Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1.

The Beginning of the End
“A great mage possesses potential in a few key skill sets, physical ability, mental fortitude, mana capacity, overall intelligence, and lastly luck. Each Student will be trained and graded based on these skills, the final test will be at the end of the year. “

I flipped through the pagers of the blue booklet as I waited for the mandatory seminar to start. The words are all familiar. It's my fifth year here after all, and it looks like UA hasn’t bothered to change their opening statement. How dull. Yet I continue to read.

“UA the academy for gifted mages has been around since ancient times. It’s the best of the best when it comes to producing top level talent. So much so that applicants are limited to three chances at the entrance exams. Admission to the exam will put individuals at risk of bodily harm. Please apply with caution.”

The exam is not a pleasant memory. My body still feels the stress from my intense preparation. I spent most of my time cooped up in the library trying my best to cram in information. The first day of the admission test was eight hours of nonstop questions on a written exam. It covered everything from magic theories, to mana modulation and even the physiological differences of magic usage between humans and mixed raced mages. Shortly after that each student was escorted to a private room where our mana capacity was measured. A small blue cube had lit up the small space softly, each teacher's eyes fixed to it. The instructions were simple: place a hand on the cube and attempt to absorb as much mana as possible. It took forever to finish and the general consensus was that there was no way for other students to know where they stood. Nothing too exciting, but the second day was brutal. It was an intense physical examination, students all rallied in the gym and were then divided into groups for more precise inspection. My group, number four, had a large variety of mages. Most were pretty blunt and difficult to engage with, typical for mages, only a couple stood out. Particularly a pinky looking girl with a crown of braided bubble gum curls her pupils were yellow the rest, a deep black. She had been keeping everyone focused during our exercise, offering extra water and snacks in between sets. She really was amazing. We ran to each other training in the gym on the morning of the third day, which is when I worked up the courage to confess to her about how strong I thought she was. After that we were inseparable. By the last test there were only half the hopeful students that began the exams, and all that was left were the duels. Chills run down my spine just thinking about the matches, some people barely made it out alive. The warning in the pamphlet wasn’t enough. What I’d witnessed was a nightmare. UA healers were on standby, it was a miracle that they were able to salvage some of the applicants. Shigaraki, who had also been in group four with Mina and I, was particularly aggressive. His match was probably the quickest but it left a distinct impression on me. I had assumed his quietness came from a place of nervousness but after his performance I wasn't too sure. I dont think I've ever seen someone smile so wide while beating a peer to a pulp.

I'm dragged from my thoughts by the influx of mana surrounding me. Someone is sending their mana to me in an annoying attempt to get my attention but it works nonetheless. I know that it's Shigaraki teasing me but I won't stop myself from taking a peek. Sure enough, as soon as I look over to my left I see him. Surrounded by his usual friends, well, they look more like employees to me. He looks unamused, his usual resting face. Our eyes meet and I see a small smirk tugging at his mouth. He follows it up with a wink and I don’t dare to watch anymore. I desperately start staring down at the booklet in my hand. I feel my cheeks flush, how embarrassing maybe he knows I'd been thinking about him just now. I can't afford to deal with him alone though. My thoughts from back to the exam and how officiant didn’t call the match until the kid had to be transported immediately to a specialist center. The air was so dense with mana I imagine shigaraki infusing his fist whilst punching down on him. It was a brutal match; his nameless opponent was slammed to the ground a second into the duel. Shigaraki was on the smaller side back then, but had pinned his rival to the ground straddling atop of him, the other man struggled and attempted to free himself but it was no use he barely moved. Then all that could be heard was a loud snapping sound along with a scream the rest was a blur. All I remember after was the sway of light blue hair that rested gently on Shigaraki’s shoulders. Allowing me to get a glimpse of his face. It was like a dolls empty but oddly pretty and his eyes had this dark aura. The heavy eye bags didn’t help much with that. That was probably why I let my guard down since then. A mistake I don't want to dwell on. Overall, the exam was less difficult for me because my competitors' were civil. Though I had dreamed of putting on a big spectacle and really standing out, my match ended with an underwhelming draw. Kaminari, a mage who is practically attached to the hip with Sero, was my opponent; he was especially talented at lightning casts, something I'm not really equipped to defend against. All I could do was keep him engaged with combat to stall his casting. It worked well enough as he had asked for a truce 40 minutes into the match. I felt better knowing my match had been the second longest hoping that’d help my application. I did admire Kaminaris tenacity. We exchanged pleasantries at the end of the match but nothing exciting came of it. The next couple of weeks bled together. I ate, slept and checked to see if I received a message on my crystal ball from UA. Mina and I exchanged letters every night since the exam, to talk about our doubts and regrets and what we hoped to learn after making it in. Thanks to Mina I made it through the aftermath without moping about. We were together at a cafe in town when we both were notified of our status. Accepted. The weight I’d been carrying was lifted, I remember the feeling so vividly. Details for each student's aptitudes are kept by the administrators until graduation being updated every year through an intense exam. As a senior it won't be much longer till I know with certainty how strong I’ve become. Thinking about my time here leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. If I could describe it in one word it’d be dissatisfying. My dreams of being top of my class have been crushed and on top of that Mages can be incredibly difficult to befriend.

