Seeing the dimly lit house in front of her, Amari stared at the small windows before a sudden breeze flew past her, causing that girl to bundle herself up in her own jacket roughly.
Even from just a couple feet away she could make out the vague silhouettes of her parents as they eat dinner together, unknowing of the horrors that would await them soon, and the terrible news they would receive about her death.
She pictured her mother raising a hand to her mouth holding in her sobs as her father silently cried next to her once they found out about the loss of their only daughter. The one they kept so close, the one that they had kept unsaid hope for years, they would have to live throughout that level of devastation.
Amari hated the fact that on some level that they probably had already prepared for her death since she was a child. With her crumbling health, she already knew from past experiences that her mother had on some level already thought out the possibility of a relapse or deterioration, and that made her actions hurt that much worse.
Because Bakugo didn't want her parents to worry, she didn't want them to cry in a separate room as they sometimes did when she was a kid. But now it seemed like that reality was inevitable. No matter what they would have to grieve their daughter.
And standing outside her family house, Amari sighed before thinking about the idea of running in and hiding in her mothers arms, apologizing for their suffering and wishing them a final goodbye.
Although it may have been a selfish thought as Bakugo knew she didn't have the strength for that, fully knowing that if she set foot in that house then the warmth would fully swallow her up, causing her to never leave. She didn't want to leave.
Amari knew that one look from her parents would turn her into a crumbling mess. The girl was already barely holding it together as it was and she didn't trust herself to be that strong.
For that reason, the girl shoved her hands in the pockets before lowering her eyes towards the street silently, thinking about the words her family would never hear out loud. I'm sorry Mom and Dad. You did the best you could with someone like me. I love you and I'm sorry for causing more of your tears but I have to do this. I hope you understand.
Bakugo then pulled out a stack of letters from her pocket before looking at the names on the surfaces. They had been sitting in her drawer for months and it seemed it was finally time. She'd have to head to the post office before everything. It's the least they deserved.
Feeling tears beginning to line her eyes, Amari turned away from her comfort before pulling out Hawks' stolen phone looking at the surface.
She felt bad for screwing him over but the girl couldn't have him ruining this. He was one of the only people who knew about her intentions about trading herself for Todoroki, Dabi's true identity along with Sir Nigtheye's prediction and although Hawks was her friend, Amari knew she couldn't get him involved with this.
Raising her head to her sky, Amari thought about her words to Dabi in that bar. She silently hoped that Endeavor would confine in Hawks about her death, causing him to bring up the seed that she had purposely planted about Toya. Then maybe they could search the boy out together. She hoped so.
Bakugo then clutched her phone in her hands before dialing a very important number, putting the receiver up to her ear in the process with a serious expression
Don't worry Shoto. I'm coming back to you, just like I always promised I would.
Todoroki felt himself being manhandled by two men before being forced down in a white chair as he tried to refocus his eyes. In just the last few hours the boy had gone through three rounds of training and his quirk over usage was really pushing him to his limits.
All for One didn't let him rest much, only until he realized the boy wasn't going to die anymore. That's what it felt like, just on the verge of death constantly, fighting continuously until he did feel like he was going to die. It was so intense and grueling that Todoroki was losing sight of his own surroundings.
Although very quickly All for One's voice called to him through his own fog. "My little Todoroki, You've shown so much improvement already. I think it's time for the next step."
He then vaguely watched as the villain pulled out a large syringe with golden liquid before chuckling. "You know what this is, don't you? It's the same thing that Bakugo took to become stronger. How wonderful, isn't it?"
Widening his eyes, Todoroki immediately started to struggle at the realization. That was the stuff that was in Amari's pill wasn't it? It's what changed her into a Nomu. "Get that away from me..."
Of course the villain didn't listen, only shaking his head. "Not to worry, this is only a low dosage. It won't affect your cells just yet. That only works after multiple injections sadly. This is only to teach Bakugo a lesson, that's all."
Todoroki was happy to learn that he wasn't going to have to be changed into a Nomu but that only brought on a new set of worries. He said multiple injections. That meant that Amari had to go through this over and over, didn't it?
Leaning down, All for One tested the needle before lowering it towards his arm. "Try not to die though or else it will be hard to explain to her. You'll need that stubborn strength of yours for good luck.."
Just then, the villain pushed the needle into Todoroki's skin before the boy felt the effects immediately as pain pooled in his lower stomach before growing to a booming shout. This was only a small dosage? If that was so then what did Amari go through?
Feeling his hands shake, the boy began to pull against his own restraints before gritting his teeth. The pain was indescribable, worse than anything he had ever felt before. It felt like he was getting ripped into two, like his own cells were stabbing him one at a time until it forced him to begin to suffocate on his own breath.
