"The first game of the first-year stage is finally over. Now, time to take a look at the results!"
I plopped myself down, at Tokoyami's feet. He looked down at me, but said nothing. I leaned against his legs and closed my eyes. I figured I hadn't passed, so nap-time.
Shit. I was turning into Aizawa. All I needed now was a sleeping bag. Not yellow though. Gross.
"Uh, Kitia?"
"I'm napping."
"You might want to wake up, then."
I cracked one open and looked at Ashido. "Why?"
She pointed to the board.
I shook my head. "I can't see, Dodo. I'm short, plus I'm not getting up. What is it?"
"Uh, you passed."
I laughed. "Passed? Passed what? The finish line?"
She leaned down and grabbed my arm, dragging me up.
"No. Passed to the next round!"
I looked where she was pointing and my jaw dropped. I didn't even look at the number. I just saw my name.
"What the fuck?! Are these people insane?!"
She grinned and hugged me. "I made it through too, so we can go together!"
I shook my head, staring at my name. Kurogiri is not going to like this, not to mention Tomura. Then again, Tomura would probably be shitty that I didn't come in first.
I smiled. "Actually, yea. It might be fun."
"We've prepared other chances for you to shine!" Midnight's voice cut through our conversation and I saw her lick her lips. Rude prick.
I rolled my eyes. Why did this bitch have to be like this?
"The real competition begins next! Give it your all!" She flicked her whip again. Why? Why are you like this?
The picture on the screen started to spin again. Ashido clutched my arm, staring up at it. I shook my head.
"Now then, here is the second game. I already know what it is, but what could it be? I just said it, and now here it is..."
You're an idiot...
The screen ticked over and stopped.
"Cavalry Battle? What's that?"
I heard a few other students chattering and murmuring as well. They sounded just as confused as I was.
"Let me explain."
Go for your life, love.
"The participants can form teams of two to four people as they wish. It's basically the same as a regular cavalry battle, but the one thing that's different is based on the results of the last game, each person has been assigned a point value."
Ashido and I looked at Ochako as she started to speak. "In other words, each team is worth different points depending on who's on the team!"
"Uh, I see!"
I put my hand on my cheek. "Just great. I'm not good with numbers."
We heard the whip crack and jumped.
"You guys don't hold back even though I'm talking, huh?!"
I grabbed Ashido. "She can be scary, huh?"
She just nodded, clutching my arm again.
"Yes, that's right! And the points assigned go up by five starting from the bottom."
I yawned. I really need that nap now. I could already feel my eyes drooping. I tapped my face, trying to wake myself up. I'd hate to think what Midnight would do if she caught me falling asleep. I shuddered at the thought.
"...And the point value assigned to first place is..."
I looked at Midoriya. He should be fine.
"...Ten Million!"
I sweat-dropped. Then again, maybe not.
Everyone around him stared at him. The collective aura was red. Red, man. I could actually see that shit.
That poor prick. I do not envy you at all.
"That's right. It's survival of the fittest, with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top! Now then, I will explain the rules of the Cavalry Battle. The time limit is fifteen minutes. Each team is worth the total number of it's member's points, and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their foreheads."
Great...
"Teams will try to grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So, the more you steal the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is that even if you get your headband stolen, or if your team falls, you're not out!"
Now your starting to confuse me...
I heard people around me muttering to each other.
"One strategy,' Ashido started,' could be to let someone take your points first so you'll be more free."
I turned to Tsu as she replied. "It's hard to say without seeing how all the points end up getting split up, Mina."
I shrugged. "I'm just going to avoid all the crazies and stay away from big groups..."
"During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your quirks."
"Obviously." I muttered.
"But it's still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose! You'll be removed immediately! You have fifteen minutes to build your teams! Start!"
I sighed. It would be so much easier if we agreed on my shield quirk. I'm going to be useless in this game too.
I looked around. I spotted Pony with another girl. Actually, this might work. I wandered over and waved.
"Hey, Pony."
"Oh, hi, Kitia." She frowned. "You don't have a team yet?"
"Uh, no. I don't. Would you mind...?"
