[Literally my favourite chapter IN A LONG TIME. This opening sequence leading into the middle is one of my best...Ever! Really feels like ANTI-HERO is back to the good old days. Hope you enjoy!]

[After two weeks, we're back. I actually had a lot of fun with the last chapter, which is always great when writing stories, so I wanted to come back and get to writing even more for this story. Hopefully, we can get into a good rhythm with things so it doesn't cause you guys to forget what has been set up in this story. So, yeah...Hopefully, we can keep things going and get this story moving once more...]
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[Your POV]

Sleep. It's something we all need. No matter who you are. No matter your fame or alliance. Good or bad...You need sleep. But closing your eyes and regaining energy isn't all that sleep does for you. A lot of people just use it as a means to get away from the shitty reality we wake up in every day. To take us away from the pain and turmoil this world brings onto us whenever we're awake. I was like them once...Hoping that sleep would take away my pain. The regret. The suffering I felt whenever I was awake. No matter how hard I tried. No matter how many therapists or doctors I saw. No one could help me escape the pain I felt whenever I was awake. The voice of my brother...

"(Y/n)! Come on, let's go play outside! Haha!"

The cries of my Mother...

"Noooo! Please! Please...Leave my baby boy alone..."

They haunt me every day, no matter what I do. Eventually, sleep began my only escape. It was a treasure in a barrel of dirt. My only means to help me feel free...Until it wasn't. Nightmares soon flooded my mind. Even when I was asleep, I was forced to go through the suffering and pain my Mother and Brother went through on that night. It seemed in some sick and twisted way, that the Quirk I was blessed with, had also become a curse. I could inflict great pain onto anyone I touched, yet no matter how hard I tried...I could never escape that pain myself.  When I realized sleep was no longer an escape, I gave up on the recommended Eight Hours of rest and instead put my mind to better use. 

A way of redeeming myself. A way of keeping my promise to Izuku. A way...of releasing my nightmares into the world for all to see. Only in the hopes, that maybe one night after all was said and done, I could sleep...and for a moment, just a moment...forget about what had happened. Unfortunately, I eventually came to realise something. Even if I was to get a good night's rest, the very next day would only remind me of everything that happened, and everything that would come. The cold night. The streets were dark and the skies were bright. It's a poetic opposite of those as people. 

The good are laid to rest, sent to the skies above, where their brightness and prosperity shine the most. Meanwhile, the world below is where the monsters rot. Their shadow of evil covering the land, leaving them to believe they can do whatever they want whenever they want. People used to walk the streets at night in safety, knowing heroes would be there to save them if evil were to show. But lately, their beliefs have changed. The heroes have become a show of themselves. Sure, there are still genuine ones out there. But there are far too many who don't realise just how important their presence is. 

But even if there are heroes present when evil strikes during the late hours of the night, they all end up doing the same. Taking down the source of evil and looking it up in a cell made of metal. Sure, they may be locked up in there for ten, twenty, thirty years even! But no matter what, they remain the source of evil they were on the very first day they walked in. That's why I decided to do things differently. To make them realise just what needed to be done to truly make a change. Even when that source of evil begs for mercy, and cries like a child being born into this world, I wouldn't hold back. I wouldn't repent. Repenting wasn't my job...It's theirs.

--Hero Training Campsite | Mountain Cliffside--

"Stop! Stop! Please, stop! Please...I-I can't take anymore! I SURRENDER! I Surrender...Okay? You're a hero, you're supposed to stop when I surrend--"

The cries of evil. It was like music to my ears. It may sound cliche, but for someone's whole existence being the basic cliche of a cold-hearted figure willing to take darker turns to change fate, you get what you get. I mean, I saw my brother get killed as a kid, which in turn activated my powers which gave me the ability to get my revenge and become the self-brooding figure I am today. What wasn't a cliche about that? Point being...Hearing someone like this once cocky villain cry out for me to stop...was music to my ears. I welcomed it, and it only served me further to keep on bringing the punishment scum like him deserve.

Slam!

Bang!

Crunch!

Smash!

A few years back, a law was passed where Heroes were forced to hold back once a villain was deemed not in the category of danger that could potentially harm a city-wide limit or larger, as long as they pronounced their surrender. It meant that if a villain was on the level where none of the top ten heroes were needed to defeat them, and that villain surrendered, the heroes were no longer allowed to attack them from further on unless that villain were to go back on their word of surrendering. 

It was a stupid rule if you ask me, and a lot of people agreed. They questioned why villains should get any rights when they've already gone about hurting people. The government said they took in the complaints, but, of course, they did nothing about it. It was clear as day this villain I was facing right now was looking to inflict the same law that many others have in the past when they knew they were the outnumbered one. Unfortunately for this guy, I'm not the kind of hero that listens to rules that are bullshit. So when he asked me to stop...I didn't.

Bam!

Whack!

Punch!

When he asked me to think about this. I didn't. The only thing I thought about was making this villain regret his choice of coming here tonight.

Punch!

Punch!!

Punch!!!

I just punched him in the face. Over and over again. Never relenting. Never repenting. I just kept punching him with my fist over and over again, until eventually, Muscular's jaw and face were shattered in so many places that any words trying to come out of his mouth were caught up in a pool of crimson blood. Soon enough that was all I could hear...Blood struggling to exit his throat.

Muscular: "...Gluk...Gluk..."

The only other sound I could hear was the pants coming from my mouth, as I looked down at the sight before me. The reddened face of the villain is known as Muscular. I honestly struggled to tell what was swollen flesh, and what was blade stained into his skin. Either way, he wouldn't be able to look in a mirror again with remembering this moment...and the pain he felt. With a swollen eye, the one that used to contain the prosthetic, which was now long gone, a busted jaw, fractured cheekbone, and bleeding head, it was clear I carried no restraint in my attacks. 

For the past half a minute I had used my combined Quirks to punch the villain in the face over and over again. The rest of his body perched at the base of a crushed tree. Only the trunk remained. In a way, it was as disfigured as Muscular was. The difference was that this trunk still had a use, this fragment of a confident man had none. Something I looked to tell him as I slowly lifted to my feet, my blood-stained fist the first thing he saw, before that fearful gaze shifted to my green eyes...and the presence built up behind them.

(Y/n): [Panting] "You know what your problem is, Muscular...? A guy like you...You've never tasted defeated before."

Muscular: [Half Dead] "...F-Frucgk...Guyou..."

(Y/n): [Sighs] "...You don't bother to get stronger. You think your Quirk is enough to protect you. But today, that belief was proven wrong. You think your muscle-based abilities can protect you from the pain, that's why you act confident. And that confidence is your fall. Because of it, you don't even consider training that impressive Quirk further. You don't improve on it so that belief you hold so highly is true. But me...I get stronger every day. Not out of defeat, or lack of training, but remembrance. Of the mistakes I made in the past. Every day I dwell in the pain that haunts my life, and use it...to make overconfident villains like you remember what it's like..to lose.

Any comment Muscular intended to say afterwards was loss, as the adrenaline coursing through his body suddenly faded, leaving his only unswollen eye to slam shut and his body to go limp. He wasn't dead...But he'd wish he was. A final glance down was all the remorse I gave before I turned around and looked over towards a boulder in the distance, a bit of rubble that had fallen earlier during Muscular's attack on the cliff above. 

Behind it was where Kota suddenly sat, curled up, as tears webbed together in his eyes. He had just heard the cries and pain of the person who killed his parents flood his ears for what felt like an eternity. A part of me regretted I couldn't get him to a safer distance so he didn't even have to hear it. But Muscular never gave me a chance. My only hope...was that this would be enough to help Kota move on from the past, and receive the one thing I never got...closure.

(Y/n): "Kota."

Kota: "Huh?"

The fear in his eyes as he looked up at me, close to crying, reminded me of Izuku for a moment...Only for a moment.

(Y/n): "...Let's go."

But once that moment ended, we were on. In the blink of an eye, I grabbed Kota, tossed him onto my back, and launched into the thick of the forest before us. The sensation of small tree branches and leaves brushing past my face was annoying as hell, but my mind was so focused on the situation that could be going on around our current location that I hardly thought on it. After running along the ground for a good fifty meters, I eventually took my race towards the others to the trees above. With the excess speed built up in my feet thanks to One For All, the transition from branch to branch became easier. 

With every ten seconds that passed, my speed picked up. Such caused Kota to hold tightly to his grip around my neck, never daring to weaken it in case of falling off. As for myself, I never weakened any part of myself. Even as I moved at great speeds, I kept my defences up. The only time they came to a brief decline was when I saw it...The state of the forest around Kota and I. Only a few minutes had passed since I first defeated Muscular and saw the burning pillars of smoke and blue flames rising high into the sky. 

