Kaminari took off before you even had a chance to formulate a strategy. He sent two electric waves down each of your flanks, closing you in and leaving you open for a punch. You felt the harsh brush of his fist graze your cheek as you evaded just in time. It was instinct which took over when you shoved him past you and tried to gain back some ground.

He wasn't giving you a moment to think.

"Up close and personal today, aren't we?" You baited, distancing yourself from the male.

"Nuh uh, no tricks. This fights mine!" His speedy recovery startled you along with the sneaky trail of shocking energy which flowed on the ground and bit you at the ankles. It wasn't particularly pain inducing, but it sure as hell knocked you off your feet.

Before you knew it, Kaminari was on top of you holding a palm full of crackling sparks. "Who's on their ass now?" He smirked.

Without missing a beat, you jabbed two quick shots into his chest and stomach causing him to double over. With his guard down, you set off a brilliant ray from your hands, launching him to the other end of the stage.

You rose again and dusted the dirt off yourself. "Still you."

Kaminari groaned, rolling over and getting back up. "Seems like someone doesn't want me around them," He challenged, fingertips buzzing with electricity. "I wonder why?"

He headed straight for you, his palm at the ready. You stood your ground with the intention of blocking his attack, but just as he came seconds within reach, he bent down and kicked you off your feet. Your surprise by his tactic was so strong you didn't have time to escape the barrage of lightning he set off in your area.

Your scream echoed throughout the arena as the violent electrical charge ripped through you. It felt like you were being burned alive, but you didn't have the luxury of moving away from the flames. The electricity bound you like an invisible rope as you waited in agony for the shock to pass.

And pass it did. It felt like an hour before that, but the charge dissipated leaving behind only the occasional spark to emanate from your body. Your clothes were charred and smoking as you lay there trying to gather your senses again.

Kaminari stepped over your form and pressed a finger to your arm. You didn't miss the exhaustion on his brow along with the satisfied smirk on his lips. "Call it quits, sweetheart. I would hate to fry you up any more."

You coughed, releasing a puff of smoke. Your vision was slow as you glanced around the stage and saw the faceless masses cheering. Was this why you came? To show off in front of them? Why were you so insistent to please such a mindless crowd?

You turned your head to face Kaminari. He wore the same smug smile from the start of the battle. In his mind he had already won.

"(l/n), are you still with us?" You heard Midnight ask from her position on the outskirts of the stage.

Why were you there? Your eyes flickered behind to the seats high above the public audience. A handful of heroes sat perched like statues overlooking the spectacle. Among them was one pair of beady little eyes that watched you expectantly. Their expression was mute, but the real emotion hid behind the intense stare. Nezu was aware of your attendance, yet he had made no moves to stop you. A twinge of suspicion as to the meaning of that rang in your thoughts.

However odd his motives might have been, it gave you in answer to your questions. Why were you there? To prove you were capable, and not only that, but that you were determined to overcome any obstacle in your path. No matter what, or who, was in it.

You shifted your attention back to Kaminari, the corner of your lip twitching with a grin. In a flash, you snatched his fingers and twisted, earning a pained gasp from the blond. Still holding your hand in his grasp, you pulled him down to land him on your outstretched foot and flipped him over you. You heard the heavy thud of air force its way out of his lungs as he dropped onto his back.

Without a moment to spare, you ignited your fists with matter. You threw your punch at his head, but he was quick. He rolled out of the way and shot off a ray of electricity toward you. You took the brunt of the attack on your arm which seared your skin a lot more than the first time his attack hit you.

Kaminari chuckled as he stumbled to get up. "You're stubborn. I'll give you that. But don't forget, I know your weakness. You don't even have a chance of beating me with your quirk."

A lightbulb went off. "Maybe you're right," You beamed, clenching your laser fists.

You dove for him with a knock to the jaw which sent him faltering back. Your knuckles were electrocuted just from the touch his skin, but you continued to try and break him down.

Your stun only lasted a couple blows before Kaminari hit you with a charged wave. The attack pushed you away and intermingled with your star quirk like before. A thousand needles seemed to be stabbing at your arms as the electricity ran through.

If Kaminari raised his voltage any higher you could lose mobility in your limbs.

