The Symbol of Peace

Luz’s POV

It was the morning of the Exam and I was fidgeting with my uniform cuffs trying to distract myself. Last night, Eda had “passed” her quirk onto me, but I woke up feeling completely normal. If anything was different I didn’t notice because my nerves were on end. 

I looked up and down my arms, flexing them and turning them as if I’d grown fur.

I wonder what I can do. Eda hadn’t specified what I’d be able to do with her quirk.

          “You’ll have to be careful. We prepared your body to properly contain my quirk, but it will be able to handle One-for-Allll…. Kinda..” - Eda stated.

          “Kinda? What do yo-” - I asked.

          “Just be careful Kid!” - She responded sternly, which caught me off guard.

I flashed her a nervous smile. “Okay, I will but-” 

          “No buts. Just go home and rest up. Tomorrows a big day, you’ll be able to prove yourself, to show all the hard work you’ve put in. Put yourself out there and -

 Just then mom spoke up.

          “You nervous Mija?” - She asked, startling me. 

          “You kidding?!” - I responded. She giggled at her mother’s question. She was beyond being calmed. 
          “I can’t even hold my hand straight! I mean it's not like…” - I started. “Nevermind look!!” - I lifted my hand and attempted to hold my hand straight in front of my eyes. And failed terribly.

My mom just giggled at my antics and I immediately felt a bit of tension leave my body. I looked up and noticed the main building of U.A. High. I was entranced at how big the place was. It was bigger than my old school and I knew there were more buildings in the back. 

As we rolled up to the curbside, I failed to notice the car stop until a girl walked past my window. I flinched back and watched her turn in my direction and giggle.

          Great. I haven’t even stepped on school premises and I’ve already made a fool of myself. 

I smiled back and rubbed the back of my neck. I turned to face my mom and saw her shaking her head, but she gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled back letting her know I’d be fine and I pecked her cheek goodbye. 

As I walked towards the entrance I noticed the U.A. The entrance was opened completely. I looked down the walls that seemed to be as long as the Great Wall of China. As I walked past the entrance, I turned to see the students behind me.

          Could I be better than them and get into UA? All these students have such amazing quirks!

I watched as people with different appearances walked behind me. I was about to turn around when I smacked into someone. I fell on the ground with a groan and began to look up.

          “Sorry, I wasn’t looking…” - I stopped.

          “You.” - He sneered. 

I didn’t know what to do. I was going to die. Amos was going to kill me with his look alone. I began to pick myself up when he stalked towards me.

        “What is a WEAkling like you doing here?” - His voice was dark and felt wrong. He was always rude, but his aura never felt like this.

I began to scoot away as he began to transform his hands. His fingers were replaced by four sharp talons.

          “You don’t belong here! You are small and weak. Do you think they would choose someone like you when they could have ME!?” - His voice held poison and I could feel his talons grip my heart. 

I felt my eyes burn and my heart clench. He took a couple more steps before vines emerged and wrapped themselves around him. I froze as his jaw clenched and his arms swiped at the vines. 

A girl with glasses and short curly hair stood up from a near bench and clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white. She looked buff from a distance and her scowl fell as she faced me. She looked at me with a smile and turned back to him. 

          “You have no place here if you behave like this. No one will ever call you a hero if you act like a villain.” - Her voice was stern, but didn’t hold any darkness behind it. She was simply scolding him. 

I internally chuckled as I pictured the childhood Amos I knew being scolded by his mother. He always held his black hair or gripped his ears. His dark green eyes would always squeeze shut and his face would turn a bright red instead of his usual pale tan. 

          “GET OFF ME YOU COWARD!” - He flexed his arms as they began to grow fur and rip his uniform’s sleeves. 
          “I’LL TEAR YOU TO PIECES!!” 

          “I’d like to see you try.” - She replied. Her face remained neutral and calm. 

Just then a pair of teachers came running out of the main building. 

          “What is the meaning of this!?” - The first teacher asked. I recognized her from the heroes that had been in the top charts 4 years ago. Her hero name was Blue Star.