But as I came to a moment's spark of hesitation atop one of the higher branches in the forest, I saw just how much such definitions of the world around me had come to be. What once seemed like pillars of smoke, thin and small, had now tripled in size. Their bodies now expanded, their reaches ascending towards the heavens above. In a matter of just a few seconds, my fears for the others had grown, just as the smoke. I got a feeling Kota felt the same as he looked out at the same sight I did. The bright blue flames in the distance, now appearing more like walls of fire than they did before, set out near the main campsite building a proper notion for someone's attention.

Kota: "What's...What's going on? Is that all really from that villain you beat?"

(Y/n): [Sighs] "...I sure wish it was."

Kota: "Huh? What do you mean?"

(Y/n): "What I mean is...I don't think Muscular is the only villain here. I think he brought friends, and they're the ones making a mess of this place."

Kota: [Fearful] "Bu-But that can't be true. How could they know we were here? Auntie and the other Pussycats made sure no one knew about this place. How could villains know we were here?"

(Y/n): "I don't know. But what I do know is that these villains lucked out."

Kota: "What do you mean?"

(Y/n): "These villains came here thinking it was just heroes they had to worry about..."

Kota: "And...?"

(Y/n): "They were focused on heroes..." [Grins] "...That they never once thought that the opposite would be here waiting for them. But now they're gonna find out just how much they screwed up."

I could tell Kota was still confused by my statement, but in that confused look he gave me, I could see a glimmer of hope. Honestly, that's exactly what I was hoping for, otherwise I never would have said such a sentence in my life. If it wasn't for Kota being here right now, I wouldn't hesitate to go straight towards the tallest pillar of smoke and take out every single villain I came across. But I wouldn't be able to do that with Kota on my back, so before I could do anything like that, I had to find someone to look after him. And so, that's exactly what I did...I went to find Mandalay, Kota's Aunt. But before that, I needed to grab something important...

--Elsewhere--

Unfortunately, as it would turn out for Mandalay and those with her, it just so happened to be exactly where one of those pillars of smoke was located. This particular one coming straight from the starting point where the Test of Courage Event was to take place. I was there no less than an hour ago, when I took off to find Kota and talk to him about everything. Unfortunately, in the same time that it took for Muscular to wander out of the shadows to confront me, his fellow villains decided to do the same. 

It was now at the starting point for the Test of Courage, somewhere in the middle of the forest, purple smoke could be seen coming from within the depths of the dark shadow towards the clearing where Mandalay and a few U.A. students could be seen. Fearful looks covered their faces as they stared off at something before them. The likes of Bakugo, along with Uraraka, Yaoyorozu, Hagakure, Todoroki, and other members from Class 1-A and 1-B were not currently present, as they had already left to begin the Test of Courage with their chosen partners. The people left remaining at the start along with Mandalay were Mineta, Koda, Iida, a few other classmates and students, and the muscle of the Wild Wild Pussycats, Tiger. The male muscular man dressed as the aforementioned animal stood at the front alongside Mandalay. 

Just like the students, they had facial expressions mixed of concern and anger. Concern for the worsening situation around them, and anger...because right before their eyes laid the unconscious body of their teammate, Pixie-Bob, on the ground with blood from her head. The cause of this came from a concrete pillar in the shape of an extended rectangle. But those things weren't just lying around the place. There was only one reason it would be here. One cause for its presence. And that was none other than...

Iida: "Villains!"

Mineta: [Fearful] "W-W-Why though...? Why are there villains here?"

Right before the eyes of the terrified peanut size hero, stood two villains.

The two villains of differentiating appearances stood before the students and Pro Heroes with confident grins and little cause for concern, the same mistake Muscular made moments earlier. But with the unconscious and bleeding body of Pixie-Bob lying before them, there was little reason at this current time for them to act any other way.

Green Lizard Villain: "How are you this evening, U.A. High School? We are the Vanguard Action Squad of the League of Villains!"

Shoji: "The League of Villains?!"

Ojiro: "Why are they here...?"

Mineta: "That's exactly what I asked TEN SECONDS ago, Ojiro. Didn't you hear?! We didn't get an answer!" [Begins to shake] "Quick! Let's run away and--"

Green Lizard Villain: "--We are here to deliver a message, Young Hero! I, am Spinner, a General in the League of Villains, and alongside me is the beautiful Mange!"

Magne: [Grins] "Should I crush this girl's head in? Well, what do you think, Heroes?"

Following Magne's words, the villain went to strike his concrete pillar into the head of the unconscious Pixie-Bob on the ground. Though before hitting it, the attack was paused, Mange's grin only agitating the heroes further.

Mandalay: "You're playing a dangerous game, villains! We won't just let you walk away after this!"

Tiger: "Yeah! Like I'd ever let you, you--"

Spinner: "Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Hold on..." [Turns to Magne] "Calm your role, Big Sis Mags! Don't be hasty." [Turns to the heroes] "You too, Tiger. Calm down. We cannot just attack yet..."

Mandalay: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Spinner: "Well, it's simple, really. It all depends on whether having power over life and death follows Stain's tenets or not.

Koda: "Stain..."

Iida: [Leans forward] "So you're the ones who now follow his ideology! You've been all over the news causing harm to innocent people!"

Spinner: "Innocents? Ha! They merely wear masks to make themselves seem innocent! Oh...Wait a minute. You, with the glasses, you were there, weren't you? The night Stain was brought down at Hosu City! I apologise for not greeting you sooner."

At the end of Spinner's words, he drew the sword perched on his back, and in doing so revealed his mighty weapon. To call it a simple sword would be futile. For the blade itself carried multiple swords, blades, knives, and any sharp object all wrapped into one extended blade in the centre. Various belts were used to keep it all together. Yet even with his messy exterior, the fate it could bring most certainly did not go past the students and heroes watching. 

It was as all of this happened that Mineta's fears began to rise onto a whole new level. All this talk about Stain and what these people before him represented, it made no sense to the worm. All he could really do was fearfully question what would happen next and how it could be stopped. That was when an idea came to mind, and in that instance, he launched forward with all his courage and screamed from the bottom of his lungs.

Mineta: "Hey! You villains! You said you follow Stain, right?"

Spinner: "Hmm? Who said that? ...Oh! It's you, the short one." [Leans over to Magne's and whispers] "Who would bring their kid to a place like this?"

Mange's simply nudged her shoulders, but before anything else could even be said, Mineta was quick to fire back.

Mineta: "Listen up, the point still stands! You say all this about Stain, but you don't know what you guys walked into! We aren't just any group of students from U.A; we're special!"

Spinner: [Whispers to Magne's] "They're disabled?"

Mineta: [Fails to hear; Laughs cockily] "You little shit birds are so screwed! Because you forgot to remember something. Before, you said Iida was there when Stain was defeated, you forgot to think of something. Iida may have been the one to witness everything..."

Spinner: "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Mineta: "...But Iida wasn't the only one there. There was someone else. And he's with us right now. The one who defeated Stain, (Y/n) Midioriya, is right here right now and he's going to make you guys run home like babies!"

Spinner: [Eyes widen in excitement] "He's here? Really?! I was hoping to see him! Tell me, where is he?"

Mineta: [Confidently grins] "...Right here!"

Without a moment of hesitation...Mineta shoved Ojiro forward.

Ojiro: "H-Huh? Wait. Mineta. What are you--"

Mineta: "--Here is (Y/n), you scumbags. The one who defeated Stain! He's right here, so you better run away!"

Ojiro: [Turns to Mineta] "Mineta?! What the hell!" [Turns to the villains nervously] "N-No. No. Please, don't listen to him...He was dropped as a baby. He's--"

Spinner: "You're him? Really? I thought he would be more intimidating than you?" [Cackles] "Ha! Ha! You're nothing more than a toothpick ready to be used to clean my teeth! You'[re nothing at all!" 

"Oh, yeah? Well, how about me?"

Spinner: [Turns head] "What the--"

Punch!!

Before Spinner's notion of shock could finish, he was abruptly cut off with a brutal punch to the side of his jaw. The force behind the punch was so fierce that it not only sent him flying off his feet, but caused blood to splurt from his mouth and his massive sword to fall to the ground. All came as the nightmarish figure of me decked in my hero costume came out of nowhere to deliver the strike. 

In a matter of seconds, the villain's control of the situation suddenly switched sides, as both Spinner and the shocked Magne's were unable to do anything as I came threw and picked Pixie-Bob off the ground. The next thing they knew, I was standing over with Mandalay and the others, Kota on my back and Pixie-Bob in my arms, all the while the terrifying green eyes that pierced through the dark void of my costume's headpiece remained solely on the villains before me.

Class 1-A Students: "(Y/n)!"

Mandalay: "Kota!"

Tiger: "Pixie-Bob!"

Kota: "Auntie!"

