Chapter 28 - A Declaration of War! The Games Begin!

When Tokoyami entered the waiting room where the rest of classmates were standing, they each glanced up at him in turn, gazes filled with curiosity as it seemed everyone had picked up on Tokoyami having more of a motivation than he'd let on to compete in the tournament. Regardless, nobody stood up to question him about it, aside from the usual suspects, Kouda and Midoriya, the latter even stopping his conversation with Uraraka and Iida just to check on him.

"And you're sure you're alright?" Midoriya had asked once more, concern etched across his face as Tokoyami once again reassured his close friend that everything was going fine.

He only wished that Midoriya wasn't so perceptive, or that his face wasn't so innocent and pure, as it made it that much harder to keep the truth from All Might's successor.

"There is no need for concern, Midoriya, Kouda," He replied gruffly, somewhat glad that his expression was hard to read thanks to the feathers adorned across his face.

Kouda took the words at face value, the rocky-headed boy giving a small nod and a sheepish thumbs up before sidling off to talk to Satou, who was apparently handing out pre-festival cupcakes to anyone who asked. But once again, it seemed that Midoriya had other plans, Tokoyami noticing that Midoriya's determined gaze that he'd become used to seeing over the course of the last month was once again gracing them with it's presence.

"You're not telling me the whole truth," The boy hissed quietly, pacing towards a corner of the room where nobody else could hear, although this time Tokoyami was sure both of them knew that Shouji had begun listening in from his group halfway across the room.

"Do we have to do this now, Midoriya?" Tokoyami whispered back, the tense atmosphere between the duo threatening to suffocate him as he waited for the reply.

And of course, Midoriya wasn't waiting. "Yes, we're doing this now." Midoriya frowned. "You're my closest friend here Tokoyami, I'm not going to stop bothering you until you tell me what's going on."

Tokoyami couldn't help but reel back in slight surprise at the that comment, feeling his face heat up from embarrassment. He knew that he was close with Midoriya but he never knew that the boy regarded him in such high esteem.

"Surely you're closer with Uraraka and Iida?" He spluttered out, genuine shock in his voice.

Midoriya folded his arms, giving Tokoyami a very pained expression, the bird awkwardly looking away at the floor. "Do I really have to explain it? I'm meant to be questioning you here."

"Humour me," He retorted, leaning against the wall, arms crossed as he waited for Midoriya's response.

"Fine. I've known you for much longer than Iida or Uraraka because we talked so much for like six months before we even met face to face. On top of that, you were one of the few people who believed in me from the get-go and you've done nothing but support me since we got to U.A." Midoriya then leaned in closer. "Plus you and Shouji are the only people who know for sure about my Quirk. I could have lied to you last week but instead I told you the truth."

Putting it all out there like that, Tokoyami couldn't help but feel extremely embarrassed. Although really, Shouji and Midoriya had both claimed him to be their closest friend which was something he didn't think he even deserved from either of them.

"...Fine," He finally muttered, brushing a few of his feathers back as he glanced around either side of them to see if anyone other than Shouji had been listening in. Luckily it seemed it was all fine.

"Huh?" Midoriya looked confused for a moment, before realization dawned on him. "So you're going to tell me what's really going on then?"

"There's not much to tell, honestly, but I think you deserve the right to know... I-" He paused, wondering if he really wanted to tell Midoriya this. If he did, there was no telling how the boy would react, but he couldn't go back now, could he?

"Tsuku?"

Tokoyami froze at that, not expecting to hear that nickname uttered to him out loud. Midoriya had often called him by that nickname during their chats online and only then, as he heard Midoriya utter it in such a concerned tone, that Fumikage was certain of his decision to inform Midoriya.

"My parents..." He began, looking straight into Midoriya's green eyes as he said it. "If I don't win this Festival, they'll kick me out of my home."

There was a moment of silence, the idle chatter of their classmates fading away as the pair in the corner both stood in silence, one concerned about the reaction he was about to receive, the other too stunned to really react.

And then, in a Midoriya-esque move, the older boy placed a single hand on Tokoyami's shoulder reassuringly, silently conveying his thoughts to Tokoyami without even needing to speak. The understanding look in Midoriya's eyes was enough for Tokoyami to know that he'd been right to tell Midoriya this secret.

That was when the pair noticed that a certain six-armed student had walked up behind the pair, actively blocking them off from the rest of the room with his arm span. Shouji looked at the two students thoughtfully, although as Tokoyami noticed Shouji meeting eyes with Midoriya, it seemed like there was some unspoken conversation going on that he wasn't privy to.

"Today will be a tough day for us all," Shouji muttered quietly, breaking the silence as he turned to Tokoyami. "When you walked in, you seemed more confident than you had been back in the hallway. Did something change?"