          “This student” - she pointed at Amos with disinterest. “ was bullying this one.” She pointed at me and walked towards me offering me a hand. I took it and dusted myself off.
          “If I hadn't intervened he would have surely hurt her with his quirk. The usage of a quirk in this manner is prohibited and presents itself as a villain would.”

I looked in shock as Amos’s cheeks grew red and the teachers shook their heads. 

          “Thank you for stepping in…” - He paused.

          “Willow. Willow Park, sir.” - She responded.

          “Thank you, Park. As for you.” - He looked at Amos and motioned for Willow to release him.

          “You are suspended from taking the U.A. Exam. This school has no tolerance for that type of behavior and I don’t take kindly to bullies.” - He sternly replied. 

I looked in shock as he finished speaking. Amos was in disbelief. His actions had finally caught up to him in the worst way possible. He deserved punishment but not one this severe. 

          “Wait! You can’t do that. It wasn’t that bad, I swear. He didn’t hurt me.” - My voice faded as I spoke.

          “It may not have escalated but the behavior and reaction to the events are not within our school policy or tolerance. You are?” - He asked.

          “Luz Noceda sir.” - I responded bowing slightly.

          “Noceda, I appreciate the effort but we can not let this pass. Competitive behavior is encouraged here, but unnecessary aggression and quirk misuse is not.” - He replied calmly.

I looked up and studied his facial features better. It was The Mimic Hero Imposter. He was wearing his normal face and stood at his own height. His blue hair stood out the most. 

          “I’m sorry for speaking out against you sir.” - My voice was barely above a whisper. I looked towards Amos and saw him defeated just standing there with a blank expression. His dream of attending UA ended before he even got through the doors.

I entered the Auditorium and to my astonishment, King stood at the podium at the center of the stage. I looked for my designated seat in confusion. 

          What is he doing here? 

          “ALL RIGHT TAKE YOUR SEATS.” - He suddenly boomed, adjusting his notes. “Let’s get this over and done with.” 

Everyone seemed eager to be in the presence of the number one heroes, number one sidekick. 

          “Wow, I can believe he’s here!” - I whispered to myself. “Eda didn’t say anything about him being here today!”

          Wait, is he here to more closely evaluate me? What if I fail? Will I lose her quirk?!?!

I felt my nerves come back to me. He scanned the room until his eyes landed on me. I immediately sunk in my seat. He stiffed a chuckle and began reading his script. 

          “All right folks, today you will be taking the second part of the U.A. exam. The mock battle. Is everyone ready?!” - He eagerly shouted. 

Everyone remained silent. We were all still intimidated by his presence. 

          “Huh, tough crowd? Well, anyway. This battle will be a timed exam. You will have 10 minutes to rack up as many points as you possibly can. Instead of actual villains, we have a replacement… taking their place and assuming the villain roles. These replacements are robots!” - He said, wagging his tail. There was clear excitement in his voice and that only made me more nervous.

          “What? But that’ll hurt more than actual villains!” - I muttered to myself. 

          “What if someone gets crushed?”

          “There are three types of robots each worth 1, 2, or 3 points. Takedown as many as you possibly can before the timer runs out. And remember hurting any of your peers in a big No-No here at U.A. Heroes don’t act like villains right?” - My mind went back to the incident outside.

A short student raised their hand. King wasn’t prepared for this but humored him. 

          “Alright, it seems we have a question. Hello, student 2049. What is your inquiry?” - King asked

          “You said there are only 3 robots but there are 4 different robots depicted on the Mock battle info packet. With all due respect, this is an embarrassing mistake on U.A.’s part. We expect the best from one of Japan's most notable Hero Class Program.” - He replied sternly. He had black skin and a perfectly faded hair cut with a buzzed line just above his ear. His uniform was well ironed and even his hair curls seemed to be perfect with not one hair out of place. 

          “Jeez, demanding,” I mumbled to myself.

Just then he turned to me causing me to yelp.

          “And you. You’ve been talking this entire time. Stop it. It's distracting and if you deserve to be here you will stop that this instant.” - He scolded me.

          “Sorry..” - I nervously whispered.

          “Well, student 2049. If you had waited just a couple of minutes more I would have gotten to that part. That 4th bot is worth zero points. It’s just an obstacle you should avoid. No real point in fighting him.” 

