LadyAmazon: ahaha i loved that part ! i ended up taking the stairs , too ! and i ended up doing so on accident, lmao ! i thought the elevator was the only option but then i noticed the other room and peeked inside to see if there was any treasure, but alas there were stairs ! poor Cloud trying to tough it out was hilarious ! and omg i almost completely forgot about the shrimp from Finding Nemo! oh he would have a come apart in Endeavor's tank ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡ level up, Taru ~ ! get the exp ! ❤
uwu: reminds me of the sludge villain too, not gonna lie ahaha ! perhaps i was a bit inspired by him ~
Oblivious IJ: (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ
Aqua Salmon: honestly, same ! i can only dream of it
shethoughts: ❤ thank you so much! i'm so happy you're enjoying this ~ ! hmm, i wonder if she did practice in front of the mirror ? ehe.
pinkpaladin: aahhh, thank you ! i love the Sir Nighteye agency so much. writing Taru with them is so enjoyable ~ ! the fish tank and elevator scene are my favorite parts of the chapter haha ! aahh , Shoto is such a baby at times ~ ❤ and i love Aoyama too he's so funny ! i love how in the anime you can see him breaking the fourth wall aha. it's like he's staring at you through the screen. i need to write some more of him ! (*´▽`*)
jaffa3: that was satisfying to write haha ! thank you ! ❤
Bluishapple: thank you so much ~ ! (*≧ω≦*)
winddemon199: her love for fish is almost scary ahaha ! ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡ and, definitely ! i wonder how Shoto is going to explain himself if someone brings it up, ehe ~
AugustRrush: thank you x 100 ❤ ! next chapter for you, and i can't wait for you to read it !
Aeiris: aahh, woow ~ ! ❤ thank you so much ! Mineta is one of my favorite characters to write , and i'm happy you're enjoying this version of him aha ! him and Taru are quite interesting friends. (¯▿¯)
Frost: ahh, thank you so much ! that means a lot , truly ❤ i'm really happy you're enjoying it. i don't really have a schedule when it comes to updating, but my updates usually occur on weekends ! i try to keep them consistent but sometimes life gets in the way, aha.
Ayma Hore: thank you ! and me too, honestly ! (* ^ ω ^) it's why i threw him into the kidnapping mix aha. i need to write some more Taru interactions with other characters too aaahhh ! can't wait to do that. ❤
bbymojo: ❤ no need to apologize at all ~ ! it happens aha sometimes i'm late updating ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ life, life, life. writing Taru with Sir Nighteye is fun. they do for sure have a mutual understanding, and Hotaru is on top of that so grateful for the opportunity. (⁀ᗢ⁀) and yes, SHOTARU MOMENTS ❤ writing felt lonely without Shoroki ahaa ! had to include him somehow ~ thank you so much as always. and also as always, sending you lots and lots of hearts ! take care of yourself !
•○●○•
hello all, and sorry for the wait. ❤
there's so much going on in the world i was struggling to focus for a bit, ｡ﾟ･ (＞﹏＜) ･ﾟ｡
to get back in the groove i started doodling, and i ended up drawing a scene from the last chapter haha. the whole process was just as fun as writing it. check it out if you want ~ !
•○●○•
cherryblossomx6 (dotdeviantart) (dotcom) /art/ BNHA-Abandoned-Fish-Tank-844551212
just remove the spaces and put a "." where you see the word "dot" and remove parentheses.
or if that's not working just look up my username on deviant art lol, ( ´ ω ` )
•○●○•
i hope everyone is doing well and staying safe, as always. take care of yourselves physically and mentally !
honestly, i only skimmed through this chapter for mistakes. just wanted to get it up for everyone since it's been a little while; i'll read it over whenever i wake up tomorrow and correct any errors. ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡ it's past midnight right now, aha.
anyways, thank you always, and i hope everyone enjoys ❤
❤•○●○•❤
Labyrinth
❤•○●○•❤
Sir Nighteye knew she would be a victim. He tried to prevent it. That was the biggest reason behind visiting the Endeavor Hero Agency to discuss the kidnappings in person as opposed to over the phone. He made sure she was far away where he knew she would disappear. It's disheartening.
Despite his efforts, the future cannot be changed. From the moment he sees it, it's set in an unstoppable motion. The things to come are unavoidable. What has yet to happen is foreboding. That's why he told her that for someone like her to become a hero would be unbearable. Yet, she completely brushed his warning aside, just like All Might.
All Might turned a blind eye to his warning with the sake of others in mind, while she smiled knowingly with her own wants brimming. It was an expression that suggests that she already knows what lies ahead.
Her, a child, has already prepared herself for the worst-case scenario. She is already caught in the eye of the hurricane, but she still smiles and acts so frivolously, and oftentimes behaves so atrociously. He can't tell what exactly is running through her mind. She's like a hit or miss storm, unforeseeable. It makes him feel a sense of hope in contempt of his failed efforts.
He's never met someone so fickle, or someone who already lives up to their hero name so early in the game. It's an exceptional occurrence and she's a special individual. He is fortunate to have been able to take her under his wing for this short-lived internship. There are many things to be done and many things to prepare for.
He needs to save her quickly.
"The entrance to the Section 9 waterway is over here." Endeavor informs as he runs down the city street.
"Right." Sir Nighteye acknowledges, adjusting his glasses as he escapes from his thoughts. "It should be just ahead."
"I hope she's alright." Bubble Girl says through her breaths.
"Tsk. That girl is capable of fending for herself." Endeavor grumbles.
"We still need to save her." Shoto shoots his old man a livid glare.
Endeavor's teeth grit at his son's words. Of course, he knows that. He is a hero. It's his job to save people even if she's the one that needs to be saved. It's his job to defeat villains. To become the strongest hero is his ambition. Most importantly, he needs to shape Shoto into a hero that can surpass All Might. Shoto will fulfill his goals and walk down the path he paved for him.
"Shoto!" Endeavor yells, forming rigid fists. "I'll show you what it means to be a hero! Watch me!"
