Chapter 57: Festival Countdown

Mina Ashido watched from the sidelines of the arena while her boyfriend fought.

Doko's violet eyes darted around the space, which was made to look like a desert ruin, with half-destroyed stone structures rising out of a layer of sand. Midoriya was bouncing all over these structures over Doko's head, green lightning flashing out behind him.

Doko turned in a circle, watching carefully…and Midoriya launched himself upward before re-positioning himself in mid-air, flicking his fingers up into the sky. "AIR FORCE!" he shouted.

The release of power caused him to launch downward toward Doko at high speed, and Mina gasped. Doko had a millisecond to react, in which he teleported sideways...but as Midoriya neared the ground, the green-haired boy repositioned again, flicking another blast laterally toward Doko as he landed.

Doko gasped and flew backward toward a stone structure, reaching behind himself and warping it to pieces before he could hit it hard enough to pass out. His new boots, part of his updated costume, released air at rapid speed against the ground, slowing his hurtling enough to where he could right himself and teleport to the ground upright, safely.

His left hand still glowing purple, Doko closed it into a fist and warped the pieces of the stone wall toward Midoriya, one at a time. Midoriya bounced and maneuvered out of the way, but Doko predicted one of his movements and warped another piece of rubble right in his path. Panicking, Midoriya smashed right through it with a superpowered fist, reducing it to dust.

As that dust briefly obscured his view, Doko warped forward and up, locking his legs around Midoriya's neck and pulling him to the ground in a takedown. The two boys struggled messily on the ground for a moment, before Midoriya found purchase with one boot, and launched them both into the air with his Quirk.

Mina followed the two of them with her eyes, expecting Doko to warp himself free, but he did not. Instead, in midair, Doko readjusted his grip on Midoriya's neck and swung himself around, as if about to kick the boy in the back, but then he underhanded his right hand toward a passing stone structure, catching it with his Quirk, and warping it right in front of both of them.

Only then, as Midoriya hurtled too close to the floating wall to get out of the way, did Doko kick himself free, using his new air-boots to warp safely to the ground, as Midoriya smashed straight through the floating wall.

The wall exploded, considering that Midoriya in his powered-up state was more durable and powerful than stone, especially at that speed. Midoriya fell to the ground, dazed, and Iida gasped nearby.

"Alright," said Aizawa, clapping his hands. "That's enough."

Midoriya got to his feet, bruised and dirty with sand, his eyes somewhat unfocused. Doko quickly ran over and helped him steady on his feet.

"Good match," Midoriya said weakly. "Every time I think I've got you figured out, you get more creative."

"It's the only way to beat you," Doko replied with a weary smile. "You're way too good at predicting. That new air flick move was crazy."

"I like your new boots, too."

"Thanks. I figured that if I'm gonna get tossed around a lot, I need something to slow me down. After all, the warps don't cancel my speed."

"Watching them fight is something else," muttered Uraraka. Mina nodded. The two boys had gotten paired up randomly for today's exercise, and everyone had gasped, knowing what it meant. Midoriya and Doko going at it, full tilt, was not something any of them had seen before.

Of course, she remembered a time when Uraraka might have reacted in a more starry-eyed, awed way…looking at the brunette, you could certainly tell that she was impressed, but…there was none of that enchantment with "Deku" that had been there before.

Meanwhile, Bakugo was shouting.

"You two never went that hard when you were fighting me! What's the big idea, huh?! Am I not worth it or something?!"

"Calm down," Todoroki muttered. "It's our turn next, remember?"

Aizawa sighed, pinching his eyes together. "Midoriya, Katayama, you're both very fast and clever. Katayama, I can tell you've worked on thinking ahead, and Midoriya, I can tell you've worked on your instincts. You seemed to have covered each other's weaknesses quite well, just…remember that this is just training, alright? I had to cut you short before you ended up killing each other."

"Yes, Aizawa-sensei," Doko said loudly as he rejoined Mina at her side, and then muttered into her ear, "He's just mad that he can't think of anything to criticize us for."

Mina giggled. "You are quite perfect," she said back.

…

After the spars were over and the weary students began to head back up toward the school, chatting, Doko stayed behind a moment to take off his boots and check the air valves. He'd only recently gotten them from Hatsume, and he wasn't sure about using them too much just yet.

Mina, who had stayed behind with him at the side of the arena, wrinkled her nose when he took the boot off freely. "Your feet smell horrible, even with socks," she complained.

"I'm sure yours are all rosey and sweet, after running around in a sweaty sandy arena trying to catch Ojiro."

"Yeah, but at least I have the decency to keep them hidden."

Doko turned the boot over in his hand, inspecting it. Everything looked fine.

A shadow fell over them both, and they looked up. It was Aizawa standing there.

"Katayama, you are aware that we are having a practice session this afternoon?" he asked.

"Erm…" Doko cast a glance toward Mina. "Sir, I really need to practice for the festival this afternoon. I'm in the band with Jiro and the others."