However, that was only if his quirk made impact with yours. You were walking a very fine line with this one.

You started towards him once more aiming a lasered hand at him which he intercepted with some lightning of his own. Before the deadly sparks could arrive, you swung your arm to the side, switching off your power and directing Kaminari's attack away. You continued to advance.

The frustration on your opponent's face was evident as he shot another string of electricity at you. You met his hit with your own and repeated the action from before. You were getting closer.

You were inches from him as Kaminari's glower gleamed with desperation. You hadn't anticipated his fuse to blow so abruptly as he unleashed a storm of lightning, shoving you back. You lifted your arms to block but the attack slashed at your skin. You dug your heels into the ground while Kaminari kept pushing you to the far reaches of the stage.

He was planning on driving you out.

That was his last resort. It had to be. You could see the exhaustion coming through in his features. He wouldn't stand a chance if he kept deflecting or evading. He was using his remaining efforts to propel you out of the ring.

Taking note of this, you countered by lighting up your own hands. The burning star fire barely managed to keep Kaminari's sparks at bay until they were overrun by his electricity. It popped and crackled against your power but it was enough to halt any further push from him. What didn't stop, however, were the jolts that scorched your veins.

"Give it up, (l/n)!" Kaminari yelled over the electric distortion. "You can't win with that quirk of yours! You didn't think I'd see how much it fucked up your arm in the cavalry battle? You can't beat me! My quirk will tear you apart!"

You grit your teeth and tried to focus on anything but the pain. He was right. You couldn't attack him head on with just your star matter and using your other quirk was out of the question as well. It was on a strict 'emergency use' policy.

"Don't make this harder on yourself," Kaminari coaxed.

That smugness sunk along with the color in his face when you pulsed out a deep wave of star flames, throwing back the electricity if only for a couple seconds. Kaminari's eyebrows raised as you did it again, gaining ground as you did so.

The blond's lip curled. He grunted and heightened the strength of his lightning. You let out a hiss while the sparks singed through your muscles. It was overpowering your quirk and it wouldn't take long before both your arms became like your earlier encounter with him.

"You say you were paying attention, but I think you missed one crucial detail about what your quirk can do to mine," You smirked. Your limbs were growing weak and threatened to give out any second.

"Oh yeah? And what's that?" Kaminari mocked.

Those waves you had been sending out weren't for nothing. You were measuring the intake of electricity your body could handle and were internalizing it as much as possible.

A shudder rolled in your shoulders as Kaminari's power surged with your own. A coy smile lightly touched your lips.

You let out a cool, shaky breath as a bomb of an explosion erupted from your palms, dazzling bright like a pillar of crystals. The sound of thunder reverberated against the stadium walls as the raw energy reeled you back a couple inches. It scathed you to no end, but you held out as it broke through Kaminari's lightning and slammed into him. He didn't stand a chance as the heavy blow flung him off the battlefield and crashed him into the concrete stadium.

The storm of dust began to settle as your body wracked with pain. You didn't even notice your loss of balance until you fell on your knees, hunched over with a sore, burning ache.

The shouts of jubilation from the crowds and the hosts seemed like background noise as you hacked out another cough of smoke. However, despite being in a daze you still managed to hear one voice above everything else.

"(l/n) advances to the next round!" Midnight confirmed, a waving a green flag.

You would have been more ecstatic if you could feel your arms in that moment.

In a slow effort, you rose to your feet and trudged along to where you had cast Kaminari out of the ring. The male sat sprawled, head hanging low. You wondered if he was even awake.

"Kami...? Are you okay?" You asked as you bent down towards him, lightly pushing the hair out of his eyes. You may have kicked his ass, but that didn't mean you were just going to leave him there.

Kaminari looked up at you with a dorky grin and made a sound that you had no idea the meaning of. He was giving you two thumbs up and muttering to himself.

"Maybe it I did over-do it," You sighed, letting him use you for support. He didn't seem all together in the head but at least he could stand.

"(l/n)? Is he alright? Do you need an extra hand to take you two to the infirmary?" Midnight asked.

You were struggling to keep both of you steady as you led him towards the nearest tunnel. "No! We're good! I'll take him!"

