you have more training to do if you're going to fight against different types of villains, you're not going to be able to rely on your quirk in every battle you face," All Might instructed.

Tokoyami stared at the medal in his hand, obviously reflecting on this. "Yes sir,"

Then he moved over to Yuuki who kept her eye to the ground. "Young Yuuki, congratulations," She too was granted a medal as he eyed her calmly. "You've gone through a lot today, your match with Young Finley, as well as Young Bakugo, and with your mysterious quirk no less,"

"...I'm still unsure of what this means moving forward," She replied honestly. "I... have more thoughts I never considered before, and... I don't know if I can accept my quirk yet, those times I feel conflicted about,"

"Your combat prowess is among the best I've seen, you've truly honed your craft," Just as before, All Might gave her a hug and pat on the back, something that visibly shocked her, her eye wide at the strange but warm feeling. "But remember, you are still young, and that is what UA is for, to help young fledgling heroes like yourself find your path, not all answers will be easy but I'm certain you will find the right one,"

He moved away, leaving her too with her thoughts, her hand grazing her medal.

Ciana at least managed to smile for Yuuki, noticing that All Might gave her some comfort and encouragement, already so much hope is coming for the girl. Ciana glanced at her other friends and was proud of how hard they worked to make it this far, though Ciana felt a little sad still she wasn't able to help out everyone…

Ciana thought her mothers song would help ease everyone's tension, but it didn't seem to do as much good as she hoped. Which made her feel like a failure as her gaze looked down and frowned. She wasn't disappointed about losing but felt like she let everyone down…

"Young Todoroki, congratulations," All Might placed the silver medal over his shoulders. "I'm assuming there's a reason you didn't use your left side, though it cost you the final?"

Todoroki was reflecting too as he spoke. "Midoriya opened my eyes during our match, and Finley saw into my true emotions, but then I started to doubt myself. I think I understand a little of why you're interested in them. I want to be the kind of hero you are, but my path... isn't as clear as I thought it was, I have a lot to think about," The face he made was relaxed, and looked the most at ease than ever before, he had a new goal he wanted to pursue. "And I still need to settle things with someone very soon,"

All Might nodded, "I've never seen this sorta look on your face before," He too embraced his student. "I won't ask for details, but trust yourself, I'm sure you'll work things out."

"Right," Todoroki replied.

Glancing up at Todoroki, Ciana noticed his expression looked kinda at ease… which surprised her as her eyes widened a little, he didn't look very disappointed that he lost… but like he was coming to terms with himself and everything that happened today in this festival.

Ciana wasn't sure but Todoroki looked like he had a whole new perspective… which perked her smile up a little in his direction, hoping she would be able to see him smile soon.

It was time... "And now, Young Bakugo! Hm... this is a little much," With his mouth clamped shut, All Might had to undo the clamp to place the medal on. "You did what you said you'd do in the pledge. You're true to your word!"

"...All Might...!" Katsuki rasped. The very words 'Angry' started to appear across his devil-like expression. "...Winning first place this way... DOESN'T PROVE I'M THE BEST ONE HERE, EVEN IF THE WORLD CONSIDERS ME THE WINNER I REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT LIKE THIS!" His rage was unparalleled.

"Ahem, in a world where we're constantly being compared to one another, there are very few that can keep their eyes on the top spot, you're one of them!" But All Might's words did nothing, he feared it actually made Katsuki more angry as he shivered a bit. "S-Still scary!" But he had a job to do, holding out the gold medal. "Please, accept this medal, even if you have to think of it as a scar, something you'll never forget,"

"I don't want that piece of garbage!" He yelled in refusal.

"Come on now," All Might tried but Katsuki raised his head to catch the strap on his nose.

"Get that trash off of me you idiot!" Katsuki was unrelenting but with hulking strength, All Might brought the medal down as it caught between Katsuki's teeth.

