EmberSunblaze: Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday! Sorry about the wait for this chapter, work and out of state trips have kept me quite busy, but I'm hoping to get a little more writing time in the next few weeks. Once again I hit my usual 11-15 page limit before even getting half of what I wanted to write in this chapter -_-' But I am happy with the stopping point for this chapter and am excited to write what's coming next ^^ So without further ado, please enjoy chapter 8! And please, please, please review! I love reading the comments!

Chapter 8: The Oddities

As one would guess, Bakugo did mind and he made a point to say so. "What the hell do you want?! He snarled, shooting an annoyed glare at an approaching Todoroki. Kirishima and Kaminari also turned his way, both with broad grins.

"Hey! It's Todoroki!" Kaminari exclaimed,

"Already done with your game?" Kirishima asked curiously.

"We didn't get to play due to my skills not being on par with the rest of the players." Todoroki explained bluntly.

"Dude, seriously?" Kaminari questioned amusedly. "You? You've got to be joking!"

"There is no joke. I couldn't even serve the ball over the net."

Kaminari gaped, while Kirishima gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, even the manliest men have some sort of weakness! Plus we can help you out."

"Actually, Yaoyorozu already…"

"HEY STOP IGNORING MY QUESTION!" Bakugo shouted angrily, cutting into their conversation.

Todoroki turned to Bakugo, blue gaze apologetic. "Sorry, since the games are over I thought I could come join you guys."

"Don't think just because you suck at hitting a damn ball that you can just waltz right over here! You've got some nerve!"

"I apologize if that was assumptious of me. I assumed since we're friends it would be okay."

"IN WHAT WORLD ARE WE FRIENDS!?"

"Come on, Bakugo." Kirishima said, stepping in. "The more, the merrier right? Besides, it's not like we're making much progress."

"Or any progress." Kaminari muttered, cleaning his ear boredly.

"What exactly are you doing?" Todoroki asked.

Before answering, Kirishima took a quick glance at Bakugo who tched in annoyance. "Tch! Might as well tell him. Not like the bastards going anywhere."

Kirishima grinned, invigorated by the new addition to their group. "Awesome! Good to have you on board!" He exclaimed, giving Todoroki a hearty pat on the back. "As you can probably tell, we're really just exploring the water's here. Bakugo thinks that whatever took those teens is probably most likely aquatic based."

Todoroki nodded at this. "Yes, Midoriya seemed to come to the same conclusion earlier."

"NO ONE ASKED WHAT DEKU THOUGHT!" Bakugo roared, enraged at the mere mention that he and his rival would have similar thoughts on anything.

"So based on that theory, I'm assuming you are trying to lure whatever took them out?" Todoroki questioned, ignoring his friend's outburst. "Is that correct?"

"More or less." Kirishima nodded.

"More on the less than the more." Kaminari added.

"If you extras are going to just chit chat like a bunch of old hags, I'm going ahead!" Bakugo growled, turning his back to them.

The three boys followed behind, with Kaminari sighing sadly. "You know this beach trip isn't at all what I was chalking it up to be."

"True, I too was not expecting this to be a secret assignment." Todoroki added.

"No, not that part!" Kaminari complained, raising his arms. "I mean that I was expecting to be soaking up sun and bikinis and here I am wading through the ocean with a bunch of dudes! My youth is being wasted here!"

"Come on dude, it's not that bad." Kirishima soothed, always the upbeat man. "We did get to hang with the girls a bit while playing volleyball."

This seemed to drop Kaminari's mood even more as he muttered a dejected, "Don't remind me. My nipples are still tingling from Jiro's attack."

Kirishima chuckled. "You did sort of tackle her."

"Hey! I tripped! And it was because I saw something suspicious!"

"What did you see?" Todoroki asked.

Kaminari grimaced, looking uncomfortable. "It's…it's not important! Anyways…" He said, changing the subject. "Do you guys think this is really going to work? I mean what if something really does come from underneath us and drags us into the ocean?" A look of fear crossed his face. "What if whatever is attacking those guys is some sort of creature. Like a half shark man!"