"What a trooper! She may have bested him and yet she's still lending a helping hand! A well deserved win for the bright-eyed, (l/n)!" You heard Present Mic exclaim to the crowd.

You rolled your eyes and readjusted Kaminari on your shoulder. You didn't need the audience to see your kindness.

You glanced behind to the section in the stands where a small white rodent sat. His eyes met yours with some kind of a smile you couldn't distinguish as friendly or fearsome. You tore away from them and continued into the tunnels where the shadows once again hid you from view.

You didn't know what game Nezu was playing, but you didn't trust it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Whoa! That was a close call," Kirishima breathed out in relief. He clapped with the others in your victory cheer. "I didn't think she'd have a hard time dealing with Kaminari."

"I didn't think he'd pick up on his encounter with (l/n) in the cavalry battle," Sero chimed in.

"Yeah, but even when the odds were stacked against her, Kami still couldn't beat her," Mina interjected. "That's some real skill."

Bakugou quietly watched you and dunce face make your way out of the field while the others conversed amongst themselves.

He'd never seen you in an actual fight. There was something eye-opening about witnessing you in such a powerful state. Maybe he didn't think you had it in you or perhaps it was jarring seeing you ruthlessly pushing your way through your opponent's barricade in such a tactical manner. There was a fierceness in your eyes and in your moves that left him a little transfixed.

You were strong.

He blamed his competitive tendencies for the interest he displayed. After all, rivalries between friends were common.

He didn't dwell on the thought for much longer as the arena prepared for the next battle. Bakugou's fight would be coming up soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dropping Kaminari off at Recovery Girl's pop-up office, you scampered off to find a new location to settle down in for the meantime. You felt a little bad leaving him by the door like an unconscious pokemon, but you did the courtesy of knocking to get someone's attention.

As you traversed the school for a new hidey hole, you found a prep room for students who were going on stage soon. Maybe that would be a good spot to cool off in. You doubted anybody would be suspicious of you being there.

However, that thought was apparently not a concern at all. There was no one in sight. Just a couple of tables and chairs and water bottles lying around.

You shrugged your shoulders and took a bottle. You let out a deep sigh as you plopped down on a seat and chugged the liquid into your parched throat.

Kaminari kinda got to you. You were exhausted. Your arms hurt, your back was sore, you wondered how well you would fair in the upcoming rounds. Healing yourself wasn't much of an option. You had already done so once, you couldn't imagine what twice in such a short span of time would do to you. You'd probably sleep through the entire festival.

Well the bright side was the damage wasn't too harsh. You ached, but you could still stand. You just needed some time to relax your muscles and rest.

You were there for a little over half an hour nursing your wounds when someone burst through the door, startling you. "(y/n)! There's our mini powerhouse!" Mina bounced to you with joy. Trailing behind her was a weary looking Uraraka.

You frowned at both the comment and the oddity. "I'm taller than you."

Mina snapped her fingers with a grin. "But you're still short."

You pursed your lips and peered at her. "I will blast you like I did Kami."

"Whoa, Bakugou, is that you?" Mina teased as she poked at your face. You pouted with a smile and swatted away her hand. "I think he's rubbing off on you too much."

Your eyes flickered to Uraraka who wore a weak grin. She and Mina sat on either side of you, but you noticed how dazed Uraraka appeared as she folded her hands on the table.

"So, you two have fights coming up?" You asked.

"Yup! I'm set against Aoyama."

"Isn't that the flashy, French dude who's always raving about how shiny he is?"

Mina winked with a gesture. "That's the one."

"No offense to him, but I think you've got this in the bag," You encouraged. "My advice? Get close enough and conk him out with a solid punch. He's more of an offensive guy so he won't see you coming."

"You picked that up? That's too much work for me. I just do what I can in the moment," Mina shrugged and then nodded towards the brunette. "Uraraka over here is the one with an opponent who's all bite no bark! Got any strategies going?"

The girl seemed surprised to be in the spotlight. She laughed nervously and shook her head. "Haha, not really. I've been training with him for a while now and I still can't make sense of what's going on in his head. He's really unpredictable..."

"You got that right," You sighed, downing the rest of your drink. You were feeling a bit better, though not in top shape. "I've only fought him once during practice and that was without quirks. If his entrance exam ranking is anything to go by, he must be a real tank."

