Fall And Rise Of The Interceptor (MHA AU)

Chapter Seven - Rinjiin VS Tamaki

After Dove's victory over Carver, Tamaki was called for his match against Rinjiin. As Tamaki made his way to the ring, Starling couldn't help but worry about Tamaki. She's heard about how powerful Rinjiin's Dragon Quirk was. But as she was lost in thought, Nejire grabbed her attention. 

Nejire: You worried about Tamaki?

Starling: A little. 

Nejire: He likes you, you know.

Mirio: Nejire!

Upon hearing that, the normally reserved Starling was caught off guard. She tried to hide the fact she was blushing, but she couldn't do so. Mirio turned to Nejire with a disapproved look.

Nejire: Sorry! It just slipped!

Starling: Are you serious? Tamaki likes me?

Mirio: If I'm being honest, I thought it was obvious! 

Starling then took a moment to reflect on this new information. She had known Tamaki for some time and didn't notice any signs of Tamaki showing any kind of romantic feelings towards her. 

Starling: I didn't even notice. Tamaki......

Mirio: Nejire and I actually had our suspicions, but we only found out a few days before the Sports Festival when he downright told us. 

Nejire: He was even more jittery than usual! 

Starling: I.....I don't know what to say.

Mirio: If you want my advice, then I suggest you talk to him about it. Maybe perhaps after the Sports Festival?

Starling simply nodded as Present Mic announced the fight. After announcing the fighters, Rinjiin and Tamaki looked at each other.

Rinjiin: I wish you good fortune Tamaki. 

As the fight began, Tamaki reached into his pouch and eats several food items. As Rinjiin activates his Dragon Quirk, Tamaki activates his Manifest Quirk to form his hands into Octopus Tentacles. Rinjiin unleashes a fire attack, but Tamaki uses Manifest to form clam hands to block the attack. 

Rinjiin: Clever. Most would attempt to roll out of the way. 

Tamaki: That would've been a risk considering the possibility of ring out.

Rinjinn smiles as he forms Dragon-like wings on his back and claws form on his hands. Rinjiin flies to Tamaki, but he clings onto Rinjiin with his tentacles. Rinjiin attempts to blast him with a fire attack, but Tamaki uses his clam hand to block the attack. Back in the stands, Starling watches with both awe and concern.

Starling: I've never seen Tamaki so....determined! He's usually so.....introverted! 

Mirio: That's our Tamaki! When push comes to shove, Tamaki will step up and fight on like a true hero! 

Nejire: GO TAMAKI!

Back at the fight, Rinjiin attempts to fly fast to get Tamaki off of him, but Tamaki holds on tightly.

Rinjiin: (He's not letting go! I can't get him off!)

Rinjiin decides to fly back to the ring where Tamaki lets go. Tamaki then uses Manifest to activate Chimera Kraken. When he does that, Tamaki's arms change into a pair of four incredibly large tentacles coated in barnacles. Upon seeing this, Rinjiin's skin begins to turn to scales and his claws become sharper. 

Rinjiin: I've heard about your Manifest Quirk. But let's see how it stacks up against my Dragon Quirk! 

Rinjiin then charges at Tamaki and breathes fire on Tamaki, but he rolls out of the way and wraps one of Rinjiin's arms with his tentacles. When he does that, Rinjiin slashes at the tentacles with his claws. Tamaki winches in pain as he lets go of Rinjiin.

Rinjiin: You power is impressive Tamaki. I can see why you're one of the best UA has to offer.

As Rinjiin says that, Tamaki can feel the power leaving him as the food he ate begins to digest.

Tamaki: (Already?! I have to.....)

But as Tamaki reaches for his pouch, he finds it out of his belt. He looks around and sees the pouch outside the ring. 

Tamaki: Damn it.....

Rinjiin glances to the pouch. Tamaki's power soon wears down as the his hands revert back to his regular state.

Rinjiin: Looks like whatever powers your Quirk is out of your reach. The way I see it, I could easily take you down. But what kind of victory would that be. I believe in honor and a fair fight. 

Upon saying this, Rinjiin deactivates his Dragon Quirk as his scales goes away and his claws revert back to his human hands. The crowd becomes silent as Rinjiin walks up to Tamaki. 

Tamaki: So what happens now?

Rinjiin: As I said before, I believe in honor and a fair fight. That's what makes a hero. Not about powers. Not about saving the most people. Not about beating the most villains, but a fair fight. 

Tamaki is stunned at Rinjiin's words. Tamaki gets into a fighting stance, readying himself for a fight. He knew he was a a disadvantage as he is not fully trained in hand to hand combat. At the stands, Starling, Mirio and Nejire watch attentively. 

Nejire: What's gonna happen now?! 

Starling: I.....I don't know. 

As the crowd anticipate the next the next move, Rinjiin looks to Tamaki in his combat stance. He then looks to the crowd. 

Rinjiin: I am withdrawing from the match!

As Rinjiin made that announcement, the crowd was stunned. Starling, Mirio and Nejire was left speechless. 

Present Mic: AND THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS! THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH BY WITHDRAWL IS TAMAKI AMAJIKI FROM CLASS 1-A!

The crowd began to cheer for Tamaki. The loudest came from his friends. He looked around as his anxiety began to kick back in. But he also felt pride in himself for the match he put against Rinjiin. He then decided that the best course of action was to get back to the stands before his anxiety could kick in.