Pony smiled. "Sure! This is Reiko Yanagi. She'll be with us too."
I tapped my chin. "What are your quirks? I might have an idea."
"Oh, um. I can basically do whatever a horse can do. So I'll be a horse in this game." She smiled.
"I can telekinectically manipulate people and objects." Reiko said bluntly.
I grinned. "I may have one other person in mind. Fair warning though. He's highly annoying and I don't suggest him lightly. I'll be right back."
I walked off and wandered around looking for the idiot. Ah. There you are.
"Oi!"
The blonde turned around. "Oh! You're wanting this fabulousness? I shouldn't be surprised."
I grunted. "Only because no one else will have you, and I feel bad for you. Come on." I grabbed Aoyama and pushed him towards our group. "I have an idea for us, Frenchy, and you're going to do exactly as I say, got it?"
"You really need better nicknames for us, Kitia."
I smiled. "You're the second person to say that to me today."
We got back the girls and Aoyama flounced around introducing himself, until I clipped him in the ear.
"Settle down, Sparkles. You're going to be the rider."
The three stared at me. I held my hands up. "I have an idea, alright. Plus, I really really want to bug the shit out of Mineta."
"You're the smallest, so why aren't you going to be the rider?"
"Because the quirk I have is useless if I'm the rider, plus Sparkles' quirk would be easier to use if he's higher up. Not to mention if he uses it too much, he'll stumble and fall from pain. Am I right?"
He stared at me. "I didn't know you noticed." He grabbed my shoulders and smiled, starry eyed and tears. "You must really care about moi!"
I clipped him again. "Calm down. I'm just saying it'll be easier to use your quirk if you the rider, that's all."
"What is your quirk?"
Aoyama looked at me, waiting for my answer. I sighed and took my hair out of it's bun, shaking it out. I had fairly long, pale blue hair that reached just below my shoulders, nearly reaching the middle of my back.
"My quirk works better if my hair is loose. Don't ask me why because I have no clue. Sparkles, face away from people if you don't mind."
He was staring at me with starry eyes again. "Your hair!"
I rolled my eyes. "I'm aware, now please."
He turned away. I stared at him, my eyes flashing silver and hair lifting into the air. Aoyama's belly button lazer went off stronger than I had even seen it, causing him to fly backwards.
I laughed, holding my stomach. "That was great!"
"What did you do?!"
I looked at Pony. "My quirk is to reveal other peoples quirks. Not entirely useful except to surprise them, which is only useful if they don't expect it." I shrugged. "So, Aoyama, for the last time, you're the rider. No arguments!"
He nodded, standing up. "And my tummy doesn't hurt!"
I smiled. "That's because technically I did it, not you."
He frowned at me and went to say something, but was cut off.
"Now then, it's about time to get started!"
"Come on! Wake up, Eraser!"
I smirked. "Good-luck. Oi, Eraserhead! Nap for both of us!" I waved to my team to get ready.
"After fifteen minutes to form teams and talk strategy, the cavalry teams are lined up on the field!"
"There are some interesting teams out there."
I glanced up at the commentary box as I helped Aoyama up onto Pony's back. I wonder if Aizawa meant us, or just as a general rule?
"Now, raise those battle cries! It's time for UA's bloody battle!"
I sighed and took up my spot on the left. Pony was the head and Reiko was on the right. I looked up at Aoyama.
"You going to be ok, Sparkles?"
He grinned at me. "I'll do my best!"
I smiled at him. "That's all I ask. Everyone know the plan?"
"Try to avoid combat?" Pony asked, while smiling.
I laughed. "Exactly. People will look us and think we're easy targets, but don't do anything in a rush unless absolutely necessary, ok? I'll only use my quirk if we get crowded. We can use that as a distraction to ditch."
They all nodded, determination etched on their faces. I grinned. I certainly picked the right team.
I looked around and spotted Midoriya, Tokoyami, Ochako and Mei Hatsume not too far away. Tokoyami turned and spotted me. I smiled, but I also felt myself go slightly pink when he smiled back and nodded.