"That can wait. This is going to be a special one." Suddenly, behind him, Uraraka emerged. She had a serious expression on her face.

Doko raised his eyebrows. "Are you joining us?"

Uraraka nodded. "Just for today."

"What are we practicing, then?" It couldn't be more to do with his Quirk control, right? None of the other students besides Mina knew about his problems, and he sort of intended to keep it that way. Not that he didn't trust Uraraka, per se…she'd basically saved his life twice, once in Hosu and once again in Kamino. But still.

"You'll see. Hurry up and change into a normal gym uniform and head down to Gym Gamma. No hero costumes."

Doko sighed. "Yes, sir."

As Aizawa and Uraraka walked off, he glanced apologetically at Mina. "Tell Jiro I'm sorry."

"Oh no, you'll have to tell her yourself." Her pink lips curled up mischievously. "I'm not facing her wrath for something that's got nothing to do with me."

"It does have to do with you! You're my loving, caring, and very amazing girlfriend, now please do this for me pleaaaase?"

She only laughed and leaned in, kissing him for a moment. "Anyway, I gotta go. I've got to do more planning."

"Has every class told you what they're doing?"

"Yep! Well, every class that's participating, that is. At least we have the majority, meaning the staff is now helping us openly. Nezu is actually working with me to create a schedule; he's who I'm going to meet with now. It should be finished today, and then all that's to be done is for the classes to get their individual tasks ready!"

"Wow," Doko said. "It actually seems like we'll be able to pull it off by this Saturday. If I ever manage to practice with the band, that is. Have fun with Nezu, though. Sounds like quite a time."

"Well, he's the best man…animal? For the job of making a schedule, seeing that he schedules out all possible outcomes to any situation in his head." Mina kissed him once more, then stood up. "See you later, darling."

"Later," he called after her, watching her go.

…

At Gym Gamma, Doko and Uraraka stood about ten meters apart, stretching in their gym uniforms. While Doko was looking toward Recovery Girl and Aizawa on the sidelines, he could feel Uraraka's gaze on him. Analytical, almost dead. It made his skin crawl. What happened to her?

"So, what is this about?" Doko asked.

Recovery Girl remained silent, but Aizawa explained. "Both you and Uraraka have Quirks that are good with manipulating objects. I've actually been thinking about this since the sports festival, when you both went up against Bakugo. But you are reliant on your environment for backup in those situations. So you both need to learn to fight close combat without your Quirks."

"Like you do, sir?" Doko raised his eyebrows. "Are we going to learn how to use your capturing scarf?"

Aizawa seemed uncomfortable. "Erm…not at the moment. For now, I want you both to focus on sparring. Katayama, you are more than capable of taking out most opponents, but your actual manner of fighting is very messy and honestly, a bit wasteful when it comes to energy. Take your fights against Bakugo and Todoroki for example. It took you a very long time to take them out, because you didn't know where to hit them or how hard. Uraraka, you have some base knowledge from your internship, don't you? Help Katayama get to your level, and we can proceed from there."

"Yes, sir," she said. "Only…does it matter that much for Katayama? He can just dance around his opponent with his warps, even if he has no objects to back him up. Is there really a point to this? What exactly have you been giving him extra training for, anyway?" Her tone was relatively flat, but the words themselves had an edge of…jealousy?

Doko looked toward Recovery Girl. A gaze passed between the two of them that said everything. I need to learn to fight Quirkless because…I may not have my Quirk under control at all. It was difficult to keep a positive face on.

"That," said Aizawa, "is not any of your concern at the moment. I believe if Katayama wishes to tell you and your other classmates, he will."

Doko nodded. "Sorry, Uraraka. Let's just do this and not think about anything else."

She sighed, nodded, and got into a fighting position.

Doko awkwardly tried to mirror it, only he put his left hand closer to himself, since that was his dominant hand. Uraraka took notice of this, and raised her eyebrow.

"That's backwards."

"It's not. I am left handed."

"Oh," she muttered, her ears growing a little red. "My bad, then."

So she was capable of getting embarrassed still, at least. That was something.

Then, she was running at him, her lips pulled back in a fierce snarl. "HYAAAAH!" she roared.

Doko's eyes widened, and he had to fight the urge to teleport aside. He threw up his forearms in a cross to block the hit, but Uraraka feinted, going for a punch in his stomach. He slid aside, taking only a glancing blow, but suddenly her other fist was there, hitting him in the side as well.

He backed off, wincing in pain, and reassumed his stance. She did the same, and charged again, with a similar battlecry.

This time, he guessed that she would punch him low again, and he lifted up his knee to block, while keeping his arms crossed over his face. Uraraka hesitated for a split second at this, but her fist was already flying, and he quickly took advantage.

Doko twisted his body, letting her fist fly past him, and then grabbed her lighter arm, tucking it under his elbow and pulling it toward him, bringing up his knee and kneeing her in the stomach. Uraraka gasped and stumbled backward, nearly losing her footing.

