My Hero Academia: Katsuki's Secret

Rated M for cursing, trauma, blood, and adult themes.

Chapter 9

Bakugo remained in stride with the pro hero until they reached approached the front desk, coming to a stop when he realized just what tune the winged hero had been humming the whole time. A smirk raised his lips though as he speed walked past him. "Time to do some sketchy shit, better not get caught," the blonde started once within earshot of Hawks. "Don't get in my way or you will die today."

"Like the improv but don't quit your day job." He cleared his throat to hide the amused chuckle when they came to a stop at the counter, earning the attention of several staff members who instantly stopped what they were doing when he used a gloved finger to coax one of the employees to come closer. A brief glance at their name tag revealed their name as he smiled. "How is your day going, darlin'?"

The plump woman's face flushed with heat. "I-it's Darlene, sir."

"My mistake," he bowed his head, foot lashing out to catch the blonde teen's shin when he audibly gagged. "Think you could help me find my niece?"

It was as Bakugo was preparing to retaliate that a red feather separated itself and began tugging on his clothing, directing his attention instead to the hallway to the right. He knew a lead when he saw one and slipped into a passing group who were headed in that direction. Deku and that one upperclassman had said Eri's room was on the fifth floor but the directory of patients was no help. The situation called for near complete secrecy and it was probably best that it wasn't common knowledge that she was here.

He had to start somewhere so he began wandering.

Patients varying in age and condition blurred by as he carefully surveyed each room in turn, not taking too much time to stop in case he thought he'd spotted her for anyone to notice him. Sneaking around wasn't his style but right now this was the best course of action. The reminder played in his ear like a song on repeat as rooms changed to floors until he came to a stop in front of a vacant room that had just been cleaned. A pair of nurses were conversing lowly but he still caught mention of her name and the word "discharged".

Ruby red eyes widened as they listed off all of her injuries that seemed to miraculously heal during the two nights she'd been admitted, meaning that he himself had been passed out in the infirmary back in UA for that long at least; a broken wrist, dislocated shoulder, several fractures along her ribcage and legs, severe deep tissue and bone bruising, then the fact that she was several development stages below the the average for someone her age.

"The poor thing," the nurse with curly black hair and fair skin sighed, "I wonder if she was abused at all."

The other, an elder nurse with copper bobbed hair, shushed her. "Confidentiality, girl, so be silent!"

He quickly shifted so that his back was against the wall and out of sight but still within earshot when she began raising her head as if feeling his presence.

"I think you're right though. Those people didn't tell us anything when they brought her in yet I've been working this job long enough to know abuse when I see it. The poor girl was so hysterically once regaining consciousness that we had to heavily sedate her and almost were forced to tie her down." Her voice dipped lower. "Those bruises on her wrists and ankles will heal with time but that other one, around her throat, it may never heal correctly and her vocal chords were severely damaged. I doubt she's ever going to speak again."

"At least her uncle was contacted, right? Although I wasn't too entirely sure of their relation until seeing the official discharge paperwork myself-"

The rest of their conversation was lost to him as he broke into a sprint, heading straight for the path that would lead him to the front desk, when he was suddenly yanked backwards to lay flat against the floor courtesy of a red feather. "The fuck…" It gave a yank on his clothing, directing his attention to the elevator, and rose to his feet with a grunt. He would definitely pay Hawks back for that later. It was empty thankfully when he stepped inside but the feather practically whipped his finger from pressing any button but the roof. "That's it, I'm going to stuff him like a thanksgiving turkey and serve him for dinner." The blonde growled, surveying the growing red marks on his fingers.

Every time the elevator stopped, he would deter any from entering with a glower or warning curl of his lip that would earn weary glances or even startles from various patients and doctors alike. Time passed slowly with each ding that corresponded to the floors that were passed until a resounding chime filled the air as the "R" that symbolized his destination lit up at the end of the long line of numbers. Silence rang loudly in his ears as the doors parted and revealed the rooftop garden that was in full bloom with various brightly colored flowers but his ruby eyes locked on the lone figure who was on the far side facing away.

Long navy hair billowed in the warm breeze that swept over the rooftop as she turned. Hospital gown was replaced by a pair of calf-length leggings decorated with geode patterns and an eggshell white loose fitting blouse that hugged her bust then flared outward towards her hips, on her feet a pair of flat brown sandals with silver buckles that shone when catching the sunlight. Duo colored eyes, one chocolate the other sapphire, met gemstone ruby as he exited the elevator and quickly crossed the space with hurried steps until he was standing before her. Bandages covered her visible skin and a cast confined the broken wrist but otherwise he was relieved to see that she was healing well already.