"Then we just kick it's ass!" Kirishima answered in his straightforward style. "That's what we're here to do right?"

"Easy for you to say!" Kaminari retorted. "My quirk would be useless here in the ocean. I'll just be shocking every living thing in the area!"

"Guess that's true." Kirishima agreed. "But you have your buddies here to bail you out!" When Kaminari still didn't seem convinced, he added. "If it makes you feel better, we can go by horror movie logic. They say that in horror movies, nothing bad ever happens to virgins."

Kaminari's eyes brightened. "Dude, you're right! That means I'm safe!" A few seconds passed before this enthusiasm once again died as he processed what that meant. "Damn…I guess I am safe… what about you?"

Kirishima gave his signature thumbs up, with an added sparkle. "Totally safe!"

"Dude, I don't think that's the face you should be making…." was Kaminari's deadpan response.

"What about you, Todoroki?" The electric teen asked, glancing over his shoulder. It was no hidden secret that all the girls in the class found the ace in the class attractive. It would be no surprise if he had some experience under his belt.

Todoroki blinked, considering the question. Both Kirishima and Kaminari seemed to be on the edge of their seats as he finally answered. "I feel like we are never really safe in our line of work." Both boys stared, mouths slightly agape as they tried to dissect that answer.

Kirishima turned to Bakugo, who was still wading a few feet ahead of them. "What about you Bakugo? Are you safe or not?"

"I'M ALWAYS SAFE!" Was his blunt response, as if they were crazy to even ask.

Kirishima and Kaminari turned to each other, sighing in unison as they came to the same exact conclusion. "These guys have no idea what we're talking about….." They both paused as Bakugo gave them an annoyed glare.

"You extras! We're not getting anywhere with you two windpipes wasting oxygen back there!"" He growled, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You two obviously don't look vulnerable enough." Without warning, he pushed their heads under the water. "Get down there and act like you're having fun!"

They both pushed up, gulping for air. "Dude! In what world is that considered fun?" Kaminari snapped, blond bangs still dripping.

"I enjoyed myself." Bakugo replied, with a slight smirk.

Kirishima was also moving his now drenched hair out of his face. Surprisingly he said, "Let's give it another go. Maybe whatever's abducted those students only attacks when someone's totally submerged?"

Kaminari sighed. "Fine! But if we're doing this we're going do it the right way!" He pointed a challenging finger at Kirishima. "Bet you I can hold my breath underwater longer than you!"

Kirishima grinned. "You're on!"

"One!" Kaminari began.

"Two!" Kirishima counted.

"JUST GET UNDER ALREADY!" Bakugo roared, pushing both of them down roughly. The water churned for a bit before settling as the boys underneath took to their challenge seriously. Bakugo stood back, arms folded over his chest crossly as he eyed the spot that they disappeared under like a hawk. Todoroki settled next to him.

A silence fell between the two as they waited, keeping eye on the surrounding waters. After a few moments Todoroki asked, "So what do you usually do for fun at the beach?"

"I don't do fun." Was Bakugo's terse reply.

Todoroki gave an understanding nod, which Bakugo found extremely annoying. "Hmmm, I guess you and I are in similar predicaments. Though I did find volleyball enjoyable."

"Don't talk to me about that sorry excuse for a game!" Bakugo snapped.

"Sorry….don't you think they've been under for quite a bit?"

"Idiots don't need as much oxygen as normal people."

"You're not holding them down are you?"

"DO I LOOK LIKE I'M HOLDING THEM DOWN?!"

"Did you hear something?" Todoroki asked, once again ignoring his friend's outburst. His blue gaze swept the water, but didn't see anything amiss. "Strange…I know I heard something. Was it just the waves?" His thoughts were interrupted by Bakugo.

"I'm going to the restroom." He suddenly announced, voice sounding rather quiet compared to his usual tone.