"I simply told my mother the truth," He stated back. "We're not helpless children. We are Heroes of the future and we all have something to prove. I just ask that you don't let my motivations outweigh your own performances."

"If that's what you're worried about, you've got it all wrong," Midoriya grinned. "I won't hold back and you shouldn't either."

"Ditto," Shouji muttered. "I need to show my worth to those watching, but that doesn't mean that our goals are mutually exclusive. I don't need to win, I just need to prove myself."

"At this point, isn't that all we can do now?" Tokoyami whispered.

The other two nodded, determination seemingly flowing through the entire waiting room as the minutes began to count down. He was surprised to see that rather than go back to their previous groups, Midoriya and Shouji had started chatting among themselves. Sure, Shouji and Midoriya had often hung out before thanks to Tokoyami, but it was rare that the two would chat casually at such length.

Tokoyami tuned the pair out, allowing himself a moment of quiet to meditate, but he kept just enough of an awareness to note that Shouji and Midoriya definitely seemed to be hitting off the whole friendship thing at a rapid pace. He couldn't help but feel pretty happy that two of his closest friends were getting along.

"I like them," Dark Shadow whispered quietly, coming out of the depths of Tokoyami's mind, much to the bird's surprise.

"I thought you were sulking because I don't fully trust you," Tokoyami thought back, snarky voice and all.

"Don't flatter yourself Fumikage. I'm not perfect, I know, but I'm at least trying to make amends." For once, Tokoyami could actually here the sincerity in his Quirk's thoughts. Though he wasn't fully comfortable with Dark Shadow, that truthfulness behind his words certainly had the bird pausing for a moment.

"I know," He thought back seriously. "I don't know how I feel about you right now though."

That much was definitely the case. Tokoyami and Dark Shadow had both been going back and forth on the scale of wanting to ignore and apologize to each other. He had to admit that it was tiring given his Quirk was literally a part of him and they'd been fighting near constantly. They were both still teenagers though and their emotions definitely ruled their actions, Tokoyami was willing to admit.

"How about I promise to talk with you tonight. You like that heart to heart mushy stuff," Dark Shadow teased playfully, the spirit taking a mental glance at the two other boys that were chatting nearby. "Speaking of mushy stuff, I like them

Deciding to ignore the first part of his comment, Tokoyami settled for tackling the more confusing side of his words, "You like them?"

"They're good for you. Shouji gives good hugs and he carries you everywhere, while Midoriya clearly cares about you and is super observant."

"And you're pointing this out because...?" Honestly, Tokoyami was glad for the distraction, even if Dark Shadow's motives were unclear.

"No reason, just thought you'd like that I'm interested in them..." The emphasis on interested certainly caused Tokoyami to stop thinking for a moment, his mind wondering just what the hell Dark Shadow even meant, but before he could ponder his Quirk any further, he was brought out of his thoughts by a loud voice.

Iida was standing by the door to the waiting room, calling outwards towards the class with the loudest voice he could muster. "Everyone, it is time to head out onto the Stadium. Let us show everyone watching that we are an honourable and diligent group."

"Class 1-A, wooo!" Mina called out excitedly, Hagakure and Momo joining in.

"Well, it's time," Midoriya muttered, looking between Shouji and Tokoyami with a nervous grin.

"Indeed, the time of reckoning is upon us," He muttered, holding back the nerves as he took his first step towards the door, feeling Midoriya's hand still resting on his right shoulder, noticing Shouji's hand on his left.

He could do this.

It was at that moment when a voice that nobody had expected to hear called out towards his trio.

"Midoriya."

Everyone in the waiting room turned, Todoroki striding forwards towards Midoriya, who moved his hand from Tokoyami's shoulder to look up at the boy with a nervous glare. "T-Todoroki? Do you need something?"

The intense stare of Todoroki didn't match the calmness of his voice, but his words caused everyone in class to freeze in place. "Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than you."

Midoriya couldn't help but meekly nod at that. "Y-Yeah..."

That was when Todoroki's voice became sterner, when everyone realized that those cold eyes weren't just intimidating Midoriya, but sizing him up as a competitor. "But... All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?"

Tokoyami couldn't help but tense up at that, feeling Shouji's hand tense as well. They were both very well aware of the truth behind All Might's interest in Midoriya and Midoriya's surprised gasp said it all really.

"I'm not trying to pry about that." Todoroki met Midoriya's eyes, cold and calculating. "But I'm going to beat you."

At that, everyone suddenly seemed to spring into action.

"Is the best in the class making a declaration of war?" Kaminari whispered eagerly. Bakugo looked furious at Todoroki's words, everyone else seemed to tense up, Uraraka looked worried for Midoriya. He couldn't help the clenching of his fists as Midoriya looked at Todoroki in complete confusion, wondering if perhaps he'd need to back up his friend if it came to it.