          “Okay, Thank you.” - He flattened his blazer and sat back down.

        “Well, If that’s all; ARE YA READY? Here’s a little motto we live by here at UA. Always work your hardest and stay pure of heart, and when you’ve reached your limit go beyond, PLUS ULTRA.” - He shouted. 

Everyone was filled with excitement but remained silent. He turned to look in my direction and smirked. 

          “Let’s see what you’re really made of.” - He finalized.

I arrived at battleground Alpha. It was a city terrain larger than downtown Mito. I knew UA’s budget was huge but this was extreme. There were a total of 7 other replica cities as well as other replica terrains such as Forest, Ocean, and Mountainous terrain.

Everyone in my group appeared to have amazing quirks and impressive attire. I looked down at my jacket and sweatpants. They weren’t much but they weren’t for show. 

          Wait Eda told me to stand out! How am I going to do that?!?!?

I looked down at my purple sweats and tugged at them. I began to stretch my arms and look around the crowds. I don't think I know anyone here. I stripped off my sweater and placed it on the ground near the city limits and noticed Willow Park at the opposite side of the city entrance. 

I tensed up and felt a large surge of energy through my arms. I immediately unclenched my fists and turned around. 

          Are we… Friends?? No Luz. She only helped you because that's what good people do. You’re still a nobody to her.

          “Hey, Noceda.” - Spoke Willow as I almost jumped out of my skin. I could feel my shoulder muscles tense up and ride up closer to my ear. 

          “How are you since this-” - She was cut off as a booming voice rang out above us.

          “ALL RIGHT pipsqueaks. In a normal battle, there are no bells so Go! Go! Go!” - He shouted. I looked at him in confusion and failed to notice everyone else had taken off. 

          “Wait for MEEEE!!!” - I sprinted towards the bunch. “I need points too!”

After the first few seconds, the place was utter chaos. There were robots torn to pieces here and there and all the students seemed to have split off in different directions. I turned left. I turned right. I went straight, I went left. There weren’t any signs of robots here.

          Did I go too far? Is that even possible?

A flash of metallic green shot in front of me. A large metallic beast with a number 2 stood in front of me; scanning me. I froze.

          What the hell do I do now? Think Luz! Think!

I clasped my hands and was going to beg when an idea hit me. More like a metal “arm” but what’s the difference. 

I held on to the arms and flattened my hands against the metallic plating. I felt the electric energy rush into my hands and through my arms. The robot’s scanners/eyes began to flicker but didn't seem to be going out. I concentrated even more on the energy transfer and felt the force triple. The buzzing from the machine zone out and the eyes flickered once more before the shut-off and I heard the mainframe turn off. I fell along with the robot, exhausted. I had managed to take more energy than I had ever taken before. 

          Did Eda’s quirk just amplify mine?

It was a bit disappointing to only have that augmentation but I was still grateful. I couldn’t have done that before I’d met Eda. I lifted myself off the ground and released a bit of energy to comfortably run on. I’d need more space if I had to do that a couple dozen times. 

          “ALL RIGHT PIPSQUEAKS, THE TIMER ONLY HAS & MINUTES LEFT SO HURRY UUUUUP!!” - King boomed from somewhere. 

          “WHAT? It took me 3 mins to get here and take one down!” - I cried out in disbelief. 

I ran towards the main street and I was surprised to see dozens of other junked robots. It also seemed like the majority of the group was here. 

I loud siren yanked me from my thoughts as I focused on a moving building off in the distance. A handful of students rushed past me as I stood confused. Then It came into view. A gigantic robot standing at least 35 stories tall turned the corner sending rubble to the ground below. It swung its claw-like arms at the buildings and created even more destruction.

I fell to the ground in fear. That was supposed to be a villain replacement. I could never stand against a villain of that caliber.

          Run! Run! RUN! RUN! WHY AM I NOT MOVING?!

I could feel my legs flexed but numb at the same time. My arms were stuck in place and flexed until I could feel my nails digging into my palms. The beast moved forward on the continuous track it rolled on causing the ground to begin and shake. I fell to the ground after losing my balance. I looked on in fear at the beast as students rushed past me. I watched a girl with an interesting quirk swing past my head. I failed to notice the pitiful looks they all shot me. 