Abruptly, Endeavor picks up his pace. His narrowed turquoise orbs focus on a nearing manhole. Once he's near, he wastes no time to pry it open. A metal ladder stretches down into the dark shadows and there's an eeriness lingering deeper down. Obvious trouble is brewing, and that trouble reaches its peak when a loud crack of thunder resounds.
Shoto is the first to jump down.
•○●○•
"I found you!" A nasty voice growls.
A murderous intent shoots their way, and Hotaru gawks. She's not gawking at the bloodlust, but rather the fact that this villain can see them despite it being nearly pitch-black. This is extremely troubling.
"Oh crap!" Sero cries out.
"Run!" Shoji exclaims, and nobody thinks twice.
Everyone takes off into a swift run and moves deeper into the metal pipe. Well, everyone except for Bakugo. Sero is dragging his cursing form that's still confined by his tape along. They can't see where they're going which puts them at a huge disadvantage. They can't even make out the villain behind them. All they can hear is the scraping of claws that are hot on their tails.
Hotaru's lips purse and she holds her hand in front of her. She may as well make it so they are able to see as well. This villain clearly has night vision, so she doesn't need to worry about giving their position away with her Quirk. They can see them regardless. It's time to even out the odds.
Lightning coats her hand and lights up their surroundings. Everyone peeks over their shoulder to see just who's chasing them, and their eyes grow impossibly wide. Aoyama lets out a high-pitched squeak.
"A crocodile?!" He yips.
Sure enough, a humanoid crocodile is crawling after them. His pointy teeth are on display as he sneers and his tongue hangs out of his mouth. The scales all over his flesh looks like some kind of sturdy armor. Dents appear in the metal pipe as a result of his thrashing tail. Being caught by that thing just screams bad news.
"Guys, guys, guys!" Sero's panicked voice makes everyone look at him. He's pointing ahead. "There's a dead end!"
At the very end of the pipe is a barred metal barrier. That's when Hotaru's jaw locks. It's impossible to squeeze through the tiny gaps and it looks to be locked tight. If she were by herself she would just shoot lightning at it to force it open. However, since she's not alone she can't simply do that. Doing that would result in everyone with her getting electrocuted.
It's during times like this when she deems her Quirk useless. A sigh escapes her lips. Why did they have to get kidnapped, too? If she were by herself she could have defeated this villain already. She's just going to have to deal with it. This is a joint effort.
"Die!" Bakugo suddenly yells, his hair spiking back up.
His form passes by her and she gasps. He's running in the opposite direction, towards the villain. She comes to a stop and stares after him with widened eyes. He broke free from Sero's tape.
"Bakugo-kun!" She calls out to him while everyone else reaches the end of the pipe. Shoji and Sero are working quickly to bust it open, while Aoyama's bones rattle at his profound quivers.
Bakugo reaches out, bombarding the villain with a fiery explosion. The villain is sent backwards a few feet and Bakugo grins viciously. Hotaru's hand that was reaching out to him gradually lowers. He seems to have things under control, but now it's a matter of how long he'll remain in control.
"Not bad." The villain gnarls, grinning a much more vicious grin than Bakugo. "But, you're going to have to do better than that."
The smoke from Bakugo's attack clears away. Although it sent the villain back, there is not a single scratch on him. It seems she was right about his scales being real sturdy. She feels stressed out as she resists the urge to shock him.
"I'll kill you, bastard." Bakugo holds out his hands that are releasing tiny blasts. Although he says that, he's not going in to attack again. Has he also noticed that hefty armor surrounding him?
"Oi, Lightning Bug!" Bakugo suddenly calls out to her. "Why are you just standing there?!"
"If I use my Quirk in here that thing won't be the only one getting hit with it." She answers with a deep frown.
"Eh?! You really are just a useless side character!"
"Oh?" Her eyelid twitches in irritation. "Well, if you're calling yourself a main character, you aren't doing a very good job. You tickled him with that blast. Congratulations."
"Shut the fuck up!"
"Are you guys seriously arguing now of all times?!" Sero cries out, and Hotaru's fingers curl into tight fists.
She's frustrated. Bakugo is right, she really is useless right now. Not only can she not shock this villain without shocking everyone else, but she doesn't even have a fraction of the strength to help Shoji and Sero try to pry that barred door open. She doesn't even have the necessary physical strength to take on the villain without her Quirk. Sir Nighteye's voice floods into her head, his voice that has read aloud her list of flaws.
The villain starts advancing towards them again. She listens to the sound of his claws, along with the creaking sound behind her from the slowly opening path. It's time for her to use it, her last resort. She takes steps towards the villain and past Bakugo.
"Can you help them open the door?" She whispers as she walks by. "I'm going to try something. It should buy some time, but I don't know how this guy will react. Either way, once you open that door get out of this pipe."
"I don't take orders from you!" He objects against that, and she looks over her shoulder at him.
"Then, bear with it."
Realization dawns on him as he stares at her. Her silver orbs are overcast like a stormy sky. He recalls the one time in class she said, "desperate times call for desperate measures." What she's about to do is obvious and he lets out an annoyed breath.
With how his attack did almost zero damage, and how rapidly that villain is closing in on them, they need all the time they can get. He'll listen to her, just this once. He favors obeying the latter. As if he would let her get all the spotlight.
Hotaru faces the villain while extending her arms in a welcoming manner. Her hair covers the majority of her face. The villain chuckles and approaches her surrendering form quickly with a villainous laugh.
"Have you accepted your fate?!"
"I have, and I couldn't be more happy." Hotaru breathes out. "My fate has led me to you~!"
Hotaru raises her lowered head, revealing her shaded cheeks and shrunken irises that glow ominously. She's smiling wickedly and even lets out a fiendish laugh. The villain slows down instantly, sweating. Wait a second. She starts taking steps closer to him. What's going on? She just did an entire one-eighty.
"H-Happy?" He repeats, coming to a complete stop.