Todoroki held back a whimper in his throat before the agony overtook him, now hearing All for One's constant smooth voice through his own personal hell. "Come on little Todoroki. Amari has made it through this many times before. Show her you can survive as well."
Shaking his head at the man's words, he thought back to Amari before screwing his eyes shut at the horrible idea. He imagined her in this very same position as a child, wishing for the same release that he did. How horrible, how cruel to make a child have to experience this.
The feeling was overwhelming that he felt tears prick his eyes before forcing down a muffled scream in order to release some of his torture as All for One smiled next to him.
Todoroki already knew he had to survive this, for her, for his family, for everything that cared about him. He wouldn't die here, he refused. It didn't matter how painful this was, he could take it.
Although his words were quickly cut off as the boy couldn't hold back his strangled screams this time, instead choosing to focus on Amari, his family and how much he wanted to go back to them more than anything else.
After what seemed like forever, Todoroki's head lulled to the side before closing his eyes in order to avoid another wave of nauseous. The pain was gone but now the boy felt numb and woozy, the room spinning around in the process. He didn't even know if he was alive or dead at this point, hoping for the first choice as he groaned back to the empty room.
He recalled All for One saying that this was a low dosage and that outright scared him because if this was a small piece of what Amari had to suffer through, he didn't even want to think about what a full amount would feel like.
In his hazy state, the boy heard the click of footsteps before he felt someone staring at him through the blinding lights. Although he still couldn't see or understand the presence he could sense the person seemed interested in him.
That's when a voice echoed from a few feet away, his tone playful in size. "You don't look so good Todoroki."
Forcing his eyes open, Todoroki was suddenly met with another wave of dizziness as he forced them closed again. His brain couldn't process the voice or the owner in his current state of mind, only muttering back in response. "Who are you?"
But the male voice only seemed to brush away his comment. "No one you need to worry about. I just came to see if you were dead yet. Surprisingly not though."
Grumbling at his sass, the boy' mind couldn't help but flash to a memory of Amari before shaking his head in reply. He couldn't die now, not before seeing his love one last time. "I-I have to see her."
The voice couldn't help but scoff at that. "See who, that little Bakugo? Oh please, you two make me sick. Haven't you forgotten that she's the one that made you like this? All for One is using you to get to her."
He seemed annoyed by Todoroki's words but the boy couldn't understand why, forcing his head to lull towards the man before speaking brokenly. "S-She's everything to me. I l-love her."
The man only sighed at that before moving closer to him in a single motion. "Yeah, so I've heard. So what are you going to do now Todoroki, wait for your dear old daddy to save you? Oh wait, I forgot you hate him, don't you?"
He was expecting Todoroki to agree with his words but instead he watched as the two toned boy forced his lips down into a frown. "I-I don't think I hate him."
The stranger widened his eyes at that before stomping forward as Todoroki felt a hand to his shirt roughly. "What did you just say? Didn't he put your mom into a mental hospital and beat the hero into you? Those drugs must have really messed up your brain kid."
Although he was surprised when Todoroki only muttered back softly, not at all concerned about the fact that this stranger knew about his home life for some reason. "I still can't forgive him for that, but there is something else there….something I missed before…"
The hand on his shirt immediately dropped at that, almost in surprise. "You can't be serious. That man is nothing but evil. "
Yet Todoroki only screwed his brows together, recalling the sullen eyes of Endeavor or the times when he looked so full of emotion and regret.
Maybe a year ago the boy could agree but after seeing his attempts of change, Todoroki knew that's not all it was.. "M-My father is a lot of things, but he's not evil. He's just human, like the rest of us."
Hearing him defend Endeavor made the strangers hands start to burn before turning back roughly. "No, no there is no way. That man deserves to burn, he deserves to rot for what he did to us!"
At the word "us" Todoroki's heart hammered into his chest before willing the thought away. He must have been imagining that.
The drugs were really starting to get to him now, yeah that was it. "I u-used to think that as well, but not anymore. I used to hate him but now I don't think I can do that anymore..."
And that was true for Todoroki. After seeing how his father cared for Amari, he just couldn't look at Endeavor as this unfeeling monster anymore. Yes he had made his unforgivable mistakes but it was obvious that the man was going to work for his entire life to change them.
So much so that the voice couldn't help but sigh before whispering back towards the boy, disbelief on his brow. "What happened to you little Sho?"
At the sound of his name, Todoroki immediately felt his breathing catch his throat before recognizing the phrase. The only one who had ever called him that was.. "Toya?"