"Okay." Todoroki replied, just as Kaminari and Kirishima's heads burst from the water, gasping for air. They instantly turned to Todoroki and Bakugo, the flames of competition still flaring.

"Hey! Tell us who came up first!"

"It was me right? Tell Kirishima I won!"

"What no way! I…"

The sounds of their loud bickering abruptly ceased. Todoroki watched as a sudden strained look came upon both Kirishima and Kaminari's faces at the same time. "Are you two okay?"

In unison they nodded, with Kirishima simply saying. "Going to the restroom."

"Me too." Kaminari added. The two fell behind Bakugo, who was already starting to wade away.

Todoroki stared. Was it normal for friends to suddenly have to all use the restroom at the same time? Was this a social cue that his older sister had failed to teach him about? Could they possibly be ill? Either way it all seemed a little odd.

"Guess I'll just go back to the beach with them." Todoroki thought, wading past Bakugo who remained silent. Todoroki froze, staring at the retreating back of his friend.

"Yes….something was definitely odd."

"Uhhh, where did everyone go?"

Midoriya's question made Uraraka also look around the now deserted court curiously. Midoriya was right, everyone had disappeared. "That's strange. Weren't Momo and Todoroki still practicing?"

"We must have missed them leaving while we were talking." Midoriya stated, scratching his head dubiously.

"Guess you're right." Uraraka agreed, peering out at the waves where she could just make out the girls of Class 1-A splashing around in the water. Her cheeks puffed out in annoyance. "Hey! Why didn't they tell me they were going swimming!?"

Of course, she could already imagine Mina's teasing reply. "Sorry! I didn't want to interrupt your flirting session with Midoriya!"

"Yeah…that would be Mina…." Uraraka muttered to herself with a blush. She blinked, suddenly realizing that Tsuyu wasn't amongst their group either. "Is she still with Iida? I should really check on her." She hadn't expected her friend to be gone this long. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, feeling a tug of worry.

"Hey, Uraraka! I was thinking of checking up with Iida." Midoriya said, interrupting her thoughts. "Want to come too?"

"I was actually thinking of doing the same with Tsuyu as well." Uraraka chirped, adding, "Think they're still together?"

"Maybe." Midoriya replied, as the two fell into step. "It's strange, I wonder what kind of problem she needed Iida's help with? It's kind of strange for Tsuyu to ask anyone for help to begin with."

Uraraka glanced to the side guiltily. "Yeah…super strange."

"Oh yoohoo! Uraraka!"

Both Uraraka and Midoriya paused, glancing over and spotting Aoyama luxuriously sunbathing, in a folded out chair. With pointy red shades adoring his face and a hand that lazily held a fruity concoction contained in a hollowed out pineapple, he was the embodiment of vacation mode. He waved a hand merrily at the couple, causing Uraraka to pale.

"Looks like you're being beckoned." Midorya teased lightly until he caught sight of Uraraka's not-too-happy expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Talking with Aoyama can be a little bit….draining." Truthfully, Uraraka had been avoiding being alone with the sparkling teen since he so smoothly pointed out her developing romantic feelings towards Midoriya, a fact Ochako herself had not yet realized. Thinking back on that moment of clarity and utter mortification just made her want to ball up and float away in embarrassment.

Luckily, Midoriya was quite unaware of her dilemma, chuckling as he replied. "Yeah, I get you. Aoyama can be a bit eccentric but I think I've gotten used to his mannerisms. If you want I can join you?"

"Absolutely not!" Uraraka answered immediately, hands waving frantically as she fought down panic. "I mean… I'll be okay, thanks!" That last thing she needed was for Aoyama to tease her about her crush right in front of Deku himself!

Midoriya's eyes widened at the sudden outburst and Uraraka was sure she saw a flash of hurt in their depths until it quickly disappeared behind a forced grin. "Oh, okay. I guess I'll see you later then."

Uraraka felt like kicking herself. "This is just like before at the mall!" She cursed inwardly. "Ochako, why do you always sound like a total spazz when you get embarrassed?!" In her desperation she reached out grabbing Midoriya's hand. "Wait, Deku!"