"Mhm." She hums joyously, her tongue gliding across her lower lip. "Why'd you stop? Won't you come closer?" She brings her fingers together, slowly separating them and channeling lightning between. "I thought we were going to play. Oh!" Suddenly, she claps her hands. "Are you giving me the honor of going first? I do love gentlemen. Thank you~!"
"Y-You're…!" He takes a step back at her abrupt psychotic personality.
A contorted aura forms around her like a time-lapsed supercell. The familiarity of that aura nearly makes him cower. It's harrowing like a pedestal cloud, pernicious like lightning, yet also laced with a corrupt friskiness.
"Bingo!" She cheers for him with a playful twirl, knowing he now realizes who she originates from. "Now, now, since you're kindly letting me make the first move I wonder what I should do?" She taps her finger against her cheek in thought. "Gut you alive? Pluck those scales of yours one by one? That may be a bit too messy… should I just end you in one blow? You'll have to stay still, though. If you move, you might end up experiencing a pain so intense you'll be begging for me to stop. And once I hear the sound of agonizing screams," She giggles and extends her hand. "I lose all of my self-control…!"
"Shit!" The villain turns around and starts running in the opposite direction. "Why'd that bitch drop you down here?"
"I'm confused." Hotaru tilts her head right when the barred door behind her busts open. "Who are you talking about? Could it be the one responsible for bringing us here?"
"Oi," Bakugo sneers at that information, moving after him. "Where are you going?"
"Guys, we opened it!" Sero waves them over as he and everyone else hop out of the pipe. "Come join us over here…!"
He trails off when he notices the villain is now the one running for his life. His jaw slackens and Shoji sweat-drops at the sight. Hotaru's villain side is undoubtedly showing, and Bakugo looks even more ferocious than before. He can't hold back a shiver from shooting down his spine.
"Those two are—" Shoji begins.
"Barbarous!" Aoyama finishes without hesitation, trying to get his legs to stop trembling.
A loud explosion sounds out when Bakugo launches himself after the villain. He's airborne in his pursuit, and Hotaru takes the given opportunity to use her lightning. She kicks off of the ground with the sound of thunder. Her blue electricity stops the villain in his tracks, and Bakugo slams his feet onto his back.
"Oi, oi, oi!" Bakugo begins, wearing a cruel grin. "Leaving already? Weren't you the one who was about to kill us?"
The villain gets ready to thrash until he takes notice of Hotaru in front of him. His scales turn a white as he grows pale. She was far behind him, but now she's in front of him? When did she get there? She's incredibly fast. He was also sure this boy wasn't this strong. Was he merely testing him with that weak blast before? Or, did that girl seriously manage to get rid of all of his composure?
"It's so amusing how the tables have turned so quickly. Right, Bakugo-kun?" Hotaru harmonizes softly, crouching down and aiming her finger gun right down the villain's ajar mouth.
"Yeah, Lightning Bug." He agrees, smirking when irritation crosses her features at that nickname.
"Tell us everything you know about this place and who brought us here. And while you're at it, tell us why you're here." She demands the villain.
"Spit it out, crocodile bastard! If you don't," Bakugo threatens with his smirk growing in size. "We'll kill you."
"It may not look it, but Chain Chomp here is more temperamental than me."
"I'm going to kill you after I kill this guy!"
"Careful. You might not be able to catch me in those tight jeans."
"You piece of shi—!"
"I'll give you five seconds to catch your breath. After those five seconds are up, you better start talking." Hotaru smiles in an angelic way despite her villain demeanor, holding back a snicker at Bakugo's glaring eyes that are now focused on her. She looks down the pipe and towards a sheepish Sero. "Sero-kun! Can you give us a hand? You too, Shoji-kun and Aoyama-kun!"
"Sure…" Shoji starts to make his way over.
"Okay, but it looks like you two have everything under control." Sero smiles while scratching at his cheek meekly. Aoyama shakes his head instantly in denial, refusing to join their vile style.
"You will tarnish my twinkle!"
•○●○•
"This is where she should be… right?" Bubble Girl inquires aloud, eyeing the text across the floor. This is the place Hotaru described over the phone just before they lost connection.
"Where she was." Sir Nighteye corrects as he studies the room that almost resembles a prison. He's holding a flashlight. "We can assume that she tried to find her own way out, or…"
"...She was attacked." Endeavor finishes the other reason why she's no longer here.
The Flame Hero is standing just outside the room. His flames let off a fiery glow and illuminate their surroundings with warm hues. He's positioned right next to the motionless waterway. The murky liquid is still as it should be, but it doesn't look like it was still at one point. The ground is soaked which means something or someone caused a stir.
Sir Nighteye takes notice of that as well the moment he steps out of the room with Bubble Girl following close behind. With such a mess present, it's more logical to say that Hotaru wasn't alone. Judging from the circumstances, it's even more logical to say she had an unfortunate encounter with someone.
Shoto hovers nearby, although he has taken an overpass to investigate on the other side of the waterway. He holds his left hand in front of him and uses his fire to light the way. Just as he starts to venture further into the depths of this sticky place, his old man calls out to him.
"Shoto! Don't wander too far!"
At that, Shoto scoffs. He sounds more angry than worried which isn't surprising. He expects nothing more. His old man never genuinely cared for him or his siblings and probably never will. Just the thought of everything he has put them through makes him glare.
He was separated from his siblings throughout most of his life. Negative emotions plagued him as a result of the isolation and torture. His mother and Taru, they were the only ones who genuinely cared. They still do despite all of the dark trials they underwent. Now, one of those special people is gone.
Taru.
"Where are you?" He speaks from beneath his breath, his voice inaudible.
One thing his old man said that he can agree with is that Taru is capable of fending for herself. Being around villains is nothing new for her. She was once one herself, but not anymore. After her crucial betrayal at U.S.J., she no longer has the luxury of walking alongside them. He's sure she's a massive target for some, and knows for a fact that her own parents want her head.