The Aunt and Nephew quickly meeting in an embrace as Kota jumped off my back into his Aunt's arms, whilst I handed Pixie-Bob's unconscious body over to Tiger.

Mandalay: "Kota! Oh...I'm so happy you're safe! I was so worried!" [Holds him tighter] "Where were you?"

Kota: "I was at my secret base, in the mountains...I was there when...a villain attacked me."

Mandalay: "What?! Are you okay?!"

Kota: [Nods] "I am...Because of him."

A quick glance from Mandalay to myself followed the only time I properly took my eyes off the villains. The sight of seeing the pair embrace, it kinda reminded me of my Mom when I was younger. She always loved to hug me and Izuku...Even in times of strife.

Tiger: "We're fortunate you arrived here with Kota, thank you for your help."

(Y/n): "No need to thank me...There was a villain as if I'd just stay back and let him hurt someone innocent."

Mandalay: "Wait. But you said you were going for a walk--" [Gasps] "--Did you stumble across Kota on accident?"

I was about to tell her it wasn't, but a simple glance towards Kota showcased he wasn't really ready to say he was having a conversation with a hero about his actions and such. So I went against the truth.

(Y/n): "Yeah. Accident. Anyway, can I trust you to get the others to safety?"

Tiger: "Pfft! What?! And let you stay here to fight the villains alone?! I'll also stay and fight!"

(Y/n): "Look, I know you're a Pro Hero and all. But wouldn't you think it's better if a Pro Hero stuck with a bunch of students who can't fully protect themselves yet?"

Tiger: "O-Oh...Well, um...I-I guess--But wait! What about you? Aren't you unable to fully protect yourself as well?"

(Y/n): [Grins under mask] "Me...? Didn't you hear Mineta before?" [Turns to the villains] "...I'm the one who defeated Stain."

The notion of such seemed to be enough to at least partially get through to Tiger. However, with his ideals and urge for a fight, he wasn't exactly wavered by my words. It wasn't until Mandalay stepped in was he fully persuaded.

Mandalay: "(Y/n)'s right. We all have to go."

Tiger: "Wha--But I want to--"

Mandalay: "You can fight later! Besides, you're holding Pixie-Bob, remember? What? You want me to hold her and Kota at the same time?"

Kota: [Groans] "Auntie! I'm not a baby, I can--"

Mandalay: "Kota, ssh! I'm making a point!"

Following her 'point' Mandalay turned her sharp gaze tot he muscle of the Pussycats. It seemed that just like Mothers, Aunties only needed to offer a single glare towards their respective juniors for them to get the point.

Tiger: [Whines] "Fine...But I'm not going to be happy about it!"

Mandalay: "Sure. Sure. Whatever!" [Smiles at you] "You sure you got this?"

(Y/n): [Without looking] "Of course I do. If there's one thing I know how to do...It's bringing cocky villains down a peg. Ask Kota, he knows all about it."

A confused look came onto Mandalay's face before she turned down to look at her Nephew. Kota just smiled slightly, more than enough to give Mandalay the relief she needed for her and the others to leave. And so, they did. Without wasting a second more, Mandalay, along with Kota, Tiger, the unconscious body of Pixie-Bob, and the currently gathered students of Classes 1-A and B, all went off to find safety or a means of doing something in this situation. But it was as they took off that a few things went down...

Tiger: [As he's running away] "You know, Mandalay, Pixie-Bob has recently been worrying about getting married recently."

Mandalay: "What does that have to do with the current situation?!"

Tiger: "Well, she's going to be annoyed that she was unconscious when a brave and strong man was holding her like a bride and she didn't get to witness it. She'll be very upset."

Mandalay: "Well, I'm sure she'll understand when she realizes in return her life was saved! Now, come on, hurry up! We have to get out of here before (Y/n) starts his fight!"

It was as Mandalay spoke of such that I turned to look at their fleeing group, waiting for them to get to a safe distance before I started anything. However, it was as I waited for them to do exactly that I noticed something or the lack thereof. Cause whilst I knew instantly that not all students were currently with Mandalay, I never really took in who was there and who wasn't. But as the group of heroes and students ran off, I realized that amongst the group, familiar faces such as Bakugo, or my girlfriends, were nowhere to be seen. The fact they weren't here, running off to safety, instantly caused alarm bells to run through my head. To the point I fully turned my focus off the rising figure of Spinner and the angry Magne, and instead called out to Mandalay as she rushed off.

(Y/n): "Hey, hold on a second!"

Mandalay: [Stops; Turns around] "Huh?"

(Y/n): "Where are Bakugo and the girls? Shouldn't they be with you?"

Mandalay: "Some students had already went into the forest to begin the Test of Courage. I think they were a part of the first few groups that went in."

Instantly, my fear grew. The potential dangers they could be walking into a forest flooded with strange purple mist was definitely something I wasn't happy to hear, and only made my commitment to end this quickly grow even stronger. But before I could turn back to the villains, Mandalay called out once more.

Mandalay: "Oh, (Y/n)! If you're going to race in there after them, Mirko, Midnight and Ragdoll also went in there as well. So if you go in there, find them, they'll be able to help you fight any other villains."

(Y/n): "Got it! Now hurry! Go!"

Nothing further was said. Mandalay simply turned around and went to rush away with the others. As for me, I still had a roadblock in my path before I could see Uraraka and the others. Two villains standing before me with determination and grit on their faces. They intended to kill me. But me on the other hand, I intended something worse for them. Killing these villains would be useless. I didn't want them to get off scot-free. I didn't want them to die and move on from this moment. 

I wanted them to live their lives, as long as God possibly wished for them to have. All so that through those many years, they'd live with nightmares and monsters haunting their minds in every waking and sleeping hour they got. Even when they're old and unable to move, they'd still be stalked, haunted, terrified by the image I leave behind in their heads. Their greatest fear...A man who wouldn't stop...When they ask for me to forgive them of their sins. Because forgiving them wasn't my job, that was God's. My job...

...It's to send them to him.

--Meanwhile Within The Forest For The Test Of Courage--

But as my fight with the villains began, further in the forest where the sound of my conflicts were unable to reach and the purple mist had yet to arrive at, various groups could be seen walking along the same path at different distances as they began their test of courage. Amongst thesegroups were familiar faces, like Uraraka walking with Yaoyorozu and Hagakure; or Bakugo and all the girls from Class 1-B. 

Another group, who weren't supposed to be on the path, but in hiding places further down the line in order to do the proper meaning of the Test of Courage, were also seen together. 

This group made up of Mirko and Midnight, the two female teachers of U.A. and constant problems for the peaceful side of my life, were seen walking and talking as they travelled along the dirt path. However, whereas the groups of students were scared and concerned for what could jump out at them, Mirko and Midnight had far more concerning matters on their minds. I'll give you one guess what they were about...

Midnight: "This is so unfair!"

Mirko: "Tell me about it!"

Midnight: "Doing this silly Test of Courage is so pointless!"

Mirko: "I know! I mean, if you really want to scare kids, take them to see a dead body...or worse, see their parents naked."

Midnight: [Turns to Mirko] "Um...What? Isn't that a bit...much? And not to mention outright just plain weird?"

Mirko: "What? We'd say it's an accident."

Midnight: "That's not the point. How is all of that supposed to help them? We're supposed to scare the kids, not scar them."

Mirko: "Well, I saw both of those things, they scared me as a kid, and look where I am! I'm close to the top ten of pro heroes...I'd be closer if that old samurai punk would just die already." [Grumbles] "Honestly, how can someone so old be so selfish? Doesn't he know I clearly want it more than him? Like seriously!"

Midnight: "Um...Sure." [Shakes head; Mumbles] "So weird. Why am I even here."

Mirko: [Ignores her] "But you know who really needs to be put in their place? That leader from the Wild Wild Pussycats. I've seen her and how she talks to (Y/n)."

Midnight: "Tell me about it! Thank you, I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed."

Mirko: "It's so weird."

Midnight: "And so inappropriate."

Mirko: "And worst of all..."

"...Doesn't she know he's mine?!"

The two feuding females instantly widened their eyes and turned to glare at each other, hands on hips and fire in their eyes. They weren't the only ones with such a reaction, however. Though, if I'm being honest, the fire in this next person's eyes could barely be compared to Mirko and Midnight. For whereas they has fire to showcase their urge to punch each other right now. For this person, they had an urge for something else...something that also annoyed me.

Bakugo: "...And not only is my boy a prime example of a number one hand holder, but he also gives incredible hugs! I mean...I don't exactly have experience in that last part. But he certainly gives great 'Dap Me Ups' and those are rare. One day, we even got four of them in a row. IN A ROW!"

Pony: [In American Accent] "Oh my gosh. That is so amazing!"