But that was a problem. No person would have healed from all of those injuries in two days. He froze as the nurses's words echoed within his ears as the ribbon choker shifted just enough for the skin underneath to be visible and his stomach clenched at the lingering indention within her being that corresponded with how he'd seen the metal cuff bite into her skin. His gaze forcibly rose to meet her own as he took a step that would bring himself closer. "How are you walking around?"

Her head tilted as if in confusion, a faintest of flickers within her dull gaze when his hands stuffed themselves within his pants pockets. Another breeze swept past them that was nearly strong enough to move her forward a step but was steadied by his hands that had taken hold of her biceps reflexively. Though her lips lifted into what he guessed was supposed to be a smile of thanks it felt lukewarm as she shimmied from his hold to put distance between them.

"Don't play dumb," he snapped when she took another step away, temper starting to rise when her expression became mixed between weariness and hesitancy. "They put you in isolated care, so what the hell are you doing all the way up here?" His hand lashed out to take hold of her uninjured arm, keeping her from taking another step backwards.

Alarm filled her gaze as she fought against his hold, hands clawing as his own trying to remove it, eyes widening when it still remained after throwing herself against him. A surprised grunt rose up his throat when she suddenly twisted her body, resulting in her elbow catching the underside of his chin while one of her feet dislodged his other that caused his balance to sway dangerously until he found a firmer foundation. What he wasn't expecting was her head to snap upwards to earn a crack from his nose as they impacted.

"Tch, you're the only person other than Deku whose landed a hit on me and actually drew blood." He huffed, releasing his hold so that they stood near toe-to-toe while wiping the trail of blood that oozed from his nose with a swipe of his thumb. Her reaction though was bizarre and he wasn't here to fight or cause her more injury; which would definitely happen if that were to happen again. "I just wanna talk so calm the fuck down-"

"That's enough."

Bakugo tensed, ready for battle, the moment a shadow came up from behind her, seething as they wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulders that drew her farther away and out of his immediate reach. "Who the hell are you?"

The dark haired man was easily over six foot, blue eyes that could rival the sky above their heads, a pair of black frame glasses, dressed in a tailored suit that would easily cost a small fortune. A gloved hand carefully raised her arm to examine it closely before removing the article of clothing to brush bare fingers along her skin. "Nothing more than a bruise, Aurora, you'll be alright." Though his voice was a mid tenor range it still rang with an underlying familiar hint that instantly grated against the blonde teen's nerves in a way that made him inwardly bristle as the glove was slipped back on. "You aren't wearing a visitor's pass, young man, but I'll look away this once and not report you to the security if you walk away." The man's gaze hardened. "Though you will do well to remember not to touch my niece in such a way when she clearly does not know you."

"The fuck you talking about, geezer? It's you that she doesn't know so get your-" It was as if an invisible hand rose to clamp itself around his throat, effectively cutting off the rest of his sentence when she pressed herself against the stranger's side as if seeking protection. Her head shook when he made to take a step forward, the emotion he'd been struggling to identify within her gaze finally hitting him. "Why the hell are you staring at me like I'm some nobody?"

"I am unsure of how you know her," the man started, "but she has been through quite the ordeal as of late and sustained several injuries, as you can see." He suddenly perked. "Ah, you must be an old friend of hers and came to visit once you heard. Apologies for not introducing myself. I am her uncle from her mother's side, Tanaka."

"I don't care if you're the fucking Pope-!" The ground reached up and swallowed him as her gaze become fearful at his outburst. Wide ruby eyes searched duo colored ones, hoping to find a spark that meant she recognized him, but found only endless fear and anxiety.

She was looking up at him as though she was genuinely afraid of him and there was no hint of recognition either.

"You really don't remember me."

It wasn't a question but her head shook in response.

A hand fell on his shoulder. "Looks like you beat me today, Tanaka, glad we could finally meet in person though." Hawks offered his hand, the smile lifting his lips remaining even as the man visibly hesitated before accepting it. "Keigo Takami is fine, Ezekiel was my half-brother."