She's not safe and it makes him restless. The organ in his chest is beating twice as fast and slamming against his ribcage. His eyelids lower slightly. It's ironic to him how he used to want her to be nothing but imaginary since the first day of school. Such wishes are now part of his ornery past. The tables have turned. He wants his fish-infatuated friend back.
Scratches across the ground suddenly catch his attention, along with large puddles of water. It's out of place and brings about many questions. He looks over to see a hollow metal pipe nearby. The scrapes continue deeper within it and there are dents to match.
His fingertips brush against the cool metal, drawing back instantly when he feels a shock. Somehow, it's a familiar sensation. As if on cue, he takes notice of residue cyan sparks across the metal surface.
"It looks like she went this way." Sir Nighteye speaks up, making him look over. The Pro Hero is standing next to him.
"Yeah." Shoto nods, and Sir Nighteye adjusts his glasses. It's not hard at all to tell he's worried about his friend, so he speaks on it.
"She will be fine."
"Will she?" Shoto responds, finding it strange how confidently he said that.
"Positive." Sir Nighteye answers instantly. "She'll just have," He holds up a single finger. "One scratch."
Shoto frowns at that. All Might's former sidekick sounded even more assured just now. He's talking like he witnessed these events already, and that thought makes his breath get caught in his throat. His Foresight. Did he use it on Taru? If so, how come he couldn't prevent this? He opens his mouth to question him only to pause when his intimidating yellow eyes lock with his heterochromia ones.
"You would do well to remain by her side."
Sir Nighteye climbs into the pipe after those words, leaving Shoto standing still and in a daze. Bubble Girl climbs in after him. It's only then when Shoto realizes his flames have diminished. He stares down at his hands. What did he mean by that?
"Don't worry. We'll definitely save your girlfriend!" Bubble Girl gives Shoto an encouraging thumbs up, making his jaw slacken.
"...My girlfriend?" He repeats with widened eyes.
For a fleeting moment, he can't find his voice. That term catches him off guard, and who she's referring to as his girlfriend makes him grow tense. That's not it. Him and Taru aren't dating each other. They aren't together—oh. He now realizes his blunder. How could he be so shortsighted?
"Hold on." Shoto starts up quickly. "Me and Taru—"
"Are ending things. Today." Endeavor speaks up from behind him.
A shadow instantly falls over Shoto's face. He turns around and faces his distasteful old man who is enraged at how him and Taru are "together." That irritated expression he wears… it's kind of satisfying. It makes him feel smug on the inside. He wants to kindle the fire.
"I'm not ending anything." Shoto rebukes with an intense glare, climbing into the pipe afterwards. Little does his old man know;
There's no romantic relationship to end.
"Shotoooo!"
Endeavor's yell echoes throughout the narrow passageway. It wouldn't be surprising if his loud voice could be heard throughout this entire sewer system. It's amusing to Shoto, but annoying to Sir Nighteye. All Might's former sidekick lets out a sigh, uttering.
"Are you trying to let the villains know we're down here?"
"A hero should always make his presence known." Endeavor retorts as he follows behind. "It'll scatter the prey."
"That's befitting in some cases. However, there are hostages down here. We need to take that into consideration. Who exactly we're dealing with is unknown. We should gather as much intel as possible in a discreet manner."
"...They really have conflicting styles, don't they?" Bubble Girl whispers over to Shoto with a sheepish smile.
"Yeah." He agrees, looking ahead at Sir Nighteye.
Something is bugging him. The Pro Hero claimed he doesn't know what kind of villains are lurking down here, but it sounds like he used his Foresight on Taru. There are so many missing puzzle pieces and he doesn't quite understand it.
"Sir Nighteye." Shoto addresses. Although the hero doesn't verbally answer him, it's obvious he's listening. "Did you use your Foresight on Taru? If you did, couldn't this whole ordeal have been prevented?"
Before he gets his answer, silence hovers in the stuffy air. Everyone's gaze is now on Sir Nighteye. Shoto's just curious, Endeavor is skeptical, and Bubble Girl shows a small amount of concern.
"The future I see cannot be changed. My Foresight only allows me to see a person's actions and a little of their surroundings. The information is limited, and I can only make rough estimates of when events will take place. But," Sir Nighteye stares ahead thoughtfully. "That girl is…"
Sir Nighteye comes to a sudden stop, holding up his hand and signaling everyone else to do the same. There's noise coming from ahead and right at the tunnel exit. It's the sound of metal and muffled growls. It's alarming.
Quickly, everyone takes off into a sprint and prepares themselves for whatever lies at the end. It doesn't take long at all for them to reach the source of the sound. When they do, shock crosses their features.
A humanoid crocodile, someone with a Mutant Quirk, is hanging upside down from the ceiling. He is restrained with tape and chains. There is a large bump on his head that's covered with soot. The villain thrashes around in a futile attempt to free himself and occasional sparks halt his movements. When his red eyes land on them, he lets out a muffled scream.
Shoto stares with wide eyes as the Pro Heroes move forward to investigate. He recognizes the tape that the villain is confined in, and there is something familiar about that soot on his head. Is Sero and Bakugo down here, too? He feels a little better knowing Taru isn't alone, but the fact that some of his classmates are trapped down here as well is concerning.
Endeavor pries the tape off of the villain's mouth, revealing the entirety of his panicked expression. He trembles so much the chains around him clatter. The clattering only stops when Sir Nighteye's stare makes him ice over in fright.
"What happened here, villain?" Endeavor demands.
"W-What the hell does it look like?!" The villain cries out in his wavering voice. "I was beat up!"
"Beat up by who?" Endeavor holds up his flaming fist.
"A barbaric boy and Lightning Beast's daughter!"
Shoto can't help but nod to himself. His speculation was proven right. "Barbaric boy" fits Bakugo perfectly. Now, it's just a matter of finding out where they went. He looks around the circular room, seeing only one path they could have taken.
"Looks like they went that way." Bubble Girl says from next to Shoto, staring down the same path he is. "I don't think they could be that much further."
"Let's go quickly." Sir Nighteye moves past them both.