Bakugo: "You said it first, My Little Pony." [Turns to the others] "But seriously, I don't know what else to say to pitch my guy to you girls. He'll pay for your food on dates; he'll give you his jacket when you're cold--and if he doesn't have one, he'll steal one for you because he likes ya that damn much--he'll make you happy; make you laugh. He'll even let you wear one of his normal-sized shirts that somehow appear really big on your body. Then you don't even have to worry about wearing clothes!"

Kodai: [Slightly concerned] "Um...What did you just say?"

Kinoko: "Yeah...Isn't that a little much? I know you're trying to make him look the best, but that's a little..."

Shiozaki: "It does not sound very holy."

Bakugo: "Holy? I'll tell you what's holy, Prickles, is my boy...I want to say in bed, but again, I feel that may be weird coming from me. So, instead, let's go with hand-holding. Because that's pure and shit. So? Huh? What do you guys think?"

With a confident smile on his face, Bakugo looked out at the eight girls before him, the entire female margin of Class 1-B. It kinda took a little effort to get all of them to go with him for the Test of Courage, but Bakugo was, if not, persistent when it came to setting me up with girls. 

Setsuna: "Um...Fine. But if I'm not mistaken...Doesn't (Y/n) already have a girlfriend?"

Hiryu: "Pfft! Try three of them."

Pony: [In American Accent] "Wow. He really has that much?"

Hiryu: "Yep. Ochaco, Hagakure, and that rich girl, Yaoyorozu."

Pony: "He really must be special then."

Bakugo: [Grins] "Oh, you have no idea, you innocent thing." [Turns to Setsuna] "But as for your question, yes, (Y/n) already has girlfriends. But they're totally fine with sharing him, if you want to get a taste. (Y/n) himself even told me he is willing, and wanting...To have ONE HUNDRED girlfriends!"

Setsuna: "One Hundred?!"

Kodai: "This guy sounds like a player."

Reiko: [Sighs] "I don't have time for a player."

Beginning to feel as if he was losing the crowd, Bakugo had to think quickly. 

Bakugo: "Uh, um, well...No. He's not a player like that. He's instead a player...At handling multiple situations at once! Like, for real! Go ask the girls he's dating and they'll tell you just how much of an absolute legend he really is! And after you hear all they have to say, you'll want to date him so quick that...uh...That you want to date him! Yeah!"

Confident in his words Bakugo's grin quickly returned. Meanwhile, the girls of 1-B all turned to one another and began speaking. It sounded as if they were slowly coming over to his side of thinking. Unfortunately for Bakugo, there was one girl in the mix that wasn't exactly sure she should do anything of what she was hearing. That person ended up being one of two girls that Bakugo didn't like. The first was Akiko, and the second...

Kendo: "...Are you sure (Y/n) would even want to date any other girls, Bakugo?"

As soon as Bakugo heard the voice of Kendo, he immediately scrunched his eyes together and groaned in annoyance. After all, he still held a lot of anger against Kendo because she, even as class rep of her homeroom, did nothing to pull Kaito in during the Sports Festival when he revealed to the students in the arena about Izuku dying in front of me when we were kids. As soon as Bakugo came to understand that, he held a hatred towards the girl. Something that Kendo was fully aware of, and wanted to fix. She most definitely was aware of it now, how could she not when Bakugo offered her the most annoyed filled face he possibly could at this current moment.

Bakugo: [Groans] "...Why are you here, Kendo?"

Kendo: [Smiles nervously] "Well, y-you asked for the girls of 1-B to come along with you. You didn't really call out names, just rounded us up and took us away."

Bakugo: "Last time I checked though, Kendo, was that I rounded up girls I wanted to be with my boy, (Y/n), Kendo. And you most definitely are not someone I wanted dating him, Kendo. Dating my boy, (Y/n), Kendo."

Kendo: "Um...Okay? But why are you saying my name so much?"

Bakugo: "Because, Kendo, I'm lovingly known for giving people I like nicknames. Even people I don't like I give nicknames too. Like the Worm, and Extra. But you..." [Narrows gaze] "...You're a whole other category entirely."

To say Kendo felt uncomfortable in this moment was completely understated. All she could do was stare at Bakugo in confusion as his narrowed gaze intensified. Honestly, if he kept up with it, he'd probably cut a hole straight through Kendo, that's how sharp his eyes were currently. However, his attention was suddenly pulled off the girl when noises began coming from a nearby bush.

Setsuna: "Ah!"

Kodai: "It's happening!"

Pony: [In American Accent] "Someone hold me!"

But whereas the girls bunched together, the annoyed Bakugo turned to the bushes and prepared to punch whatever came through. However, not far away, a little further ahead of this group, another could be seen. This was the group I was in search for. Ochaco, Yaoyorozu, and Hagakure, my girlfriends, all walked side by side with one another as they walked along the dirt path in search of the end to the Test of Courage. Mist was slowly beginning to reach this point, but for the girls, they just believed it was a part of the test.

Uraraka: "Okay...Please, tell me I'm not the only one who's creeped out by this? Like seriously!"

Hagakure: "Tell me about it! I mean, making us walk through the middle of the forest at night is one thing, but all of this purple mist? Is that really necessary?"

Yaoyorozu: "And, of course, this was the time (Y/n) decided to leave us alone." [Breaths in deeply] "Come on, Momo, you've got this. You aspire to be a Pro Hero, right? Then simple mist and the dark corners of this...admittedly scary forest...in the middle of the night...should be no problem for you...Right?"

Opening her eyes after previously closing them in hopes such an action would help her courage, Momo's impending fear only suddenly surged right back into her. All the while the dark corners of the night around her seemed to beckon itself forward in every direction, eventually leaving the rich girl with nothing but to cling tighter to her friends.

Yaoyorozu: "Oh, (Y/n), where are you?!"

Hagakure: "Honestly. I mean, I get (Y/n)'s all for acting like a loner and being cool, but he's dating us now, he's gotta do these things!"

Uraraka: "I guess, but even then, this night is for us as heroes, right? Like, to help us not be afraid?"

Hagakure: "Girl, forget that! My invisible bones are shaking and I don't have a boyfriend to cling to! I don't know about you girls, but I haven't got either a date or alone time with him! Tonight was my chance to grow closer to him...Figuratively and literally!"

Yaoyorozu: [Smiles softly] "Mmm...That would be nice. Having (Y/n) to hold close to. You most definitely would feel protected around him."

Hagakure: "Oh, Momo~ Getting wild I see? Normally you're too sensitive to even talk about hand-holding with him...Now you want him close~ Hmm~"

Yaoyorozu: "H-Huh? Oh..." [Blushes] "Well, um...O-Of course I want him close. (Y/n) is my boyfriend as much as he is yours, no? S-So what's wrong with me wanting to have him close?"

Hagakure: "Nothing at all, girl~ I'm just saying~" [Grins] "Though...I know what you mean. To be able to latch onto his strong arms at a moment's notice. Oh! And to get a scent of that cologne he wears!"

Yaoyorozu: "You mean the one that smells like pine cones and the fresh cut grass?"

Hagakure: "Yes! That one! Oh, I knew that smell was familiar! I love that smell!"

Yaoyorozu: "So do I!" [Turns to Uraraka] "Ochaco, what about you? Do you like (Y/n)'s cologne?"

Uraraka: "H-Hmm? Oh...Yeah. Definitely." [Smiles softly] "But it's actually lilac flower petals and scented wood clippings."

Yaoyorozu: "Wood clippings? That's an odd fragrance to use."

Hagakure: "Then again, it's not like women's perfumes. Men's cologne is all so strange. My Dad has five of them that all have the fragrance Peppermint in the title."

Yaoyorozu: "Your Father has five separate colgones, Hagakure?"

Hagakure: "What can I say? He sweats a lot. All Dad's do..." [Shakes Head] "Anyway! Can we please get the image of my Dad putting on cologne and get back to thinking of our boyfriend?" [Turns to Uraraka] "Ochaco? Why did you let him go earlier?"

Uraraka: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Hagakure: "(Y/n) whispered something to you before he left, right? What did he say?"

Yaoyorozu: "Yes, that's right. He said something to you and then you were fine letting him go? What did he tell you?"

It didn't take long for Uraraka to recall what I had said to her before I left earlier. Just thinking of it made her smile, her mind quickly taking her back to the scene before the Test of Courage and my confrontation with Kota and Muscular took place. Though whereas the minds of Yaoyorozu and Hagakure took the source as clearing meaning that something important was shared between Uraraka and I, that truth was far from being fact. For in reality, all I told Uraraka...was exactly what you'd expect. 

I told her I was going off to see Kota and make sure he was alright. Of course, at that point, neither Uraraka or myself knew just how much my past would relate to Kota. But the mere fact that I was going off to help the kid was more than enough to bring about a smile on Uraraka's face, as she just saw it as another time I went out to help someone. And as I had come to know in the month since we started dating, was that she always liked it when I did such a thing.