The stranger widened his eyes but quickly shut his mouth as the boy forced himself to speak again. "Toya, is that you?"
Once again the man remained silent causing the boy to try to force his eyes open. No, that couldn't be right, his big brother was dead. He must have been hallucinating because of the drugs. It was impossible to be talking to Toya, his mind must have made him up.
So much so that the boy knew this as his chance to talk to his dead brother, knowing that the voice in front of him wasn't in fact real. "T-Toya, I'm sorry for what happened to you, if only I knew then I could've helped you. I know I was just a child at the time but I still regret it, not helping you.."
Earning only silence, Todoroki continued through his woozy state, fighting the black spots that were slowly pooling in his vision. "T-There is this girl, she's like you. I love her more than anything. You'd be proud of her. S-She stood up to our dad, she made him notice her, so much so that he trained her. I-I think he's changing because of her. S-She reminds me of you sometimes, about how much I miss you…"
He then heard the footsteps quickly leave the room before slamming the door closed to his left, causing Todoroki's head to fall and lose consciousness. He knew it was only a dream but the words still felt warm and comforting.
After rushing out of the room, Dabi quickly shut the door before leaning against the wall with a slight groan. He had just wanted to know if his brother was dead or not. That's all. He didn't need the sob story from little Sho about how much he missed him, that stupid kid.
Running a couple fingers through his hair, the man then pulled out a cigarette before shakily placing the object to his lips.
He shouldn't have walked in there, it was only a mistake. That stupid Bakugo girl had gotten into his head and look what happened?
It dug up those unpleasant feelings all over again.
Cursing to himself, Katsuki ran down the stairs to the dorms as Deku followed him hastily, trying to catch up to his angry and clearly panicked childhood friend.
He couldn't even believe it himself, hearing the boy's shouts as he desperately searched his room for his twin. He seemed so distraught, so lost. "Kacchan, wait hold on..!"
Although the boy didn't stop, only scoffing when Deku reached forward to grab his arm. His mind was running at a million miles an hour, unable to focus on anything else but reaching his sister. "Don't fucking touch me you damn Deku!"
Pulling his arm away, the green haired boy before running in front of Bakugo in order to put his arms out in an attempt to make him think for a moment. "Listen, I know you're scared but we don't even know where Mari-chan is. We should go to All Might or Aziawa sensei and…"
Bakugo only glared before letting his finger spark in warning. "Fuck that. It will take too damn long. That idiot is going to try and save icy hot herself I just know it. You wouldn't understand. Now get the hell out of my way."
Deku couldn't understand his words but he couldn't help but feel a sense of irritation from them as well, his lips turning down. "Mari-chan is my friend also so of course I understand. I know what All for One did to her and I'm scared too."
The blonde haired boy could only scoff at that. That damn Deku was just making that up. There was no way he could fully understand just how terrified and useless the boy felt right now.
Once again, Amari hadn't trusted him and instead went off by herself to fight her own wars. He thought they had gotten past this, that they had grown closer but apparently not. She still couldn't trust him, and that hurt him more than anything.
It was frustrating, knowing she had just taken a step back because of Todoroki's kidnapping. "You don't understand shit, so shut your goddamn mouth you damn Deku! Don't act you understand how I feel…"
Yet the boy didn't shut his mouth and back down like he had hoped. No, his childhood friend spoke back. "I know that you're scared and I am too. I remember what she told me when we rescued Eri, everything she had to go through because of that villain."
Deku then continued roughly. "I know how badly you want her back but we can't do it without a plan. For Mari-chan we have to be smart."
Yet Katsuki only shoved himself past the green haired boy, murder etched in his eyes. "What is this "we" bullshit? I don't fucking need your help. I'll bring my sister back myself."
Hearing that the boy was planning on going in alone caused Deku to widen his eyes in disbelief. He knew that his relationship with the boy wasn't the best but now wasn't the time to bring that up. Amari needed them, both of them.
Shaking his head, Deku replied roughly. "Kacchan, don't be stubborn right now. Mari-chan needs us. I understand that we haven't gotten along the best but think of your sister, how much she might be hurting.."
Although Bakugo only glared back. "You better shut your goddamn mouth Deku. She doesn't know what she needs.. "
Yet the boy only balled his fists, remaining strong. He was starting to become annoyed with his friend. All throughout his life he knew Kacchan to be rather stubborn but there seemed to be something else here, something that the boy was keeping.
Narrowing his eyes, Deku cried back. "No, I won't, not when it comes to Mari-chan! She's my friend and I want to help! Why do you want to do this alone, why won't you let anyone help Kacchan?!"