•○●○•
"You're really strong, Shoji-kun. You lifted that heavy villain up with ease." Hotaru compliments the much taller boy as they walk aimlessly. Suddenly, she lets out a sigh and stares down wistfully at her glowing feet. "I wish I was strong like that."
"I'm sure you can be." Shoji tells her, making her smile with rosy cheeks.
"Tsk." Bakugo huffs in disagreement. "With how she's still so weak after all that training for the sports festival, not even in her shitty dreams."
"That's not nice…" Sero frowns when Hotaru starts to sulk.
"It's fine." Aoyama looks over at Hotaru who's lighting the path for them. "Your dazzle makes up for that shortcoming. C'est beau."
"Thank you—"
"But," He cuts Hotaru off and flaunts his sparkling cape. "I twinkle the brightest!"
"Well," Hotaru sweat-drops, referring to that last bit. "You're right about that."
"Oui!"
She lets out the smallest of sighs, twirling the chains she picked up between her fingers. She had ventured back to the room she originally woke up in to get these chains to help confine the villain. Sero's tape is quite sticky, but she wanted to make sure the villain couldn't break free. There were some extra strands, so she decided to hang onto them.
"Hey," Sero begins, changing the topic with a frown. "Don't you think what that villain said was weird?"
"Yeah." Shoji agrees. "I can't stop thinking about it."
"What exactly is this place…?" Sero whispers, staring up at the mildew ceiling.
Hotaru wonders about that herself. Although it's quite obvious what this place is, what transpires down here isn't something that's so discernible. That villain was able to answer most of their questions. The information learned is quite valuable.
There's another villain down here that goes by the name "Rat." Their Quirk is called "Pitfall," and it's just like how it sounds. They are able to open up holes beneath people's feet which explains how she ended up down here with the others. However, the extent of how their Quirk works is unknown as of right now. That's not what's so troubling, though.
That crocodile villain was really off. One minute he's releasing bloodlust and then the next he's running like a coward. It was too dynamic of a change. She wondered if she was just overthinking things, but when the time came for the villain to answer why he was down here, he couldn't say. He claimed he didn't remember. His own claim rendered him confused.
Gradually, her walk slows down. A piece of this puzzle is missing. A large piece. She gets the feeling that someone else is down here. That certain someone is hiding within these shadows and controlling what happens down here.
"Aihara?" Sero's voice draws her out of her thoughts. It's only then she realizes she has come to a complete stop and is no longer acting as a flashlight.
"S-Sorry!" She stutters, letting her lightning flow once again.
"Get out of your head, Lightning Bug." Bakugo mutters, turning around and facing her with narrowed eyes.
Her lips downturn. He's never going to stop calling her that. It's just another thing she's going to have to just deal with. At least he says it differently. When he calls her that it's like he's referring to a piece of trash, while when her father called her that it was as if she was a precious jewel. She prefers the preceding comparison. Not that it matters, though.
"Guys," Hotaru starts up, looking over her shoulder and into the shadows. It's too dark. "We should be careful."
"Of course." Shoji agrees.
"We are already being careful." Aoyama flicks his hair, and Hotaru shakes her head.
"I mean, extra careful."
"W-Why?!" He stutters, his legs trembling severely just like earlier.
Bakugo glowers as he stares at her. Her eyelids are lowered halfway. A drop of sweat glides down the side of her face as she peers into the shadows. She looks out of it in some way.
"Oi," Bakugo speaks up, making her look his way. "Your battery running out?"
"No. I feel fine." She responds with furrowed brows.
"Then," He begins stomping towards her, little blasts erupting from his palms. "Is there something you're not telling us?"
Her breath hitches. Is he accusing her of keeping things from them? Does he think she knows who's lurking down here? Or, does he suspect her? She swallows thickly, swatting his threatening hand aside and maneuvering around him.
"I'm not hiding anything." She mumbles. "Now you're just being more stupid than usual."
"Huh?!"
"Not again…" Sero sighs out at their quarrel. "Guys, now's not the time for—Bakugo!"
Her silver eyes stare unwavering into his glaring red ones. He has her trapped against the wall and his threatening palm is dangerously close to her face. Mutely, she raises her hand and grabs onto his wrist with her own sparking hand.
"Look, you don't have to believe me and I'm not going to prove myself to you." Hotaru states in a flat tone. "I'm done wasting my time for the approval of others. At this point, your doubting is your own problem."
"You're shaking." He points out how her fingers gripping him are trembling, grinning cruelly. "If you're going to talk shit, at least try making it more believable."
At that, she freezes from head to toe. Her teeth clamp down on the inside of her cheek and she lowers her head. She usually considers herself a pretty good liar, but she supposes she can't quite hide this. Everyone is looking at her skeptically now.
"...It's not important." She mutters, bringing her other hand up to try and get his explosive palm out of her face.
"Tell me, or I'll kill you." Bakugo threatens.
"If you don't let me get off this nasty wall I'll shock you!" She yells at him, and he only grows amused.
"I'm stronger than you, Lightning Bug." He rebukes, not worried by her threat at all and taking note of how weak her grip is. "Until you spill it, you're the enemy."
"You're delusional."
"Aihara-san," Shoji faces her, and her teeth grit. "What aren't you telling us?"
Her hands fall away from Bakugo. Damn it. It really is obvious. They are all suspecting her now, but it's not what they think. She's not hiding anything about this place or who's down here. She honestly doesn't know. What's bothering her is something completely different and irrelevant. It's not something she wants people to know.
They are wasting time right now, and time will continue to be wasted unless she reveals what she's hiding. If she attacks Bakugo, she knows they'll end up getting into a nasty fight. Normally she wouldn't mind, however, now isn't the time for a brawl. They are actually in real danger right now. Her throat tightens. She has no choice.
"...It's dark." She whispers.
"What about it?" Bakugo demands her to continue.
The only light source is now coming from Bakugo. The warm hues he's casting from his hand isn't as bright as Hotaru's lightning, but it's just enough for him to see her face. Her wavy bangs shield her eyes and her cheeks darken. Slowly, he lowers his hand.