Midoriya froze, staring down at his hand trapped in Uraraka's grasp. With utmost embarrassment, she let go, hiding both hands behind her back as she carefully dragged out her words while trying to push down the blush that threatened to overtake her. "Before you go I just wanted to let you know that…I…I really enjoyed playing with you today." She glanced up at him shly, hoping she was getting her feelings across. "It was fun!"

For several heartbeats, all Midoriya could do was stare down at her in surprise before the shock from before melted into a warm gaze that made Uraraka's heart skip a beat. His green eyes met hers as he replied. "Yeah I had fun too. Let's meet up later okay?"

Uraraka nodded, giving a small wave as he turned away. Once he was out of earshot, a relieved sigh escaped her lips. "I'm glad he seemed happy." Uraraka beamed, hopeful she had recovered from her blunder. The goofy smile was still plastered on her face as she approached Aoyama who had watched the exchange from afar, his knowing look hidden under his shades.

Uraraka came out of her happy trance as a soda can was tossed her way. She instinctively caught it. She turned it around, reading aloud. "Eau Gazeuse?"

"Sparkling water straight from Paris!" Aoyama translated with a friendly wink. "A gift for the Mademoiselle for your triumphant victory. I must say it was quite a dazzling performance."

"Uh, thanks." Uraraka replied, wondering just how much money it took to import such a drink all the way to Japan.

"I must say you and Midoriya made quite a pair." He continued with elegant flourish. "Even from here I could see the radiance of your comradery truly outshone your opponents. The teamwork demonstrated between the two of you was so bright even I was blinded!"

"Yeah…..Aoyama is that glitter in your lotion?" Uraraka asked, completely ignoring his compliments as she watched his chest twinkling in the sun's rays.

"Oui! One must shine even when relaxing!"

"If you say so." Uraraka replied, taking a sip from the can to hide her amusement. It was at that precise moment, Aoyama decided to casually ask.

"So are you planning on confessing to Midoriya today?"

"PFFFFFFFFTT!" Expensive, sparkling water spewed from Uraraka's mouth. This time it was Aoyama who looked amused.

"Awww I knew that water would come in handy." He commented, dapping away a tear of mirth with a dainty handkerchief. "Your reactions are forever amusing!"

"That's a horrible way to waste water!" Uraraka yelled, face burning.

"Says the one who spit it out." Aoyama replied back coolly, causing Uraraka to grumble.

"Geez, Aoyama, why would you ask such a random thing anyway!"

The blonde gave a confused tilt of the head. "Random? Is it not customary for Japanese high schoolers to confess their feelings to one another in school trip settings?"

"No! Yes! I don't know!"This has nothing to do with me! " The poor girl waved her hands in a fluster, blood pressure soaring. "Besides, it's not like we're on a real school trip! We're supposed to be looking for missing teens!"

"Pardon? I believe the words of our mentors were to have fun." Aoyama replied with a dismissive flick of his hand. "Anything after that is completely irrelevant." He stretched lazily as he added. "If I've learned one thing from being in the hellish school it's that days of bliss like this don't come by too often. I, for one, tend to make the most out of it. I suggest you do the same!" He exclaimed with a sidelong glance in her direction.

"We're having fun!" Uraraka protested, motioning towards the volleyball court.

"You know what I mean."

Uraraka reddened, crossing her arms into an X formation. "No! No! Denied! Not happening! Sorry but I already decided I need to focus on becoming a pro hero before I even think about any of that! Why are you even concerned about this?!"

"Oh it's not you I'm concerned about, mademoiselle." Aoyama said with a look of surprise. "No, it's my dear Midoriya I'm rooting for! With both of us stricken with the burdens of our disastrous quirks, my only wish is to see my friend find happiness. You're just a side party to all this. A stepping stone if you will."

"I…see." Was the only thing Uraraka could think of to say.

