Sent From Above: An Iida Romance

Chapter 11: Battle it Out

Everybody gathered around in the middle of the arena waiting for the next part of the Festival. Ms. Midnight stepped onto the stage as the screen above her revealed the results.

"Only the top 42 will advance to the next round, but don't be too lucked out if you didn't make the cut. Now the real fun is about to begin! The chance to fully move yourselves into the limelight! Give it your best!", she yelled. I was getting nervous since I made first place. Everyone seemed to envy me and my skills, but I knew that I had to fight even harder to stay at the top. Ms. Midnight cracked her whip to get everyone's attention.

"Let's see what we have in store for you next. Prepare yourselves for the Calvary Battle!", she said. Everyone looked somewhat stunned and confused. Some were contemplating how this round would work.

"Allow me to explain. The participants will form teams of 2 to 6 people as they see fit. In theory, it's basically the same as a regular playground game, but there is one difference. Each player has been assigned a point value based on the results from the obstacle course. Now, the point's assignments  go up by increments of five starting from the bottom. for example, 42nd place is worth 5 points and 41st is worth 10. and the point value assigned to the first place contestant is 10 million!", Ms. Midnight announced. I swallowed hard. Everyone turned to me with an evil look.

"Really?", said the sleepy guy.

"In other words, if you take down her team, the other teams have a shot at winning the Calvary Battle!", a pink-haired girl with goggles said. I got even more scared. I had to come up with a good strategy in order to defeat the other teams.

"First years, these are the rules you abide by: the game itself will last 15 minutes. Individual point values will be added together to reach your team totals. Everyone will know how much your worth thanks to your headbands. Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team's score. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up, so the more you steal, the harder it will be to manage them. And another thing, even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing until time's up. This is going to be rough, so you may use your quirks as much as you like, but there are still rules. Make a team fall on purpose and you'll be disqualified. You have 15 minutes to build your teams, and I suggest you get started.", she said.

I started strategizing a plan. Since I have so many points all I need is the right teammates to win this. I looked around to see who was available. Everyone was chatting amongst themselves, learning each others quirks. Kirishima was trying to team up with Bakugo while Mineta was attempting to convince Shoji to partner with him. It seemed like everyone was sticking with their own classes. I noticed Deku and Ochaco together. Perfect! Just who I need for a team! I thought. I walked up to them with confidence.

"Hey, guys! Mind if I join your team?", I asked.

"That would be great to have you as our defense!", Deku said.

"Yeah! Deku already has a plan ready. Plus, we get to compete together as friends!", Ochaco exclaimed. I seen Iida by himself, so I decided to ask him to team up with us.

"Hey, Iida! You wanna join my team? I think we'll work great together!", I said.

"Yes, indeed it is a good strategy, but I must decline your offer to join your team. Please don't take this as an insult, Moeru. You're a great friend, but it's still a competition. I've already lost to you once. We may be classmates, but you are still my rival. I will do my best to defeat you.", Iida stated. I was shocked. If Tensei was here, he would be, too. But Iida was right about one thing: this was still a competition, and if he wants to fight me, I'll fight back even harder. I nodded my head at him and turned away to rejoin Deku and Ochaco. The pink-haired girl approached us in her rocket boots.