"Ooo. Now I get it."
"Huh?" I looked over at Pony.
"Now I get why you said that Bakugo isn't protective of you. It's not that Bakugo isn't protective, it's just that it's not him you like!" She grinned as I blushed harder, my eyes flickering up to Aoyama.
"Just be sure to keep that to yourself, Prancer!"
She just laughed.
"You too, Sparkles!"
"Oh, now when it comes to l-"
"I dare you to finish that sentence!"
He shut up.
"Now, Let's go! Counting down to the battle royal!"
I breathed out.
"Three.."
"Ready?"
"Two.."
"Yea!" Aoyama tied the headband to forehead loosely. I glanced around quickly, then moved my head slightly. Three almost invisible purple tendrils appeared and tightened the headband. Aoyama raised an eyebrow at me, and I just grinned and winked at him.
"One!"
Pony started to run.
"You're leading, Pony, so I hope you know what you're doing!"
She grinned, but didn't reply. I grinned too.
She jogged around the edge of the crowd, careful not to get too close to anyone. Not that anyone was worried about us anyway; they were all after Midoriya and his team.
She kept going until we got close to a team of two. Instead of speaking, she nudged Aoyama. Surprisingly, he got the hint, and reached out grabbing the headband as we went past.
"Impressive! I like your thinking!"
Pony laughed. "Thanks!"
We did this hit and run tactic a couple more times, before people became aware of what was happening and started to get shitty with us. We weren't running fast, but we still managed to keep our own headband. We got one or two extra bands stolen, but we weren't overly worried about that.
I may not have known my original number, but our total came to over 100, which to me at least, seemed impressive.
We stopped, aways from the crowd of people fighting and grabbing at each other. Pony needed a rest.
"Are you ok?"
Pony was breathing hard. "Yea. I'm fine."
"Dude, if you need to rest, we'll rest. We can't keep going if you're exhausted."
She glanced over her shoulder at me and smiled. "I just need a drink of water."
I tapped my chin and looked around. I saw a couple of drink bottles next to the wall.
"I'll be right back." I ran over and picked one up. I sipped it to may sure it was actually water. Satisfied, I ran back and helped her drink from it.
"Who's is that?" She asked, after she drank the whole thing.
I shrugged, tossing back over to it's place. "No idea."
"Fights over the headbands are breaking out all over!"
I looked up at Aoyama. "Hey, that reminds me. How many do we have?"
He counted. "Four, including our own."
I looked back at Pony. "Hows about we get one more and call it a day?"
She grinned. "Alright! Let's try!"
I glanced at Reiko and grinned. "You ready to clear a path?"
She looked at me as though was bored. "What did you have in mind?"
"Aoyama! Pick a target."
"Oh, this'll be fun! Let's see..." He looked around, then grinned. He pointed. "That one!"
I followed his finger. "Uh, are you sure?"
"Yes! You said you wanted to bug Mineta, right?"
I grinned. "And it will be a challenge...You lot up for it?"
They all nodded.
"Then let's go!"
I watched as Midoriya struggled with staying away from Tsu's long tongue and Mineta's sticky balls.
There were a few people around. I looked at Reiko.
"Ready?"
She nodded. I flashed my eyes at her as she lifted her hand at group of people near Shouji, Tsu and Mineta. I watched, fascinated, as they stopped and moved out of our way. I grinned. Brilliant.
We were right behind Shouji now. I nodded at Reiko again. This part was going to be hard.
We moved around so Reiko had a view of Mineta. She nodded to me and my eyes flashed again.
Mineta turned, eyes blank. He lifted his hands and removed a headband, handing it me. I reached forward and quickly took it, nudging Pony. She nodded and veered away from everyone.
We got as far away from everyone else as we could before we stopped. We had run this time instead of jogging, so we were all breathing heavily.
I started to laugh. "That...was...amazing!"
"Yes!"
"We do make a decent team."
"Was that a compliment, Reiko?"
She just shrugged.
"Ok, we can't put you down just yet, Sparkles, but let's just watch now."
"Agreed! We did well!"