Witnessing Bakugos scary rant had her sweat drop more at the crazy display… This is the craziest award giving ceremony she has ever witnessed in human history. "I understand why he's upset but he could have at least acted a little mature in front of the top hero… especially that the world is witnessing him like this…"

Ciana felt bad Bakugo was humiliating himself and his anger is getting the best of him… now more people are either going to make fun of him or be more terrified of his personality… "Maybe it's best I don't speak with him until he cools off… if he ever even does…" Ciana had a feeling it's going to take a looong time for explody fists to settle down…

"Here they are, the winners of this year's first years sports festival! But listen closely, any of you first years could've ended up on these podiums! Think about what you've done today; you challenged each other, learned, and climbed even closer towards your goals of being pros! I think this group of heroes is promising to be our best ones yet!" All Might then shot his finger up into the sky. "I have one last thing to say! I want everyone to say it with me..."

"PLUS ULTRAAAA/GOOD WOOOORK!"

Then came a deadly pause before half the crowd started booing and scorning All Might for his complete U-Turn on the UA catchphrase.

"THAT WAS THE PERFECT TIME TO SAY 'PLUS ULTRA' ALL MIGHT!"

~Well, uh, yes but... everyone did such a good job!~ He winced in a flimsy defence.

"This Sports Festival is crazy..." Izuku shook his head, laughing a bit to himself with one hand tightly around Ciana's still.

"Tell me about it," Jiro chuckled too.

"Can't say I'm ever gonna forget it," Uraraka joined them in a fit of laughter. "Man, we got completely thrashed too! Hehehe!"

Ciana cheered with the crowd as she felt her spirits already lifted back up, despite some setbacks she really had a lot of fun. Now her smile was brought back as she gave her attention around her friends. "That was definitely the most exciting event I ever had in my life! No way I'll ever forget this ether."

Ciana expressed with a wider smile, now that the fights are over they can finally relax and have some fun, speaking of fun… recalling the plan with the girls, Ciana smirked a little as she leaned towards Ashido and Jiro to quietly whisper to them. "So… you girls still up for the plan tonight…?" Referring to the prank they are going to pull on Mineta and Kaminari… already she thought everything through since the first thing everyone will probably do is hit the showers…

The musician and dancer looked to one another, then big grins crossed their faces, laughing darkly to one another. Those two had no idea what they were in for...

[Transition]

Yuuki rubbed her neck, feeling a little drained from Recovery Girl's treatment. She hung her head a little as she wandered down the hall to greet the afternoon light alone. Kendo had stopped looking after her, the outcome still strange for Yuuki now that she was viewing Kendo as... a friend, or was she always one?

"Stop thinking like that, you have a mission, idiot," She hissed at herself, but the more she tried, the harder she wanted to just... accept this new perspective. It felt... warmer, safer even than with her rifts or cursed quirk.

"Oh, hey!" Yuuki stopped, her bow twitching as she turned left to a bench by the grass, there, the same boy she fought and effortlessly beat in her match. "Guess Kendo didn't just throw me under the bus, huh?"

"It's you... the one I beat... Kaminari?" She wasn't sure of his name, but he brightened up a bit, then slumped in his seat.

"Y-yeah, that's about right... argh, this feels like a stupid idea, but..." He stood up, then held something out for her. It was glistening from being cold, a soda can? Yuuki cocked her head a bit. "Right, so, I know I said I'd offer a drink when I won, but well... that happened, but still, you looked like you needed it, especially now, right?"

He wasn't wrong, but again, why was he doing this? "Why offer me this?" She didn't understand.

Kaminari rubbed his nape, looking slightly bashful. "Look, I just felt bad for getting cocky and you looked really heated yourself against Finley so... I guess this is me apologizing? Y-yeah, that's it," He held it out, and slowly, Yuuki took the drink in both hands.

"...I thank you then," She bowed her head a bit, seeing his sharp grin appear with a thumb pointed at himself.

"N-not a problem, well, gotta go, otherwise Mr Aizawa will strangle me with his scarf," With that, the blonde quickly ran off to find his class, leaving Yuuki to open the can and take a sip. It was grape flavoured too as her chest felt a little warmer despite the refreshing, and energizing drink.

"...it's sweet,"