"...I-I don't like it." She admits, and he takes a backwards step.
Bakugo's shoulders tremble and he brings his hand over his mouth. Is she serious? It's unexpected, and too funny. His muffled and dorky laugh emits, and Hotaru glares at him fiercely with her glowing cheeks.
"You're scared of the dark?!" He mocks, and her fingers curl into tight fists.
"I'm not scared of it! I just don't like it! There's a difference!"
"Fucking disgrace!"
"Shut up!" She punches his arm as hard as she can, and everyone sweat-drops at the surprising discovery.
"Even though you're a lightning bug, you—!"
"I officially hate you, Chain Chomp." She stomps past him and everyone else, lighting a path as she continues aimlessly. Sero jogs after her.
"It's okay, Aihara." Sero tries to cheer her up. "Everyone is scared of something."
"But," Aoyama appears by her side with his naturally weird smile. "To be scared of the dark is pitiful. After all," He strikes a dynamic pose right in front of her, making her come to a stop. "One twinkles the brightest in the dark!"
"...I don't think you're helping." Shoji says as they all move around the blonde boy, a smirking Bakugo following behind.
"You weren't scared of all that bloodlust, though." Sero gives a thumbs up. "That's impressive."
"No offense, but that bloodlust was nothing to be scared of." Hotaru mutters.
"I don't know about that…" Sero scratches at his cheek. "I felt like our lives were in danger…"
"Maybe. He did have every intention to kill us." She explains. "But, we were still able to move. That alone gives away that he wasn't as big of a threat. I'm not saying he wasn't dangerous, but some villains have an intimidation factor so great that it can make you freeze on the spot."
"I see." Shoji's eyes grow wide. "Have you experienced that before?"
"Once." She answers.
The moment they turn down a different path, Shoji comes to an abrupt stop. Everyone follows suit, watching as he moves his tentacles about. He's hearing something nobody else can make out. Shoji makes a confused face.
"Someone just yelled…" He reveals, and Aoyama ducks behind Hotaru in panic.
"Non, non!"
"Which way did it come from?" Sero asks.
"Back in the direction we came from." Shoji reveals, turning around. "They said… 'Shoto.'"
"Huh?! That Half-and-Half Bastard is down here?!" Bakugo exclaims with a popping vein.
"Shoroki…?" Hotaru whispers beneath her breath and inaudibly, staring back at the path they just travelled down.
That someone who yelled his name must've been Endeavor. If Endeavor and Shoto are down here, it's safe to say Sir Nighteye and Bubble Girl are down here too. They must have come after her, meaning they heard what she told them over the phone before their connection was severed.
"We should go back." Hotaru quickly says, looking at everyone. "I think Endeavor and Sir Nighteye are down here. They are looking for us."
"Endeavor and Sir Nighteye?!" Sero gawks at those very well-known Pros.
"Yeah." She nods. "We are actually victims of a case they were investigating together. There have been some strange kidnappings happening. Sorry. I should've mentioned that sooner."
"How do you know that?!" Bakugo practically barks at her.
"Because, I'm interning with Sir."
His eyelid twitches as he stares at her. How is she working under someone as acclaimed as Sir Nighteye, All Might's former sidekick, while he's stuck with Best Jeanist? His fists quiver at his sides.
"Really?" Sero stares at her in shock. "Talk about lucky!"
"Wait." Shoji speaks over them urgently. "I hear something else coming from this way. It sounds like someone is crying."
"Let's go back, oui!" Aoyama pleads, agreeing with Hotaru's earlier suggestion.
"Crying?" Hotaru repeats, frowning. "I wonder if it's one of the kids trapped down here."
"Quoi?!"
"They do sound young." Shoji looks over at her seriously.
"If they are crying, they probably need help!" Sero clenches his fists.
"Let's go!" Hotaru exclaims, and Shoji runs ahead.
"I'll lead the way!"
"Wait!" Aoyama runs after them.
"Damn it!" Bakugo roars, following behind them.
Shoji leads them over an overpass that cuts over the motionless water, then further down the walkway until they reach a room similar to the one Hotaru woke up in. They come to a stop just outside. The crying is coming from within and can now be heard by everyone.
"They're in here." Shoji states.
"We should probably go in one at a time." Sero whispers. "If we all go in at once, we'll probably scare them even more."
"Right—" Hotaru starts, only to get cut off.
"What's there to be scared of?!" Bakugo yells. "We're heroes, aren't we?!"
Bakugo's shoves past them all, making them stumble on their feet. He struts into the room and illuminates it with his Quirk. Even though they are still outside of the originally dark room, Bakugo's lighting somehow makes it look even more eerie than before.
"Seriously?!" Sero runs in after him with Hotaru following behind.
"I'll wait out here." Shoji leans against the wall after those hesitant words, his hand somewhat hovering over the mask he wears.
"I shall go surprise the child with my dazzle." Aoyama walks in a flamboyant into the room despite his earlier panicking.
The moment Hotaru enters the room, she hovers in the doorway. Her face loses some color at the sight of the dark and grimy room. When her eyes land on the child sitting in the corner, she brings her hand over her constricting chest.
A small boy is sitting in the corner and trembling. He can't be older than five years old. He has light blonde hair and olive colored eyes, along with spiraled ram horns protruding from his head. He's clutching at a stuffed shark toy and staring at them fearfully.
"Oi!" Bakugo starts to advance on the child, making even more tears leak from his eyes. At that, Bakugo pauses for a brief moment. "Why do you look so scared? We're heroes—!"
"Bakugo!" Sero darts over and grabs onto his shoulder. "You're scaring him!"
"I just said we were heroes!" Bakugo roars, facing Sero with his blasting fists. "There ain't shit to be scared of!"
"Do not fear!" Aoyama suddenly appears before the young boy, blocking the two of them from his sight. "What do you think?" He spins around in his cape. "I am the Shining Hero: Can't Stop Twinkling! Flattering, oui?"