Luckily Kirishima of all people was the one to approach Todoroki, "Hey, hey, hey! Why are you picking a fight all of a sudden? At least wait until the Festival's started." Kirishima went to place a hand on Todoroki's shoulder, but that was when the atmosphere turned cold.

"We're not here to play at being friends." With a single movement, Todoroki shoved off the red-haired boy's hand, turning away from the group to stalk towards the door. "Why does it even matter?"

For a moment, it seemed like that was that, but as Tokoyami was about to go reassure Midoriya, a sharp voice in his head jolted him to reality, "Just watch, Fumikage. He's got more guts than you think."

And right Dark Shadow was.

"Todoroki, I don't know what you're thinking when you say you'll beat me." Midoriya looked nervous as he looked at the icy hot Quirk user, but the determination in his eyes said it best. "But of course you're better than me. I think you're more capable than most people..." Midoriya paused, clenching his fist tightly. "Looking at it objectively..."

Kirishima seemed to think this would be a good time to interrupt, Tokoyami inwardly scoffing at the red-haired boy not realizing what was actually going on here. He hadn't been around Izuku enough to realize his tone or his intentions, but he was quickly silenced as Midoriya interrupted him aggressively.

"But, everyone - The students from the other courses are aiming for the top with everything they've got! I can't afford to fall behind!"

And as Todoroki turned to face Midoriya once more, they both met each other's faces, any shred of nerves gone from Midoriya's expression as he stated, "I'll be going for it with everything I have, too."

Bakugo sneered, Tokoyami grinned, Uraraka looked ready to slap Todoroki and Shouji looked amused.

But always needing to have the last word, Todoroki responded with a single word that summed up the whole encounter.

"Yeah."


"Hey, pay attention Audience!" A loud voice called out through the stadium, Present Mic's voice being met with applause and cheers from around the country.

Tokoyami and the rest of Class 1-A stood in the wings, waiting for the moment where Present Mic would call them out, his speech about the Festival being drowned out by the soft murmurings of some of the more nervous members of the class. Mineta seemed ready to have a panic attack and after the charged confrontation between Todoroki and Midoriya, Bakugo seemed even more pissed off than he'd ever been before.

"It's time for the first year students to enter the stage!" Present Mic announced, music blaring around the stadium, the crowds cheering loudly as Class 1-A began to walk towards the main field.

And then there was a light and everyone emerged onto the grassy stadium to the sound of screams and cheers. The biggest event in Japan, enough to replace the world Olympics, and they were the stars that would be shown off.

"Anyway, these are the guys, right? The miraculous new stars who overcame enemy attacks with their hearts of steel!"

Of course Present Mic would have to bring up their experience in the USJ to the people watching. As if the pressure wasn't already enough, what with the other classes wanting to target 1-A simply because of their experience, but now they'd have to live up to the expectations of the people watching at home, which were now more heightened than before.

He imagined his parents weren't too happy about this either.

"It's Hero course, Class 1-A!"

As everyone walked across the field, the class looking out across the stadium, Tokoyami noticed that while his nerves seemed to have quelled, it seemed that Midoriya's nerves had shot up. The boy was nervously stammering to Iida, who looked more serious than anyone in the class had ever seen him.

"He certainly knows how to lift a crowd," Jirou stated, walking alongside Tokoyami with a serious look. "You nervous Tokoyami?"

"Not at the moment, no. Although I imagine once the games begin..." His voice trailed off into silence. Jirou understood immediately, giving him a nod before moving off towards Momo, who was looking around excitedly.

Tokoyami glanced to his left where he could see another group of Heroes emerging from another part of the Stadium. Hero course, Class 1-B, their competitors. He was aware that Class 1-B had been rather desperate to prove themselves given 1-A had stolen the Hero Course spotlight. His eyes then drifted to his right where the General Studies courses were emerging, a dark purple haired boy leading the group, his face stoic and tired.

Tokoyami remembered this boy from an incident that happened at school one morning. Bakugo had gone out of his way to antagonize the rest of the school, right as this kid was standing by the door. He was one to watch out for.

The Support Courses were coming out as well, although Tokoyami was too far away to really see who they were. But he knew that the Support Courses would have many dangerous competitors since they were eligible to use the items they created in their classes.

Nobody really gave much attention to the Business Studies course who all emerged, looking more out of place than the rest of the school. They weren't exactly a course made for Heroics, but they were to compete regardless due to their studies in marketing and analyzing up and coming Heroes was the best way to go about learning first hand.