Katsuki then gritted his teeth before answering roughly. "Because I need her to realize she can rely on me and not have to shoulder everything on her goddamn shoulder all the time! If I can't do this then it will prove that I'm still fucking useless to her."
This caused Deku to freeze, taking in his agony before Bakugo scoffed. "She didn't even trust me enough to tell me what was going on. She just left by herself just like what she always does. I fucking hate it."
His shoulders began to slump as the green haired boy processed his words. It wasn't that Katsuki hated the idea of help, it was as if he felt he had to prove himself to his sister. Now his anger and illogical decisions made sense. "Kacchan.."
Balling his fists by his side, Deku looked towards his friend before speaking back softly. "Going off by yourself isn't going to prove what you think it will. Mari-chan loves you and I know she'd be devastated if you were hurt. Maybe that's why she kept you out of this, to keep you safe?"
Although that obviously wasn't what Katsuki wanted to hear, reaching forward before gripping onto the green haired boy's shirt roughly. "Shut the fuck up, I never asked for that! I'm the one that's supposed to protect her, it's not supposed to be the other way around!"
Deku could understand his frustration, knowing that his sister always seemed to be a very closed off person, and the fact that she had left Katsuki out of her plan only seemed to bring only more discourse between the twins.
Running a hand through his hair, Katsuki then quickly walked over to the nearest wall before kicking his boot into it roughly. "This is so stupid, we were supposed to be honest with each other! Has she learned nothing?! That goddamn idiot, I'm left out again..!
Bakugo then rested his head against the very same wall before taking a shaky breath. He had no idea where that girl could even be. Was she hurt, was she suffering, was she doing something stupid? He didn't know and that terrified him even more.
He was supposed to be her twin, her partner and her other half but it seemed like Amari still didn't trust him enough for that, so much so that the boy just barely whispered under his breath. "Why won't you just trust me damn it? I'm right here…"
Weakly punching the surface once more, Deku's eyes saddened before taking a single step forward. "Kacchan, do you really think Mari-chan wants you to prove yourself to her? From what I've heard at the Yakuza raid, she doesn't think you're useless at all."
Yet that only made the boy grit his teeth, thinking about the times he failed and made her cry alone. That's all he was, one big god damn disappointment to his sister. "Bullshit. You don't know anything.."
Although for some reason, the green haired boy was feeling extra bold. "You're right, I don't know anything about your relationship but going off alone isn't going to accomplish anything. It's only going to make Mari-chan even sadder."
Deku then lifted out his hand to his friend before continuing. "You think you have to do this alone but look around Kacchan, there are so many people that support you, that will help you in this. You just have to accept them."
Although Bakugo still couldn't believe that, only knowing loneliness and solitude for his entire life. No, he had to do this himself, it was the only way.
Opening his mouth in order to tell the boy off, he was suddenly paused when another voice filled his ears, the rough nature causing him to turn towards it. "Why is it so loud? You know some people are trying to sleep here."
The boy's lips immediately turned into a glare as soon as he realized his silhouette. It was that first year idiot Kenji. "It's none of your business. Leave us alone extra."
Already moving to push past him in order to get to the door, the first year couldn't help but call back, causing Katsuki to freeze. "It's that sister of yours isn't it? I heard about that missing Todoroki boy. Seems I was right about her dragging you down, huh?"
Katsuki wasn't sure if this boy was purposely saying things to piss him off but after hearing Kenji disrespect his sister, it didn't matter what the intentions were. He was indeed pissed.
Reaching out to grab onto his jack, Bakugo pointed threateningly. "Say that again and see what happens you bastard. You don't get to talk about her like that."
Although this only caused Kenji to smirk, enjoying his fury as it made him feel something again. "Oh? You were more than willing to talk about her a couple months ago when you came to my dorm room to talk about your feelings."
At this, Deku couldn't help but widen his eyes. Kacchan went to this first year's doors to talk about Amari? That didn't sound like him at all. There was something else here.
Katsuki didn't seem ready to talk about it though, hitting the boy right where he knew it would hurt. Talking to this boy was like looking in a god damn mirror, staring at his past self that he hated more than anything. He knew exactly what would cause a reaction because of that.
The blonde haired boy hissed back roughly. "Shut the fuck up, I was just trying to give you some advice, although it seems it didn't make you any less of an idiot. You know, maybe if you weren't' such an asshole your brother wouldn't have felt like he needed to change for you."
Widening his eyes, Kenji gritted his teeth in response. "Shut up, what the hell are even talking about. You don't get to tell me how I'm feeling, you don't understand..
Yet Bakugo was far too anxious and furious to care about keeping it the secret, scoffing loudly. "Yeah? Well, think again asshat. You think you can use your anger to feel something, to hide what's really happening in that fucked up brain of yours, aren't you?"