"Well done, Katayama," said Aizawa.

Doko felt bad. He wasn't technically using his Quirk, not actively…but the purple energy was impossible to completely suppress, and it was improving his tactical instincts and speed like always. "Did I hurt you?" he asked Uraraka, hesitantly…

"Ugh! NO!" She leapt to her feet, attacking him ruthlessly.

Doko gasped, as Uraraka drove him backward, her fists flying everywhere. He brought up his forearms, blocking as best he could, but she was landing every other hit. He tried to move and angle his forearms to follow her punches, but she was out-speeding him, driving him back toward the wall.

He opened his hand and caught one of her fists, then the other. They spun, locked together, and then Uraraka spat in his face, causing him to pull back…and then she kicked him in the chest hard.

Doko went flying down to the ground, the wind knocked out of him. When did she get so vicious? What is she angry about? Is it me, or am I just a target to take it out on?

He quickly took a sharp breath and got back to his feet in a spin. He didn't want to concede this quickly.

There was a determination in her eyes as she circled him, holding her fists close to her face. She seemed more cautious now; she wasn't attacking straight on.

Doko knew why; he had a weight advantage on her. She wanted him to attack now, so she could use his momentum against him. Elsewise, he could just catch her fists again.

Doko feinted forward, causing her to flinch, and then he quickly tried something that, in the back of his mind, felt stupid.

He reached out with a sideways kick, sort of hooking his foot around the back of the bend in her leg…and pushed.

Uraraka stumbled sideways, but she reached out with both hands and grabbed him as she fell. They briefly grappled as they plummeted to the ground, and Uraraka rolled into a somersault, locking him between her legs and pinning him to the floor beneath her.

Before she could deliver a final blow, Doko shot upward with all his remaining strength and headbutted her, causing her to cry out, as they flipped backwards. He turned the tables and got on top of her, pinning both of her hands beneath his.

For a moment, she laid beneath him, both of them breathing hard and glistening with sweat. His shadow fell over her face, and her brown eyes seemed to glow. Doko's brain had frozen. What danced in those eyes? Daring? A spark that hadn't been present before?

Then…heat slowly spread across her face, and he realized what sort of compromising position they were in. Quickly, he scrambled off of her, averting his gaze back toward Aizawa.

Their teacher was walking over. "That's enough for now," he said. "Katayama, you did quite well. I noticed you using your forearms and elbows to fight, and that last move with your foot…I think you might be well suited to learning Muay Thai."

"I've heard of it, sir. Is that the one that uses more points of contact?"

"Exactly. If normal fighting with just punches and kicks could be compared to stabbing with a blade, then Muay Thai integrates slashes as well. Using the full length of your limbs. Perhaps you should talk to Ojiro about it; I believe he has a background in the martial art." Aizawa looked to Uraraka. "Uraraka, you are getting more creative and fast as well. But Katayama was more focused than you, and that's not something that often happens."

There was a very clear frustration in her eyes as she sat up, rubbing her head…but then it died. It was like she'd been about to yell, and then controlled herself. "May I…come and practice again?" she asked.

"Of course. Maybe not tomorrow, but…" Aizawa looked back at Doko for a moment. "We'll let you know."

"Alright." She stood.

Recovery Girl walked over. "Let's get you both checked out for a moment. That headbutt could have been nasty. Follow me back up to my office."

"Let me have a private word with Katayama first," said Aizawa.

Recovery Girl nodded, and gestured for Uraraka to follow. The two students exchanged a long glance. "It was a good match," the girl said curtly.

"Ah…yeah." Why did things feel so awkward all of a sudden? She left the gym, following Recovery Girl.

He quickly turned to Aizawa to distract himself. "What is it, sir?"

"I just wanted to privately confirm if you're alright with Uraraka joining us more often."

"Huh? I'm fine with it. If she needs to practice too, then…" He trailed off. "I'm not the only one that matters."

Aizawa rubbed his head. "True, but I am one man and you are all nineteen students. It'd be great to have some backup, especially since…" He shut his mouth.

"Aizawa-sensei? Are you training other people outside of Class A?"

"Whatever would give you that impressio-"

"Like, with your capturing scarf, for instance?"

"That is none of your business for now," Eraser Head said sharply.

"Who is it?"

"You'll find out sooner rather than later. Until then, we need to focus on getting your Quirk under control. That will not be possible when Uraraka is around, unless you tell her what the problem is."

"But I don't even know what the problem is," Doko muttered. The nightmares were coming more often now, whether he slept in the same bed as Mina or not (not that he could tell Aizawa about that). Were they just a manifestation of his general anxiety, or were they his Quirk actually threatening him? He wanted to believe the former, especially since his Quirk wasn't that hard to keep under control at all times…just a little harder than before. But what if it's just slowly gaining strength? Or…waiting for the right moment?

"In any case, you do not have a lot of time to accommodate everyone. Especially with this festival coming up."

"But I'm not really close with Uraraka."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "You should be."