I looked around, seeing what everyone else was up too. Midoriya's team was still running from everyone. Most everyone was after them, so there wasn't really much that was interesting.
Uh, oh. I take that back. I nudged my team mates.
"Uh, Monoma's mouthing off to Bakugo..." I glanced at Pony and Reiko. "He's gonna die, you know that right?"
We looked over as a massive red aura surrounded Bakugo. All of us had sweat appear on our heads.
"Should we help him?"
I shook my head. "Once Bakugo gets mad at you, that's it. Believe me, I should know."
"Less than half the time left!"
I sighed. "We have to keep our guard up. People will be getting desperate now."
"In this unexpected rise of class 1-B, who will wear the ten million points in the end?!"
"He froze them after Kaminari's shock stopped them. I guess it should be expected, but he took into account how a lot of people avoided it in the obstacle course."
"Nice commentary!"
I looked around. Todoroki and Midoriya were facing off on the other side of the arena. I looked around again and saw Bakugo facing off with Monoma. I shook my head and kept my eyes open for people who would think of us as easy targets. We were lucky enough to not have to use our quirks too much as it was.
"Wow! Actually watching is interesting as well!"
I smiled. "Yea, it is interesting. And it gives you a good sense of who has what quirk. Who you would mesh with, who you could win against, who you should avoid. Watching and listening is never a bad thing."
"...But unbelievably, Midoriya's been able to keep away in that cramped space for five minutes!"
I grinned. "Go team!" I laughed. "I mean, considering they're going up against Todoroki, Ashido, Sero and Kaminari, it's impressive. But then again, he does have Ochako, Mei and Tokoyami..."
Pony smiled and nudged me.
I poked my tongue out. "Shuddup."
"What happened?! So fast! So fast!"
I looked up. What? "We can't see anything! What's happening?!"
"Iida, if you could accelerate that fast, then show us in the prelims!"
"That's not helpful!" I scowled in the direction of the commentary box. "I'm going to punch that bloody idiot later! He needs to learn how to commentate properly!"
Pony laughed. Aoyama was trying to sit a little higher to see what was going on.
"The tables have turned! Offense and defense right at the edge! Reigning that in, Todoroki gets ten million!"
"Shit!"
I felt a nudge. I looked up and saw a team of three coming at us from Reiko's side. Aoyama grabbed my shoulder as we dodged out of the way.
"Damn. Literally one minute left and they decide to go at us now? Gah. Why? Effort."
Pony giggled. "It's ok. I was getting bored anyway."
I grinned. "Fair enough."
I felt a tap. "Behind us!"
"That's two..."
"Three."
I looked beside me. "Four..."
"You were right. They're desperate."
Pony stopped. "We're surrounded."
"So it seems." I muttered. "They're unsure of us, because we barely used our quirks. I wonder what would happen if we used them all at the same time..."
Pony grinned. I looked up at Aoyama, who looked nervous but gave me a shaky smile. I felt a gentle nudge from Reiko.
I grinned. "Alright. Pony, get us to the other side. Everyone else, give your all."
"What will you do?"
I tightened my grip on Reiko and Pony. "Just don't fall, Sparkles." I closed my eyes. "Three..."
"Two..."
"One..."
I snapped my eyes open. "Go!"
Pony took off, dodging around the group of four in front of us. They reached out and managed to snatch one headband.
"Keep going!"
We ran harder. We finally got half way. We wouldn't make it to the other side.
"Spin!"
Pony pivoted, spinning us around.
"Now!"
I flashed my eyes, as Aoyama and Reiko both used their quirks. I kept my eyes flashing, allowing my hair to fly around my face as though there was a strong wind.
Reiko's quirk shifted the dirt somehow, and coupled with my quirk, made it like a landslide, making them slide backwards. Aoyama's laser blasted the ground in front of them, sending them flying.
I whipped my head around, using Reiko's quirk to send the dirt up to catch them.
Midnight would disqualify us if the riders fell off their horses.
We all stopped, breathing hard.
"Well...that...was interesting..."
"What kind...of quirk is that?"