This caused the first year to freeze in unsaid shock causing Katsuki to continue coldly. "I'm right, aren't I? And somewhere deep down you know it doesn't work, that it doesn't erase the guilt and feeling of being useless, of wanting your brother back."
His words hit deep, causing even Deku to become shocked by them. It was like Kacchan was speaking from personal experience, like he had felt these things before. He had never heard his friend talk like that before.
Balling his hands into fists, Kenji quickly slapped his hands off of him before quickly trying to leave. "Whatever, I'm over this."
Although that's when Deku stepped forward, concern in his features. "Wait, is Kacchan right? Is that really how you've been feeling? I know we don't really know each other but if you need someone to talk to I can…"
Speaking over him immediately Kenji shouted back. "Shut up broccoli boy I don't need your pity. I can handle myself."
Katsuki couldn't help but shake his head at that, knowing how these kinds of things could eat away at someone so easily.
It was obvious that he wouldn't be able to handle all this on his own. "Hey stop being so god damn stubborn already. It's not going to do shit. Handling it alone doesn't make you stronger…"
Although that's when Katsuki widened his eyes, thinking about his own words before letting his eyes fall. Shit, he was being so hypocritical. The boy was just about to shoulder everything alone also.
He didn't realize until now how stupid that sounded, how obviously stubborn it was until he heard that first year about to do the same thing. He even got on Amari's case for going without him and now he was trying to do the same shit.
That warped personality that his sister once had was now slowly slipping into him. He thought it was stupid before and it was the same now. What the hell was he even doing trying to shoulder everything alone? God, they really were twins.
Looking into the younger version of himself in Kenji, Katsuki couldn't help but smile bitterly, knowing he was messed up. "God damn it, I'm doing the same thing, aren't I…?"
Just then, his phone began to buzz inside his pocket as Katsuki roughly pulled it out before twisting his brow in confusion at the unknown number. He swore if it was that crusty face bastard All for One then the boy was going to flip.
Accepting the call, Bakugo placed the phone up to his ear before answering shortly. "Who the hell is this?! It better be fucking important…"
Although the voice on the other side couldn't help but make the boy freeze, now turning to his childhood friend and Kenji before he widened his own eyes with unknown intent.
Hearing her own footsteps click across the ground, Amari walked into the very same warehouse where Kazumi was murdered with intent in her stance and a serious expression on her face. Of course he would pick this place to meet out of anywhere else.
She pushed open the door only to be met by the row of the league of villains, watching her intently as Amari moved closer step by step. Hearing her own heartbeat hammering in her chest the girl certainly didn't feel calm in the slightest as they seemed to be.
Staring to her left, she found Dabi with his hands stuffed into his pockets lazliy causing Amari's frown to deepen when they locked eyes. She still wasn't over their conversation in that bar and the disappointment still etched in her throat because of it.
The sound of clapping began to echo off the walls as a loud booming voice made the girl flitch at unsaid childhood memories. "Finally, it's been so long, little one. Come, let me see you."
Just the sound of his voice made Amari want to crawl into herself although she continued on, stepping further before meeting the man that terrorized her for her entire life.
He seemed pleased by her compliance, watching her stop a couple feet away from him. "Good girl. It seems you've learned obedience in these years. How wonderful. Very useful indeed."
Although there seemed to be only one thing on her mind, Bakugo narrowing her eyes at his words with a plain expression. "Where is Shoto?"
All for One seemed surprised at how unafraid she sounded, chuckling under his breath. "Ah yes, the boy. You made a wonderful choice I have to say. His training was certainly impressive, almost as much as your own."
At the word training, Amari felt her breath stop in her throat, a slight bit of malice in her tone. "What did you do?"
Hearing her disdain, the man smirked back. "Nothing you haven't already experienced little one. Don't look at me like that. We both know you were the one that allowed this to happen. A punishment was only necessary. But now it's all over since you chose correctly. Now come here.."
His last words caused a shiver up the girl's spine, remembering all of the horrible "punishments" she had to endure because of his distaste. Amari didn't even want to know what that meant for Todoroki, what she had forced him to live through.
Bakugo then balled her fists in response, her eyes fixated on the villain before her as she remained still. "Before anything else, I need to make sure he's okay."
All for One lowered his eyes for a moment before lifting his hand up as a purple vortex appeared next to him a moment later. "Very well. I will honor your request little one."
Amari's attention immediately turned to the portal before All for One reached in and grabbed an arm before pulling him out into the open as the figure stumbled out onto the floor roughly.
