Episode 6 - The Flames of Rivalry

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❛ HELLFIRE ❜

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The next day, Class 1-A was going through a fairly typical school day—until they reached their Hero Basic Training class. All Might's booming voice filled the room with excitement. "Alright, class! Today's the day you get to wear your hero costumes for the first time! Get ready for combat training!" His grin was as wide as ever, as he led them to the training area.

The class buzzed with anticipation as they headed toward the changing rooms. Izuku looked over at Y/n, a bit nervous. "I can't wait to see everyone's costumes. Do you think ours will be... cool?" he asked, though his tone showed a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Y/n smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm sure you'll be fine, Izuku. But I know mine will be stunning." She gave him a playful wink, causing his cheeks to flush red.

They quickly entered the changing rooms, and when Y/n emerged moments later, the entire class fell silent. She wore a golden dress that shimmered like the sun, adorned with intricate gemstones and delicate embroidery. The fabric was rich silk and brocade, perfectly fitting her figure. Her cape was dark, yet radiant, casting an aura of mystery and power that immediately captured everyone's attention.

Mina's mouth dropped open, her eyes wide. "Whoa! Y/n, you look—amazing! Like a queen!" she exclaimed.

Momo, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, her voice quieter but just as awed. "I can't even begin to describe how beautiful you look. It's... so regal, but there's also something so fierce about it."

Y/n chuckled softly, her smile a mixture of grace and confidence. "Thank you both," she replied, turning gracefully to give them a full view of her costume. "I suppose the dress is a bit much for a hero costume, but I don't mind standing out."

Izuku blinked, looking at Y/n's costume in awe. "It's amazing, Y/n," he said softly, barely able to tear his eyes away from the intricate design. "You really look like... a warrior princess. Like someone from a legend."

Y/n raised an eyebrow playfully, her ruby-red wings catching the light as she gave a slight bow. "Well, in my homeland, I am a queen," she teased, making Izuku blush even more. "But for now, let's focus on hero training."

Bakugo scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tch, whatever. She looks like a damn princess, but I bet she won't last long in a real fight."

Y/n smirked, unfazed by his comment. "We'll see, Bakugo. We'll see."

All Might's booming voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Alright, class! You all look fantastic, but now it's time to get serious! You'll all be putting on a great show today in your costumes. Are you ready for combat training?" His eyes sparkled with excitement as he took a stance, looking every bit like the symbol of peace.

"Ready!" the class responded in unison.

Y/n's gaze sharpened as she moved to stand beside Izuku. Her presence radiated strength and confidence, making her a natural leader among them. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her golden bracelets glinting in the light. "Don't worry, Izuku," she said in a low voice, her tone calm but reassuring. "You've got this."

Izuku looked up at her, a nervous but grateful smile forming on his face. "Thanks, Y/n. I'll try my best."

All Might gave a loud thumbs-up. "Alright then! Let's see what you're all made of! Time for some real action!"

Y/n's smile widened as she adjusted her cape. "Let's show them what we're really capable of," she said, her voice filled with determination.

As the class gathered, they could feel the atmosphere change. This wasn't just another day at U.A.; this was the moment they would start their journey as heroes. And Y/n, with her royal poise and warrior spirit, was ready to lead the charge.

Y/n glanced down at the slip of paper with her team's designation—Team A—written neatly on it. Her ruby-red tail swished with faint annoyance as she stood next to Izuku and Ochaco. This wasn't quite what she had envisioned. She thought All Might might have taken her strength and experience into account, maybe putting her with someone equally challenging or difficult, like Katsuki, or even Tenya. But instead... she was paired with the green-haired boy who could barely throw a punch without hurting himself and the cheerful girl who seemed better suited for an ice cream parlor than a battlefield.

Y/n crossed her arms, her shimmering cape falling elegantly over her shoulders. "Well," she said, a touch of sarcasm in her voice, "this is certainly unexpected."

Izuku flinched under her gaze, his cheeks reddening as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "I-I'm sorry! I know I'm not very experienced, and my Quirk is... well, kinda dangerous to use, but I promise I'll try my best not to let you down!" he stammered, bowing slightly.