The boy scoots back further against the wall, shaking his head. His trembles grow more prominent. The two arguing in front of him scare him, and the oddly sparkling person before him has a creepy smile.
Are they really heroes? Will they really save him and take him back home? Where were they earlier when he was running from that monster? He barely managed to squeeze through the gapes of the door that was meant to trap him. Movement from beyond the scary people catches his attention. More fear attempts to strangle him.
Someone else is here too. It's a teenage girl. She's wearing a costume like everyone else, only hers gives off a subtle glow and resembles storm clouds. She's walking towards him. He starts to scoot back further until he notices her silvery orbs. They are so bright and mystifying. He's never seen anything quite like them, but there is someone he heard of that also has eyes the exact same color. There are many horror stories surrounding that person.
Lightning Beast.
Hotaru walks by her three classmates, making them freeze. This boy trembling and sitting in this dark room reminds her of herself. For a brief moment, all she can see is herself in that forsaken apartment she used to live in—waiting and trapped. It's the very reason she doesn't like dark and enclosed places like this.
Such places always take her back to those dreary days. This boy's situation is different than hers was, but somehow she can still relate. She finds herself thinking of that girl she met way back when with a single horn, wondering if her apology worked or not.
She lowers herself onto her knees with a smile that's so gentle, settling down onto the ground that's tainted with red. The light she's giving off is the first light he has seen in what feels like forever. His breath gets caught in his throat. Who is this stranger?
"It was scary, wasn't it?" Hotaru begins, her voice entrancing and unique to him. "It must have been really hard being in here all by yourself and running from that scary monster. You did well, so you can dry your tears now. This is your salvation." She holds out her hands to the young boy. "From here on out, I'll be the tempest that protects you."
A sheen swirls in his eyes as more moisture builds up in them. Her words were kind, mesmerizing like rolling clouds. Her smile is compassionate, as tender as a morning drizzle. Her arms that are extended out to him are beckoning like a luminous light—his light. He doesn't think twice.
He pushes off of the wall and throws himself into her. She welcomes him into her arms. He holds onto her tightly and buries her face into her chest as he snivels. Finally, he feels safe.
"...More like a guardian angel." Sero sweat-drops, and Hotaru grins at him from over her shoulder.
"Even kids don't know a good thing when they see it." Aoyama huffs at how he was rejected.
"Tsk." Bakugo glares, speaking sarcastically. "You rehearse that or something?"
At that claim, Hotaru tenses from head to toe. He was completely joking, but her reaction gives away that he spoke some truth just now. What the hell? Just how contradictory is she? She's a living enigma.
"That's not important either." She waves him off, looking down at the child in her arms. There's blood on the floor. "Are you hurt?"
"I-I fell." The child snivels, pulling back and showing her his scraped elbow.
"We should wrap that up." Sero says, crouching down next to them. The boy hides himself in Hotaru's arms in fright, and she lets out a short laugh.
"It's okay. We're all friendly and here to help you." She assures him, making him peak up at her.
"A-Are you really heroes?" The boy asks.
"Yeah!" Bakugo yells, and Hotaru shoots him a glare.
"Heroes in training." She answers honestly. "But, there are real heroes heading this way right now. Shall we tend to your injury and meet up with them?"
The boy nods instantly at that. Her lips curve upwards once more before she looks around for something to wrap his injury in. The room is empty, and she's sure if there was something suitable in here it would be far too dirty.
"I wonder if we could tear some fabric…" Sero murmurs thoughtfully, his eyes landing on something protruding from the boy's pocket. "Oh! A handkerchief!"
"That's perfect!" Hotaru beams. "Is it okay if we use this?"
"Y-Yes." The boy nods, rubbing at his tearful eyes.
Hotaru takes the handkerchief and hands it to Sero. As he proceeds to wrap the boy's arm, she holds onto his hand in silent support. Once Sero ties the fabric in place, he uses some of his tape to fasten it after he lowers its adhesiveness.
"There." Sero smiles. "That should do it for now."
"Mhm." Hotaru hums in agreement, standing up with a relieved breath. "Once we get out of here we'll let the real doctors properly tend to it. We should get going now."
"Hurry up, slowpokes!" Bakugo yells from the doorway. His yell makes the young boy latch onto Hotaru's leg.
"He's so vulgar." Sero sighs.
"Definitely not good with kids." Hotaru crouches down and picks the trembling boy up. "That's Bakugo. He looks scary, but he's a friend, too."
"I-I don't like him." The boy quivers at his glaring form.
"Me either."
"I can hear you, Lightning Bug!" Bakugo spits out, and she rolls her eyes.
"Maybe I wanted you to hear me."
"This is their way of playing." Sero whispers to the boy, referring to their arguing.
Everyone steps out of the room, back in the waterway labyrinth. Hotaru adjusts the small boy in her arms, finding him heavier than he looks. No way will she set him down, though. That would be too pathetic. She'll bear with it.
Aoyama stands with his hands on his hips, his cape flowing unnaturally behind him and glittering away. Bakugo stands nearby with a scowl and the boy trembles some more. He tries to hide his face in the crook of Hotaru's neck until he catches sight of Shoji. His breath gets caught in his throat and Shoji grows self-conscious.
"An octopus!" The boy exclaims with the biggest smile in the word, openly pointing at Shoji. Everyone blinks.
"What about me —?" Aoyama starts to say, until Sero speaks over him.
"Looks like you have a fan, Shoji!"
"Y-Yeah…" Shoji whispers, caught off guard.
"This is my shark!" The boy holds up his stuffed toy.
At a slow pace, Hotaru's lips part in surprise. He called Shoji an octopus and is now smiling happily. He also looks very fond of his stuffed shark toy. Suddenly, she draws in a sharp breath.
"Do you like fish?" She asks, and he nods instantly.
"I like fish!"
"Me too!"
"Really?!" His eyes sparkle. "I want a fish tank!"
"So do I! I've been trying to get my big brother to get one for a while now!"
"One with goldfish?"
"One with a royal plecostomus!"
"What's that?"