Widening her eyes in utter horror the girl blinked before refocusing her eyes on a broken Todoroki.
They were blood across his clothes but Amari was quick to realize that it was dried. What had he been doing, who had he fought? These were all questions the girl was afraid to know.
Along with a heavy lair of sweat all over his body and various purple and blue bruises all over his face, the boy screwed his eyes shut to the newfound light. He looked horrible and beaten down and it broke her heart immediately. "S-Shoto…"
At the sound of her voice, he lulled his head to the side, causing Amari to grit her teeth so hard that it drew blood into her mouth, the metallic mocking her mistakes over and over again.
She hated that villain more than anything and the suffering that he had inflicted to her first love, now feeling the back veins of her own Nomu blood started to consume her. She wanted to kill him for what he did. "Y-You.."
Although All for One didn't seem bothered in the slightest. "Yes, it is tragic what you let happen. Perhaps if the boy hadn't fallen in love with you then this wouldn't have occurred. You are cruel, aren't you little one?"
Almost immediately, Bakugo felt her heart twist inside her chest at his words. As much as she hated him, the man was right in some sense. He wouldn't be here if she didn't approach him that day at opening ceremonies.
Just then, All for One pulled out a familiar gold colored syringe before lightly placing the needle next to Todoroki's neck in warning, causing Amari to snap out of her thoughts. "W-What are you doing. Get that away from him.."
Tapping his finger on the tip of the syringe, the villain hummed. "It's time to make your choice little one. It's either you or the boy. Pick one."
She glared at All for One before turning to Todoroki, already knowing what her answer was going to be. She had already decided it a long time ago. "C-Can I say goodbye?"
All for One's lips began to twist up at her compliance before lowering the Nomu blood and stepping back from the boy as he lifelessly flopped back onto the floor. He knew he had already won. "Of course."
At his words, Amari immediately felt her legs move on their own before practically falling before the boy, turning him around before feeling his overheated cheek. "S-Shoto, please answer me. P-Please, I'm right here. I came back to you like we promised, remember?"
Hearing the sound of her voice, Todoroki stirred before forcing his eyes open enough to see the outline of her silhouette. He knew that beautiful sweet voice anywhere. "A-Amari..?"
Bakugo began to smile back with tears in her eyes, knowing the boy was still alive. It didn't matter if this was the last time she saw him because just seeing him right now was enough for her.
She knew she couldn't be selfish and earn for more, not anymore. "Y-Yeah, yeah it's me. I'm right here. I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry about this but I'm going to make it okay, alright?"
Reaching forward to grasp his shaking hand, the boy quickly remembered the situation they were in before trying to push her away. Flashes of their conversation suddenly crashed into him as the boy recalled what would happen if she met All for One again.
If she was here then it meant that Sir Nighteye's protection was coming true, and she was going to die tonight. No, please no...
He didn't want to lose her, he didn't want to be the cause of her death. It would break him, farther then he originally had been before. All of that progress that she had made, Todoroki knew that it would be erased the moment she died. He couldn't have that, he didn't want to live through anymore tragedy.
The attempt was weak but Amari could still hear the pain in his voice as he uttered the words. "Y-You can't, you have to leave or else.."
Yet Amari only shushed him quietly, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, no concern on her brow. No, this moment was about Todoroki not her. "No, I'm not leaving you, not now not ever. Your family is waiting for you, they are waiting for you to come back home, okay? They need you to be okay.."
A slight whimper couldn't help but escape his lips as Todoroki reached for her again, adamant to stop something he knew was useless. "And I-I need you to be okay. P-Please, don't go."
His words broke the poor girl, feeling her own tears spill over at the utter desperation in his voice. She didn't want to go, she didn't want to leave him. That much was clear from the expression on her face.
But even so, the girl pushed on, locking her fingers with the boy she had unknowingly ruined before crying back. "Listen to me, you are going to be a great hero, the best anyone has ever seen, okay? Do that for me, make sure that your father doesn't get away with his crap, make sure your siblings know how much you love them, and make sure that people like me get the same chances I did."
Smiling through her tears, Amari continued proudly. "You've given me so much, things I thought I could never have. You put a thousand years of love into such a small amount of time, you made me believe in myself when no one else would. You have done so much for me Shoto. Thank you. I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you for that.."
Looking down at her hands, the girl finished. "So instead, just like how you saved me, now it's time I save you."
Todoroki felt his breath stop at those words, immediately forcing his body to move in order to stop her as Amari gently pushed him back down.
No matter how much he tried, the drugs that All for One had injected mixed with the intense training had left him practically useless. This was worse than any of his previous nightmares before.