"Now go! Present yourself to Midoriya!" Aoyama declared, dismissing her with a flair of a noble aristocrat. "If not in a confession, then at least an invitation for a swim together!"

"Uh, sure?" She walked away in a daze, with the feeling of being verbally knocked over the head. Once again she felt that talking with Aoyama was a strain on her mental state. But as she got further away, she slowly let a smile return to her face.

"Despite his weird speech, he is right. Maybe I should ask Midoriya for a swim!" The girls were already out enjoying themselves and with sand still sticking to her sweaty skin, a dip in the cool water sounded like heaven. She glanced up, shielding her eyes from the sun as the ocean breeze blew through her hair. "Aoyama's also right about one thing. Blissful days like this don't come very often."

Of course, the day was also just beginning…

"Hey, Iida!" Midoriya called out, waving as he approached his bespectacled classmate.

Iida glanced up from his work, smiling as his friend's approach. "Midoriya! How was volleyball? I assume you and Uraraka were victorious?"

"Well funny story, we…" Midoriya paused, mouth agape as he observed a number of his classmates in full on construction mode on an enormous sand castle. The castle itself was still in the early stages, with only large towers distinguishing it from plain sand hills. While Koda was hunched over, steadily digging out a trench around the structure with casts of crabs assisting him, Sero and Sato stood nose to nose in a very heated debate. For some reason, Shoji and Ojiro had also been roped into the unusual project and were listening to the debate with interest.

"Uhhh Iida?" Midoriya asked, staring at the scene before him. "What's going on?"

"Isn't our sand castle exceptional?!" Iida exclaimed, practically bursting with pride. "The class has really come together to create a true work of art! This is an example of teamwork at its finest!"

"It's definitely impressive!" Midoriya agreed, noticing Shoji and Ojiro's continued walks back and forth to the ocean to bring back water to wet the sand around the structure. His gaze wandered to the rest of the party. "Hey Iida wasn't Tsuyu with you earlier?"

Iida nodded. "She was. She's patrolling the waters at the moment for any suspicious activities. My orders are to stay near the shore so she can signal to me if something goes amiss so I can instantly notify the teachers." He spread his arms towards the group. "So while I am here, I found myself also assisting Koda here with building a structure for his crab friends! Productivity at its finest!"

"I see." Midoriya replied, with a glance towards the water. "I wonder if Tsuyu found any clues? I'll have to let Uraraka know that's where she went." Before he could say more, their conversation was interrupted by the squabble between Sero and Sato as it escalated.

"I told you! If we're going to waste our time over building this useless castle we should at least go for the ultra famous Taj Mahal design!" Sero said, pulling out his phone and zooming in on the iconic structure based in India. "It's unique and way cooler than some lame ass normie castle!"

"Normie? I think you mean traditional!" Sato argued, also pulling out his phone and zooming in on a gothic style structure. "And what's wrong with going with the Scone Palace design? European designs are awesome and this particular palace actually hosted the Great British Baking Show!"

"That design seems a little colonialistic, don't you think?" Sero critiqued

"Isn't that palace made by a super rich King?" Sato replied in a dead tone.

"For his dead wife!"

"Now, now! As A-1's Class President I can not let a feud start between classmates!" Iida declared, stepping in. "When it comes to architectural designs, there is an abundance to choose from!" Pulling out his own phone, he instantly pulled up a top contender. "Allow me to introduce to you the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat A.K.A The Grand Palace!" Both Sero and Sato gaped at the exquisite gold palace as Iida explained. "Set in Bangkok, Thailand this structure was constructed by two British architects giving it a natural blend of traditional Thai and 19th century European architecture! A perfect combination!" Sero and Sato glanced at each other, nodding in agreement.

"Okay! I'm in!" Sato said, satisfied with the design.

"Yeah! Let's get building!" Sero exclaimed, his usual grin spread wide.

"Excellent! Plus Ultra everyone!" Iida said, fist rising as the group cheered.