You regretted your words instantly when you saw the girl squirm. Despite her desperate attempts to conceal her anxieties, you could still see the shaking of her hands.

"But...like you said you've been training with him! I'm sure you must have picked up a few things," You consoled. You offered her a hopeful smile and nudged her shoulder. "Knowing something is better than not knowing anything at all."

She nodded though not convinced. Mina also noticed the tense atmosphere and rolled with your sentiments. "Yeah! Just take a page out of the (y/n) handbook and punch his lights out!" The pinkette motioned with a jab.

"That might be good..." Uraraka shook her and clapped both of her cheeks. Her expression became determined and valiant as she puffed out her chest. "In any case, I can't let anything get to me! I've gotta give it my all and pull out all the stops to win!"

"That's the spirit!" Mina cheered just as another form entered the room.

"Iida," You greeted, "Are you coming back from your fight?"

"Yes, though it wasn't much of a fight," Your class prez hummed unhappily. He proceeded to explain Hatsume's informercial strategy and you all gave him your sympathies.

The speaker in the room then went off and Mina quickly gathered herself with a gasp. "Oh! That's my cue. I'll see you guy and gals later! Wish me luck!" She fervently messed up your hair and dashed out of the room before you could scold her.

"You don't need it!" You shouted after her with a pouty grin as Iida came closer to your resting table.

You guys were chatting about mundane things when Uraraka suddenly sighed. "By the way, good work out there, Iida."

You glanced between the two, but stopped short when you caught the look on the brunette's face. Your eyes widened.

"Oh, thank you, I—Uraraka!? What's with the furrowed brows!?" Iida exclaimed.

The crease in her features ceased when she noticed the alarm on both your faces. "Huh? Oh, I was just trying to hype myself up, but, uh..." The girl folded her arms on the table. Her head hung low and dejected. "I guess my nerves got the better of me. I can't even hide it."

"I see..." Iida nodded in thought. "You're up against Bakugou after all."

"Yeah...I'm really scared..."

Your concern met your eyes as you rested a hand on the brunette. "Hey, it's okay to be nervous. Even I was worried in my last fight. But remember, Katsuki isn't a god or anything. You can still beat him."

It seemed your words had the opposite effect because Uraraka looked more anxious than before. "That's easy for you to say. You're smart, and brave, and you've got an awesome quirk. My power doesn't inflict damage, and it makes me sick if I push myself even a little," Uraraka mused. The air about her was uncharacteristically gloomy. "I appreciate your encouragement though. Seeing you in your battle did give me a little boost of confidence so thank you."

You had run out of ways to comfort the poor girl when yet another being came into the room. This time the body had a curly head of green hair and freckle speckled cheeks. In their hands was an impeccable-looking notebook.

"Izuku," You acknowledged with surprise.

"Ah, I thought I'd find you guys back here," He said, shutting the door behind him.

"Deku!" Uraraka remarked. "Aren't you going to watch everyone else's matches?"

"I did, but most wrapped up insanely quick. After Ashido knocked out Aoyama in mere seconds, they brought out Yaoyorozu and Fumikage. It didn't take long for him to push her out of the ring. Right now it's Kirishima against someone from Class B."

"Tetsutetsu," You answered.

Izuku nodded. "Right. They're tied in strength. There's no telling who will win the match."

"Then...I'm next soon..." Uraraka spoke softly.

"Uraraka's a little worried about her upcoming fight," You explained to your green haired classmate. He moved his head in understanding.

"Well, I highly doubt that even someone like Bakugou would use his full capacity explosions against a female opponent," Iida stated firmly.

Before you could think, the sentence left your mouth. "You're wrong."

And to your bewilderment, someone else followed. "He would," Izuku confirmed. The expressions on both Iida and Uraraka were strickened, but they knew it wasn't out of malice.

"Look, it's Katsuki we're talking about. He didn't even go easy on me last time we fought," You explained. You knew it wasn't the best thing for Uraraka to hear but she needed to know what she was getting into. "He's going to give it his all regardless of power level or gender. That's just the way it is and it's how it should be."

"We've all got dreams. And if we want to achieve them, we gotta do what we gotta do," You finished.