And that was because he couldn't do anything, anything but watch as she signed her life anyway. "N-No, Amari no. You can't...I know you don't want to.."
Shaking her head, Amari replied as she sharply breathed in with an attempt to stop her shaking hands. "I-It doesn't matter, nothing else matters to me. Don't you get it? You're everything to me Shoto. I love you.."
Seeing Todoroki's eyes spill over with unsaid tears, Amari quickly whipped them away with her finger carefully as he cried back. "I-I love you too."
Bakugo then slowly reached down to her wrist before carefully unhooking the clasp from the gold bracelet that he had given her on her birthday before raising it up and looking at the surface with shaking hands. "I know you do. That's why you have to live, for me."
Lowering the bracelet, the girl carefully pried open Todoroki's hands before placing the object lightly on his palm as she closed her fingers over it. "And please keep this safe as well."
The action caused Todoroki to gasp in horror at the feeling of the metal across his skin. She had always made it a point never to take off that bracelet, ever since her birthday.
That proved it to the boy, that she was actually saying goodbye, that she was planning on leaving him and disappearing before his eyes. Just like the USJ incident, it seemed like she had made up her mind already, she had already accepted her death..
Not wanting to touch the bracelet with the implications, more tears moved down the sides of his face as Amari lovingly placed a hand to his cheek, shushing his terror. "Shh it's going to be okay. You'll be okay. I know you will."
Then she leaned forward before kissing the tears from his closed eyes before moving up to his forehead and repeating the action once, lingering for a moment as Todoroki felt her own tears drip onto his cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, I want to be strong for you..."
Bumping foreheads, Amari closed her eyes as she felt his warmth seep into her, recalling all the times he held her. She would really miss that, and it felt like agony to pull away.
Although after a couple moments, the girl finally found the strength, moving her face down to his own before running her fingers around his scar and cupping his face. "T-Thanks for loving me..."
Then she leaned down before pressing her lips onto his, kissing him and trying to burn every touch, every feeling into her mind all at once. She would miss this, this feeling of absolute love.
Everything immediately slowed down around them as the girl thought about the one single and solitary feeling in her chest. She loved him, more than anything and more than anyone else.
Another tear of hers couldn't help but fall into his cheek as the boy lifted a shaky hand to her face before she pulled away, whispering into his lips with devastation that only he could hear. "Goodbye."
Slowly her hand then fell from his cheek as Amari stood up and turned away from the boy, balling her fists in the process. She couldn't go soft now, he was counting on her.
All for One couldn't help but smile at the action before snapping his fingers as two of his men pushed Todoroki to his feet and began to lead him out of the warehouse despite his broken cries of protest. "A-Amari, no please...please don't leave...don't do this…..!"
Although the girl didn't even move, still screwing her eyes shut as the boy left completely and all of the warmth with it.
Now there was only All for One. "How touching but you made the right choice little one. He shouldn't have never been involved in the first place, don't you agree?"
Turning her expression into a hard glare, Amari continued to stare at the floor as the villain continued. "That's right, look around you little one. You're completely and utterly alone once again. Just like when you were a helpless child begging for my help, you know nothing has changed. Where is your brother, your family, your love? Oh, that's right, you left them all didn't you?"
Dabi couldn't help but take in Bakugo's sullen stance as All for One dug into her brutally. She started out so confident and strong since the day he had met her but it seemed that just like him, the girl had spiraled just as quickly.
Just like when he was a child, the man stared into Amari's eyes before finding the very same emotions he did when the world betrayed him, when he realized there was no such thing as a happy ending. Broken, betrayed, alone and destroyed, he knew the feelings well.
She claimed that she would break the cycle of people like them but seeing her now was only a sign of her utter and complete failure, just as he predicted.
All of those so called friends that she had made, they weren't here to help her, they didn't believe in her strength. Once again, she was left for dead and Dabi knew that it had utterly destroyed her inside. She had lost in the biggest way possible after all.
He tried to tell her time and time again that the world was cruel, that it would spit her out and eat her over and over until there was nothing left. People like them just weren't meant to succeed, they weren't meant to overtake the system, not without force.
Dabi knew it was a lost cause from the day he met her but it seemed that the girl was still foolishly holding on, well until now at least.
Because now she just looked disheartened and devastated, like reality had just slapped her across the face. This girl was so completely and utterly alone and she knew it.
Lifting his hands out, All for One reveled in her misery as he continued. "Face it little one, you are completely and utterly alone once again…"
Amari then turned her body towards the man at his words as All for One fully expected her to cry pathetic silent tears like she did as a child, to run into his arms and fully break just like all the times before.
Although that's not what she did at all.
