Chapter 3 - Pick Yourself Up

As instructed, Iida led you to the main building for your first day of classes. The interior was basked in morning light from all the windows lining the long hallways. Iida, along with Midoriya - oh right, he asked that I call him Izuku - moved easily through the large building and to an enormous door labeled 2-A. You took a hesitant breath before crossing the threshold.

Once inside, you noticed everyone seemed to gravitate toward assigned seats. You decided to stand back and chat with Mina and Kaminari, waiting for some instruction where to place your things.

"[L/n]." Your head spun toward the door to find your homeroom teacher rolling up a large yellow sleeping bag (?). "You're in seat 19, behind Midoriya," he said with as much enthusiasm as a DMV employee. You quickly nodded and shuffled toward the seat, nearly stumbling over the outstretched legs of the ash blond from earlier.

"Manspread much?" you hissed through your teeth as you tossed your bag on the assigned desk. His seething glare burned into the back of your head. You sat down, digging your hands into your bag to find a notepad and pen, refusing to make eye contact. So much for my peace offering.

The boy in front of you stiffened. Izuku witnessed the glare, assuming it was directed toward him, and started to sweat.

"Don't worry Izuku." You clapped him on the shoulder. "The death glare is for me, not you," you said in an unsubtle whisper. You then gave the angry blond a fake, sweet smile and turned your gaze toward your homeroom teacher, Aizawa.

Small pops emanated from Bakugou's palms. "YOU GOT A FUCKING PROBLEM-"

"Bakugou," Aizawa chastised, his eyes flashing red, halting Bakugou's explosions, and then immediately dove back into the morning announcements. You could practically see the steam rising off the explosive boy's body, but he didn't bother to turn around again.

AIZAWA SHOTA, HERO NAME: ERASER HEAD—QUIRK: ERASURE. HE CAN CANCEL OTHER QUIRK POWERS AND ABILITIES SIMPLY BY LOOKING AT THE TARGET. ITS EFFECTS WEAR OFF IF AIZAWA SHUTS HIS EYES.

Completing the unwelcoming welcome back announcement and going over the week's class schedule, Aizawa let Present Mic sensei, a loud man with a tall pillar of blond hair and sunglasses, in to start the day off with an English lesson. You only half paid attention. Seeing as English was your first language, the lesson was practically useless. Instead, you took your time writing a list of your classmates' names, appearances and quirks if you knew them. Writing things down helped you learn faster. You'd gotten about 70% (I think) when the class ended.

History was a different case all together as you had never studied Japanese history before. You knew you'd have to ask for extra help to get up to speed on that subject and wondered who a good tutor would be aside from asking Midnight sensei directly. As the class ended, you hesitantly tapped Izuku on the shoulder.

"Hey Izuku? Do you know who could help me with history? I've only ever learned US and a bit of World. We didn't cover Japanese history in much detail. I'm not even sure when the Edo period started..." You looked down at your hands, slightly embarrassed to be asking for help so soon from your classmates.

"Of course! I think Shouto-kun had the highest grade in history last term. You could check with him," Izuku said with a huge smile plastered on his face. Oh, you sweetheart. Upon hearing his name, Todoroki turned toward your conversation quizzically.

"Did you need something Midoriya?" he spoke plainly.

"[Y/n] was just asking about getting help with history," Izuku said quieter this time. You smiled up at the heterochromic boy with a bit of a plea in your eyes.

"I typically study after dinner if you'd like to join me in the lounge," Todoroki answered, his tone only a half a shade brighter.

"That'd be awesome. Thanks," you expressed back warmly. "And if you need any help with English, I'd be happy to reciprocate." Todoroki nodded and went back to his desk to await the next lesson.

Well, he's not exactly the warm cinnamon roll Izuku is, but he's nice enough. Maybe he just needs time to loosen up.