Uraraka: [Smiles] "Let's just say...(Y/n) went to do what (Y/n) does best."

Yaoyorozu/Hagakure: [Looks at each other] "What (Y/n) does best...?"

Uraraka: "Uh, huh!"

Yaoyorozu: [Turns to Uraraka] "...You mean brooding in silence and being hot?"

Hagakure: "You mean being hot and brooding in silence?"

Uraraka: "What? No! He was--"

Before Uraraka could finish her sentence, however, she was cut off by a sudden noise behind her.

Break!

The sound of a stick breaking, or leaves being crushed beneath a heavy object, Uraraka knew not. All she knew was that something was beyond her, leading her face to suddenly contort in a look of fear. She wasn't alone, as Hagakure and Yaoyorozu joined her in showcasing such emotions. Instantly the girls were reminded of their current surroundings and the task at hand, leaving them all to cling close to one another as they spun around to see...

--Back With You--

Bam!

Wham!

Punch!

Crash!

Plenty of single-based words could be used to describe a fight and what goes down in one. Whether that be punches to the head. Kicks to the back. Or extremely painful uppercuts to the jaws of regretful villains who currently thought about a different career path in their life. Whatever it was, though, you could use it to describe the current situation I was in. A 2v1, myself outnumbered to two villains. One with a giant pillar of solid concrete, tossed around as if it weighed nothing more than a baseball bat. 

And, of course, we couldn't forget about the human-like lizard with swords connected to swords...times twenty. However, no matter what came my way, it was no match for me. I made sure of it. With the added bonus of my 'Fear Second' form in relation to my Nightmare Quirk, I could to appear and disappear out of reality with a trail of green fog evaporating off my body. When I disappeared, I'd dodge an incoming attack. When I reappeared, I'd be directly where the villains wouldn't expect me. 

Spinner: "How is this kid so fast?! I thought only first years were supposed to be going to this thing?!"

Magne: "Well, besides the few Pro Heroes here...Yeah. They should all be first years."

Spinner: "So how the hell is this kid managing to get the best of us if he's a fucking first year?!"

"What's the matter? Can't you villains keep up with me?"

The incredible amount of speed from my Quirk's extended abilities perfectly allowed me the opportunity needed to land yet another attack of my own on their unsuspecting bodies. Such was the process as the unsuspecting Magne and Spinner turned towards my voice in an instant. Their confused faces soon shifted into waves of fear as they found themselves caught with their tails between their legs on a few separate occasions. Appearing before their eyes for the final time allowed me the precise moment to end this thing. One charged-up attack of One For All later and the villains knew their chances of victory had reached zero...Not that they were ever above that in the first place.

Boom!!

A bright beam of green energy was quick to swallow up the figures of both Spinner and Magne until only their silhouettes remained. Seconds later, those very faint images of the people caught in my attack were sent flying. Rocketing backwards through the air as their bodies exploded into a line of trees that made up the surrounding wall of the forest. Now, left to lie in a mixture of broken tree bark, branches, and dirt, the two villains barely found the strength to even open their eyes. Such an effect I normally had on my opponents whenever I went serious against them. 

But on this case, they could open their eyes and luckily for me, that's exactly what I wanted. Slowly opening his eyes as he lay on the ground, Spinner was greeted by a dark shadow with piercing green eyes standing over his body. The amount of shock and adrenaline that surged through his corpse upon just that sight alone was enough to momentarily give him the strength to pick up his body. It didn't last long as I quickly booted him back to the ground. The back of his head collided with the severed root of a wayward tree behind him. Allowing the perfect line of sight between his fearful face, and the nightmarish eyes of my mask.

Spinner: [Fearful] "What the hell kind of hero are you, kid?!"

(Y/n): [Leans closer] "The kind who doesn't like having his time wasted with villains who won't talk. So I suggest you tell me exactly what I'm about to ask you, got it?"

Spinner: "...P-Pfft! As if! Like I'd ever tell you anything about--"

Break!

The loud snap of an already broken bone breaking even more was a pleasant sound to my ears. All brought on as I reached out my foot and stepped onto the leg of Spinner, our eyes never separating. Well...Mind didn't, his did shut for a while when he started screaming.

Spinner: "AARRGGHH!!!"

(Y/n): "...That's your only warning."

Spinner: "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, KID?!" [Glares at you] "Who the fuck do you think you are, fucking All Might?! Pretending to be a hero..." [Wheezes in pain] "...A fucking hero who goes around breaking people's legs and acting all scary...Fucking pathetic...My fucking leg..."

(Y/n): "Why are you villains here?"

Spinner: "What?!"

Snap!

Spinner: "AAAHHH!!!"

(Y/n): "Told you, I don't like having my time wasted. Now, tell me, otherwise I'll break another finger."

By this point, I think my threats were finally setting in on Spinner. I could tell. His eyes told the story clearly as he clutched his hand that now carried a broken finger. The way he knew that if he didn't answer my question this time around, he'd have another thing broken before he knew it. 

Spinner: "Okay! Okay! I'll tell you...We're not here for any purpose. We just saw your bus in the city and followed it here. We thought we could get higher up on the League of Villains if we--"

Snap!!

Spinner: "FUUUCK!!! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!"

(Y/n): "And there goes finger number two!"

Spinner: "Fuck you, kid! I told you why we were here!"

(Y/n): "Oh, don't fucking lie to me! I'm not a fucking idiot!"

Spinner: "IT'S THE TRUTH!"

(Y/n): "NO! IT ISN'T!" [Grabs Spinner by the throat] "It's nothing but a pathetic excuse from an even more pathetic excuse who is trying to pull one over me! But I'll tell you something right now, Villian, I aight your average hero!"

Spinner: [Cries in Pain] "YOU DON'T FUCKING SAY?!" [Whimpers silently] "...Breaking my fingers and leg..."

(Y/n): "You know what...Fine. I'll prove it to you. Maybe then you'll realise I'm not fucking around."

Spinner: [Whimpers] "What the fuck are you talking about...?"

(Y/n): "You mentioned All Might before, right? So I'm guessing you know some stuff about him?"

Spinner: "What the fu--"

(Y/n): "ANSWER...The question. What do you know about All Might?"

The completely lost look in Spinner's eyes as he stared up at me was clear as day. Of course, I'm not surprised he had that reaction. Even with me knowing where my words were headed, they still sounded so out of left field. Fortunately, we were about to reach the final mark...Then everything would come together.

Spinner: "What's not to fucking know...? He's the number one hero. Every shithead loves him. He definitely doesn't deserve the attention. Stain was the true hero! Though unlike him at least he had a reason for being the way he is and not just FUCKING INSANE LIKE YOU SO WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO FU--"

Snap!!!

(Y/n): "Finger! Number! Three! Only two left on this hand, Spinner, you sure you want to keep testing me? Because there's a whole other hand waiting for attention!"

Spinner: "FUCK YOU, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!"

(Y/n): "Come on! You were so close before! You said so much about All Might, but you missed one defining factor! What is it?!"

Spinner: "What do you even want from me?!"

(Y/n): "TO ANSWER THE FUCKING QUESTION!"

Spinner: "WHAT FOR?!"

(Y/n): [Pulls mask back] "So you get it into your fucking dense skull that I'm not like other heroes! You can bitch around with them all you want! But me? When I say or ask something, you do it! Because you getting the chance you have now is a whole lot fucking better than every other villain I've come across! Including your hero Stain!"

The answer and pain in Spinner's eyes quickly faded as my mask was pulled back. Which made me realise something. Those green eyes that are present every time I wear the mask may be scary, but nothing...nothing is scarier than the eyes of a man who has lost it all.

(Y/n): "...I'm sick and tired of you villains coming out every single day to ruin this world. Every time I feel like I can get somewhere in life, I'm brought back to the same moment of going up against someone who thinks they're better than everyone else. League of villains or lowly scum. You're all the same to me. Disgraces...Filth...Nothing more than cockroaches in this world who just keep coming back. But you wanna know something, Spinner...?"

Spinner: "Wh-What...?"

(Y/n): "I'm the same. Just like you cockroaches...I'll come back. No matter how many times you or any other villain think I've been put into the ground for the final time, I'll be back. Because I have no other purpose in life but to end people like you. That's why I'm doing this right now...Instead of rushing off to make sure my friends are okay...I'm WASTING my time with you so you can tell every other villain in this pathetic league of yours...That I'm coming for you all. And I won't stop until every last one of you know justice...real justice."

Rising to my feet and relinquishing any grip I had remaining on Spinner, I pulled my mask back on and turned to walk away. The cascade of blue flames in the distance and purple mist from the forest calling my name. My original intention for Spinner was to find out exactly what the villains wanted from this place, but I wasn't lying when I said I hated when villains wasted my time. And with the likes of the girls and Bakugo still out there, I couldn't stand around here any longer. 