Midoriya watched the display, lips twitching in bemusement. Seeing that his friend had his hands full he decided it best to slowly back away in case he too was dragged into their construction project. "I wonder if Uraraka is still with Aoyama?" He wondered, thinking he should let her know about her friend in case she was worried. But before he could head in that direction, he noticed Todoroki quietly approaching from the shore, his face bearing a thoughtful expression.

"Hey, Todoroki! What's up? Been having fun in the water?" Midoriya asked, noticing Todoroki's hair was still wet from the swim.

"Not particularly." Was Todoroki's usual honest response. "I was mostly tagging along with Bakugo, Kirishima and Kaminari. They seemed kind of odd."

"Odd? What do you mean?" Midoriya asked, curiosity perked.

"All three of them seemed to have the sudden urge to go to the restroom at the same time."

"That's a little unusual but could also just be something they ate." Midoriya replied, holding his chin in thought. "Of course, I know a lot of times groups will make similar excuses as ways to exclude someone." As these words left his lips, he missed the look of utter dismay that crossed Todoroki's face. Midoriya continued, "But knowing Bakugo, he would just tell someone to get lost rather than go the backhanded way of doing things." A sigh of relief escaped from Todoroki as Midoriya lifted his head to face him. "Was there any other strange behavior you noticed?"

Todoroki nodded. "Yes. For a brief moment in the water, I was able to swim ahead of Bakugo."

Midoriya waited. "...and?"

"Bakugo didn't say anything."

"Huh?"

Using his usual deadpan voice, Todoroki explained, "Usually if I so much as walk an inch ahead of Bakugo he reacts by saying: Walk behind me you half-half bastard! Or something similar. Having no reaction has me concerned." He faced Midoriya, gaze serious as he continued. "The only logical explanation I could think of his that Bakugo may be seriously ill, maybe even dying."

"Let's not go that far!' Midoriya exclaimed, more worried that Todoroki could jump to that conclusion so quickly. "But I do have to agree with you. In Bakugo standards, that is quite odd. Is he still in the bathroom with Kirishima and Kaminari?"

Todoroki nodded. "I thought it might be rude to intrude if they were ill so I stayed out here."

"Let's go check on them then!"

They soon arrived at the shack where they had changed into their swim trunks earlier in the day. Inside, they could see a few empty stalls with half open doors. A quick survey of the rest of the room showed it was completely deserted. Now feeling anxious, the pair hurried out and scanned the beach. A sigh of relief escaped Midoriya as he spotted the three teens back in the ocean.

"They must be feeling fine now." Midoriya said with a relieved sigh. He turned to Todoroki and found his friend staring off not at the Bakugo and the gang, but towards the rocky output near the North end of the beach. "What is it?" Midoriya asked, following his gaze.

"There's an old man over there." Todoroki stated, pointing at a lone figure sitting amongst the boulders. "Didn't we determine that area would be too dangerous for anyone to wander into?"

Midoriya squinted his eyes, focusing in. "Yeah for students taking trips here to the beach. But if that man is a native here, I'm sure he's used to the area."

"He has a fishing rod." Todoroki observed, noticing the long rod stuck between two rocks. "If he comes to the beach regularly to fish, then he may have been around during one of the days when the students were taken."

"Ah good point! We should probably go ask him some questions!"

"I'll head that way." Todoroki said, already moving towards the rocks.

"I'll join you in a sec!" Midoriya called out. "I need to let Uraraka know something first!"

"Understood." Todoroki replied, turning away.

Midoriya felt his spirits rise in hopes that this old man could lead to some new information on the cases. "Any small detail could prove helpful." Midoriya thought determinedly. He was so focused on the task ahead he almost missed the small shadow figure that suddenly appeared before him.

"Midoriya!" Dark Shadow cried, causing the teen to yelp in surprise.

"Dark Shadow!" Tokoyami's stern voice called out from around the corner of the building. "You're far too loud."

"Sorry!" The shadow teased, moving back towards his partner. Midoriya peeked around the corner, spying Tokoyami crouching in the shadows of some palm trees that stood near the changing shack. The bird-faced teen motioned for Midoriya to join him.