After lessons in mathematics (your best subject), science (God bless the metric system) and literature (more difficult when you don't recognize all the Kanji) the class headed to the lunchroom. You grabbed your meal from Lunch Rush, the cafeteria chef, and scanned the large room. Thankfully, as the panic started to climb up your chest, Uraraka grabbed your elbow and motioned you toward a table with Izuku and Iida. At least you didn't need to sit alone on your first day.

"So, how are you liking classes so far?" Uraraka chirped while opening her juice.

"It's going well. Thankfully, most of the subject matter is similar enough for me to follow along. Todoroki already said he'd help me out with history since I don't have all the background," you answered, adding some spice to your noodle bowl. "I'm excited for hero training though."

The lunch hour continued with easy conversation between the four of you - on training, favorite foods, living in America, and of course favorite pro heroes.

***

The class filed back into room 2-A and took their seats. A few minutes later a tall, practically emaciated man with blonde hair walked (flamboyantly strode?) into the room. Your eyes widened immediately. It's him! It's actually him! ALL MIGHT! You were smiling like an idiot and nearly bouncing in your chair, but you didn't care.

ALL MIGHT—QUIRK: PREVIOUSLY SUPER STRENGTH, SPEED, AGILITY, AND DURABILITY. NOW RETIRED.

"I AM... BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR! Welcome back students!" His voice still demanded authority, even if he no longer held his muscled form. You heard the stories about his last fight, but his eyes, sharp and blue, still shone with all the purpose you ever imagined from the former #1 hero. He had acted as a hero in America in his youth and was just as popular in the states as he was in his native Japan. The figurines and posters covering your childhood bedroom were certainly proof of that.

"This year we will focus even more on teamwork. As you've witnessed firsthand, heroes are more effective working together. So, we will once again be portraying 'Heroes vs Villains'! Grab your costumes and follow me to Ground Beta!"

There was a shuffling as costume lockers pushed from the walls. You grabbed case 19 and followed the rest of your classmates, who appeared to know where the locker rooms and Ground Beta were located.

The girls stripped down and pulled on their hero costumes. You were beginning to better understand their quirks from just looking at the outfits. Jirou's clearly had to do with sound. Yaoyorozu's was not overly modest, to say the least, to allow access to her creations. Uraraka appeared to be going into space. Ashido looked like she was going clubbing in a jazzy jumpsuit. Hagakure had gloves and boots (was she just naked? can you do that as a 16-year-old?) and Asui (Tsuyu) wore a kind of wet-suit. You pulled your costume from the case. It seemed the UA support group had added a few modifications from your Blackstone designed garb. You smiled.

You exited the locker room and proceeded down a long, tall tunnel toward Ground Beta. Black boots trod quietly on the tiled floor. You were covered in black head to toe, tight pants and tank top. A formfitting black zip-up jacket with silver detailing covered your shoulders and arms. You wore fireproof, fingerless gloves, allowing your flames to ignite but not singe your hands. Only wisps of your [h/c] hair were visible as you pulled up your hood, accented with two seemingly decorative silver dots. A mask covered the bottom of your face, leaving your [e/c] eyes to shine through. This new mask provided a steady stream of oxygen in case your smoke got too thick. A utility belt hung low on your hips, emphasizing your curves, holding basic tools, painkillers and burn ointments.

"Woah [y/n]! You look amazing!" Kaminari perked up upon seeing you. His voice attracted the attention of a few other classmates who gave your outfit a detailed scan. Well this is awkward. "Is your hero name 'Smokin' Hot' by any chance?" he added with a devilish grin.

"You know it was on my list of names, but it just didn't make the cut," you answered back, a smirk on your lips, before you shook your head and rolled your eyes at the boy. Passing through the crowd, you moved to stand next to Uraraka, who at least you hoped wouldn't say anything too embarrassing.

"CLASS 2-A!" All Might's voice bounced off the buildings. "In your first fight last year, you had to capture a weapon from villains. This year we're upping the stakes. HOSTAGES!" Your pupils dilated as you took in the word.