Ochaco tilted her head with a small, encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Izuku! We'll do great! And with Y/n on our team, how could we lose?"

Y/n let out a light laugh, her expression softening slightly. "Relax, Izuku. I wasn't blaming you. If anything, I'm blaming All Might for thinking this is some kind of good idea," she said, glancing at their instructor. "But... I suppose it could be worse."

Ochaco grinned. "See? Positive vibes already! We've got this!"

Y/n smirked, though her eyes still flickered with doubt. I didn't come here to babysit... but maybe this will be an interesting challenge in its own way, she thought. She stepped closer to Izuku and placed a clawed hand lightly on his shoulder, making him jump slightly. "Alright, Emerald, listen up," she said firmly. "You've got raw power, but it's no good if you hesitate. Trust your instincts and trust your team. That's all you need to focus on."

Izuku blinked, her words surprising him. He nodded quickly. "Y-yeah, you're right! I'll do my best!"

Ochaco pumped her fist in the air. "Alright, Team A! Let's do this!"

Y/n couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm, though the glint in her eyes betrayed her competitive spirit. "Alright," she said, her tone dropping to something more serious. "But let's make one thing clear. This isn't just about winning. If I'm on this team, we're going to make a statement. Got it?"

Izuku and Ochaco exchanged glances before nodding enthusiastically. "Got it!" they replied in unison.

Y/n smiled confidently as they all turned to All Might, who clapped his hands together and announced the mission. "The villains will guard a nuclear weapon they intend on deploying, and the heroes must stop their scheme. If the heroes capture the villains or reach the nuclear core before time runs out, they win. If the villains manage to keep the nuclear core for the whole time or capture the heroes, they win."

Seems simple enough, Y/n thought as she rolled her shoulders, the light catching on her scales. She stretched her crimson wings with a sharp crack, ready for action.

On the other side of the battlefield, Katsuki Bakugo glared at her, his fiery personality flaring as always. "Oi, don't think I'll go easy on you, lizard bastard!" he snapped, sparks popping in his palms. "You better not go easy on me, either!"

Y/n turned her head slowly, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and challenge. A smirk tugged at her lips as she replied, "Easy on you? Please. I don't even know the meaning of the word, Pomeranian."

Bakugo's face immediately turned red with rage, and his explosions intensified. "What did you just call me, you overgrown gecko?!"

Unbothered, Y/n flipped her hair and turned her back on him with a regal air. "Exactly what you heard. Now, if you're done barking, I've got a core to retrieve."

Izuku, standing beside her, tugged nervously at his gloves. "Uh, maybe we shouldn't provoke him so much... Kacchan's really, um, intense."

Y/n glanced at him, her demeanor softening. "Relax, Emerald. I've got him figured out. The louder they bark, the less they bite." She shot a smug look back at Bakugo. "And trust me, he barks a lot."

Bakugo growled, slamming a fist into his other palm. "Oh, you're dead! Don't think your fancy scales and wings are gonna stop me from wiping the floor with you!"

All Might, noticing the tension, intervened with a booming laugh. "Alright, alright, that's enough! Save your energy for the exercise! Remember, teamwork and strategy are key!"

Y/n chuckled softly, completely unbothered. "See you out there, Katsuki. Try not to embarrass yourself," she called over her shoulder, leading Izuku and Ochaco toward their starting position. Bakugo's growling could still be heard behind them, though she paid it no mind.

Ochaco giggled nervously. "Wow, you're really brave, Y/n. I don't think I've ever seen anyone get under Kacchan's skin that fast."

"Brave or foolish," Izuku mumbled, though he couldn't hide the admiration in his voice.

Y/n smiled, her tone both calm and confident. "Neither. I just don't see the point in being afraid of someone who's all heat and no fire. Now, let's focus on what matters. We're going to win, and we're going to make sure they remember it."

As All Might blew the whistle to signal the start of the exercise, Y/n spread her wings wide, the ruby and gold shining like fire in the sunlight. With a single powerful flap, she launched herself forward, leading her team into the mock building. Let's see how this goes.