Your name shot through you like an arrow.

There you stood, facing the rodent headmaster with fear ruminating behind your eyes. But his seemed to reflect the opposite. His eyes were like glass, fixated on one thing and transparent enough that you could only see yourself on the other side. Nothing alluded to the thoughts running through his head.

Nezu turned to the males and smiled. "I believe you and Mr. Midoriya are to be seated with your classmates, correct?"

It sounded like a question or a suggestion, but it felt far from it. Izuku looked alarmed, glancing between you and the principal.

You knew there wasn't a choice here. You tore your gaze away from him, letting him leave of his own accord. You couldn't hold him back nor could you ask him to fight your battles. This was something you had to face alone.

He and Iida eventually got the message, but Izuku didn't leave. At least, not before giving you a hopeful look. His expression was comforting, but the warmth it gave you didn't last as both males said their goodbyes and exited the balcony.

And not once during that entire farewell did the beam on the rodent's face drop.

Even now it still remained.

Nezu crossed his arms behind his back. "Now, (l/n), I'd like to take a walk and chat with you a bit."

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

Your heart was like a kickdrum in your chest as he led you down the desolate hallways of the arena. The shuffling of steps was all that could be heard while he continued down the path. You didn't dare look at him.

"I suppose I should start by congratulating you on your success," Nezu suddenly spoke. He stopped midway down the corridor and glanced out one of the windows where the crowds could be seen. They were wild with frenzy, a starch comparison to the icy silence in the room.

"You managed to not only fool the teachers and enter the festival, but also proceeded to run through all the courses and made it into the top four. I can only imagine the pride you must feel."

You wanted to speak, but it felt like if you did, you'd be signing your soul away. So, you held you tongue.

"(l/n), do you know why we hold the festival each year?"

He was speaking to you directly now. You had no choice but to respond. "If I'm remembering correctly, it's to showcase our abilities, right? We're supposed to be getting the attention of potential heroes or hero companies that we can intern for, to gain hands-on experience?"

"Astute as well as skilled," Nezu grinned. "Yes, the festival is for friendly sport, but it doubles as a talent showcase for workplace training." The rodent then turned to you. "(l/n), do you recall why you were denied entry to the festival?"

He was staring right at you, but you refused to be cornered. You were neutral as you replied. "You were afraid of my second quirk getting out of control. That it may cause another accident." Perhaps you were getting bold, but you couldn't help asking. "But if my earlier statement was true, then why would you deny me the chance to participate in the festival? I wouldn't be considered for internships otherwise."

"Because your quirk is still very much a mystery to us. It is extremely dangerous if it gets out of hand and you have only had it for so long. We cannot authorize its usage until we can understand it as well as be able to restrain it if necessary," Nezu said firmly. For a mouse with little facial expression, the concern on his face was very visible. "You may not recall what happened that day, but the rest of the students and faculty can. The damage you caused was extensive and it could have been considerably worse if things didn't clear up like they did."

"I know, but I—"

Nezu raised his hand for you to let him continue. "I understand that you have gained some control in the time you've had the quirk for, and you've certainly shown improvement, but it still feels too early to tell. The accident was investigated by many news outlets and articles. Another accident like last time would be detrimental to not only the school, but your career as well. The measures taken were to ensure safety in all its forms to benefit everyone."

"I was also aware of the situation you would find yourself in if you missed the Sports Festival, so I took it upon myself to create a video portfolio of your skill in the entrance exams. I then passed it on to several heroes and their agencies. Something that would not expose your second quirk; you could be considered a liability."

"But as of today, the full extent of your capabilities have been outed," Nezu concluded with a shake of his head. "I understand why you did what you did, but you also must understand that a quirk like yours is not like the average person's. It has serious consequences, dangerous consequences. You severely injured one of your fellow students."