Doko sighed. "Alright, sir. One more thing, though. Any updates on…Kurogiri?"

Aizawa's face darkened. "Nothing. Hopefully when this festival is over, there will be time again to have another visit."

…

Ochaco arrived back at the dorm wearily. Of course, everyone was super busy now, preparing for the festival. She could hear the music being practiced in Jiro's room all the way from down here, and many of the other students, led by Todoroki and Sero, were setting up a stage area.

Tsuyu and Toru both turned and noticed her entrance. "There you are, ribbit. Where were you?"

"I was sparring with Katayama," she answered.

"Whoa, what?" Toru's eyes widened. "Privately? Oooh, are we gonna have to tattle to Mina…"

"Nooooo," Ochaco groaned. "It wasn't private, we were being supervised by Aizawa. Christ's sake."

"Alright, alright, sorry." Despite being invisible, Ochaco could still sense Toru grinning evilly to herself.

"Why him though, ribbit?" Tsu put a finger to her chin.

"Because Aizawa thinks we both need work on fighting without our Quirks. In my case, he's right," she mumbled. Katayama had beaten her despite having basically no practice. He's heavier and faster, and I was all worked up. But those aren't real excuses. Still, she didn't really know what the reason for Aizawa and Recovery Girl meeting him was. Maybe she would ask Mina?

No, I don't care that much.

She waved goodbye to Tsuyu and Toru, citing her need for a shower, and promising she'd be back down to help with the festival in a few minutes.

Walking through the common room, the preparatory activities were all around her.

"You're really into this now, huh Sero?" Kirishima was saying.

"Yep! I mean, I want to help as much as I can! This is for everyone's happiness, after all! I honestly…feel like I haven't been working hard enough, and that's why I don't stand out very much."

"Hey man, that's not true! You…"

The conversation faded behind her as she made her way up the steps. The rock music from Jiro's room grew louder, until it was cut short, and she heard the sound of a crashing cymbal and a shouting Bakugo.

She might have giggled to herself, or perhaps flinched, but she didn't. It was like her body didn't have the proper reactions to anything anymore.

What's wrong with me? I want to be happy, to brighten everyone else up, but…it looks like they don't even need my help for that.

Am I depressed?

The most emotion she'd felt today was anger, as she'd attacked Katayama…even though she didn't even know what she was angry about.

Well, besides Kaminari. Not just that he'd betrayed them, but that he'd escaped. And had treated her like an afterthought, one to be pitied. What a cruel, cruel jerk.

But otherwise, that was it. That was nothing else she was angry about. Not a thing.

Certainly not that she'd seen Deku with Nejire more than once now, and not just by coincidence…the two of them had definitely talked for extended periods of time. It must have started the day after the raid, when they'd ridden together in the same car. The car she'd decided not to ride in.

It's not a big deal. He can talk to whoever he wants. I stored those feelings away, remember? And besides, it's not like he'd ever like her…he's too focused on his goal. And it's not like she'd ever like him…right?

Sparring with Katayama had felt good and bad at the same time, but it was still more than she'd felt in a while, and so it ended as a net good, in her mind.

That position they'd ended up in had been sort of awkward, but it was an accident, anyway. Katayama wasn't like that.

Still, it wouldn't be great if Mina were to find out…

Actually, wouldn't Mina be the best person to consult about this? Maybe she could help with how Ochaco had been feeling recently…

But Mina was too busy with the festival right now.

These things circulated through Ochaco Uraraka's brain as she prepared to shower.

…

Tried all my life, I've tried to find,

Something that makes me hold on and never let go.

Ohhhhh!

Hero too, I am a hero too.

My heart is se-

"STOP!" Jiro shouted, and all the instruments cut short. She turned to Doko. "You're supposed to echo that part, remember? Not sing it at the same time as me."

"Oh." He flushed. "Right. Sorry."

She sighed. "It's…it's fine. We needed to start over anyway. Bakugo was speeding ahead of Tokoyami again."

"WHAT?!" Another cymbal crash. Apparently this was Bakugo's substitute for creating an explosion. "I WAS NOT! Bird boy just needs to keep the fuck up!"

"I am keeping rhythm with Yaoyorozu," Tokoyami said haughtily.

"You can't even hear her! She's barely makin' a damn sound with that keyboard!"

Yaoyorozu frowned. "I am making plenty of sounds," she said sternly.

Doko had to snort at that. Why had she retorted with such a weird sentence?

"Alright, alright, calm down," Jiro said, waving her hands in a downward motion. "It seems like everyone's getting a bit tired. Let's just do a run-through all the way through the second chorus, and then call it. We'll work on the bridge and the final chorus tomorrow."

"Huh?" Doko raised an eyebrow. "But I just got here like, twenty minutes ago."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have…" Jiro blurted, then stopped herself. "Sorry, Katayama. I know you didn't have any control over it."

"I have control over less than you know," he muttered. Tokoyami, who was standing close by, heard this, but gave no indication or reaction.