"I'll let you know...when I figure it out..." I looked up at Aoyama. He looked as though he was going to pass-out. "Hey! Sparkles! You good? How many bands we have left?"
"Uh..." He touched his head. "Two..."
I shrugged. "Oh well. They did well. Sneaky shits!"
"He's wrested away the top spot from Midoriya, who was running away like crazy! Will these be the top four teams to move onto the next round?!"
We trotted around trying to keep away from everyone else.
"Ugh, I hate this! All I wanted was a nap, man!"
Pony laughed. "You'll have plenty of time to nap after this."
"I better! Or I'll make time."
"...He took two! Team Bakugo seizes two headbands to move to third place!"
I grinned. "I'm surprised he's not in second or first."
"The rankings keep changing in the final stages! It's the passion of youth!"
I sweat-dropped and bit my tongue. If I said something, I could imagine Aizawa smacking me in the head.
"Isn't it a bit out of your league, Loud Mouth?!"
"Hey!"
"...You're in trouble..."
I grinned. "Worth it. Totally worth it."
"Class 1-B's strategy was certainly reasonable and good."
I gave Pony a quizzical look.
She smiled. "Nothing serious. Friendly competition."
I shrugged. "We're on the same team anyway."
"But there's one thing that's unfortunate...You didn't take the difference in tenacity into consideration, did you?"
"Bakugo is merciless! If he's gonna do it, he's gonna be thorough!"
"Hey guys. We can stop now."
Pony slowed down and stopped. "Oh, good."
"He's, you know, a perfectionist!"
"Antagonist, more like." I smirked.
"Now, there's only seconds left!"
"I wonder if anyone noticed what we did?"
"Probably a few from the crowds closest to us, but most of the cameras are focused on Team Todoroki and Team Midoriya. Sorry guys, but I doubt anyone gave us a second glance."
"What was that anyway? I thought you said your quirk was revealing other quirks."
I shrugged. "I honestly have never done that before. Maybe it's a part of my reveal quirk? To enhance quirks. I'm not sure."
"It felt like you shared my quirk, as well as enhanced it."
I glanced at Reiko and tapped my chin. "Possibly. I did feel something. I will have to practice more to see."
"With just eleven seconds left, there's an angry retrieval here, too! Oh, no! Team Midoriya didn't retrieve the ten million points! Time's just about up! Start the countdown!"
The screen showed ten seconds. I looked around. Nobody else dared to come near us, by the looks of things.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Time's up!"
I grinned. "Nap-time!"
Pony laughed and Reiko shook her head.
"Uh, Kitia? Can you help me down?"
I looked at the other two girls. Pony grinned and Reiko nodded. We all let go and Aoyama fell to the ground.
I laughed. "Sorry, Sparkles. Couldn't resist."
"I'm starting to see why Todoroki hates you."
I slapped his head. "Hold your tongue. He doesn't hate me. He just says he does. I'm the one who hates him. He's a jerk." I held my hand out and helped him up. "How many bands again?"
He pulled off the bands. "Two."
"Three."
"Huh?"
We looked at Reiko. She was pointing to my arm. I looked down.
"Oh! That's right! I forgot to give you this one."
"That's the end of the second round, the cavalry battle! Now, let's take a look at the top four teams! In first place, Team Todoroki!"
I rolled my eyes. "Great. As if he's not all high and mighty already."
"In second place, Team Bakugo!"
"Called it."
"In third place, Tetsute-huh? What, it's Team Shinso?!"
"Shinso? Where have I heard that name before?" I looked around. My face went dark. "Seriously?! This guy?!"
"When did you come from behind?! In fourth place, Team Midoriya!"
I relaxed and turned to my team. "You ok with how we did?"
Pony smiled and nodded, Reiko just shrugged and Aoyama started speeling on about being fabulous again. I rolled my eyes, but let him have his moment.
"These four teams will advance to the final round! Now, we'll take an hour's break for lunch before we start the afternoon's festivities! Hey, Eraserhead, let's grab some food."
"I'm going to sleep."
"Same."
"But first, I have a student to deal with."
"Crap."