You knew what he was trying to say, but in your heart you felt differently. You'd been working so hard. You knew you were leagues ahead from where you once were in terms of having a handle on it. "Principal Nezu, I know you have reason to worry, I do, but I have shown that I'm more than able of controlling it. I've practiced day in and day out, exercising it to my will, and I've made it as far as I have thanks to some amazing people. I only wanted the chance to prove it."

"And so you have," Nezu nodded. "I was sincere when I said that I applauded your progression in the festival. You hardly used your second quirk and you made it thus far. That is quite the feat."

The rodent's eyes then sterned. "However, you did break a direct order and entered the Sports Festival anyway. I cannot let that go unpunished."

Your expression fell.

"That is why I must withdraw you henceforth from the competition."

You were speechless as you processed what he said over and over again. Your lips trembled, trying to form words. "W-what?"

"Iida will stand in your place as he was your opponent in your last match. From here you can join your classmates in the stands or you may head home." Nezu was straight-faced as he delivered the last blow. "I can respect your drive to prove yourself, but it was also a violation of the negotiation we spoke on. If you remember correctly." His beady little eyes gave you a knowing look. "I'd like to speak with you further on the matter, but that can be done at a later date."

He began to walk away when he suddenly turned back. "I will look past this breach just this once, Miss (l/n). Please be cognizant of your actions next time."

His steps echoed harshly in your ears as he disappeared from view.

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

Bakugou sat impatiently in his seat. They were down to four competitors. Not only that but you made it into the top four as well. He was excited if not also hesitant if it turned out you two would be fighting each other. He'd always wondered how you would do in an actual battle against him and this might be his chance to see.

Before his exhilaration could manifest further however, an unexpected surprise arrived to greet the class of 1-A. Everyone shifted to the new arrival, wide-eyed.

"I'm looking for Iida, Tenya?" Midnight inquired from the entryway.

The said male perked up in alarm. "That's me."

"There's been an adjustment on the leaderboard. You've been placed in the running again, congratulations."

Bakugou looked just as confused as Iida. The class president stared at her incredulously. "M-me? But why? What's happened?"

"I can't verify, but it seems someone is no longer able to compete and their position is being given to the runner up," Midnight explained. "Which means you have a match to prepare for soon. I'd suggest going to the prep room right now."

Iida just seemed to be taking in information before he could process any of it. "Who am I going up against?"

"Todoroki." His expression chilled as soon as the name was spoken.

"So get going! We're gonna run late with festival!" She ushered the baffled boy out of there and dismissed herself as she left.

But her presence was far too puzzling for anyone to just brush off. The students glanced amongst themselves in whispers, wondering who could have been the mysterious drop out.

However, there was one face that wasn't rendered as speechless as the others. Bakugou watched as Deku's quizzical brows deepened into a frown.

The blond stared at him with a disgruntled eye. He knew something he didn't.

But before he could question it, something else pulled at the corners of his mind.

You.

If Iida, your previous opponent, was back in the race, then where did that leave you?

A tumultuous thought coursed through him, and he could only hope that the feeling wouldn't become a reality. For your own well-being.

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

You were given the option of going home or sticking around, yet your feet had led you down an entirely different path.

You skulked into the bathrooms void of any life and breathed out a sigh. You were still as the silent echo of the white tile walls cleared your ears of the extraneous noise from the outside.

There was a numbing hyperactive-ness you couldn't explain. Fragments of your conversation with Nezu floated into your consciousness, and the boxed chaos just reveled in it. It was like you couldn't breathe.

You glanced down at your hands and found them trembling. Thinking of what your mother would advise if she were there, you took to one of the faucets and twisted the nozzle. You cupped your shaking fingers under the running water and gently pressed them to your face.

The water was cold, and worse yet it felt dense. It flooded your mouth and nose every time you splashed your face and the sensation left you feeling suffocated. You huffed in annoyance and pulled at one of the towel dispensers, quickly drying your face.