The stage lights up from the ground, a familiar magic circle the source of the blue glow. It seems like everyone is holding their breath waiting for the headmaster's arrival. Funny enough maybe if people weren’t so focused on chatting they’d have realized that the mana infused in the circle was most certainly not Headmaster Nezuko but in fact his assistant, Gang Orca. A giant man emerges from the stage and gracefully takes the stand. With that the auditorium is filled with exhales, and some small chatter continues. Not for long though.

“Ten more minutes until the long awaited announcement, the staff here at UA, would like to spend this time thanking all of our student mages for making the time to be here. We also appreciate your cooperation in advance for any meetings to come.” Everyone sees the glacé he sends over to the S and A rank sections as if challenging them to oppose him. Even I can sense the overwhelming pressure in his stare for the C section. I couldn’t imagine keeping my food down while maintaining eye contact with him in that state.

A satisfied smirk crosses Orca's face then he waves marches towards his designated seat at the edge of the stage. A significantly smaller seat to his right for the headmaster.

I look over my shoulder to check if my roommate has come for the fourth time but no sign of her.

”C’mon Mina you promised” I breathe out a small sigh, the sound overpowered by sudden laughter from guys sitting two rows ahead of me. They must be pumped, chatting up the new F ranks is odd for those two but then again they were odd all by themselves. I make a mental note definitely something to check with Mina on she’s a sucker for gossip of any kind. Thanks to my friendship with Mina, I'm never behind on news in town so I guess it has some perks if you're antisocial like myself. A familiar and loud approaching voice pulls me from my thoughts.

”Here I am! Don’t worry I’m even on time. How could I leave my bestest friend alone for so long!” I clear my books off the seat to my right not yet acknowledging my company. Mina looks like she had just run a marathon. Sweat dripping down her already flush face, her eyes wide with adrenaline from rushing to be on time. Her whole body has a distinct pink tint and her skin almost shines in the sun. Her cheeks and her fluffy pink hair billowing out of her ponytail only adds to the look. I think the UA weekly posts her scheduled events as if she were a real celebrity, I do understand though. She’s the top prospect in our senior class and has been since we started. I’ve never seen someone so sincere in this town. She's the best friend I could ever ask for. Her only weakness would have to be time management.

”You barely made it, I was super worried. Don’t make me wait that long again you promised! Seriously, I was dying to figure out what this meeting is about. It looks like this is a big deal.” A yelp can be heard as I pinch at her cheek closest to me, a penalty for almost being late.Mina flashes me one of her dazzling smiles, and I release her, dropping my hands back to my side, admitting defeat.

“Bestie, I'm sorry, I know I promised but I really was on time! See it hasn't even started the headmaster isn't here yet either” Mina eyes swiftly take in the room before she has her mouth to my ear in a hushed tone she mumbles “You're right it must be a big one.” Mina jumps out her chair checking out the scene and continues our whispered conversation “I counted all 6”

“Yeah I saw, I really can’t believe it, I wonder what could be so important that even the elite Shigaraki and friends joined.” We both release a small chuckle. Even Mina has never gotten along with Shigaraki and his cliche, something about them feels off to me. Whenever I’d ask, she just says something like people aren’t always a good match.

