It had been a couple of hours since Happy, Natsu, Lucy, Erza, and Gray arrived in Hargeon Town. Natsu, the Dragon Slayer, was finally feeling normal again—no more motion sickness from the train ride. He silently thanked the stars that Wendy wasn't with them. Even though her Troia spell could have eased his suffering, she wouldn't have been able to cast it without succumbing to her motion sickness. He hoped she was doing well in the other world.
"I'll check us into the hotel," Erza announced. "You all go on ahead—but no messing around! Remember, we're on a mission." She shot a pointed look at Natsu and Gray before heading inside, her mountain of luggage overwhelming the struggling bellhops.
"Why'd she have to lump me in with this flame-brain?" Gray grumbled, jabbing a thumb toward Natsu.
"What'd you say, Ice Princess?" Natsu snapped, flames flickering from his hands.
"You heard me, vomit boy!" Gray shot back, his hands crackling with cold.
"Oh, you're asking for it now!"
"Bring it on!"
Their bickering quickly escalated into a full-blown fight. Lucy and Happy sat nearby, sweatdropping at the familiar sight. Within minutes, Erza returned and promptly ended the skirmish with a single glare, her anger evident in the veins popping on her forehead.
"You two never learn," she said with a sigh. "Gray, put your clothes back on."
Realizing he was once again half-naked, Gray scrambled to dress, muttering under his breath.
"All right, here's the plan," Erza continued. "Natsu, Lucy, and Happy, you'll check the plaza and alleys. Gray and I will cover uptown and the train station. If you find anything suspicious, report back immediately via the communication lacrima. Understood?"
With nods all around, the group dispersed.
As Gray and Erza made their way toward the train station, Gray sneezed several times in quick succession, rubbing his burning ears.
"Gray, did we pass by some flowers you're allergic to?" Erza asked, halting mid-step. "Or are you catching a cold? Wait—can you even get colds?"
"It's not that," Gray replied, shaking his head. "I just have this feeling someone's talking about me. Did Lyon join one of our teams?"
"Hm," Erza mused. "Yes, I believe he's with Cana, Gildarts, and Juvia—oh." Her lips curled into a knowing smirk.
Gray flushed. "Don't even start."
"I can only imagine what Juvia and Lyon might be discussing," Erza teased.
"Dammit," Gray muttered, his face growing redder as he pictured Lyon interrogating Juvia about their nonexistent relationship. (or so he thinks is non-existent)
Back at the hotel, Cana, Elfman, Juvia, and Lyon waited for Gildarts to check them in. Sensing an opportunity, Lyon turned to Juvia with a serious expression.
"Juvia," he began, "when is the big day?"
Juvia blinked, confused. "The big day? What are you talking about?"
"You mean he hasn't proposed yet?" Lyon asked, incredulous.
Juvia's face turned scarlet as her imagination spiraled out of control. A wedding, a honeymoon, a cozy home, and thirty-three babies—all flashed through her mind. Lost in her fantasy, she didn't even hear Lyon calling her name.
Cana smirked, sipping from her flask. "Too late, Lyon. She's off in her Gray dreamland."
"Gray isn't manly if he hasn't proposed yet," Elfman declared, arms crossed.
"Oh? And how far have you and Evergreen gone in your relationship?" Cana retorted. Elfman froze, turning crimson as Cana's smirk widened.
Juvia snapped out of her daydream and turned to Lyon, now curious. "Lyon, I have a question for you."
"What is it?" Lyon asked cautiously.
"Are you and Meredy seeing each other?" Juvia asked, her tone earnest.
"What?! Wh-why would you think that?!" Lyon stammered, his face turning red.
"Well," Juvia said with a teasing smile, "you did call her cute when you first met her. And whenever we have guild gatherings, you two seem to get along very well…"
"Enough!" Lyon interrupted, covering his flushed face as Juvia chuckled.
Musutafu, U.A. Academy
After lunch, Wendy searched the halls for Bakugou. Spotting him with Kirishima, she ran to catch up. Iida, worried about Bakugou's abrasive personality, trailed behind, with Midoriya and Uraraka following out of curiosity.