Finally, when the whole group of students were standing in the center of the arena, Tokoyami shifted himself towards Shouji, Kouda and Midoriya, giving them each a nod as they all looked up towards a small podium where the referee for the event stood.

Although there was certainly an element of concern as they realized that their referee was Midnight, an R-Rated Hero who was perhaps a little too into her role for her own good.

"It's time for the player pledge," She announced, her flogging whip striking the air with a crack.

"That's an R-Rated Hero for you," He heard Denki mutter from beside him.

"Is it okay for her to be at a high school even though she's R-Rated?" He questioned quietly to himself, not expecting an answer.

Although he really should have expected Mineta to burst in, screaming "Yes!"

With a roll of his eyes, he took his eyes off of the small grape-looking Hero, glancing back to Midnight where she seemed to be announcing something else.

"Representing the students is Katsuki Bakugo from Class 1-A!" She announced.

He had heard her correctly, right? It seemed not only was Tokoyami caught off guard, but the whole class was as everyone turned to look at Bakugo in confusion. How the heck did he get picked for the Player Pledge, and just what was he going to say? Midoriya looked especially terrified as the blonde boy slowly walked forwards towards Midnight.

"How is it Kacchan?" Midoriya muttered nervously, everyone else leaning in.

It was Sero who broke the confusion by stating thoughtfully, "That guy did finish first in the entrance exam."

"In the Hero course," A girl from General Studies muttered bitterly, giving the group a rather angry glare.

"It's obvious she hates us," Sero muttered, the others looking just a little more worried now that the antagonism was out in the open.

"And it's all Bakugo's fault," Kaminari muttered.

That was when Bakugo climbed the stairs to reach Midnight and the mic and for a moment, there was only silence. What would Bakugo say? Would he be more chilled out since it was a televised event or...

"I pledge..." There was a pause and then. "That I'll be number one."

Tokoyami's blood ran cold, the rest of Class 1-A giving extremely shocked reactions, although it seemed the consensus was that they knew he'd find some way to anger the rest of the school. And that's exactly what he had done, the other courses now openly shouting and heckling the man, Iida stepping forwards in absolute horror.

"Why would you say something so disgraceful?" Iida asked angrily towards Bakugo, who turned back, completely unphased.

"At least become a nice bouncy step for me to jump off of," Bakugo carelessly replied, motioning down with his thumb.

If the rest of the school wasn't pissed off before, they certainly were now, although as Bakugo walked back towards the crowd, Tokoyami noticed that Midoriya was deep in thought, watching as Bakugo moved past him silently. Had Midoriya seen something that the others hadn't?

"Now, let's get started right away," Midnight announced, gesturing her handcuffed hands up towards the screen above, "The first game is what you'd call a qualifier! Every year, many drink their tears here! Now, here is the fateful first game!" With a crack of her whip, a large screen appeared behind her, some sort of slot machine displaying to the students.

"This year, it's... this!" And there in bright yellow letters, the words Obstacle Race were waiting for them. "All 11 classes will participate in this race. The course will be the outer circumference of this stadium-about four kilometers!"

She turned to face the group of students, a devious look upon her face. "As long as you stay on the course, it doesn't matter what you do! Now, take your places everyone!"

The implications held within those words were more than enough to cause Tokoyami some distress.

"So anything goes as long as we stay on the course," Kirishima muttered darkly.

Tokoyami glanced around, noticing that Class 1-A was getting quite a few mean glares from the other students. And all with Quirks unknown to the class. They'd need to keep ahead if they wanted to stay in the game.

"Shouji," He muttered to his friend as they neared the starting line. "Any chance you could give me a slight lift until we reach the outside?"

The taller boy looked down at Tokoyami thoughtfully, before asking, "You worried about being left behind?"

"I'm not the most athletic person here. Once outside I can summon Dark Shadow to help move me forwards but in such a tight space, I can't risk it. We all need to pass this qualifier, all twenty of us."

"Fine then, get ready though, the lights are counting down."

Tokoyami's head sharply turned to the start gate, where once three lights shone, now only two were lit. And then only one was lit.

This was it, the start of the obstacle race.

The final light turned off and the loud shout of, "Start!" Echoed through the Stadium.

"Now!" He shouted, launching forwards, Shouji grasping his shirt to lift him up.

The race had begun.


Author's Note - Having to re-tread existing dialogue is so much fun, but I don't want to change too much canon material for now. That being said, I'm excited to get back into the action with the Obstacle Race next chapter, it'll be a fun one!

Also, as a fickle author with fickle shipping tastes, TokoyamiXMidoriya is damn near adorable and I think I like it more than the original ship of ShoujiXTokoyami. There's a very high chance I'm just going to combine the two because I don't want to write a completely separate fic for MidoriyaXTokoyami.