"She's right," Izu backed you up. "Kacchan is no exception." He then glanced up, meeting the brunette's gaze. "You've helped me so much, Uraraka. I wanted to return the favor."

Izuku gripped the notebook and showed it to the girl. "I made a plan that's tailored to your quirk. It's a little rough, but I think it can work."

Iida grinned from ear to ear. "Whoa! Isn't that great, Uraraka?"

The brunette smiled, the first sincere smile you had seen from her since she had walked into the room. "Thank you, Deku...but it's fine."

All three of you were baffled by her response, but it was you who had the speediest recovery. "H-hey, maybe it's worth giving this plan a listen to?"

"No, it's okay," She raised a hand and shook her head. "Deku, (l/n), Iida, you're all so amazing. And you do amazing things all the time..."

"When I paired up with you two in the cavalry battle, I thought that would be the easiest since we're already friends. But now I've realized, I might have been trying to rely on you. That's why when Iida challenged Izuku, it kind of made me embarrassed." Uraraka stood up, her fingertips pressed against the cold metal table. "That's why I can't accept your offer. Everyone here is fighting for their futures. Doesn't that make us all rivals?"

She walked up to the door and turned around with nervous glance. She gave you three a thumbs up. "So let's meet in the finals!"

"Good luck, Uraraka," You nodded proudly. The brunette beamed once again and disappeared into the hallway.

Your gaze flickered over to Izuku who was frowning. "She'll be okay. She's smart too. She doesn't give herself enough credit," You reassured.

"Yeah...I just don't know how this match is going to end," The male sighed, dropping his journal to his side.

"We'd better get to our seats. Uraraka will need our moral support!" Iida proclaimed, ushering you three out.

After this battle, the second round would commence. Izuku had won his first one, and you had witnessed the devastation of Todoroki's quirk in his fight...which meant Izuku would be facing off against him.

You grabbed said person by his sleeve, catching his attention. Before he could question it, you turned to the class president. "Iida, may I speak with Izuku alone for a second? We'll catch up soon."

He cocked his head in curiosity. "Uh, sure. Just don't cause any trouble! And come as soon as you're done!"

"Don't worry, prez, I've got the saint of Class 1-A with me. He'll keep me in check," You assured with smirk causing the green haired male to blush profusely.

Iida eyed you with scrutiny. "Uh, huh. Don't be gone too long." With his final warning still in the air, he excused himself from you two and exited the prep room.

And then there were two.

"Uh, (y-y/n)? What's up?" Midoriya asked, the flush of his cheeks still noticeable.

You watched him carefully, examining how much trust you could put in him. "Izu, you're going to fight Todoroki, right?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess so..."

"Have you talked to him at all? Like, are you guys on good terms?"

"Well, I wouldn't say good terms..." The male scratched the back of his head. "Why? What's wrong?"

"I'm worried," You admitted, hesitance lacing your voice. "You saw his fire quirk, right? He never uses it."

"Yeah, in the cavalry battle. It surprised me too," Izuku recalled. "He told me that he never uses his left side."

"Did he tell you why?"

"Because of his father. His father is the number 2, Endeavor," he answered. You were glad he was on the same page as you though a little surprised. You could only guess Shoto must have shared that with him.

"Endeavor is here," You informed causing the male's eyes to widen. "He's here and he's hanging over Shoto like a vulture." Your expression was frantic as you tried to assemble your feelings into words. "I want to help him."

"You should see the way his father treats him, Izu. He's nothing like him and Shoto's holding himself back because of it." You looked up at your friend with pleading eyes. "I know this is a lot to ask, but if anyone can understand helping someone who's lost it's you."

"You were willing to help Uraraka, could you help me get through to Shoto?" You asked.

Midoriya was shocked by your revelation, but he understood very well where you were coming from. He also felt partial to Todoroki's plight.

Izuku didn't waste a second after you spoke. "Yes," he nodded, determination resting on his brow. "I'll help."

"You will?"

"Yeah... It's not right what Endeavor is doing to Todoroki. I don't know what I can do but I'll help."

"I just want Shoto to realize that he's his own person. That even if his DNA is linked to that asshole, that doesn't define him." You glanced up hopefully. "What he is and what he can do... he's holding himself back."