"If Katayama wants to get the extra training in, let 'em!" Bakugo said.

Yaoyorozu raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's uncharacteristically accommodating of you to sa-"

"After all, he's gonna fuckin' need it if he wants to catch back up to me!"

Her eyebrow lowered into a deadpan expression. "Aaaand there it is."

Jiro blushed, twirling her earphone jack around her finger. "Katayama, if you really need more practice…you can just stay here after. I can help you out a bit more."

Doko went pale. "Oh. Okay, that sounds good actually."

"I would like to stay for just a moment as well," Tokoyami said, holding up his bass guitar. "There is just one thing I am having trouble with."

"So basically it's just me and Bakugo leaving, then," Momo muttered. "Wonderful."

"Anyway!" Jiro clapped her hands, almost like she was distracting herself. Doko wondered why she was blushing so much. "Let's do this last run-through! Everyone ready?"

"Ready," they all said, getting into position to start.

"And-a one two three four!"

The last run-through went smoothly, although Bakugo strained to speed up the whole time. They kept it under control, but it would definitely be something to work on.

After that, he and Yaoyorozu moved to leave Jiro's room.

"I could tell you were keeping yourself under control that time, Bakugo," Momo complimented, her eyes sparkling. "Well done."

"I don't need your compliments, Yaoyoro…Ponytail," he mumbled, breaking in front of her and shoving the door open.

Momo giggled. "Oh, that was nearly a slip up. We mustn't let that angry facade fall."

"It'll be more than just a facade in a second if you don't shut the fuck up! That run-through was the first time I've actually heard you on that damn piano, so you've got no one to blame but yourself!"

Their voices faded down the hallway, and Doko exchanged a glance with Tokoyami. "Was he…complimenting her?"

Tokoyami's eyes were wide. "The interaction was full of murkiness and complexity. As a result, my strongest assumption is that the two of them are…"

"Shut up!" Jiro said sharply, and they both looked at her in alarm.

"I-I mean…stop talking and let's get to work. You guys DID both say you needed h-help, after all…" she stammered, turning red again.

They practiced for a bit. Doko was finding the guitar to be like an old friend that he hadn't seen in a long time. He was certainly rusty, but not as rusty as he thought he might be. Still, he was definitely the slowest-improving of the five of them. Tokoyami quickly figured out his problem with the bass and left, leaving Doko alone with Jiro.

After about ten more minutes, Jiro backed away for a moment. "Here. Why don't you take the guitar to your room and practice for a bit? I'll quickly write down some notes for things you can work on, that have helped me in the past."

"Alright," he conceded, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in. Jiro stood up from her own chair, setting her guitar down carefully, and walked over to her small desk to get a writing pad.

In the meantime, Doko looked around the room. He'd been coming here every day for the past few days, and he was finding new details every time. It was like a studio, and the dark reds and purples of the room comforted him. Most of the room had been given over to their practice space, and Jiro's school things, including her bed, had been shoved up against the window.

"Do you really sleep right under the window like that?" he asked, with her back still turned, writing stuff down.

"Uhh, yeah. I kinda like to…never mind, it's stupid."

Doko blinked. "I won't think it's stupid. Besides, you already started the sentence. I am legally obligated to hear it finished."

She might have smiled, although he could only see the corner of her mouth. "You're really weird, Katayama. Does Mina tell you that?"

"Often."

"Well, I…I like to keep the blinds open and have the starlight and moonlight on my face. It helps me sleep."

"Oh. That's interesting. I would have pegged you as someone who listened to music to sleep."

"Not everything about me is music-related," she said sharply.

"Of course, of course." A moment of silence, save for the scratching of her pencil. Doko shifted in the chair a little. "You know, Jiro, you're quite a good singer."

He could see red spread across the backs of her ears. "Thanks," she muttered. "So are you, like I already told you. I think this is going to turn out really well."

"I hope so," he said. "You know, the girl that the work study students saved is coming. Eri."

Jiro perked up at this. "Is she now? I thought there weren't any outsiders coming to this."

"Well, Eri isn't technically a citizen, so there's a weird legal hole. And she'll be accompanied by a pro hero. Sir Nighteye, the guy Midoriya and I did our work study with. We thought it'd be a good idea to let her come and experience it, since…she's not had a very good life."

"I…see. How old is she?"

"Six or seven. We don't know her exact birthday."

"Ah…right." Jiro stood up, and walked back over to him, handing him a piece of paper with notes on it. "You're putting a lot of pressure on me, having to make a six or seven year old girl happy with my music. Especially if she's been through a lot."

"The pressure's on all of us," Doko corrected. "But maybe this music can reach one more person, besides all the unhappy students."

Jiro nodded. "Maybe it can."

…

The week progressed. The band practiced. Iida, with the help of Sato and Shoji, organized the concert setup itself. The technical team, made up of Todoroki, Sero, Kirishima, Koda, and Uraraka, worked on effects. The dance team, made up Mina, Midoriya, Aoyama, Ojiro, Tsu, and Toru, practiced their routine as well.