I needed to find them one way or another, even if it meant jumping from tree to tree in hopes of getting even a hint of their location. But it was just as I planned to do exactly that, that I was forced to hang around for a moment longer. The silent voice of Spinner, as if daring to question whether or not he should speak, echoed from behind. A simple turn of my head to face him was enough to turn that hesitation into full-on silence. However, it didn't remain that way for long.

Spinner: "Ugh, um...I was...I was just going to ask...What did you mean by all that stuff with All Might? Why were you asking me what I knew about him?"

The question surprised me. Both from Spinner's genuine curiosity and the fact he'd still even bother to ask it after I broke three of his fingers and damaged his broken leg even more. What surprised me even more, was in a moment of vulnerability, I actually pondered what he said.

"Why did I say it?"

"What was I trying to get at?"

Deep down...I knew. I knew all too well. I wanted to make a point. That no matter what All Might went through, he always smiled. It showed his bravery in the toughest of moments, whilst also bringing about calmness to those he was saving. I wanted to say that I was the exact opposite. I didn't smile when I went through tough times. I got angry. And I always believed that anger was needed to make the villains more afraid of me. But I never once thought what that'd do for the people I'm trying to save.

"Would they be afraid of me as well?"

"Would they think I'm just like every other villain?"

"Would they even want someone like me to save them?"

All were things I wondered, but none I told to Spinner. After all, he was a villain. He didn't need to know any of this...So I kept it to myself. A message that was intended to scare the likes of Spinner and all other villains. But in the end, the only person it scared...was me.

Spinner: "S-So...? What did you mean by it? All that stuff about All Mi--"

(Y/n): "Don't worry about it...It doesn't matter anyway."

And just like, I took off. Launching from the ground into the wall of trees before me. I took off in hopes of finding my friends. Little did I know, someone else had already found them.

[3rd Person POV]

Break!

The sound of a stick breaking, or leaves being crushed beneath a heavy object, Uraraka knew not. All she knew was that something was beyond her, leading her face to suddenly contort in a look of fear. She wasn't alone, as Hagakure and Yaoyorozu joined her in showcasing such emotions. Instantly the girls were reminded of their current surroundings and the task at hand, leaving them all to cling close to one another as they spun around to see...

"Akiko?!"

The name came from the combined voices of the frightened trio of Uraraka, Yaoyorozu, and Hagakure. The three girls, and girlfriends of (Y/n) Midoriya, all came together because they feared some kind of attempt from one of the teachers was there to scare them. But to their surprise, upon turning around after hearing a stick break on the ground, they found no teacher to do such scaring. Instead, their fellow classmate, Sazama Akiko, was present. 

The newly arrived student for Class 1-A at U.A.; and (Y/n)'s old childhood crush/girl who ended up breaking his heart. However, it was really only that last part that brought on the incoming reactions from Uraraka and the others. For as soon as their eyes landed on Akiko, the group of girls immediately felt uncomfortable. Not that they exactly hated Akiko...Like Bakugo had instructed them to do so. But mostly because they felt extremely awkward around her. After all, they didn't exactly like Akiko, what (Y/n) had told them of her most certainly led to such a thing. 

But he also told them to not worry about her and just to focus on themselves, but now...things seemed out of hand. Things were even worse for Uraraka, because the last time she had a conversation with Akiko, she kind of made it clear she didn't really have time for her. So to see her here, in such a lonely and desolate place, made things really complicated for an already complicated situation. Luckily, the resident invisible girl decided to take it on herself to make things a little...smoother.

Hagakure: "Um..." [Clears throat] "...Akiko! Uh...Hey, girl? What's up?" [Nudges the others] "Right, guys?"

Yaoyorozu: "Hmm?" [Abruptly smiles] "Oh! Yes! Uh...Hello?"

Uraraka: "Hey! Uh...Akiko?"

Akiko: [Nervously] "Um...Hey, everyone. Uh, sorry for coming out of nowhere. I hope I didn't scare any of you?"

Hagakure: "Pfft! Us? Please! We're up-and-coming heroes! Nothing could scare u--"

Snap!

Hagakure: *Eeeyyyaaa!!*

The sudden squeal from Hagakure was most definitely heard by everyone present. But upon turning around, the cause for such a sudden scream was not from yet another unexpected visitor...But Yaoyorozu accidentally stepping backwards and landed on a stick.

Yaoyorozu: "Uh...Sorry, Hagakure. Hehe..."

Hagakure: [Panting Heavily] "Momo! Girl! I'm gonna..." [Panting] "...I'm gonna pass out. Catch me?"

Yaoyorozu: "Huh? Oh!"

Immediately Yaoyorozu stepped forward, catching Hagakure as she 'passed out'. She didn't really, but the energy used in screaming most certainly made her light-headed. Such left Yaoyorozu with the task of holding the invisible girl upward, whilst Uraraka and Akiko were left to just look at the sight.

Akiko: "Oh my goodness. Hagakure, are you okay?"

Hagakure: "...Huh? Oh...Yeah...I should be fine...I'll just rest here for a few minutes."

Yaoyorozu: [Struggling] "I'm not sure I can hold on for a few minutes, Hagakure!"

Hagakure: "...Yeah, yeah, Momo...Whatever you say..."

The tone in Hagakure's voice seemed to suggest that the girl was now so more just relaxing than actually being lightheaded. That, added on by the struggling look on Yaoyorozu's face was enough to make Uraraka laugh from the sight. As for Akiko, after witnessing the smile and laughter coming from Uraraka, she, too, decided to join in on the laughs. Before long, that was all that could be heard. The two continued laughing in union at the sight in front of them.

Akiko: [Giggles] "You most certainly have some funny friends, Uraraka."

Uraraka: [Giggles] "I know, right? They really are something."

The sound of laughing continued. As it did, the confused faces of Yaoyorozu and Hagakure turned to one another, as if confused that Uraraka was acting friendly with Akiko. Not that they were trying not to, but after everything to do with (Y/n) it still felt like an odd thing to do. But it was during this period of the pair looking at one another that Uraraka noticed such and broke free of her laughing, it was as she did so, that she finally noticed Akiko was doing the same. Immediately she turned her head in Akiko's direction, the girl still laughing and smile. Only for it all to suddenly fade away when she saw Uraraka looking at her. Now, Uraraka wasn't looking at her because she felt Akiko couldn't laugh. 

But more so due to the fact that she was surprised how freely Akiko was acting, when it was somewhat clear that they weren't exactly friends. It was all very confusing and difficult to manage for someone like Uraraka, who was often friendly with everyone. But to do so with someone who hurt her boyfriend was something she felt she couldn't do, and shouldn't do. Even if they were kids, the mere memory of the pain (Y/n) expressed from it still resonated with Uraraka to this day. Such leading the young girl to stop her laughter and any sense of a smile and simply awkwardly stand in place. It didn't take long for Akiko to realise such and awkwardly bring her own laughter to an end.

Hagakure: "Uh, so...Akiko! Um...What are you doing here? I thought you were partnered up with a few girls from Class 1-B?"

Akiko: "Hmm?" [Smiles] "Oh, I was...But then Bakugo started taking them off with him to talk about (Y/n) or something..." [Drops smile] "...I wasn't really allowed to follow from that point on."

Hagakure: "Oh, um..." [Awkwardly looks at the others] "That, um...That sucks?"

Akiko: [Chuckles silently] "It's alright...You don't have to pretend Hagakure."

Hagakure: "Huh? What do you mean?"

A sudden glance towards the other girls was all Hagakure needed to showcase her confusion. However, turning to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, Hagakure found that both of them were also confused. As for Akiko, she was still smiling. Not a happy smile...But a knowing one. One of acceptance. It was clear she meant something by it, and that something was about to be revealed.

Akiko: [Smiling to herself] "Honestly, I don't know why I keep trying...There's no point. I'll never get you guys to be my friend."

Hagakure: [Whispers to Momo] "What's going on?"

Yaoyorozu: "I'm starting to wonder that myself..."

Uraraka: [To Akiko] "Uh...Akiko? I'm sorry, but I don't think we understand what you're talking about?"

Akiko: [Smiles at Uraraka] "...I'm guessing (Y/n) told you about me? What happened when we were kids?"

Uraraka: "O-Oh, um..." [Glances at the others; back to Akiko] "Well...Yes. He did."

Akiko: "Yeah...Thought so." [Sighs] "I guessed as much from the first time you girls saw me. You all carried that same look of anger mixed with curiosity. Like you question what you should feel in the moment...Not that I can blame you. The position you guys are in, of course, you'd be hesitant to be friends with me. I hurt your boyfriend...I deserve this."