I don't want to play a hostage...I can't...

"You will be in teams of four. Everyone will have a chance to rotate between heroes and villains. Heroes - your goal is to rescue the two hostages being held by the villains and get them back outside within 20 minutes. Villains - don't let your hostages be taken and bring down the heroes if possible."

"Who will play the hostages? Will they be unconscious? Helpful?" Yaoyorozu piped up before you could even see her hand shoot into the air.

"Your hostages will be mannequins, meant to represent injured or unconscious victims. So, don't expect them to aid in their own saving," All Might answered. A low hum of understanding rose from the surrounding students. "Now let's draw lots for our teams today!"

Team 1 - Iida, Tokoyami, Hagakure, [l/n] (just call me [f/n]!)

Team 2 - Jirou, Ashido, Bakugou, Ojiro

Team 3 - Midoriya, Asui, Kirishima, Kouda

Team 4 - Todoroki, Aoyama, Shoji, Satou

Team 5 - Uraraka, Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Sero

"Team 1 will play the heroes to Team 2's villains. Team 2 to Team 3 and so on. We'll finish back around with Team 5 heroes and Team 1 villains," All Might explained before you scanned around for your teammates.

Iida was gesturing toward you to follow, along with the bird-faced Tokoyami and the invisible Hagakure. Before disappearing behind a wall to discuss strategy, you took in your competition. Bakugou was yelling at his team already. Interesting.

IIDA TENYA, HERO NAME: INGENIUM—QUIRK: ENGINE. IIDA HAS ENGINE-LIKE PROTRUSIONS ON HIS CALVES WHICH ALLOWS HIM TO MOVE AT EXTRAORDINARY SPEEDS AND DELIVER POWERFUL KICKS.

TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE, HERO NAME: TSUKUYOMI - QUIRK: DARK SHADOW. DARK SHADOW GRANTS TOKOYAMI A SHADOWY, MONSTER-LIKE BEING FROM WITHIN HIS BODY THAT HE CAN MATERIALIZE AND DE-MATERIALIZE AT WILL. IT'S APPARENTLY MADE OF "DARKNESS ENERGY", DESPITE BEING A SOLID ENTITY THAT CAN INTERACT WITH THE MATERIAL WORLD. IT'S MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE DARK WITH A WEAKNESS TO LIGHT.

HAGAKURE TORU, HERO NAME: INVISIBLE GIRL—QUIRK: INVISIBILITY. BASICALLY, SHE'S INVISIBLE.

"Jirou will be their ears. We must consider that the team will know where we're coming from," Iida began as you joined the group. "Ojiro and Ashido will probably end up playing defense to Bakugou's offense."

"Let me take him," you said, a small smile growing on your lips. The others stared at you, worried.

"This is Bakugou we're talking about. He'll literally blow you up!" Hagakure stammered in protest. "We should avoid him at all costs!"

"No. I like your thinking Iida. If Jirou is their reconnaissance, we should split up to divide their power. Hagakure, I think you should use your stealth to find the hostages and report back to Iida and Tokoyami. Tokoyami, if Dark Shadow can search as well, we'd cut our time down. Try to be as quiet as possible to not alert Jirou." Your teammates nodded, listening intently to your plan even with your limited knowledge of the class' quirks. "Then Iida, you'll be free to grab the hostages and get out quickly. Tokoyami and Dark Shadow can act as a defense against Ojiro and Ashido to clear your path. I'm assuming they'll defend whatever doors go in and out."

"But what do you think you're going to do against Bakugou? He may be brutal, but he's not dumb," Tokoyami said in a deep thoughtful tone, not agreeing or disagreeing with your strategy.

"Look, I know you guys don't know me yet, but trust me I can get his attention away from the hostages and onto me. He doesn't know my quirk. He wasn't there last night when I told everyone. If he uses his quirk, mine will just get stronger. The second he sets off a blast his ass is as good as mine. I'm his weakness." Your smile grew even larger at the thought.