Oh, did I mention that I'm teaching them to dance as well? Mina thought deliriously to herself, returning from the gym for the third late night in a row. Nezu had taken over most of her supervisory duties, thankfully, and they'd completed the schedule. But she was still exhausted, so exhausted. Thankfully, Toru and Ojiro could already dance really well, and Tsu didn't need MUCH practice…but Midoriya and Aoyama were a different story. In the end, she'd regulated the two of them to dancing the first part and then working in tandem to have a cool effect in the second half of the song. Midoriya would use his power to pull Aoyama along on a rope like a disco ball. They had frayed the rope during practice, though…

Need to ask someone on the tech team to go buy some from downhill. Probably Sero. She curled her lip.

Ever since she'd accidentally insulted Ojiro and Sero, which she still felt really bad about, both of them had changed to a degree. Ojiro had quietly dedicated himself to the dancing, and he was easily the best now, besides Mina herself. She was impressed with that, although she'd noticed how he would sneak glances at Toru during routines.

As for Sero, he'd always been the type you could count on to send on a random errand, and he'd accept good-naturedly. But as of late, he'd been working even harder, and doing basically anything someone asked him to, even volunteering for jobs. It was like he was pushing himself for…something.

In any case, Mina was happy to see that working on this festival was having a positive effect on her classmates. Despite how exhausted she was. This was a good idea. Maybe my best idea ever.

It might have been wishful thinking, but it seemed like even Uraraka had been somewhat returning to her old self, at least a little, in short spurts. Hard to tell.

Mina entered the common room, and was immediately assaulted verbally by a zooming, robotic Iida, who was right up in her face before she had a chance to breathe.

"Ashido! We are nearly complete with the preparations, but there are a number of things we would like to run by you very quickly…"

Mina waved him off, yawning. "Iida, please…" she muttered. "I'm worn out. Just ask Yaomomo to help you, or do it yourself. I'm sure you have it figured it out…"

Sero and Kirishima were watching her with concern. "Damn, Ashido, you do look tired," Sero said.

"You've got bags under your eyes, Pinky," Kirishima echoed.

Mina nodded slowly, swaying like a zombie over to the couch. "Just…no one bother me."

"Er…right." Iida seemed more subdued. "Sorry. I shall see to it myself, then. Sero, Kirishima, to me!"

He waved them along, back toward the stage setup, where the rest of the tech crew were. Mina vaguely listened to their fading conversation.

"So, is that Eri girl really going to show up?"

"According to Katayama and Midoriya, yeah. During the raid, I was kinda distracted, and I didn't really help save her, so I don't actually know her that well."

"You shouldn't say that. I'm sure you helped in your own way."

"Well…thanks, Sero man."

"I'm just nervous now. I mean, so many people are relying on us for their happiness now. We can't mess u-"

The conversation shrunk out of her ears, and Mina laid back into the couch, closing her eyes. Maybe she'd fall asleep here. That would be neat.

She felt a shifting of the cushion's weight, indicating someone had sat down next to her. She opened one eye halfway, and caught glimpse of Doko.

"Hey you," she whispered, scooting over and snuggling up to him, yawning.

"Hold on. This parking space isn't free," he protested.

"It is for as long as I want it to be," she mumbled back, smacking her lips.

A moment of silence. And then, he said softly, "You're tired, aren't you?"

"What gave it away?"

"You've been working so hard, Mina. It's admirable. I've never seen you dedicate yourself to something so much before."

"You've been working hard, too. I…couldn't have done it without everyone else. Is the band doing alright?"

"Yeah. We should be good now. We've run through the full song a lot."

"And your extra training with Uraraka?"

"Gak!" he started at that, and she giggled sleepily. "Relax, honey. I'm just messin' with ya."

"How did you even find out about that?"

"Toru…"

"As always."

"Why? Were you planning on keeping it a secret?"

"No, it just…didn't cross my mind as important, I guess. Once again, I am not voluntarily keeping any secrets from you ever again."

She giggled. "You're so serious sometimes. To tell the truth, I think you and Uraraka are good for each other."

"Err…what?"

"I mean, training-wise. It seems like she's been…improving recently. Maybe you've got something to do with that."

"Well…when we fight, it's like there is a spark in her eyes again. It's nice to see."

"Maybe she'll find her feelings again and ask Midoriya out." Mina leaned up off of him and yawned again, stretching. When she turned to look at him fully for the first time since he'd sat down, Doko was frowning.

"I…" he paused. "I think Midoriya would say no."

There was a long moment between them where nothing was said.

And then, Mina sighed. "Yeah," she agreed, and there was a certain finality to it. "I think so too."

…

Friday night. The night before the festival.

The schedule was in order, all the classes had been organized.

Aizawa had given the students permission to leave class early and start practicing. They had been doing full rehearsals in the gym until 9PM, when Hound Dog had come in and shouted them out.