I finally snapped out of it when I was shaken on my ass by the rumbling machine and began to desperately crawl away. 

          “OW” - A voice called out. 

I stopped.

          Who… Did someone get hurt?

I looked over my shoulder to see Park stuck under rubble her arms pushed on the rocks to no avail. Even with her strength, the rubble didn't budge and the machine didn’t stop.

Next thing I know, I’m on my feet. I wasn’t in control. I was running on adrenaline and anger. I could feel it coursing through my entire body as I sprinted towards the machine. I could feel the power surging through every muscle in my body, I could feel their strength as They flexed and the sweet release as I pushed forward. When My body felt like it had gotten close enough I jumped off my feet and launched my body towards the sky.

I could feel the wind fighting me as it blew through my sweaty hair. I could feel it against my face and my fists. 

I clenched my fist tighter and watched as the mechanical beast’s head grew bigger. Its claws swiped at me but I was far too fast.

          STUPID PIECE OF METAL. YOU'LL PAY FOR THE PAIN YOU’VE CAUSED. 

Its face was now meters away.

Cut to the Camera room / Survalence Room

          That’s right kid! - Eda smirked. 
          Clench you but cheeks and yell from the depth of your heart!

Battle Ground

          “SMAAASH” - I Roared at the robot’s scanners. 

My fist collided with the front of the robot's head and immediate pain shot up my arm as I felt it topple over with the impact. My fist had broken through the exterior plating and suddenly began to glow. The light grew and grew until it was irritating even to me. I squirted my eyes and continued to focus more energy on the punch. The light blinked off and immediately came back much brighter than before. The energy in my fist exploded inside its head in an array of colors. I was sent back by the force of the explosion and watched as the robot fell back and landed in the city with a giant boom. Then I began to fall.

          Wait, Willow Park is she okay?

I looked down to see the ground slowly get closer. 

          WAIT…. ME!! I'M FALLING! HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO LAND?!?!?! EDA DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT SUPER STRENGTH OR FLYING. Wait. She told me to be careful. I didn’t listen, Jeez I never listen. Why am I like this? Okay. okay okay. Think! Think! Think!! 

I looked back down to see the ground much closer. 

          I can land on my feet. If I have this much strength in one arm then I have equal or more strength in my legs. Wait. WHY CAN’T I-

I looked over my shoulder to see my sweat barely had any fabric left on them; only a couple of patches hung on to my now shorts. More importantly, I noticed why I couldn’t feel my legs.

          THEY’RE BROKEN?

I watched in horror as my purple noodle looking limbs I called legs flailed in the wind.

          A Smash! I have one good arm left. I can create equal or more force and save myself. Wait but I only have 2 points. How will I pass the exam with two points and busted limbs?!?!?! Nononononono. It’s too late! It is now or never!

          “SMAA- Oof” - I felt a rope of some sort wrap around my right leg and yank me upwards, but that wouldn’t be enough.

          With my speed and weight, It won't be enough!

As if on cue the girl with the web quirk swung in and shot two webs at my waist.  She pulled on the webs and her upper body jolted forward off the building’s side. She pulled on her webs again and I watched as the webs began to snap. I felt the rope twist around my leg and onto my waist as well.

I turned to the ground and watched as the ground got closer. I braced myself for impact and shut my eyes expecting to become a pancake, but I didn’t. I opened my eyes when I realized I had stopped. My face was millimeters from the pavement below. 

The realization of what I had just done began to sink in. The flexing of my legs, the lift-off, the shock that caused me to push past the pain, my broken arm, the immense energy rushing throughout my entire body. 

          “Holy SHIT!” - Said after feeling the ground on my chest. I raised a fist to the air. “I need more than 2 points, I live to continue fighting!!”

Willow’s POV

          “Holy SHIT!” Shouted Noceda. “I need more than 2 points, I live to continue fighting!!”

          2 Points?

I was about to ask her when the buzzer went off and I watched Luz go limp. 

          She probably passed out, that's not a bad idea considering how much I exert myself to save her….

I felt my consciousness drift and my body moved towards the ground.