The three teammates looked at each other before Iida said, "If you're sure you can handle him, I think it's a solid plan. But if things go awry, use your com and we'll regroup."

You nodded and held out your fist. Hagakure and Tokoyami added their fists to the center. Iida covered the cluster with his entire hand.

Oh Iida, you were so close to getting it right.

You pulled away and lit your fingertips. "Let's go."

***

"How do you like this match-up?" Kirishima said to no one in particular from within the Ground Beta observation room.

"Bakugou's brutal and we know Tokoyami's weak to his attacks," Yaoyorozu said, studying the monitors.

"[Y/n]'s the wild card though, right?" called out Izuku, notebook out and ready.

"You think she can handle Bakubro with those little smoky wisps?" Sero had found a bag of chips and passed it over to Kaminari.

All Might spoke through the microphone. "BEGIN!"

***

Before entering the building, you scanned the exterior, checking for any signs of light or movement. You didn't see any but couldn't eliminate the possibility that the hostages could be kept against this eastern wall. You hoped they weren't as that was where you'd need to direct Bakugou.

Hagakure made several movements with her gloves, indicating directions, before fully stripping off (still not sure how I feel about that) and moving up the closest staircase. Tokoyami sent Dark Shadow farther down the hall and up the back stairs. They had four floors to check.

Iida held his ground before giving you a nod, signaling it was time for you to make some noise. He could see the black of your fingertips and even a darkening rise to just below your eyes. You had been slowly building up your reserves since the strategy conversation, and now you were full.

You ran down the hallway bumping into doors, slapping walls, and tapping overhead lights to distract Jirou and instigate Bakugou. Just as you heard a buzz in your ear indicating "3rd floor, west wall" a blast shot out from your left. Well, hello there. You fell to the floor, feigning fear and shock.

Bakugou appeared out of the haze. His hero costume consisted of a tight black tank top with a large orange 'X' across the middle, low-slug black pants and knee-high army style black boots. Metal braces hung over his defined shoulders. A black mask covered his eyes, accentuating their scarlet color. But you were far more concerned with the large grenade shaped gauntlets he wore around each wrist. Iida had mentioned they were used to store Bakugou's nitroglycerin-like sweat in order to produce extremely powerful explosions.

"Well, well. If it isn't the new little extra. Those assholes left you all alone? Some heroes they'll become. Too bad your first day is going to be your last."

This guy honestly wants to be a hero?

The ash blond stood above you, a palm outstretched, looking far too cocky. Just as his hand started to glow, you shifted to your right, grabbing his arm above the gauntlet while lighting your fingertips, singeing his skin. He growled in protest before ripping his arm from your grasp.

The brief distraction gave you just enough time to flee down a perpendicular hallway out of his line of sight. That didn't stop him from sending a blast toward you as you rounded the corner. The concrete exploded into a million tiny pieces, a fog of grey dust emanating from the wall. You sucked in as much new smoke as you could hold and continued to run.

"That's all your shitty quirk is?" he called out, mocking, as you hid behind a nearby corner. "A burning touch? Hell, even Half-and-Half can do that! How the fuck did you even get into this school?" You rolled your eyes as his voice grew closer. It was now or never. You pressed your back against a wall and tossed a pebble a few feet in front of you, giving away your position. Within a second you heard a blast set off, pushing the boy fiercely fast toward your hiding place.

And then you released.

A wall of black slammed across the hallway opening from floor to ceiling. Bakugou couldn't react in time to stop himself from barreling into its surprisingly solid surface, landing on his back.

"What the..." Before he could even get the words out, you pulled back the wall and directed the smoke into large rope-like tendrils that encircled each of his limbs. You yanked as hard as you could, leaving the stunned boy with his arms facing directly into his chest and legs spread wide.