“That’s odd.” Mina points over to the obnoxious boys I mentioned early.

“Kaminari and Sero are chopping it up with a freshman. What is that all about, aren't they strictly a duo?” They both have an arm on the newbie who has been notoriously yapping for the past few days after a hunt gone bad. When I first heard the rumor of a dragon's keep on the outskirts of the village I figured it was just a prank to pick on students who were dumb enough to try their luck.
We both lean in to try and decipher the conversation.

“It’s true, it's all true, the cave, the treasure. I saw it all with my own eyes. I'm serious.”

“Not this again.” I huff out as Mina and I exchange annoyed glances.

The class clowns Kaminari and Sero are egging on the lower ranking mage to continue his spiel.

“Hey do you think he's really telling the truth? I heard he saw some artifacts in the dragon's lair. You know how rare they are, the academy only has 10 but you can't even see them without making a crazy donation. Plus they’re the only thing that have been proven to raise you rank”

The thought enrages me if only that it was that simple to increase your mana capacity. It's not like I haven’t tried to get better but really how I could, all the extra lessons are frankly out of my budget and apparently my talents aren’t enough to elicit the help of a mentor. In my own personal time I’ve tried countless methods to improve my rank, I’ve read almost every book on elevating your sensitivity to mana. My physical training has all been in vain. I've been dormant. I'm a senior but I’ve never even gotten close to the top 20 list.

“Well if it was true I doubt he would run his mouth. I’d be packing a bag right now trying to get my hands on at least one artifact if there were so many!”

”Yeah I guess.” A dejected look rests on Mina's face “Oh but what about the part with the warrior who was fiercely commanding the great dragon.” Mina jumps up a clenched fist beating against her chest in a patriotic fashion excited once again at the opportunity to gossip.

”Who knows, maybe he got nervous and is spouting pure nonsense for attention. I mean seriously have you ever heard of someone who can take a dragon? In fact if I ever were to meet a dragon and his keeper I’d..” The sentence is cut short by the headmasters entrance. ”I guess the meeting has begun.”

“We can always talk more later, my dorm tonight”

“That sounds great Mina”

Chapter Text

“Dear students, thank you for your patience. I apologize for the delay; some unforeseen circumstances kept me occupied.”
Principal Nezu’s petite frame ascended the podium, his voice carrying strongly through the auditorium. The tall grey stones that surround the stage begin to shine along with the symbol for amplification. Gang Orca tends not to use such magic since he has a natural talent for projection but the principal is different. The sound magic really makes it feel like he's speaking right into your ear.

”Recently an unfortunate accident took place near the edge of the hunting grounds. We, the faculty, have been taking steps to avoid rumors from spreading but it appears some information has been passed around. So to put you all at ease I’ve prepared to reveal what we know.”

Mumbles start to pierce the silence, but they promptly stop when Nezu lifts a hand.

”A group of freshmen decided to go past the regulated hunting ground and were out of the school protection spell range while they continued onward they encountered a rare creature. We have yet to confirm its race or origin but there were no traces of any treasures and certainty not any artifacts in the vicinity. Everyone involved will be facing in school suspension for a month. We simply cannot allow such recklessness to go unpunished. However, we were thankful they returned safely.”

Your eyes drift over to gauge Mina's reaction. She’s perfectly still, her mouth hangs open a bit accentuating her natural pout but her eyes are not interested. It’s the typical resting face in fact it's possible she’s sleeping with her eyes open. It’s a terrible skill she's developed since school started. Your attention is pulled back to the announcements as they wrap up.

”In the meantime we have blocked off the entire hunting grounds; nobody is allowed there until the investigation is complete. We will have special passes made for those who have to access the facilities. If you have any concerns my office is always open, that is all you are dismissed.” With a cloud of smoke the Principal and Gang Orca disappear from the stage. Leaving the auditorium to erupt into full on pandemonium as people start to leave. A and S class students follow suit including Shigaraki and his group. You can't help but feel a bit of relief there's just something so stiffening about him.

”Sooooooo…” Mina sinks further into her chair and props her feet on the now empty chair in front of us. “Basically they don't know anything and dont want us to look into it ourselves? Typical.” She gives a little sigh and smirks then shifts her weight to her side to face you. “Oh you are so bad”

“I didn’t even say anything yet” you retorted, a little surprised at the sudden confession.