You tore another towel, and then another, and another, but somehow your face was still wet. You rubbed at your cheeks despite feeling the fierce sting now forming on your skin. It hurt but it bothered you much more that the cloth wasn't soaking up the liquid. So much so that you didn't notice the pile of crumpled tissue paper piling around you.

You dragged a new towel across your face once more, but this time you cried out in pain. You dropped the tissue and grasped at your raw cheek. As you did, a figure suddenly caught your eye.

You stared at the reflection in the mirror. It was a haggard sight; the person wore reddened eyes and dark circles. Their lips were parted, teeth chattering as they clasped at their skin and looked back at you with tears running down their face.

Your heart seemed to crack even more as their eyes watered over and your vision blurred. You couldn't stop the sob that broke from your throat and you gripped the sides of the sink. You hung your head and watched as the tears slipped from your eyes and joined the water circling the drain.

Your chest trembled, gasping for air that only seemed to leave as quickly as it came. Your eyes were heavy with exhaustion, your body ached, you were painted with bruises of all shades...and for what...? For what...

For nothing. You had nothing. You were...

Your pride had sunk to the bottom of a hole. You had no control as you wept your emotions into the sink.

You suddenly heard a stall creak behind you. With a gasp and a jump, you swiveled towards the sound.

To your astonishment (and embarrassment), you found a very familiar pinkette staring back at you. She watched you with softened eyes, but you quickly turned your back on her, rubbing your eyes of any stray tears. "Mina, hey."

"(y/n)...are you okay? What's wrong?" You felt her come near you, but you continued to hide your face.

"Oh I'm fine, I'm fine," You rambled, looking anywhere that wasn't her eyeline. "I just, um, needed a break."

"You can tell me, (y/n), really." She put her hand on your shoulder and surprisingly, your body turned in response to it. This time she got a good view of your face and the concern on her own grew. "(y/n)..."

You let her steer you out into the hall where you two found a comfortable spot to sit and talk. Your backs pressed against the wall as you tucked your knees into your chest.

You were silent by her side for a long time, however, it soothed you that she allowed you time to gather yourself. Mina waited until you were ready to talk, and when you were, you couldn't stop the quiet tears from flowing.

She was attentive and rubbed your back as you spoke, only breaking your thoughts with remarks to let you know she was listening. She consoled you with her compassion and gazed at you, not with pity, but with kindness. Something you appreciated.

After you explained everything about Nezu and how distraught you were, she let out a soft sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that happened. I wish you didn't have to go through that," Mina said, scooting closer to you and wrapping an arm around you. "You were incredible though. You've gotta give yourself credit for that, even if they don't. What you pulled off was like nothing I've ever seen."

You sniffed and wiped away your drying tears. "Thanks, but I don't know, it doesn't feel great anymore."

"That's just your mood bring you down. But trust me when I say you are extraordinary, resilient, beautiful..." Mina smiled and knocked her head against yours. "And if you don't see it than I'll just have to remind you every day."

Her bubbliness was enough to tug on the emotion that was your depression and rustle its ground. You let out a sigh and snuggled into her arm with a half-beam. "Thanks, Mina."

She sat with you a while longer and talked for you to take your mind off of things. You didn't know how much time had passed when you realized she was missing the festival because of you.

"Hey, Mina, you don't have to stay with me. If you want to go watch the festival you can," You encouraged.

"I'm okay, not like I have much to do anyway. I lost a couple rounds ago," She shrugged. "But if you want I'll go with you. Or were you planning on going home?"

You paused in thought. You wanted to stay and support the friends who were still in the running, but you weren't feeling all that great to be staying either. You'd done what you could to help Shoto and Katsuki seemed to have his ducks all lined up and didn't need you there. Maybe it was okay to focus on yourself just this once.

"I think I'm gonna go home. I don't really want to be here anymore," You concluded, rising to your feet. Your eyes were puffy from crying so much they stung.

"I'll walk with you. I'm not in the mood to stick around either. Plus, I don't want you to feel alone right now."

You smiled wistfully and gave her a hand up. "Sure, I'd like that."