Curious, Midoriya joined his classmate in the shade of the trees. "Everything okay, Tokoyami?"

"I understand you and Todoroki were checking in on Bakugo in the changing rooms?" Tokoyami asked, staring intently at Midoriya. "Am I correct?"

"Yeah." Midoriya answered, confused at the question. "Todoroki thought he seemed odd, so we wanted to check on him. But we just saw him, Kirishima, and Kaminari in the water so he's probably okay."

"He is definitely not okay!" Dark Shadow exclaimed excitedly, bursting from Tokoyami's dark hoodie that he wore. Tokoyami once again sent him a stern glare.

"Too loud!" Tokoyami growled, causing the shadow to snicker. "Apologies." Tokoyami said with a reserved sigh. "We do not come to the beach often so Dark Shadow is a little more giddy than usual."

"What do you mean he's not okay?" Midoriya asked, frowning.

Tokoyama tone darkened. "Being a creature of darkness, I find too much sunlight very irritable to my skin. Thus Dark Shadow and I have been spending our time here amongst the shade. It was here we saw Bakugo and his gang entering and exiting the changing rooms. It was Dark Shadow who notified me of a difference in their appearance."

"Their appearance?"

"Their eyes!" Dark Shadow piped up, not able to contain himself. Tokoyami nodded.

"Yes, their eyes." He explained in a low tone. "All three had eyes that were completely bloodshot and they had a look of intense pain upon their faces."

"Not normal!" Dark Shadow added.

"Indeed." Tokoyami agreed with a deep nod. "Definitely not normal. The aura surrounding them was very off putting. Since you and Bakugo have a history, I wanted to let you know and acquire your input."

"Hmmm, that is strange." Midoriya agreed, brows furrowed in deep concern. "I think it's best to confront Bakugo before we consult the teachers. It may not be anything for them to be concerned about."

"Then Dark Shadow and I will join you." Tokoyami said, as Dark Shadow gave a happy cheer. "I would be uneasy sending you off alone if something really was wrong."

"You really don't have to." Midoriya replied with an uneasy smile. "I know you prefer not being in the heat."

"It's fine." Tokoyami said with a defeated sigh. "Dark Shadow has been pouting to go in the water since we arrived."

"Swimming! Swimming! We're finally going swimming!" Dark Shadow sang, setting a festive straw hat on top of his head.

"He just doesn't understand how hard it is for feathers to get dry." Tokoyami muttered, causing Midoriya to chuckle.

"The water isn't very deep here so you should be able to keep your head dry!" Midoriya explained, as their feet entered the waves. The sea breeze whipped along their faces, blowing a sweet melody their way.

"What's that sound?" Tokoyami questioned before his eyes suddenly went blank, body pausing in the waves.

"Tokoyami? Did you say something…" It was then that the melody found its way to Midoriya's ears. Just like Tokoyami, his body froze. For a moment the two stood there, the waves lapping their feet as Dark Shadow continued to sing merrily over their heads.

"Swimming! Swimming! Swim…." Dark Shadow paused mid sentence, his happy demeanor fading as if a veil had fallen over him. "Pretty voice…" He mumbled dreamily, before returning to Tokoyami's body without another word.

Silently the two boys turned away from the ocean, heading back towards the changing shack. It was at that moment, a bright eyed Uraraka came bounding over towards Midoriya.

"Hey, there you are!" Uraraka exclaimed, beaming. "I didn't see you with Iida so I got worried." So paused a few feet away as Midoriya and Tokoyami steadily approached. "I heard that Tsuyu was out swimming." She blushed slightly as she continued in one quick breath. "So I was wondering if you would want to go swimming together too?!"

"No."

He answered in a voice that was much harsher than usual, its tone cutting right through her. Uraraka froze, as both he and Tokoyami walked past without giving her a second glance. She whipped around, watching Midoriya's retreating back with her heart thumping hard against her chest as she tried to wrap her head around what had just occurred.