Instantly the minds of the three girls were opened. They now understood what Akiko was getting at, and also the fact that this conversation, one just filled with laughter seconds ago, now going in a complete 180-degree angle. Such left things...very awkward for the three students from U.A. dating (Y/n).

Akiko: "You know, for the longest time here I thought that there was still a chance I could fix everything. That when I saw (Y/n) again, after all these years, I would say the right set of words to make things all smooth over. Or, in a better reality, he'd have forgotten about it all and we could go back to where we were when we were kids... I mean, a girl can hope, right?"

Hagakure: "Um...I'm sorry, but I'm really confused."

Uraraka: "Yeah...That makes two of us."

Yaoyorozu: "Count me in as well."

The three girls said together as they awkwardly stood in place. Akiko simply kept her gaze on the ground as she smiled...Before turning her gaze back to the girls.

Akiko: "I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I heard you guys standing here. I think..." [Awkwardly laughs] "...I think I thought that maybe there was a chance we could all be friends? That if (Y/n) and I couldn't be like we used to, then maybe I could be friends with those closest to him? I hoped that what I did in the past wouldn't hold you all back from being my friends, I probably should have guessed as much, huh?"

Hagakure: "Uh, well, um..."

Akiko: "You don't have to say anything...really. I think that I'm just finally getting this all off my chest because I feel like staying at U.A. any longer may be pointless. I want to become a hero like you all...But with these distractions, and the loneliness that comes with it." [Sighs] "What's the point, you know?"

A weak smile found her face as she looked at the girls. Though, to be more precise, she was looking at Uraraka. Whereas Yaoyorozu and Hagakure seemed more uncertain of what to do, left confused by the suddenness of it all, Uraraka seemed at a crossroads of sorts. On one hand, she knew what Akiko had done to (Y/n) as a kid. How lonely and sad she made him. Honestly, when Uraraka had first heard of Akiko, she could confidently say she didn't like the girl at all. But now that she had met her, and seen how lonely and desperate she was right now, she couldn't help but feel sad. The lonely look on her face, Uraraka knew it well. 

She, too, didn't have that many friends before coming to U.A. High. Honestly, she felt incredibly lucky to meet the people she did, and often thought back on her loneliness thinking how much it was worth going through such a thing, only to reach the finish line and find herself in the place she currently stood. It was that connection between her past self and Akiko that made her feel for the girl. Even after how she previously spoke to her, not rude or anything, but in a sense that may have given Akiko the idea that Uraraka wanted nothing to do with her. Which was partially true before, but now...she was beginning to think it all over in her mind.

All the while the likes of Yaoyorozu and Hagakure kinda just wanted this awkward moment to be over with. They probably didn't have the understanding of being lonely like Uraraka did, leaving them less likely to relate to what Akiko was currently going through. But in a way, the look on Yaoyorozu's face...and the look she presumed to be on Hagakure's, ended up leading Uraraka to push aside all these clouded thoughts in her mind and say something she wasn't entirely sure was right in the moment. But as everyone should know, when both the heart and mind come to a crossroads, we're not always exactly proud of what comes out of it, and only properly learn of the consequences at a later date...Such would be the same for Uraraka in this moment.

Uraraka: [Smiles softly] "I wouldn't let Bakugo bother you, Akiko."

Akiko: [Looks at Uraraka] "H-Huh?"

Uraraka: "About feeling left out by him. I know what it feels like, but don't take it personally...Bakyugo is just, well...Bakugo!" [Turns to the others] "Right, guys?"

Yaoyorozu/Hagakure: "Huh?"

Both Yaoyorozu and Hagakure quickly turned to their friend to see Uraraka smiling at them. At first, they were confused. Uraraka now seemed much more open to talking to Akiko instead of kinda just ignoring her. This left them unsure of what was going on, at least, until Uraraka signalled with her eyes to go along with her. Signalling over to Akiko, the pair of girls in front of her turned to the aforementioned girl to see the sad look on her face. It became clear at this point that Uraraka wanted them to go along with her, even if they weren't friends with Akiko, and for better or worse...the girls reluctantly did.

Yaoyorozu: "Oh, yes! Do not think too much on Bakugo. In fact, when I first met him he just called me 'Rich Girl'. Which...Hehe...Isn't necessarily wrong, but still. But I got used to it."

Hagakure: "And he called me 'Casper The Friendly Ghost'; which...again...isn't necessarily wrong, but I didn't exactly like him calling me it."

Akiko: "Oh my gosh. He really called you both that?"

Yaoyorozu: [Uncertain] "...Yep!"

Offering their best fake smiles, the girls stood in a way that showcased they still weren't entirely sure what to do about this moment in time. Luckily for them, this was Uraraka's part to retake the lead.

Uraraka: [Smiles slightly] "Anyway...Akiko...I'm sorry if we made you feel left out. I didn't mean that, it's just...(Y/n) has told us about what happened, and it kinda left us unsure of how to react to your sudden arrival, you know?"

Akiko: "Oh...I see."

Hagakure: [Unsureingly Steps forward] "Uraraka's right! I mean...W-When I first saw you, and how (Y/n) reacted, I didn't know if you were some Ex to him or what!" [Nervously laughs] "But now I see it was far from that...hehe...Well, kinda."

Yaoyorozu: "And I...Am not good with people. Yes!"

Both choices of words from the girls seemed very unclear, as if they struggled with what to say. Which wasn't far from the truth. However, just this mere act seemed to be enough to change Akiko's self-loathing smile, to one that seemed more so bittersweet. One which eventually led her gaze back to Uraraka, the only one who seemed genuinely wanting to change things at this point.

Uraraka: "And look...I know things are difficult right now, with (Y/n) and everything...But I would just give it time. He's a stubborn guy, trust me--" [Chuckles] "--Honestly, the amount of time it took for him to do some things is really surprising. I mean, he's a boy, but still!"

Akiko: "Um...I'm sorry, you lost me?"

Uraraka: [Shakes head] "Nevermind! Nevermind! Hehe...What I'm trying to say is, (Y/n) has a hard time letting the past rest. In some cases, it's understandable. As for the one involving you...That's not my place to judge. I can't say he will forgive you, but...just give him some time. If you really want things to go back to how they were, show him that you care for him by giving him the space needed. And when the opportunities come up for you and him to talk again...take them." [Smiles full heartedly] "...He's a special guy to be around, trust me."

For a moment all Akiko could do was just stand in place. Left confused and set back by the words that just came from Uraraka's mouth. But she wasn't alone. Both Yaoyorozu and Hagakure shared the same expression as Akiko as they started at Uraraka. They both knew that Uraraka knew about what Akiko did to (Y/n), and they also knew that Uraraka was a very loving person. But to see her show such kindness to someone who probably didn't deserve it left both girls at a crossroads. 

On one hand, they were unsure if this was a wise thing to do, after everything that happened. But on the other, they couldn't help but smile seeing Uraraka do what she did best...be nice to those around her, even if they didn't deserve it. In the end, that second option led the way in the girls mind, allowing them all to smile freely at one another. As for Akiko, she seemed far happier then when she had smiled previously. This time around her smile seemed far more genuine then it had been in a very long time.

Akiko: "Thank you, Uraraka..." [Laughs slightly] "Really. Thank you. I will not forget this moment..." [Turns to the others] "And for you both as well. Just for giving me the time...thank you."

Yaoyorozu: "O-Oh, that's fine...Really."

Hagakure: "Yep. Fine...So fine..." [Leans over to Yaoyorozu] "I hope this doesn't backfire."

Yaoyorozu: "You read my mind."

The two girls just went back to smiling after their whispering session was over. For a moment, everything went silent as the four girls stood in place. However, that was quick to change when Akiko looked at her surroundings and recalled something.

Akiko: "Um...A-Anyway, of that note. Another thing I was going to ask is if you guys know why there's so much mist around here?"

Uraraka: "Huh?"

Akiko: [Looks around] "And why its purple?"

Hagakure: "Hey, I've been wondering that too. I just thought it was sever colourblindness finally showing itself after all of these years...Guess I was wrong."

Yaoyorozu: [Looking around] "Do you think it's a part of the Test of Courage?" [Turns to the others] "It has to be, right?"

Akiko: "That's what I was thinking, but something just doesn't seem right about it. Have you guys seen any of the others?"

Uraraka: "Actually...No." [Turns to the others] "Now that I think about it, we've been walking for some time and haven't come across anything remotely scary. Well...Besides the dark forest."

Yaoyorozu: "Do you think something has gone wrong?"

Hagakure: "But surely if something was wrong, we would have heard something about it...Right?"

To Hagakure's regret, her question was quickly answered.

Boom!

The sound of an explosion in the distance suddenly went off, causing all four girls to turn back in the direction they had originally came from at the start of the pathway.

Hagakure: "What was that?"

Uraraka: "It sounds like a fight's going on?"

