MHA: A Cat's Way

Ch 79 Quirk Exhaustion?

I'll admit, I kind of blanked out somewhere during...all of that. But I get the gist of it. Don't Cat Up other people. It won't end well for anyone. Unless it's a life-or-death situation or something. But since I have to maintain physical contact, my cats would be better suited just on myself or on their own in that case. But more to the point-

"I thought his name was Shinpo, nya?"

The boy in question lets his face fall into his hands. "I can't believe I put my faith in you to get us through the first event."

"I did get you through though, nya~!" It's not my fault my new and never before practiced technique took all of us out of commission after we got there. On the bright side, people will be less likely to associate me with my Masquerade identity now that they've seen that my technique has serious drawbacks! Hopefully they won't think too much about it when it doesn't have the same effect when applied to me alone.

"That you did, Miss Catia." Before anyone can refute me, a little white rat pops out of a vent in the ceiling, doing a flip before landing on my bed. "But unfortunately, we cannot delay anymore. We need to start the second event soon, so unless Miss Chaineko is fit to join, she will be forced to withdraw."

I look to Recovery Girl, as does Midorinya. The others in the room are still staring at Nezu with mouths hanging open. Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows about how eccentric the principal is. Midorinya is taught by him, and he's always stalking me while leaving cat stuff lying around to see how I'll react.

Whether or not I ever claim any of it for myself shall go unanswered.

Recovery Girl shakes her head. "It's not likely. She'll probably be out for the rest of the festival."

Nezu nods sadly while I ignore the glares of Kitten's friends. I held up my end of the deal. Unforeseen consequences are outside of my jurisdiction. "While unfortunate, as my cousin's ward's father said: the show must go on. I trust the two of you are well enough to return?"

Shinso and I nod, and Nezu smiles, instantly sending a shiver down my spine. That's the smile he had when he planted a bag of catnip in front of me but it was actually wasabi disguised as catnip!

"Before it begins, Miss Catia, I would like to speak with you privately. You're not in trouble of course, but it is in regards to your role during the second event."

That's definitely suspicious. But he probably won't do anything that will put me out of commission. Or is this actually related to the event, and first place gets special circumstances for it? Either way, after assuring the girls that I'm fine, I follow him, still weighing the odds of me getting somewhere with witnesses before it's too late.

'~'

"Unfortunately, Prin Chaineko is unable to return for the second event, but this just shows that anything can happen in this year's Sports Festival! Who could have guessed that not only do second and third place go to Gen Ed kids, but someone from the Support Department makes it into the second event too!?" Present Mic's words get the reaction he was hoping for, raucous cheers from the stands. Even if there are many who doubt that the two students would have made the cut without the hero course student helping them.

"Now, let's spin for the second event!" The crack of Midnight's whip is the signal for the slot to spin, choices once again flashing too fast for anyone to see. When it stops, she stares at it in surprise since it's not one that was on the list she'd been forced to memorize beforehand. "Um, it looks like the second event is called... Rat Maze?"

"I will handle the explanation for the event, Miss Midnight." Nezu's voice fills the stadium, causing them to echo Midnight's surprise. "In the meantime, please head to preparation room number two and put on the outfit you find within. This event will be requiring teacher assistance after all!"

The sadistic amusement in his voice is hidden just to the point where none of the civilians pick up on it. The heroes who do can't help but worry about what the event will actually be. Those familiar with Rat Satan can't help but pray for the participants.

After a sweating Midnight leaves, Nezu explains. "Now then, this event is deceptively simple. Students will gather in fourteen teams of three and each will be given two things. A piece of meat each, which the loss of will cause the individual to be removed from the game, and one of Ectoplasm's clones, which the loss of will eliminate your entire team."

He chuckles. "Now, you may be wondering why I told Miss Midnight that she will be participating? Well, that is because both her and Present Mic will be participating as well! Midnight will be being protected by the team whose members' hidden point value places them as performing best during the race. Present Mic will be protected by the team who placed worst, point-wise. Just in case someone decided to, oh, try and stay out of the spotlight to gather information on their competition. A valid strategy, but one that heroes should be careful of backfiring on them! Just something to keep in mind."

Among the students, a blond haired loudmouth curses to himself. The one in 1-B, not 1-A.

"The extra challenge for these two teams is that all the meat they are given will be placed on the two heroes, along with the outfits they shall be wearing, leading them to being much more tempting targets. Each team must escort their charge through a maze Cementos will be constructing on the field, and exit safely. What exactly will they be trying to escape from?"

His chuckle takes on a dark undertone, causing the crowd to shiver. "Well, I think I'll be holding that surprise in reserve until it officially starts."