"It belongs to the armored catfish family. It can digest wood!"
"Wow! It sounds strong! My name is Akito Watanabe!"
"My name is Hotaru Aihara, and my hero name is Tempest. Nice to meet you!"
"Oi… what the hell?" Bakugo mutters at the scene.
Hotaru has set the boy down and is now crouched in front of him. Literal sparkles surround their forms as they gush about disgusting fish. It's like they completely forgot that they are trapped down here. Bakugo's eyelid twitches.
"Hey!" He yells at them, and they look over in pure innocence.
"What?" They say simultaneously.
"Stop wasting time! I want to get the fuck out of here!" He bites out, and Hotaru sighs.
"Alright —"
Just as Hotaru begins to stand, the hairs on the back of her neck rise. Goosebumps sprout out across her skin and something glints from within the shadows. She turns quickly, maneuvering in front of Akito and gripping the chains draped around her neck.
She pulls on the cold rope with her cyan electricity channeling through it, making it twist through the air as it lashes out. Metal clashes against metal and sparks spew. She yanks on the chains to draw them back. They spiral around the length of her arm and she reaches out with her other, grabbing onto the knife she sent off course.
"My, my," A womanly voice speaks from within the shadows. "You're quite skilled, aren't you?"
"I played with knives before I played with lightning." Hotaru counters, straightening up with her newly acquired knife weaving between her fingers in a skillful fashion. "It's only natural throwing one at me won't work."
That's what she says, but she's sure that knife would've actually punctured either her or Akito if this took place just a few days earlier. Sir Nighteye throws his hyper-density seals at a much greater speed. She has him to thank for this. Just a day of interning with him is already showing results.
Bakugo and Sero move next to her in defensive stances, while Shoji holds Akito in his shielding arms. Aoyama trembles from afar but has his naval aimed into the shadows concealing the villain. Hotaru's jaw tightens as she makes her form glow bright to reveal just who's present.
A woman is standing before them, her white tresses so long they nearly brush against the floor. She wears a dark hooded shawl and equally dark stockings, along with worn boots. Her pink eyes glisten as she stares at them.
"I'm quite sad." She begins in her naturally hushed voice. "You teenagers weren't meant to be in my fortress."
"We didn't want to come to your shitty fortress." Bakugo sneers, holding up his fist.
"I understand." The woman clasps her hands together over her chest. "Normally I ban anyone older than five for visiting, since I find the cries of the young much more pleasing than anyone else's. However, my dear accomplice decided to betray me, you see."
Sweat forms on Hotaru's temple when the villain holds her arm out to the side and begins to raise her shawl. Hotaru sees it first. The thick puddle of red and a motionless figure lying within it. Quickly, she lowers the voltage of her lightning which makes the villain cloaked in shadows again before anyone else can notice.
"What are you doing, Lightning Bug?! We can't fucking see —!"
"Run. Go back down the path we came." Hotaru cuts Bakugo off quickly, and his irises shrink at how serious she is. "And, whatever you do, don't look back."
"Aihara?" Sero looks at her, growing pale.
"I ain't running !" Bakugo begins to stomp forward, prepping his own light source.
Before he can make it so the villain is visible again, Hotaru grabs onto his arm. Her grip is unexpectedly strong despite her fingers that quiver. He glares at her until he notices the pure dread on her face.
"I think you're really strong," She breathes out, and his face contorts in bewilderment. "But, no matter how strong you are, that sight isn't something that can be easily handled!"
How she spoke so heavily and the sheer pleading in her eyes makes him freeze momentarily. However, her words make him freeze all over again. He knows what she's trying to prevent him from seeing. This isn't looking good.
Shit.
"I still ain't running —!"
"We're running!" Sero cuts him off, capturing him with his tape again to drag him off.
"Hurry! I hear the Heroes nearby!" Shoji exclaims.
"We're saved!" Aoyama cries relieved tears as everyone takes off into a run. Well...
Everyone except Hotaru.
She's running behind everyone else quickly until slender fingers curl around her wrist. In that moment, all of her senses cease to exist. The only thing that's keeping her bound is the surging pink eyes of the villain. It's like she has turned to stone.
"Maybe you can make me happy." The villain murmurs softly.
Her hands come up and cup Hotaru's face, knowing the girl is already caught in her spell. Once her spell has begun, one cannot move for a brief period of time. She needs to work quickly, though. This girl is remarkably already breaking the barrier.
"You're just as stubborn as you are cute, darling." She praises, her pale lips curving upwards. "For someone who has also killed before, your skin is also quite soft. Ah, forgive me. I tend to get sidetracked when I meet someone so stunning. Now then," She lets out a gentle laugh. "Let's take you back in time. You'll find my Memory Retraction... quite charming."
•○●○•
*Present Mic Voice*
Villain: Temptress
Quirk: Memory Retraction
By touching her target and making eye contact, she can retract a person's memory! Retracting those memories also retract the emotions and mentality linked to them! In other words, she can make an elderly individual believe they are a child again and they will act just as they did years ago! She can only tamper with one person at a time!
•○●○•
~ Next Chapter Sneak Peek:
❤•○●○•❤
Deception
❤•○●○•❤
"Don't you hate him for what he did to your father?" Temptress whispers in Hotaru's ear, staring ahead at Endeavor. "Don't you want to disembowel him? You don't need to hold back. Do as you've always done."
After that, silver clashes with turquoise. Endeavor slowly smirks and Temptress falls back to enjoy the show. Hotaru's grip tightens on her knife when he comes to a stop before her. The smirk he wears fades away and a more deliberate expression overtakes his face.
"Endeavor..." She bites out, and he replies with words that are oh so familiar.
"You're living in a false reality."
A/N: June 7, 2020
i attempted a character sheet for Taru ~ here's the link ! ya'll know the drill !
i'll share the link again next chapter since some of you may miss this ! i couldn't wait til the next update haha (´ ∀ ` *)
cherryblossomx6 (dotdeviantart) (dotcom) /art/ Taru-Character-Sheet-844754015