"Hey, Wendy!" Kirishima greeted with his usual enthusiasm. "We were just talking about you. Good luck with your match!"
"Thank you!" Wendy replied with a bright smile before turning to Bakugou. "Let's have a good match today, okay?" She extended her hand toward him.
Bakugou glanced at her hand, then back at her face. Her earnest demeanor reminded him too much of Deku, and it irritated him.
"I don't know why you're acting friendly, shorty," he growled. "I'm not going easy on you just because you're a girl. You're just another extra for me to crush." Mini explosions crackled from his hands.
"Bakugou!" Iida scolded, gesturing dramatically. "Show some respect!"
"It's okay," Wendy said, smiling. "At least he's honest."
Her calm demeanor only annoyed Bakugou further. "What the hell are you giggling at?!"
"Sorry! You just remind me of someone from my home," Wendy said, flailing her arms in apology. "I didn't mean to offend you."
"Whatever," Bakugou muttered, turning away.
"I'll just call him Mr. Grumpy the next time I see him," Chelia said with a mischievous grin. "He's always like that, isn't he?"
"Yes, Yes he is" Mina commented walking up to them.
"Chelia, don't provoke him any further," Wendy replied with a nervous laugh, sweatdropping at her friend's casual attitude. Chelia only chuckled in response.
At the Training Grounds
The students of Class 1-A and 1-B arrived at the uninhabited city where the Final Exams were held. Their teachers, including All Might, Principal Nezu, and Recovery Girl, were escorted to the monitoring room to observe the matches. The setup mirrored the Sports Festival but with a twist: instead of handcuffing their opponents, the goal was to take the opponent's U.A. headband and reach the designated Goal Gate.
Wendy, Chelia, Todoroki, and Bakugou were preparing for their matches, each in separate changing rooms, slipping into their gym uniforms.
"I wonder how this fight is going to play out," Midoriya muttered, deep in thought. "Wind and air quirks are versatile. Kacchan might even use her abilities to his advantage since he manipulates air for his explosions. But then again, Wendy might have some unexpected tricks—maybe special moves she developed before coming here…" He trailed off, rambling at a rapid pace.
"Midoriya, you're rambling again," Tsuyu pointed out, her calm voice snapping him out of his thoughts.
"S-sorry! I'm just really curious—and maybe a little worried," Midoriya admitted.
"You're not the only one," Kaminari chimed in. "Wendy looks delicate, but I've learned not to judge a book by its cover. Remember Uraraka's fight in the festival? She was tough as nails." Uraraka, overhearing, smiled to herself at the compliment.
"We'll just have to watch and see how it goes," Kirishima said confidently, standing nearby with his arms crossed.
The doors to the arena opened, revealing Chelia and Todoroki, already dressed and ready for their matches. Chelia greeted her classmates with a cheerful wave as she walked toward them, while Todoroki quietly approached his group.
"You came to watch the match, I see," Tokoyami remarked, arms folded.
"Yes," Todoroki replied. "I've been talking to Chelia about Bakugou. I explained that he's not an opponent to take lightly, but she doesn't seem fazed at all."
"What do you mean?" Kirishima asked, his brow furrowing. "If I were in her shoes, I'd be nervous. Bakugou's tough, and he doesn't underestimate anyone. But does she have any combat experience?"
Todoroki shrugged. "I don't know, but she seems confident. When I told her about Bakugou's strengths, her response was, and I quote, 'I'm not worried at all. Just because someone looks shy and fragile doesn't mean they are. She'll be fine—and she'll win.'"
The group fell silent, unable to predict how the match would unfold. Their curiosity shifted to Wendy and Chelia's quirks.
"They're talking about you and Wendy," Kendo said, glancing at Chelia.
"I know," Chelia replied with a grin. "I can't wait to see how Wendy's match turns out. I'm excited for my turn too."
"As you should be! I mean, I know I can't wait to see you wipe the floor with half-and-half over there," Monoma quipped, smirking.
Before he could finish, Chelia's elbow connected with his side, sending him to the floor with a groan. He had been moments away from trying to touch her again.
"Man, you're annoying," Chelia said, rolling her eyes. "Is being better than everyone the only thing you think about? I'm not doing this to be better than anyone. Win or lose, I'll give it my all."