Going silent for a moment, further sounds of combat could faintly be heard in the distance. Enough to spark the attention of everyone present.

Akiko: "That sounded like it was coming from the start of the path we all went down when the test started."

Hagakure: "Okay, now I'm definitely starting to get scared. What's going on?"

Uraraka: "I don't know...But we have to do something."

Yaoyorozu: "Like what?"

Uraraka: "I'm not sure, but we have to go find one of the teachers! Like Aizawa, or one of the Wild Wild Pussycats, or--"

Before Uraraka could finish her sentence, she was cut off by the sound of continuous ruffles through a nearby group of bushes that had a gap surrounded by shadows in the centre. By this point the fear inside each of the girls was starting to rise, but nevertheless, they tried to remain calm. Fortunately for them, a calmness began to build when within the shadows...a pair of green eyes could be seen. Green eyes that appeared... familiar.

Hagakure: "Hey, wait a minute...Those eyes..."

Yaoyorozu: "They seem familiar...Like I've seen them before..."

Akiko: "What? Really?"

Uraraka: "Yeah, you guys are right! They...They kinda look like--" [Smiles] "--They look like (Y/n)'s!"

Upon saying his name, those green eyes in the shadows were accompanied by a familiar silhouette that resembled the hero outfit of the young boy. As soon as the girls saw that, their smiles rose further, whilst Akiko was left to feel a new wave of uncertainty. After all, getting alone with these girls for a while was one thing, but as Uraraka said...It'd take time for her to get on the same level with (Y/n). Nevertheless, she believed in the comforting words of Uraraka and tried her best to smile.

Uraraka: "Hey, (Y/n)! Thank goodness you're here. We heard fighting in the distance, do you know what's going on?"

Instead of responding, (Y/n) remained silent. Nothing but his green eyes showcased the life of the being in front of them. Yet the silence was something the girls just couldn't get over. It seemed so...strange. Little did they know just by how much. For not very far away from the position of Uraraka and the others, Bakugo and all the girls from Class 1-B could be seen going through a similar situation. The group backed into a clearing amongst the forest thanks to the sound of constant movement coming from some bushes in the distance. The group of girls were all pushed back as far away from the noises as possible, the fear building up in their system, whilst at the forefront, Bakugo stood with a confident grin spread across his face.

Bakugo: "Come on out! Whoever you are! You try to scare us? Pfft! Bitch, please! When (Y/n)'s not around, I'm the one that does the scaring!" 

Pony: [In American Accent] "Oh my gosht! What is going on? I'm so scared!"

Kodai: "Th-Things really picked up, huh?"

Kendo: "Tell me about it. This place got a whole lot scarier real quickly."

Komori: "Oh! Oh! Please let this stop, I feel like I'll have a heart attack any second now."

Shiozaki: "Rest easy, Komori. May our blessed souls find peace in this moment of fear."

Komori: "Girl, my soul is about to pee itself if I don't get out of this situation sooner!"

Bakugo: [Turns to the girls] "Don't worry, ladies. I'll protect you...In fact, as I do so, just imagine that (Y/n)'s doing it as well. He would totally stand between you and a crazed homeless man with a knife."

Pony: [In American Accent] "What?! There's a homeless man with a knife here?! Where?!"

Bakugo: "What? No, I--Well, actually...This place does seem the perfect place for a homeless man..." [Shakes Head] "But it doesn't matter! Whatever is about to come out of that bush, I'll punch it right in the face!" [Yells at the bush] "Hey! Pussy! Hurry up and come and get some already! I've got half a dozen girls seconds away from realizing how cool and brave my boy is...I AIN'T wasting this opportunity!"

The final remarks of Bakugo came in quick union before he pushed out his hands and ignited his Quirk slightly, as if giving a warning to whoever or whatever was about to come out of the bushes. But to Bakugo's surprise, and that of the girls, any fear or confidence that was previously present on their faces was quickly dropped and replaced with confusion. And it was all thanks to the person that stepped out of the bushes. That person behind none other...Than (Y/n) Midoriya himself.

(Y/n): "Bakugo! I thought I heard your voice."

Bakugo: "(Y/n)?" [Deactivates Quirk; walks towards you] "Dude! You gotta be careful, I almost killed you. What were you doing in the bushes...?" [Leans in and mutters] "...Were you checking out the 1-B girls and figuring out whose your favorite?"

(Y/n): "What? No, I--"

Bakugo: "Because I'm leaning towards Poison Ivy. I mean, sure, she seems like a total Ochaco in the innocent department. But trust me, bro~" [Chuckles] "I've respectfully checked her out and she looks SO fine."

Pony: [Taps your shoulder] "Excuse, Bakugo, I--"

Bakugo: [Turns to Pony] "Please don't touch me whilst I am bestowing knowledge onto my bro." [Turns back to you] "Anyway, Thorny Chick, she is totally--"

(Y/n): "--No, Dude, forget that. Have you seen Uraraka?"

Bakugo: "What? No? Why are you worried about her?" [Launches arm over your shoulder] "Dude, you've got the goods right in front of you..." [Signals towards the girls] "...And they totally are into you. Trust."

(Y/n): "Dude! Shut the fuck up for a second. I'm worried about her because villains are attacking the campsite!"

Class 1-B Girls: "Wait! What?"

Bakugo: "Yo! For real?"

(Y/n): "Yes, for real. That's why I came looking for you. I hoped you were with the girls, but I'm guessing not."

Bakugo: "Nah, sorry man, they're not with me. I saw her go off with Yaoyorozu and Hagakure."

Pony: [In American Accent] "Bakugo."

(Y/n): "Which way did they go?"

Bakugo: "Hard to say, they went before us, so they should be some bit down the path. Have you seen anyone else?"

Pony: [In American Accent] "Bakugo."

(Y/n): "Not other than those that hadn't gone on for the test yet. I sent them to find Aizawa and the students who didn't get do the test at the main building, then I fought villains off and--"

Bakugo: "Yo, what? You already fought villains? Is that why you're wearing your costume?"

Pony: [In American Accent] "Bakugo."

(Y/n): "Yeah. Whatever. It doesn't matter. But, look, seriously I have to find--"

Pony: [In American Accent] "BAKUGO!"

Bakugo: [Suddenly turns to her] "WHAT. IS. IT. PINKIE PIE FROM MY LITTLE PONY?!"

Pony: [In American Accent] "Look!"

With a simple lift of her finger, Bakugo, (Y/n), and everyone else finally took notice of the growing purple mist around them. By this point, it became clearer that things were getting much worse. Unfortunately, the mist wasn't the only warning as to such.

"AAAAHHHH!!!!

Out of nowhere, the loud scream of a girl in the distance caused everyone to turn their gazes off the ground and into the dark forest before them.

Shiozaki: "Someone's screaming?"

Bakugo: "Hey, that voice. It sounds like--"

(Y/n): "--Uraraka!"

Without a second more, (Y/n) immediately launched off the ground and into the treeline, darted from branch to branch as quickly as possible. The enhanced speed thanks to One For All and Fear Second meant it didn't take long before (Y/n) reached the origin point of the scream. But upon reaching it, he was horrified with what he saw. Broken bark off trees, kicked up dirt, and leaves from bushes scattered everyone. A struggle clearly went down. Unfortunately due to the heavy smoke, (Y/n) was unable to see much else, leading him to not even think as he jumped off the final branch and onto the ground where his panick only grew.

(Y/n): "Uraraka! Yaoyorozu! Hagakure! Where are--"

"(Y/...(Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

Spinning around, the sight of a figure stepping out from the mist could be seen. It was girl, most definitely. It left (Y/n) with a flicker of hope that it was Uraraka. But all that hope was lost...when Akiko was the one to step out. Dirt on her face, and a weakness behind her eyes, her body fatigued as if it lost all strength. Despite the past going between them, (Y/n) didn't stop from jumping forward as Akiko dropped to the ground. Barely catching her before she hit it.

Akiko: "(Y/n)..."

(Y/n): "Akiko! What's going on? Where are the girls? Where's Uraraka?"

Akiko: "...(Y/n)...I'm sorry...Uraraka, she...she was..."

(Y/n): "What?!"

"...She was taken."

[Chapter 39 over and done with. Onto chapter 40 next time! And with it, this bootcamp arc will presumably come to an end. A LOT will go down in the next chapter, you most certainly don't want to miss it. As for this chapter, well, I had a lot of fun writing it, so if I feel up to it, I'll get another chapter out in under two weeks! So I hope that's something you're all interested in, and I hope this chapter truly did feel like the good old days like I felt it did. A bit of a smaller chapter today coming in at 14k words, but sometimes smaller can be better. Right, guys~ Lol, anyway, yeah, still a lot compared to others, but in the end I just hope the point got across. I hope you all really did enjoy it, and I hope to see you all again for another chapter very soon!]