The days were growing shorter, the air crisper as winter's touch whispered through the training grounds of U.A. High School. Inside the cozy yet bustling classroom of 1-A, a sense of urgency crackled like static in the air. Final exams loomed only a week away, casting long, anxious shadows over even the most confident of students.

Aizawa-sensei, ever the figure of stoic practicality, leaned against the podium with his usual air of calm menace. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the slouched postures, the bitten nails, the quiet murmurs of panic. "Prepare your minds and bodies," he said, his voice cutting through the chatter like the edge of a blade. "Written and practical exams. No excuses."

A collective groan rippled through the room, but beneath it was a hum of resolve—or at least determination to survive. Conversations sprang up like fireworks as students leaned into their desks or huddled together, mapping out study plans, comparing notes, or exchanging desperate pleads for help.

Denki Kaminari rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Ah, man... this is bad. Real bad. I haven't even started studying. There's just been so much going on with—well, everything."

Mina Ashido plopped down next to him, her vibrant pink curls bouncing with each exasperated sigh. "Same! I can't believe we're supposed to focus on calculus and battle strategies when we've been fighting for our lives half the semester! How are we supposed to do this?"

You couldn't help but overhear their conversation. Sitting nearby, you glanced at their slumped forms and felt a twinge of sympathy. Their struggles weren't unique, but they wore them so openly, like badges of honor—or perhaps resignation. You stood, stepping closer to their desks.

"I can always help you," you offered, holding out a talon—your own unique quirk sparkling faintly under the classroom's fluorescent lights.

Denki blinked at you in surprise, his eyes widening. "Wait, for real? You'd help us out?"

Mina, always animated, gasped, her cheeks darkening with a rosy blush. Her golden eyes shimmered with gratitude and something more as she clasped her hands together. "Y/N, are you serious? You'd actually do that for us?"

You gave them a small smile, your voice steady but kind. "Of course. We're a team, aren't we? I won't let my friends fall behind."

Mina practically lit up, her grin infectious as she reached out and lightly punched your shoulder. "You're the best, Y/N! I mean it. With you helping us, there's no way we're failing, right, Denki?"

Denki nodded enthusiastically, though the nervous edge in his grin betrayed his lingering doubts. "Right! Totally. Thanks, Y/N. You're a lifesaver."

As you sat back down with them, flipping open your notes and explaining strategies to break down the most complicated problems, a warmth settled over you. The room buzzed with similar scenes of camaraderie, students leaning on each other in the face of a challenge they knew they couldn't tackle alone. The end of the semester felt daunting, but moments like these—moments of trust, of teamwork, of little sparks of hope—reminded you why you'd all come so far.

Mina's laughter broke your thoughts. "Y/N, you're way too patient with us. We better pass, or I swear I'll owe you forever."

You smirked, letting her words fuel your determination. "You better start planning how to repay me then—because you're definitely passing."

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The cafeteria was alive with the lively hum of students enjoying their break between the morning's written exams and the looming practicals. You sat at a table with Izuku, Iida, and Uraraka, the comforting clatter of utensils and trays blending into the ambient noise around you. The savory aroma of your sushi mingled with the warm scent of the miso soup sitting nearby, grounding you after the intensity of the day's academic trial.

You had to admit, the written exam had gone better than expected. The hours spent poring over textbooks and drills with Mina and Denki hadn't just helped them—it had sharpened your skills, too. You were confident, even a little pumped for the next challenge.

"It was kind of you to help Mina and Denki," Iida said, his tone warm but still holding that edge of formality he never seemed to shed. He adjusted his glasses with a precise motion, his usual air of discipline softened by a genuine smile.

You smiled back, dipping your sushi into soy sauce with practiced ease. "Well, I can't let my friends fall behind, can I?"

Iida nodded approvingly. "A commendable attitude. The bonds between classmates are essential, especially in the face of challenges like these."

Before you could respond, Izuku chimed in, a thoughtful hum preceding his words. "You're very kind, Y/N."

The earnestness in his voice caught you off guard, but before you could react, his eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed as he realized what he'd said. "N-not that you're not kind everywhere else!" he stammered, waving his hands like he could physically grasp the words and pull them back. "I mean, you're always kind—just, you know, specifically this time too—"

His voice trailed off as his muttering took over, a torrent of half-formed phrases about kindness, teamwork, and something about heroics.

You caught Uraraka's eye, her expression mirroring the amusement bubbling up inside you. The two of you tried to hold it back, but the effort was futile. Your laughter spilled out at the same time, bright and uncontainable.

Izuku froze mid-mutter, his face turning the color of a ripe tomato. He looked between the two of you, baffled, but then a sheepish grin tugged at his lips as he scratched the back of his neck. "I-I'm glad you're laughing," he mumbled.

"Oh, Izuku," Uraraka said between giggles, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You're such a dork sometimes."

You nodded, still chuckling as you reached for your soup. "But a lovable dork," you added, shooting him a grin that seemed to ease some of his embarrassment. "Thanks, though. That means a lot."

Izuku's grin widened, and Iida adjusted his glasses again, clearly pleased with the camaraderie at the table. The warmth of the moment wrapped around you like a blanket, a reminder of how much you all meant to each other. The practical exam awaited, but for now, you allowed yourself to revel in the comfort of friendship, knowing it was just as much a strength as any quirk.

Just as the laughter at the table began to settle, a sudden bump jolted Izuku forward. He rubbed the back of his head, blinking in surprise as a blonde boy with sharp blue eyes loomed over him, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Sorry," the boy drawled, not sounding sorry at all. "Your head's just so big I couldn't help but notice it."

A snicker followed his words, and your eyes narrowed into an icy glare that cut through the bustling cafeteria noise like a blade. The boy stiffened under your gaze, the arrogance in his expression faltering. "Ah-ah, sorry," he stammered, bowing quickly, his previous bravado crumbling.