Kendo nodded approvingly, glaring at Monoma, who was still on the floor.
"Besides," Chelia continued, "Todoroki has a unique ability—fire and ice. I know it won't be easy, but I'm not stressing about it. I'll just do my best."
Chelia and Wendy had already discussed their approach to the matches. They agreed not to hold back, knowing that doing so would come across as condescending. Wendy had decided to avoid using her Dragon Force unless necessary.
In the Monitoring Room
"Alright, class. Wendy Marvell's exam is about to begin," All Might announced, drawing everyone's attention. The monitors flickered to life, showing Wendy and Bakugou standing at opposite gates, each wearing a headband.
"Here we go," Midoriya murmured, his focus glued to the screen.
Principal Nezu's voice echoed over the speakers. "For this simulation, the objective is simple: remove your opponent's headband and reach the Goal Gate. The match will last 30 minutes!"
Wendy vs. Bakugou
Examination of Wendy Marvel
Wendy vs. Bakugou
Ready GO!
"Why the hell did my name come after hers?!" Bakugou shouted in irritation. Wendy could almost hear him getting angry.
The match began with Wendy darting through the streets, her heightened senses tracking Bakugou's explosive scent.
She sprinted through the deserted streets of the simulated city, her senses on high alert. The faint trace of Bakugou's scent lingered in the air—sharp and acrid, like the aftermath of an explosion. It was close now, perhaps too close. She slowed her pace, scanning her surroundings with cautious precision.
The city was nothing like Magnolia. The towering buildings were foreign and rigid, lacking the warmth and charm of her hometown. It felt artificial, more like a training ground than a real place. The contrast intrigued her, but there was no time to dwell on it. She forced herself to refocus on the task at hand.
Tuning into her surroundings, Wendy strained her ears for even the faintest sound of movement. Then, without warning, Bakugou burst from a narrow alleyway, his movements sharp and calculated. His fiery gaze locked onto her, and his right hand cocked back, crackling with energy.
Wendy barely had time to raise her arms in defense before the explosion erupted with a deafening BOOM, sending a shockwave rippling through the air.
"I told you, I'm not going easy!" Bakugou shouted as his explosion struck.
A gust of wind cleared the smoke, revealing Wendy with only a small burn on her arm. But before she could react, Bakugou held her headband.
"I'm ahead now," he sneered, twirling the band on his finger.
Wendy charged, using a burst of wind to propel herself forward. She snatched the headband back but was sent flying by Bakugou's counterattack. Landing in a crouch, she repositioned her headband and smiled. "We're tied again!"
Here's a revised version with improved flow, more vivid descriptions, and better pacing:
"I wasn't expecting you to go easy on me," Wendy said, her voice steady despite her labored breathing. "Come at me with everything you've got until I can't stand anymore. Can you do that?" Her lips curled into a small, determined smile. "And just so you know, we're tied again."
Bakugou's eye twitched, irritation flashing across his face.
"Don't act cocky now, blue hair. I'll end you," he growled, slamming an explosive hand to the ground. The resulting blast propelled him forward like a rocket. Wendy barely dodged his attack, leaping into the air. She quickly retaliated, channeling wind magic into her left fist and striking him squarely in the face. The impact sent Bakugou crashing into the cement, cracking it beneath him.
Wendy hovered momentarily, catching her breath. But she knew better than to think that was enough. Bakugou wasn't down for long.
He pushed himself to his feet, wiping his sweaty face with the back of his hand, a grin spreading across his lips. But it wasn't a pleasant one. Wendy frowned.
Is that the kind of smile that says, 'This is going to be fun,' or 'I'm going to kill you'? she wondered. Judging by his increasingly menacing aura, she guessed it was the latter.
"You better come at me with everything you've got, shorty," Bakugou snarled, his voice low and threatening. "Because if you don't, you'll wish you'd never met me."
With a burst of fiery propulsion, he launched himself at her again. Wendy braced for an explosive strike but was caught off guard when Bakugou switched tactics. Instead of using his hands, he spun mid-air and landed a powerful kick to her face.