Mina grinned from ear to ear and clasped your hand in hers. From the warmth in her hand to the happiness on her cheeks, your sorrow slightly ebbed away.

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

You had been replaced, Bakugou was sure of it. He had held on to the hope that that wasn't the case but there was no denying it at this point.

Todoroki fought Iida and Katsuki went on to fight Tokoyami. They were the final match.

But why? What had happened? Were you pulled from the running? When had they discovered you?

Anger boiled in the blond's blood as he marched towards the prep room. He had seen you out there. The fruit of your labor was on full display and if anyone deserved to be out there today it was you. He saw how you pushed yourself, the skill that drew even him in.

And to see that determination unfairly robbed of? It disgusted him. You should've fought Todoroki, and there was no doubt in his mind that you would have won.

He grit his teeth into a scowl and stomped the door open when he arrived. His frustrations were suddenly put on hold as he found the very person he was demeaning in front of him.

Todoroki sat at one of the folding tables with a mute expression. He turned at the noise but he exhibited no reaction.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Bakugou asked with a frown. He glanced outside of the door and realized he had walked to the wrong prep room. "Damn it, this is room 2...? Shit..."

Without a care, Todoroki looked away and went back to minding his own. This brought Katsuki's rage back full force.

"Hey, I get I came into the wrong room, but are you really gonna brush off your final opponent like that?" Bakugou sneered.

But the heterochromatic male said nothing igniting Katsuki's fury further. "Fuckin' look me in the eye, half-and-half bastard!!" Bakugou roared and slammed an explosive palm on the table.

The bomb flashed and smoked the area yet Todoroki did not move an inch. Even as the black fog dissipated, he remained silent. It wasn't until he glanced down at his hand that any semblance of emotion flickered onto his face.

"Midoriya almost said the same thing," The male said, watching his palm as if it would disappear if he didn't. "He was reckless. He went out of his way to talk away my problems." He chuckled slightly. "The only other person who's tried to do that is (y/n)."

"But you and him are childhood friends, right? Tell me, has Midoriya always been like that?"

A dozen thoughts ran through Bakugou's mind, but one stuck out to him.

"You looked like you were asking for help..." "Are you okay? Can you stand?"

Deku's snotty face infuriated him. The ire in him couldn't be contained as he launched away the table with his boot. "Who the hell cares!?"

Todoroki was taken aback by the violent behavior but his cool demeanor wasn't shaken. He placed his hands at his sides and watched as the scorn on Bakugou's expression grew.

"And you...talking about (y/n) so nonchalant when she should be here instead of you," Katsuki's glowered. "Your family? Your damn feelings? I don't give a shit about them. So come at me with your left side, two face."

Bakugou turned his back to him and stalked away. "I'll wipe them out like I do everything else."

The slam of the door echoed as Todoroki carefully stared after the hot-headed blond.

Hey everyone! I know it's been awhile and maybe some of you thought I was dead but I am not! I've been slowly writing in the background and trying to take care of my own problems (which I'll elaborate if you care to hear).

But first, don't let the ending fool you, we are definitely past this arc. We are moving on from here and headed to some story beats that I've been looking forward to writing! They are original so I hope you'll enjoy!

I don't know how often I'll be writing, but what I can say is that it is easier for me to write now.

I'll get a bit personal here. So I was recently diagnosed with depression and add. My depression had been getting worse towards the end of last year and my s/o was helping me try to find some help and a way that I can cover costs.

And miraculously, things have gone really well. I'm on medication that's helped me out more than I can say and I finally feel like I'm getting my life in order.

That's why it's taken me so long to update. I really am sorry for the amount of time you waited and I'm sincerely grateful for you guys understanding my situation.

I just wanted to say thank you for those who have taken the time to read my story. For those who have left me comments and heartfelt wishes. Truly, you have no idea how special they are to me. They really do light up my day.

Thank you so much for all the love. I'll see you soon!