You couldn't help the snort that escaped you. Unfolding one of your wings, you waved him off dismissively. "Don't sweat it."

Before he could respond, a firm hand clamped around the back of his collar, yanking him backward with surprising strength. "Neito," an orange-haired girl said, her tone both exasperated and firm, "apologize properly or stop bothering people."

She stepped forward, offering you a hand with a warm, apologetic smile. "Sorry about him. He usually means well—when he's not being a complete nuisance." She rolled her eyes before continuing, "I don't think we officially introduced ourselves at the sports festival. I'm Itsuka Kendo, Class 1-B."

You took her hand, your irritation melting into a smile as you shook it. "Y/N L/N, Class 1-A. Don't worry about him; he's not the worst gremlin I've ever met."

For a moment, your thoughts wandered to Thorin and his band of rowdy dwarves, the memories stirring an involuntary growl deep in your chest. Kendo tilted her head slightly, curious but polite enough not to ask. She turned instead to address the rest of your group, her smile widening.

"Oh, and by the way," she said, her tone turning conspiratorial, "an upperclassman let me in on a little secret about the practical exam. You'll be fighting robot villains—same setup as the entrance exam, but harder."

"Really?" Uraraka's eyes lit up with curiosity, and Izuku leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued.

But Neito, having recovered from Kendo's grip, crossed his arms and sneered. "Why would you tell them that? You're helping the competition, Kendo! Are you trying to sabotage our class?"

Kendo didn't even dignify him with a verbal response. Instead, she turned, and with a swift, practiced motion, delivered a light but precise chop to the back of his neck. Neito yelped in surprise before slumping, grumbling incoherently as Kendo grabbed his collar again and began dragging him away.

"They're not as awful as you make them out to be," she called over her shoulder, exasperation lacing her voice. "Maybe if you spent less time antagonizing people, you'd realize that."

You shook your head, watching the bizarre duo retreat. "What a strange guy," you muttered, folding your wings closer to your back.

The rest of your table nodded in agreement, and with a collective shrug, you all turned back to your meals. Soon, the lunch break came to an end, and the four of you made your way back to the classroom, the earlier encounter already becoming just another quirky memory in the ever-eventful days of U.A. High.

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The day of the practical exam dawned bright and tense, the chill of morning air doing little to dampen the electricity crackling through U.A.'s training grounds. Students of Class 1-A stood in clusters, buzzing with anticipation and nervous energy. The presence of so many teachers was unsettling, but the excitement of a real-life battle simulation was undeniable.

Principal Nezu's announcement that they wouldn't be fighting robots hit like a thunderclap. For some, like Mina and Denki, it brought groans of dismay. For others, like you, it sparked a thrill that sent your wings twitching.

"Not robots, huh?" you murmured under your breath, a gleam of anticipation in your eyes.

Aizawa strode over, his expression as unreadable as ever. He stopped in front of you, his sharp eyes locking onto yours. "You aren't to use your dragon form here, Y/N," he said, his tone firm.

Your face fell, a dramatic pout pulling at your features. "Aw, why not? I love it."

Shota sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose as if bracing himself for the conversation. "Because last time, you nearly killed everyone, including yourself. It's too dangerous."

Your tail flicked, the edges of your wings flexing in annoyance. "Come on, I've got better control now—my internship really helped. Trust me, I can handle it."

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, skepticism etched into every line of his face. Before he could retort, Principal Nezu clambered out of Aizawa's scarf with his usual air of cheerful mischief, continuing to explain the updated exam structure. His speech, peppered with mentions of real-life villain surges and the importance of hands-on experience, silenced further protests.

Nezu turned his attention to you at the end of his explanation. "L/N," he said, beckoning you closer. "You'll be joining Midoriya and Bakugo in their match against All Might."

You blinked in surprise. Of all the pairings, this was bound to be explosive. "Keep them in line, alright?" Nezu added with a small, toothy grin, raising his paw for a high-five.

You returned the gesture with a grin of your own. "Got it."

As the pairings were announced, the murmurs of strategy began to rise among the students. Bakugo's snarl cut through the noise like a blade as he marched over to you, grabbing your hand roughly. His crimson eyes burned with determination, but his words came in a low, gruff tone. "We better plan something."

You tilted your head, your wings shifting slightly as you considered his intensity. "I agree," you replied calmly. "Taking down All Might alone would be easy if I could go full dragon, but here..." You flicked one wing lightly to emphasize your point. "Human form only makes it tricky—especially since I can't exactly knock you two out in the process."

"Tch." Bakugo's scowl deepened, his grip on your hand tightening slightly before he released it. "We don't need you to babysit us. Just don't screw it up."

A faint smirk tugged at your lips. "Whatever you say, firecracker."

Bakugo's growl in response was low and menacing, but you couldn't help but chuckle as Midoriya joined your impromptu meeting. His face was a study in seriousness, though a faint blush lingered on his cheeks as he glanced between you and Bakugo.

"Let's focus," Midoriya said, his tone decisive. "All Might's strength is overwhelming, even with the weights. We need a plan to outmaneuver him and use the escape option if necessary."

Bakugo's eyes flared. "We're not running."

You raised an eyebrow at the two of them, your tail flicking lazily behind you as you crossed your arms. "We can debate strategy all day, but we're wasting time. Let's figure out our roles—if we're fighting together, we need synergy, not arguing."

The reminder settled over them like a splash of cold water. Bakugo grunted but didn't argue, while Midoriya nodded quickly, already jotting ideas into his ever-present notebook. You stood between them, wings folded neatly but at the ready, your mind already racing ahead to the battle with All Might. This would be a challenge, but one you were determined to meet head-on—with or without dragon fire.