The impact sent Wendy stumbling backward, landing hard on the ground with a groan. She looked up just in time to see Bakugou launch himself into the air again, aiming to strike her while she was down.
Move! her instincts screamed, and she rolled out of the way just as a massive explosion scorched the spot where she'd been lying.
Smoke billowed around them as Bakugou emerged, his eyes narrowing when he saw Wendy already on her feet. They locked eyes, both breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows.
It was then Wendy realized something crucial: the hotter he became, the more sweat he produced, and the more explosive his power grew. His fiery scent was overwhelming now, almost suffocating.
"Stop gawking at me and fight!" Bakugou barked, propelling himself upward again. Twisting in the air, he spun rapidly, using his explosions to create a vortex of heat and fire.
"HOWITZER IMPACT!"
Wendy responded immediately, spinning her hands to summon a swirling current of wind.
"WAVE WIND!"
The two attacks collided, creating a massive tornado of fire and wind that tore through the area. Glass shattered in nearby buildings as the shockwave rippled outward. When the dust settled, both combatants were battered and bruised, their clothes torn and dirtied from the chaos.
Bakugou wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his gaze scanning for Wendy. She was still standing a few feet away, her stance shaky but determined.
"She's not down yet," he muttered under his breath, annoyance flickering in his crimson eyes.
"Don't underestimate me," Wendy said, her voice firm. "I'm not as weak as you think I am."
Bakugou gritted his teeth, his irritation boiling over. "You're starting to piss me off, shorty."
With a growl, he launched himself again, spinning into a wheel of explosions. Wendy countered by creating a whirlwind around her leg and propelling herself forward. The two clashed in a powerful exchange, but Bakugou made a fatal mistake—he stopped his momentum for just a second.
That was all Wendy needed.
"SKY ARROW!" she shouted, delivering a wind-enhanced kick straight to Bakugou's abdomen. The force sent him flying backward, crashing into the pavement with a grunt.
Wendy landed gracefully and immediately took advantage of the opening, swiping his headband before he could recover. Breathing heavily, she clutched the headband tightly in her hand.
All I have to do now is make it to the Goal Gate, she thought, scanning the area. Spotting the gate at the end of the road, she sprinted toward it.
Turning a corner, she saw the gate with its ridiculous banner displaying Principal Nezu's face. She sweatdropped. "Of course, it's the gate," she muttered.
Just as she prepared to cross, a voice rang out behind her.
"I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET, SHORTY!"
Wendy turned to see Bakugou flying toward her, explosions propelling him through the air. His face was twisted with fury as he formed a glowing sphere of energy between his palms.
"I'LL BLOW YOU UP SO BAD YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET BACK UP!"
Wendy inhaled deeply, gathering the surrounding air into her lungs.
"Sky Dragon's..."
"STUN GRENADE!"
"ROAAAAR"
The two attacks collided in a blinding explosion of light and sound. Bakugou was thrown back by the force of his attack, crashing into the ground where the battle had begun. Wendy shielded her eyes from the flash, waiting for the dust to clear.
When she finally looked, Bakugou was lying on the ground, breathing heavily but unmoving. He was knocked out.
Wendy didn't waste a second. Clutching the headband tightly, she dashed toward the Goal Gate and crossed it just as a bell chimed loudly.
Examination Complete: Wendy Marvell Wins.
In the monitoring room, the spectators sat in stunned silence. The sheer intensity of the match had left them speechless—except for Chelia, who erupted into cheers.
"All right," Recovery Girl said, breaking the silence. "I'll go check on Wendy and Bakugou in the infirmary. Todoroki and Chelia, you'll be up in five to ten minutes. Be ready."
Chelia smiled at Todoroki, extending her hand. "Let's have a great match, okay? No holding back."
"Yeah," Todoroki replied, shaking her hand. "No holding back."
As Chelia walked off, the rest of the students remained quiet, processing what they had just witnessed.
Denki broke the silence with a sly grin. "Well, I guess it's safe to say she blew him away."
Jiro burst into laughter, while Mr. Aizawa sighed and shook his head.
"Denki," Sero warned, "if Bakugou heard that, he'd blast you into next week."