Now, about half of Class A remained awake in the common room, at about 11PM. Their concert was one of the last things on the schedule, later in the afternoon. It was less than 24 hours until they performed.

"Please, enjoy this tea," said Momo, passing out cups to everyone who was still awake. "It is Golden Tips Imperial, a very high quality brand."

"Wow! Thanks, Yaomomo!" said Kirishima, taking an experimental sip. "I don't drink very much tea…oh! It IS fancy!"

Hanta Sero accepted his cup gratefully and sipped it slowly. He wasn't big on tea, but the mood was too good right now to deny it.

"Well, clean up when you're done, everyone," Momo said, stretching. "I'm heading up to sleep."

"Night, Yaoyorozu-san. Good luck on those keys tomorrow."

She left, leaving just a few people in the common room. Katayama and Ashido were on the couch again, talking in low voices to each other. Jiro was nearby, her head somewhat down. Hanta hung out with Kirishima near the kitchen, and Midoriya and Aoyama sat across from each other at the table.

"Huh, you were right," Midoriya said, lifting up the rope. "It IS a bit frayed."

"We did abuse it quite a bit during practice," said Aoyama, frowning.

"It wouldn't be safe to use this one during the performance tomorrow." Midoriya glanced over toward the stage setup, on the opposite side of the common room.

Kirishima yawned. "Ask Yaomomo to make another."

Jiro narrowed her eyes at him. "She's just gone to sleep. Momo is not some handy tool for you to use."

"Someone should go down in the morning, then," said Katayama. "To the hardware store at the bottom of the hill. It opens at 8."

Aoyama turned to Midoriya, who frowned. "I, erm…" the green-haired boy coughed. "I might have something to do, early…like, before the festival starts properly. So…it should be someone else."

Hanta wondered what Midoriya could be talking about, but he sighed and spoke up. "I'll go. I need to get some other stuff for the hardware store anyway."

"What, like tape?" Ashido grinned. "Have you been duping us this whole time about your body creating it by itself?"

Hanta deadpanned at her, surrounded by chuckles. "No."

"Could I not simply be strung up by your tape, Sero?" Aoyama asked.

"Nah, the rope would be safer and more reliable. I can go down in the morning. It's no big deal, really. Just gotta get permission from Aizawa-sensei…" He sighed, pulling his phone out to call the man's office number. He was probably asleep right now, and wouldn't appreciate the call, but he'd get over it, the old grump.

"Man, I really like this stuff," Kirishima mumbled, taking another gulp of his tea as Hanta scrolled through his phone. "Hey, Sero, while you've got your phone out, do you wanna look up this stuff? What's in it, anyway?"

Hanta sighed. "Fine."

He quickly opened his browser. "What was it called again?"

"Gold Tips Imperial, I think?"

A video popped up. "What the hell is this," Hanta mumbled, clicking on it for no particular reason. It was a white-bearded man in a fancy coat drinking from a teacup, quite messily. "I don't think he's doing this right," Hanta chuckled to himself, watching the tea drip everywhere.

"Before and after a job, I always choose a brand based on the size of the job. In my next video, an alarm will sound, not just to my dear viewers, but to all of society…"

"Okay, weirdo," Hanta said, clicking off the video and cutting the man's tirade short. "Not really what you were looking for. Honestly, just figure it out yourself, Kirishima. I need to call our grouchy teacher."

He stepped away from the group, making the call.

Later, they all headed to bed…the promise of the festival ahead of them.

…

Early the next morning, Hanta took off down the hill toward UA's gate. There was still dew on the grass, and the sun was fresh in the east. His heart raced. There was a strange air over campus today, like a buzzing excitement. The festival's gonna work out. It's gonna be great. Ashido did well, and so did everyone else. Not the most ideal circumstances, but we'll work with them.

And there was that little girl too, the one that Katayama and Midoriya had saved. The rumor was that she'd been tortured by villains and would very much need the sort of happy distraction they could provide.

It's bigger than us now, Hanta thought. He had been working harder, making himself more useful, making himself more prominent. Now he had to just buy this rope, and do his part for the concert. Gotta hurry. Wouldn't want to miss any of the festival. The first event was Class B's play, which was to start at 10 AM.

He was so focused on these thoughts that he nearly ran smack-dab into Ibara.

"Whoa!" Hanta declared, pulling up short, his feet sliding on a bit on the slick concrete path. The dew was working against him, and he crashed into her anyway. She gasped, and they pushed off of each other, breathing hard.

"You gave me quite a fright there, Sero-kun," Shiozaki said, blinking her pretty eyes. "This dew…" she looked down at the ground, and frowned. "It gets in my hair as well. It is most unpleasant."

"Ah…I can see that." Sero smiled, looking up at her vinelike locks. They indeed glistened with moisture. I wonder if they use photosynthesis? He pocketed the remark to maybe use later, if the mood was right.

"What are you doing up so early, might I ask?" She tilted her head cutely. For a moment there, Hanta had forgotten that he was developing something like a massive crush on her. Not good.

