Stuck Between Realities-Remastered

Part 16~Starting the Festival

Izuku walked to the back of the classroom, hiding his laugh as the other members of the class reacted to the hordes of students standing outside.

Katsuki scowled, pushing through the students. "Scoping out the competition huh, we're the kids who survived a villain attack. Makes sense they'd want a look before the sports festival. No point though, if you don't believe you can beat us without info then you don't have a chance. So either stand aside or become cannon fodder," Katsuki glared the students down as Hitoshi shouted across the classroom.

"Can we please not resort to calling those we don't even know 'cannon fodder'?"

"Call them bast-" Izuku got slapped before he could finish.

"It's true we came to get a look but you sure are modest," A voice drawled out as Hitoshi and Izuku swore together. "Are all the kids in the hero course like this one? Gotta say I'm a little disappointed if this what you're offering."

The tiny man with purple balls on his head continued to glare at the students.

"I think he's bitter," Izuku laughed at Hitoshi, who just rolled his eyes.

"Those of us who didn't make the hero course are stuck in the general studies and the other tracks. There's quite a few of us. Did you know that depending on the results of this sports festival, they might consider transferring us to the hero course? I understand the reverse is also for you. Are you scoping out the competition? For a general studies kid like me, that'll be the perfect chance to knock you off your pedestal. Consider this a declaration of war."

Izuku snickered to himself. "It would be scarier if you weren't a foot tall."

Mineta glared at Izuku before he gasped. "It's you. You're the green-haired kid hanging out with that teacher."

"And you're the pervert I tried to blacklist. I hope he hasn't been causing you any trouble?" The other members of his class avoided Izuku's question. "Well, that's my answer. I wonder if you cause enough trouble at the festival, Shota will finally expel you." Izuku grinned as Hitoshi stepped between them.

"Let's just go. This perv isn't worth our time."

"And that's the teacher's son. No surprise he got into the class." Mineta glared at Hitoshi as Izuku grabbed him, pulling him along before Hitoshi could retort.

"Hey, I'm from Class 1-B next door! Heard you guys thought of some villains. Wanted to find out more, but all I'm seeing is this arrogant bastard and a fake. You better not make fools of the hero course at this thing," Tetsutetsu screamed as Izuku laughed.

"No worries Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu. We're not planning on it." Izuku pushed both Hitoshi and Katsuki through the crowd and glaring at all the people screaming at them. "If you weren't blocking the corridor, we wouldn't have to push our way through. Stop complaining and get a life."

~~~

The days passed, and the long-awaited day had come.

"This security check is taking forever, no helping it. They're on guard after that villain attack. And a lot of people are speaking out against the event this year. Controversy means a higher rating for us. And at the centre of it all, class 1A," a reporter announced, speaking into the camera.

"Given that they always put their experience to good strategic use and give it their all for this last chance, the third-years usually take centre stage. But all eyes are on the first-years this time around. I would have liked to do some scouting of my own," Kamui Woods muttered to Vlad King and Mt. Lady.

"Whaddya gonna do. They asked us to take security details," Vlad King announced, walking around the crowd.

"Looks like they called in pro heroes from all over the country." Mt. Lady frowned, looking around the school grounds before they moved along.

~~~

"It's gonna be weird without you in the commentator box," Emiko muttered to herself as she and Izuku walked around the school.

"It won't be that odd. I'll still be screaming at you from the sidelines." Izuku grinned as Emiko rolled her eyes. "Did you hear anything from Charlie?"

"She's your friend. Wouldn't she contact you first?"

Izuku grinned. "I think we both know you two talk way more often than I and Charlie do- and that's a lot anyway."

Emiko avoided Izuku's smug gaze as he put his hands behind his head. "So, heard anything?"

"Nothing about the villains. Apparently, they have a lead, but it's too soon to know for certain."

"Disappointing. She told me she's gonna try and come up when she's got more info. It'll be great to see her again."

"If she doesn't get arrested."

The two laughed before they stopped. The students gathered in separate rooms.

"Good luck. Don't fall flat on your face," Emiko laughed as Izuku stuck out his tongue before running off.

~~~

"Is everyone good and ready? The event's about to begin," Iida screamed, running around and just being loud.

Izuku listened to the students talking about their hero costumes, the sports festival, or even being scouted.

"Midoriya." Izuku jumped back, about to kick Todoroki before calming down, much to Hitoshi's amusement.

"Todoroki, what is it?"

" Objectively speaking, I'm stronger than you. More capable."

Izuku raised his eyebrow, rolling his eyes. "Okay?"

"All Might's got his eye on you, doesn't he?"

"He does?" Izuku blinked in surprise before gulping in fear. Something told him that had to do with the conversation he overheard.

"Now, I'm not about to pry into why that is, but I will beat you."

Izuku was too distracted, not even realising what was going on until Kaminari shouted himself. "A declaration of war from the second strongest in the class?"

"You good man," Hitoshi questioned as Izuku paled.

"I think I fucked up."

"Todoroki Isn't that impressive," Katsuki stated as Izuku gave him a look.

"No, I pissed off All Might. I can't piss off any more heroes. They'll start arresting me again."

"Again?" Katsuki looked to Hitoshi for advice as the boy shook his head. Izuku ended up ignoring Todoroki entirely.

Todoroki was not impressed with that.

~~~

The students walked into the giant stadium, and Present Mic cheered the students on. Izuku glanced up through the stands, spotting Emiko before he waved.

The sports festival has begun.