Instead, he watched as Amari's lips curved from a devastated frown into an amused grin, almost like she found humor in his words. "Yeah, not quite."
Suddenly, a flash of green and yellow ran by either side of her as Bakugo and Deku lifted their fists up before throwing a double hit on the villain, the wind sending the man backwards in surprise.
The two then landed on their feet before Amari threw up hands onto her hips. "It's about time boys. I was beginning to think you'd never show."
Katsuki couldn't help but scoff at that, pushing his sister's head down before relying. "It's your fault for calling us so late. I swear, I thought you were going to face that bastard all by yourself. Don't scare me like that idiot."
Throwing her hands up in an apology, Amari answered. "Sorry sorry, I had some things to do before and I didn't want you hunting me down. But thanks for coming anyways."
Bakugo only rolled his eyes at that as Deku ran up to her quickly before plowing into her with a hug. "Mari-chan, you're okay! We were so worried about you."
Patting his green hair, Amari smiled into his sleeve before nodding back. "Yeah I'm okay. Sorry for worrying you Deku."
He smiled back when the rubble began to shake, causing the three to sharply turn back to All for One as he stepped forward with a frown. "What's all this? You didn't tell me you were bringing company. Seems like I will have to discipline you more by killing your group of little friends."
Readying their stance beside her, Katsuki and Deku glared as Amari turned her friends roughly. "Did you bring them?"
Almost immediately, the walls of the warehouse burst open as the rest of her class flooded into the space before standing beside her proudly as they readied for the fight ahead.
Kiri smirked back before calling out to the girl. "Don't worry Amari, we've got your back!"
Denki readied his quirk as well. "We'll take care of this villain in a cinch!"
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Amari turned only for Shinso to fix his mask over his face in a single motion. "Come on short stuff, let's kick some ass."
Even though she had asked her brother for their help, Amari still couldn't believe the amount of support besides her, the girl shoving down her own tears at the sight. Perhaps somewhere in her mind Bakugo was worried that they wouldn't show, that they wouldn't agree to help like they were doing now.
She also half thought that Katsuki would've just ignored her words and came by himself but she was thankful to see that wasn't the case. It seemed he could rely on others as well now.
Shigaraki stepped forward only for his mentor to stop him a moment later, much to his distaste. "Master! Let me take care of this. They are disrespecting you again! Kurogiri!"
Just then the ground rumbled once again as purple vortexes appeared all around the group and the loud roaring of Nomu from inside and outside the building could be overheard as Shigaraki glared back.
It was an all out war and everyone knew it.
Although instead of seeming concerned, Amari only flicked her eyes over to Shigaraki in response, recalling their last meeting from Overhaul's lair. "You once said that I was the key to toppling the hero society and you know what? You're right, I will do exactly what you want me to do, I will tear down the hero society."
Lifting out her hand, Amari's palms started to spark to life before turning to the man that had plagued her entire life with an unsaid power. "I will tear it down and build it back up into something that everyone can believe in. No matter how weak or strong, I will make it so that people like you will never exist again!"
Dabi's eyes couldn't help to widen at the sight before him, taking in Bakugo's words before letting out a breath of disbelief. He couldn't believe it. She still hadn't given up, she was still fighting for them.
Just then a burst of fire lit up the sky through the windows, all the villains all turning towards it as the sounds of screaming Nomu echoed through the space. There seemed to be a fight happening out here.
Looking at her nails Bakugo then voiced their thoughts out loud. "Oh, that would be Endeavor rounding up all the Nomu you just released outside."
All for One couldn't help but curve his lips into a hard frown as Shigaraki growled back. "You..you planned all this?"
Nodding back, Amari then dropped her smirk as she glared. "Of course I did. You made one of the biggest mistakes. You pissed me off."
All for One then put out his hand before speaking back firmly. "You have gotten far more rebellious than I thought little one. We need to fix that immediately. Come to me, that is an order."
At the sound of his words, Amari felt her Nomu blood push its way towards her skin as the girl gritted her teeth much to the villains pleasure. Yes, that was right. She couldn't disobey a direct order from her owner.
Although much to his surprise, the girl only remained still, turning towards her captor before smirking back darkly, knowing that if she was going to die tonight, then she was going to make sure this man wasn't going to terrorize anyone ever again.
That's right, if she was going down then it would be by her terms, not his.
"Sorry All for One. You can't tell me what to do anymore. This is my life, not yours."
Welp, here we are, the final battle.
You see, back at the beginning of the story Amari would have very clearly listened to All for One, going off by herself in order to save Todoroki but now she's smarter. She relies on the people around her to bring that villain down. Truly a badass.
Next Chapter: ….