"Just let him know that. He needs to hear it from somebody who can see it from a different perspective."

Izuku nodded. "I know. I...I'll do my best."

A warm smile spread across your face. You wrapped your arms around him and squeezed him tight. "Thank you, Izu. I knew I could rely on you." A crimson blush fluttered over the male's freckled cheeks as he awkwardly attempted to hug you back.

"Y-yeah, sure thing. B-besides, I agree with you," He replied with a nervous grin.

You let go and smiled softly. "Oh, and good luck to you too, Izuku. I know you're gonna do amazing." Considering the astounding resemblance of his powers with All Might's, you could only assume.

"T-thanks!"

After one last thankful glance, you left him to prepare for his upcoming battle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There wasn't much left to do but head back to the tunnel you had been using previously. Your mood was quiet and pensive as you reached said location. However, to your astonishment, someone was already there.

"Katsuki."

The ash blond glanced up meeting your restless, cloudy eyes. His brows deepened into a frown now for more than one reason.

"Hey, glow worm."

"I haven't seen you in a bit," You broke the silence as you meandered over to him. "Nervous?"

He let out a scoff. "Me? Nervous? You've got to be kidding."

"Alright, alright, Mr. Hotshot," You chortled. "You're not the least bit worried about your opponent knowing some of your moves? 'Cause that sounds like something you should consider."

Bakugou rolled his eyes. "I didn't show her all of my moves. That'd be stupid." He then gave you a once over and cocked his brow. "What about you? Are you good?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"You took some nasty blows from Pikachu out there. Just hoping he didn't give you more brain damage than you already have," he shrugged with a huff and a smirk.

"Fuck. You." You stuck your tongue out at him.

Katsuki watched you as your gaze shifted away from him. Shinsou's words and your revelation came to mind.

"I met her when she was getting bullied by her classmates....You didn't know that did you?"

"He was there for me when I needed someone."

"Oi, night light...Do you trust me?"

You frowned, wondering where this topic had surfaced from. "Huh? Yeah...of course I do."

Katsuki's eyes flickered to yours. The intensity of his stare wasn't violent, but heavy. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why...why are you asking?" You questioned, genuinely baffled.

The blond tore his gaze away, looking off into the arena. He shook his head and let out a hiss. "No reason."

You wanted to press him for more, but it seemed like he wanted the conversation over and done with. Instead, you focused on the battled that was drawing near.

"So, Uraraka seems like she's grown a little," You commented. Despite her fears over Bakugou which anyone would have, her physical capabilities seemed more fleshed out. Her working out with Katsuki had given her a little extra muscle you noted.

"Yeah, I didn't think she had it in her in the beginning. She just needed the right push," the blond shrugged. "She's tough for someone with mochi cheeks."

"Looks can be deceiving," You mused.

Katsuki gave a nod. "She's a fast learner too. Catches on to maneuvers pretty quick. She may fumble the first couple times, but I know she understands what she's trying to do."

You thought your ears had failed you when you heard him let out a chuckle. "It's like watching a baby deer trying to walk for the first time."

You'd never seen Katsuki refer to someone so fondly. It was always 'idiot this' or 'dumbass that', but never followed by laughter. Never complimented after laying down an insult.

"She's pretty good, huh?" You found yourself saying. You believed it of course, but it was all you could iterate after the odd feeling forming in your chest.

They seemed close. You recalled the way they hung around each other during your fake cheer off. He carried her and talked with her comfortably and without awkwardness. Having someone like Uraraka as friend could be a good influence on him.

You wanted to encourage the kindness he was displaying right now, but something about it dampened your mood.

Your puzzlement was cut short as Present Mic began announcing the next contestants to the stage. Katsuki turned to you and sighed. "Alright, I've got a battle to win."

"Good luck," You said, hugging your sides.

He raised a brow. "What's with that look?"

"What look?"

He stared at you briefly before shaking his head and waving it off. "Nevermind, I'll see you after this."

He walked out into the arena with his confidence still oozing out of him. You followed him as he made his way into the battlefield where he met the determined Uraraka standing her ground.

You knew both parties fairly well, and yet you had no way of predicting how this fight would turn out.