Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 6: Forced Collaboration

After the villain attack in the city, the staff at UA were on high alert, particularly concerned about Valerie's safety. Though she was impressive, her quirk—lightning that could surge to dangerous, uncontrollable levels—was still not fully under control. Aizawa had taken to training her personally alongside Todoroki, helping her balance her power with precision. But even that didn't seem like enough.

"We need to push her harder," Aizawa said during a staff meeting, his voice as steady as ever, but his eyes revealing the weight of the situation. "She has potential, but that potential could turn dangerous if not fully realized."

"Who do you have in mind?" Midnight asked, leaning forward, intrigued by his plan.

Aizawa sighed. "Bakugou. His drive to constantly outdo others will force Valerie to improve. He'll push her, challenge her. It's the best way to help her grow."

There was a ripple of surprise, and some hesitation from the others. They knew Bakugou's aggressive nature could be overwhelming, but Aizawa was certain. His gaze shifted towards Hizashi who seemed concerned on the pair up.

The next day, Aizawa announced their new training project. Valerie and Bakugou were paired up, tasked with not only improving their individual skills but also creating an ultimate move and a team move that combined both their quirks. They would have 6 weeks to complete this task before being assessed for their mid-term exam. They will challenge two heroes for this exam, should they fail they will have have their hero licenses revoked.

Valerie blinked in surprise when she heard Bakugou's name, but she didn't argue. She'd grown used to his fiery attitude and rude remarks, but deep down, she knew he wasn't bad. He was just... intense. And she could handle intense.

Bakugou, on the other hand, scoffed. "You're pairing me with her? She better keep up," he growled, but even he couldn't deny the slight thrill of the challenge.

For the next six weeks, Valerie and Bakugou trained daily in the gym, their sessions often lasting late into the night. Each day, they pushed each other harder. Each day, they grew a little closer.

Valerie found Bakugou's company surprisingly comforting. Beneath the anger and bravado, he was driven—focused in a way that inspired her to do better. There was something in his fire that made her want to match it with her lightning.

Bakugou, for his part, found himself growing more determined to help her. He watched as she slowly gained more control over her quirk, each surge of electricity sharper, more precise. Her power was awe-inspiring, but it was the quiet moments that got to him—the way she stayed calm under pressure, how she didn't snap at his taunts but responded with strength instead.

---

Valerie and Bakugou's first official training session felt like a collision of fire and electricity. Aizawa had tasked them with developing their ultimate moves, something that would challenge them both individually and as a team.

As they entered the gym, Bakugou cracked his knuckles, already wearing a scowl. "Let's get this over with," he grunted.

Valerie wasn't fazed by his attitude. She had grown used to his rough demeanor over the past weeks. "I think we should focus on harnessing the intensity of our quirks and combining them. But first, I need to work on becoming more precise with my lightning."

Bakugou shrugged. "Tch, whatever. Let's see what you've got."

Valerie inhaled deeply and raised her hands, electricity crackling around her fingers. She focused, sending controlled streams of lightning towards a set of metal targets Aizawa had placed in the gym. One by one, they exploded into sparks, but her accuracy was still shaky.