”I know that look you wanna snoop around don't ya. Girl you are too nosey for your own good. Unidentifiable beast with zero reward and extra tight security but that's not enough for you the threat of suspension is what did it right. It’s too exciting to pass up.” Mina is not entirely wrong but you roll your eyes not trying to affirm her statement. She knows you so well it's a little. Frightening.

“I have no such plans, and besides my studying comes first. I really wanna move up after the upcoming exam, that's all I can afford to think about.” Sure sneaking around is fun and showing off your steal is entertaining but the risk is too great. Mina gives you a look that almost feels pitiful but she quickly corrects herself.

’Your right girl I'm gonna take tonight to study as well I can't have you beating me at the finish line. I can't believe our last exam time has gone by way too fast. Cmon walk me to my dorm it's not like we'll be able to do it much longer.” Mina jumps out of her chair and yanks you up by the arm. As you wade through the crowd there's a growing pit in your stomach. Something big is going down you can just tell.

Chapter Text

The walk from Minas dorm to your house is not easy but with so much drama occupying your mind you find yourself home in no time. The key to unlocking the tower is a simple combination you crafted. Yours took the shape of a clear stone you placed delicately in a silver band on your wrist. It has the crushed lilies in the center and a lock of your hair wrapped around the edges. The clear quart makes it look like the hair is just a border lined by a darker color. It appears to be a regular bracelet charm but there's a lot more thought put into it.

You press the stone to the handle and with a click the door opens. The moment you step inside the floor lights up with a magic circle that triggers a bath, the hot water filling the tub. The stove starts boiling pot of stew you’d prepared before the seminar. While you might not be the most formidable combat mage you’ve found many ways to simplify daily life. After you scrub off the day's dirt in the bath you wrap up in the fluffiest robe you have shovel a bowl of soup into your belly and snuggle up in bed. The stack of scrolls to read through have been accumulating over the past week and you are finally ready to face them. It takes about two hours to read through all the material for the exams. While most of the topics are familiar you can’t help but feel as if you aren’t prepared enough to do well. The written test is the first part of the exams and last time there were only a couple people away from placing. That thought suddenly discourages you and you set the papers back on the desk and walk out on the balcony for some fresh air. This side of campus looks breathtaking at night. There’s no movement outside of the occasional colony of bats. The moon lights everything up easily making it a fun game of ispy. Except you're alone. You had invited Mina to stay with you for a while but she insisted on having the “whole experience school” in the dorms so you've lived alone the past couple of years.

The tower was a gift from your parents once they realized that they couldn’t change your mind about UA. They live in a smaller village off by the sea port and run a successful shipping business. When you showed magical prowess they took some time to come around but eventually accepted you didn’t want to take over the company. During the tour of the campus they weren’t content with the facilities and decided to construct a tower just off the UA property for you to stay in. The paperwork was horrendous but it was eventually approved. There are only a couple of students who don't live in the dorms because of how annoying the process is.

The only other one you can think of is Shigaraki who happens to be two houses over. The only reason you know that is because he occasionally will take a late night jog. Nobody sane would be out running at 11pm shirtless but to each their own. It’s not like you were staring but you tend to study on the balcony if you are having a difficult time soaking in the information. The fresh air really makes a difference and it’s usually calm enough to where nothing distracts you. If you accidentally catch a glimpse of a hot guy without his shirt is that really a big deal. Even if your gut feeling about him is off, that doesn't mean you can't admit the truth. He might be a little odd but he's still good looking. Kinda like a haunted doll at the marketplace, pretty to look at but you’d never take it home. As if my thoughts summoned him, Shigaraki makes his way around the corner, his body reflecting the moon's glow as it bounces off his glazed pale skin. You’d usually hide behind the ledge a little more if you knew you’d be taking a long peek. But after all of today 's you gave up and proceeded to watch without shame. He really is built well, he's not super muscular but he's toned and lean all over his arms are especially impressive. The tiny black shorts he chose for tonight’s run highlight his steady pace. The same closing sound echoes through the path as he makes his way close to the tower. That is until he stops about two feet from your door, you tense a little trying to see what he's doing. His face is contorted into a smug expression, there's no way he can see you from up here he hasn’t even lifted his head. But sure enough you hear him release a chuckle and stroll up to your door. Then there’s a knock.
You don't move, Until you hear two more taps on the door. You make your way back inside the tower and swap the robe for a pair of lounge pants and a sweater and head downstairs. Before you unlock to door you take a peek through the peep hole, not really able to accept the fact that Shigaraki is at your front doorstep.