"IIDA I'VE GOT HIM. GO! GO! GO!" you shouted into your com, hoping your team was in position.

"YOU BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU!" Bakugou screamed as he noticed his situation.

"I don't think so," you said coolly, trying to hide the sweat beneath your hood, pooling from the exertion of keeping the writhing boy grounded. You snaked two additional tendrils to the pins of the large grenade gauntlets. "If you make a move, the pins go too. And I think we both know that that wouldn't end well."

***

"Did she...?"

"I think she did."

"She took down Bakugou in a matter of seconds," Todoroki finished everyone's thought.

***

"[Y/n] just hold on for a bit longer. Ashido's acid burned through our initial escape route." Tokoyami's voice echoed through your earpiece.

Dammit. He's strong. But I have to hold him.

"You sadistic bi-" You threw a new tendril across the explosive boy's mouth.

"You're too loud, you know that?" Your [e/c] eyes bore into his scarlet. "We can't have you attracting the attention of your buddies and ruining all my hard work." He tried to bite or spit out the smoke gag, but as it didn't have a true shape, his effort was wasted.

A few minutes passed. Bakugou could see you were starting to fatigue. Even below the gag, that slightly crazed, cocky smile spread across his lips again. Taking a gamble that you wouldn't actually kill him via gauntlet explosion - this was a training after all - Bakugou used all his strength and pent up rage to rip his hands from his chest and toward the walls either side of his body. You were taken aback and let go of the tendrils holding the pins, stopping them from popping, but quickly used the ropes still around his legs to throw his body toward the exterior wall. The gag released.

He was fast. Even with his legs bound, he managed to twist his body toward you and fire off two blasts in quick succession. You dodged and pulled in as much smoke as you could, forming a protective barrier around your body to deter the myriad of new explosions.

Fuck. All I had to do was hold him. Guess we're using Plan B.

You filled the room with a thick smokescreen, utilizing all the new fuel from Bakugou's blasts. Needing no time to get used to your hazy surroundings, you ran full force at the blond and sent a roundhouse kick to his head. You heard a satisfying grunt, but then felt your supporting leg swing out from below you in the next heartbeat. You began to fall when a heavy boot connected with your stomach, shooting you backward until you crashed into a crumbling wall. A fresh blast pushed you further into the concrete a moment later. Your mask knocked away from your face, a stream of blood trickling from the side of your mouth. Your eyes were glassy and your breathing ragged, the first hit having knocked the wind out of you, and the explosion making you see stars. Your dark hood was pushed back, and you were bleeding, the blood mingling with your [h/c] hair.

***

"That's not good."

"He's gonna kill her!"

"All Might should you stop this?"

***

The boy lumbered toward you through the smokescreen. He truly looked like a villain, his red eyes glowing. The smoke began clearing. You were losing control. He knelt next to your crumpled body and lifted your chin.

Never let them see your fear.

You locked eyes with the explosive monster before you. That cocky smile was back on his face. All you could manage was a half-assed snarl as you shifted to bite his fingers. He scoffed at your ineffectual protest and moved his hand from your chin to around your neck.

"Any last words, Hero?"

"Do you like to breathe?" you said in almost a whisper. He opened his mouth to laugh. At that moment you focused all your dwindling strength into pulling the remaining smoke from the air. Then you directed the new supply of smoke and ash into his mouth...and pushed.

"HERO TEAM WINS!" All Might's voice boomed through the building. You let the smoke dissipate instantly. The boy's eyes widened as the need to cough and spit grew. You smirked.

"Release me you kinky bastard," you wheezed out, some of the blood coating your lips spraying forward, his hand still on your throat. He released his grip and stormed off coughing into his elbow, leaving you to pick yourself up.

____________

[A/N] - Thanks for picking up The Favor! If you're enjoying the story so far, please give a vote or comment. Votes give the story more visibility, and I love reading your feedback and insights! Well, back to it! There's a ton more to come :)