"I h-have to go down to the hardware store and buy some equipment for our event," he answered. "What about you?"

Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. "I am going there as well! We need a specific type of screwdriver for one of our props. And our play is the first thing of the day, so I need to hurry…"

"Oh, right." Hanta felt stupid. "Go on ahead, then. You've only got…" He checked his watch. "About two hours."

She seemed taken aback. "I…oh no, Sero, I didn't mean to dismiss you! You are more than welcome to accompany me, if you'd like. I mean, I'd actually prefer it. Well, I mean, erm…" She closed her mouth, heat spreading over her ears.

Hanta blinked. He was somewhat amused by her flustered state, although he also wondered if it meant something deeper…?

Even if she did like me back, she wouldn't act on it, would she? No, she'd probably reject me because of her beliefs, or something. No use getting my hopes up.

But he could pretend for now, couldn't he? Going to the hardware store together. Almost like a date. Yes, very romantic. Buying tools.

"Let's go, then," he told her, smiling.

Ibara smiled back, almost in relief, and the two of them walked down the hill.

…

About half an hour later, they both had the things they needed, and were walking together back up the sidewalk.

"Huh?" Hanta narrowed his eyes, looking up the hill toward the UA gate. "There's a crowd gathered there." He could see dozens of people pushing up against the gate, and he found that he could hear them as well, like a low hum. Chatter.

"Reporters," Ibara muttered. "Or protesters, perhaps."

Hanta's eyes widened. "Shiozaki, you don't think that they found out about our festival, do you?"

She shook her head. "They have been gathering like that on most weekends. I have spotted them on occasion while out getting gardening supplies. It is nothing out of the ordinary for a Saturday morning."

"...Alright." Hanta sighed. "Still, it's sad that there is a precedent for it in the first place. Why can't they just leave us alone?"

"They are afraid," Ibara said softly. "They need reassurance from somewhere, and we cannot give it to them."

Hanta frowned. What a sucky situation. They'd have to go through that crowd to get back into the school. Ibara would definitely be recognized, since her fight with Katayama was one of the most famous from the sports festival this year. Hanta, on the other hand…

That's one small solace, he thought bitterly. They'll probably just think I'm some general studies student.

He was so focused on his thoughts that for the second time this morning, he nearly ran into someone.

"Whoops!" the man said, stopping short. He and a very short woman had just come up from the cross sidewalk, which led back to a small tea shop next to the hardware store. Ibara, who'd been a few steps behind Hanta, stopped as well.

"Oh, excuse me, sir," Hanta said quickly. The man was wearing a trenchcoat, sunglasses, a face mask, and a hat…very covered up indeed. The woman was similarly covered up. With as tiny as she was, she practically looked like a little cream puff.

"Please step carefully, young man," the man said, in a voice that sounded vaguely familiar. "You were about to ruin the aftertaste of Gold Tips Imperial."

"Ah, right…" Hanta scratched his neck. His thoughts from before were still pulling at him, and he wasn't fully with the situation.

"Anyway, let us be on our way, La…Honey." The man said to the woman, gesturing for her to follow.

"Ah, yes!" she squeaked, seeming surprised by something, and followed him.

"Gold Tips Imperial?" Ibara asked. "Is that not a brand of tea?"

The man turned. "You know of it, despite being so young? Are you perhaps one that understands?"

"Well, perhaps due to my Quirk…" Ibara flared her vine hair a bit. "But mainly due to my ideals, I have enjoyed many herbal teas."

Suddenly, it hit Hanta like a freight train. The tea, the voice…

The man from the video last night.

What had he said? Something about sounding an alarm for all of society? Wasn't that villain talk?

And he's here near UA, on a day when we're off school?

Hanta fought to keep the smile on his face, while Ibara and the man briefly conversed about tea. Ibara doesn't know. I have to clue her in somehow!

The man, for his part, seemed similarly on edge. Did that he mean he recognized them as UA students? If he was put on edge by UA students, that could only mean that he didn't want to be spotted, right? And why worry about that unless you were planning on…

On sneaking in.

"We really must be going now," the man said, turning away with the small woman.

It was all so clear to Hanta Sero all of a sudden.

If this man snuck in, with all those protestors out front, on a day when they were planning a festival in secret…not only would the festival not happen, but UA would be done for.

Hundreds of kids with dreams, their futures snapped away just like that.

And that little girl…she'd never get her happy distraction.

Hanta Sero set down his bag of rope, and Ibara looked at him in alarm.

"Stop right there, villain," he snarled.

The man paused, one foot in mid-air. He turned his head slightly, the slightest grin on his face. "Oh?" he half-whispered.

"You're not going any further," growled Hanta. "Not one step closer to my school."

"La Brava," the man said to the short woman, taking off his sunglasses and mask, revealing a white goatee and piercing blue eyes. "Start filming."

…

Next time: Sero and Ibara vs Gentle Criminal