”Hello, what do you want?” your voice shakes out less confidently than you'd hoped.

”I have a question about the assembly today. I thought you’d have a good perspective.” There’s a pause. “Can was continue this conversation face to face or is the door acting as a translator”

”Oh sorry but do we have to talk now? I mean you are shirtless and im not really expecting company this late.” You manage to create a reasonable excuse this would’ve been a lot easier if Mina was here.

“It’s fresh in my mind now soooo.” He trails off and you let out a sigh. How persistent. You unlock the door and push it open just enough so you can see his fave and half of his half naked body.

“This better be worth it Shigaraki.”

His face lights up with a smirk and you can feel the attitude oozing out of him ”it's not like you've never seen me shirtless before, I know that for a fact.”

Shit. Well no point denying it now. “Get to the point dipshit.”

”I happen to have acquired two of the high clearance passes for the hunting grounds and I need someone to go with me to check it out and report our findings. I'm sure there were some artifacts out there. Figured you’d be the best bet.”

Your jaw actually drops, there's no way. Why, how, so many more questions arise. “How am I supposed to believe you actually got the passes?”

He fishes in his surprisingly deep pockets for how tiny those shorts are. The motion flexes his fully displayed thighs and you have to remind yourself to stay focused. It’s too late though he's been holding up the two amulets for an unguessable amount of time and has his signature self-satisfied look.

“Focus baby” he whispers and honestly it sends a chill down your spine. Not so much because it's attractive but because it's so out of character. That eerie feeling still lurks in every interaction with Shigaraki and today is no different. Maybe it's because his stance at your door feels like he's bracing to push it open if you so much as retreat a little. Regardless you reach out to confirm the amulets and they’re real the Principals magic is layer thick on them.

”Why me Shigaraki?” His eyes widen just a bit then narrow on your lips. He waits an extra beat before snapping them back up to your face.

“You know the training grounds better than anyone and nobody would suspect that you’d risk expulsion in your final year given how hard you've been working.

”So I'm a guide/expendable to you?”

”Did you want to be more?” He questions and leans in even more, his height is more apparent. He’s a whole head taller than you. Usually if someone’s been running for a while they radiate heat but it’s actually the opposite with Shigaraki. His body is pushing off cold air expeditiously. Your body shudders a little, you hope he doesn't notice.

“I'm just curious, that's all I really can't afford to be expelled over someone’s stupidity.” I step a little more into the house to ease my nerves.

“They haven’t set up a full squad to keep people out yet. That’s why they made such a big deal about it today to stop people from even trying. It’s practically unguarded until they can get more volunteers. I’m gonna change and come back if you don't come out after my third knock. I'm going without you…guide.” he puffs and starts jogging back into the direction of this house.

You close the door still stunned by this new development, but head upstairs to change into something more appropriate for your new….mission? It’s really strange for Shigaraki to seek you out, much less to ask for help. Something’s definitely off but if the hunting grounds truly are as unprotected as he says now is the best time to scope out the area.

You take a look in the mirror before grabbing your explorer's pouch. The black cloak drapes across the deep brown tunic and cuts off at the knee of the black trousers you wear for training. A thin leather belt containing emergency medicinal herbs and flowers sits on your waist. Your mud caked boots are the last thing you slip on before you hear the first knock.

”Coming” You shout. You push open and stop right in front of Shigaraki.
He’s covered head to toe in deep blue fitted clothes. There’s a hood on his tunic that covers most of his face. He’s got a machete attached to his hip and some dark grey boots. Clearly he’s anticipating some kind of fight.

”Ready?” He asks as he starts casting a teleportation circle in the middle of the street.

”Yeah, let's go.” He grabs my hand and we both step in the circle together and come out at the far edge of the training grounds.

”No turning back now princess.”