Alluka slowly started falling behind Todoroki, as he had a speed advantage over her. But still, that lead was enough to put her in second place for a good deal of time. She came across large pillars connected by thin ropes. She paused for a moment to think, this hadn't been part of the training she'd received. I guess I just like, crawl? The other racers were quickly gaining on her while she stood idle. She stepped onto the rope, then yelped as she slipped and fell. Alluka gripped onto the ropes, panting in exhilaration as she stared down at the steep drop below. Crap! The loud explosions overhead told her Bakugou was passing her, and the sounds of footsteps grew louder so she knew everyone else was gaining.

Alluka clawed her way along the rope as quickly as she could, using her Nen to stick more securely to the ropes with each grip. This allowed her to move much faster than what would've been possible without her Nen, although she wasn't exactly speedy. Several people passed her, but she gritted her teeth and kept going. You got this! Nanika cheered, she'd wanted so desperately to help but couldn't be anything except moral support for now. Alluka cleared the area and started running again. The next section was a mine field, which she could easily pass with sight alone.

Alluka stepped quickly, passing Midoriya as he was...scooping up mines? Didn't matter, she needed to focus. There was a massive explosion behind her and the crowd roared, which she promptly ignored. Alluka was too focused on the mines, and putting her feet anywhere but on them. Todoroki started leaving a path of ice, which she quickly took advantage of as well as several other people. She sped along, panting. Her lungs ached, she hadn't run this hard before even in her training. Eventually she put on a final burst of speed, passing the threshold. I did it!

Alluka put her hands on her knees, wheezing. Man that was really hard! She glanced around her, eyes shining. I finished in 20th! That's not too bad, if only 42 made it that means I beat a lot of people! Alluka glanced up, waiting for the next event to present itself. As the letters spun to a stop, Alluka found herself nervously excited. Calvary battle? She'd never heard of that before. As Midnight explained the rules, she became more and more interested. I couldn't be a horse, I'm not strong enough- "And the first place's point value is, TEN MILLION!"

There was a very awkward silence for a few moments, before every single one of the contestants turned to Midoriya. Oh no, that's not good! Everyone will target him. They were allowed to split into teams and Midoriya glanced around nervously. He reached out towards Alluka but she walked away. She felt bad, but she wanted a chance to win! Everyone was crowding around Bakugou, and Alluka was tempted. She sidled over. "Hey Bakugou! I was gonna try Todoroki but he already picked a team, we should team up!" Kirishima said, as he was walking over to Bakugou. Alluka glanced at Bakugou, curious for his reaction. He glanced over at them. "Hey shitty hair." , "My name is Kirishima! Plus my hair isn't much different than yours. C'mon you'll need a strong front horse, that'd be me."

Kirishima had a strong argument, Alluka could see the approval in his eyes. He's definitely getting it. Alluka sure as hell wouldn't, she wasn't strong. "Soy face, you're on the team." Bakugou ordered. "Oh! Pick me pick me!" Mina said, waving her hand. "I can make this acid-" Alluka started walking away. She wanted to find a team sooner rather than later. "Catface! Get your ass back here." Catface? I don't think anyone has a cat quirk. Her mind drifted off as she was reminded of that haughty catlike grin her older brother always had on his face when he was being smug. She often copied that smug catlike grin- wait a minute. She whipped her head around, eyes wide. Is he talking to me!?

Bakugou was indeed looking at her, a scowl on his face. "E-Eh!? Me?" , "shut it extra." he snapped, leaving Alluka confused once again. She didn't have a cool flashy quirk, and she wasn't particularly strong or fast. Alluka was about average in strength and speed, and wasn't very tall either. Bakugou started going over the game plan with a serious look on his face. Kirishima was the front horse, Sero was the right wing, Alluka was the left. Nerves wracked her body. "I don't understand why you'd pick me." Alluka blurted, causing the other three to look at her. Bakugou scoffed. "Are you calling me stupid?" , "No-" , "Then shut the hell up!" I don't understand....what does he see in me that I can't see? He was obviously being strategic, it wasn't some form of favoritism or anything. Alluka stretched a little. I just gotta try my hardest then!

847 words

To be continued...