"Asuka's husband's-" Tanaka's jaw dropped as he vigorously shook the hand he still held. "I see, so you're Hawks, the pro hero! I knew I recognized those spectacular wings of yours! Pleasure to meet you! Such a huge fan!"

The conversation became lost to Bakugo as he found himself silently watching her slowly emerge from the side of Tanaka, one of her hands rising to rub her left temple while blinking with furrowed brows, his blood quickly rising to a boil when the gloved hand still around her shoulders took a firm hold of her that earned a flinch as she stumbled. Something wasn't right and his gut was beginning to scream at him that things were about to take a turn. Her expression became pained as a knee gave suddenly but before she could crash down to the ground he had launched forward and enclosed her tightly against his chest when the man's hand made to cover her eyes.

He quickly drew her away until several feet were between them and Tanaka who watched curiously. His attention shifted downwards she began to fight against his hold, her eyes wide but unseeing, until they slid closed from the precise blow he delivered to the side of her neck and adjusted his hold so that he could move easier if they needed to make a quick getaway if needed. Wild blonde hair became more so when her slack expression became overruled by pain as he stood.

"Was that truly necessary?" Tanaka blinked in confusion then lit up as if he were a light on a Christmas tree when pressure began to gather around her being. "It must be happening!"

"What is?" Both pro hero and teen chorused.

Their answer came in the form of her writhing with back arching in a near unnatural way until from between the shoulder blades erupted a pair of midnight black wings that rained down feathers. They were nowhere near the size of Hawks but the sight of them still took their breaths away as a series of cracks sounded when they moved, as if testing their range of motion, and then receded back inside her as she slumped in a heap.

"Magnificent! So it's a partial Animal Transformation similar to her father's! I think it should be called 'Flight', what do you say, Keigo?"

"I think it's up to her to decide what is should be called." Hawks instantly appeared between the now grinning Tanaka and the teens when the blonde growled lowly, a few feathers separating as if preparing for battle against Bakugo as his quirk began to build. "Calm down," he said lowly, "he hasn't done anything yet and it seems that he has no idea of her 'Maximize' or 'Minimize' so let's keep it that way. For now let's have him believe that the wings are her quirk until we know for sure he can be trusted fully. The fact that Eri couldn't remove all of my half-brother's eyeball means that there must have been some that was already absorbed into her being which resulted in what we just saw." Their attentions shifted back to the man who had gathered a few of the fallen feathers. "She may be the only person in the entire world that has three quirks, I'm not sure, but we definitely need to keep it on the down low for now."

"Each feather seemed to have a small prismatic rainbow as if they were covered in oil!" He held up his hands while clearing his throat when finding himself faced with their glares. "Last I checked it was not against the law to admire one when their quirk is so beautiful. I had thought she would take after my dear sweet sister but it clearly appears that she has that of her father. Those wings are spectacular, truly splendid!" The man paused. "Though I wonder why they are black."

Bakugo's mouth opened, retort ready, but was clamped shut by a red feather so that all that was heard were a series of muffled shouts. He bristled when Tanaka approached but more feathers forced his hold to release so that she could be collected by the man who cradled her as if she were an infant. More feathers appeared, wrapping themselves tightly around his being so that he could barely move, when he made to take her back.

"Sorry for the kid, he's a bit of a hothead and isn't the greatest with people." Hawks drew Tanaka's attention with another offered hand. "Let me know if you need anything, okay? I'm always happy and ready to help if she needs anything."

"No worries here, I understand both of your concerns with all that has happened." He took the offered hand and shook it with vigor before shifting his gaze downwards to the unconscious girl. "I'm just glad to have a least a small reminder of my sister back in my life. The two of you seem to greatly care about her so please don't hesitate to come visit her-"

A roar cut him off, causing both to turn their attention to the blonde who was fuming and sparking like a firecracker. "How the hell is she even up and moving around?!" Bakugo seethed. "I heard that she was going to be in isolation because they were concerned about her quirks and how injured she was!"

The spectacle wearing man's head tilted. "Did you say 'quirks' as in plural?"

"Don't pay the idiot any mind, he himself got beaten up not too long ago from a skirmish with some classmates and we think he's suffered a concussion." The pro hero groaned, using more feathers to constrain the teen whose being was beginning to spark, sighing lowly when Tanaka nodded sympathetically. "Knew I shouldn't have brought you with, you crazy firecracker, but you haven't screwed this up yet."

"Shut the hell up, feathers!" Blazing red eyes locked on blue after shifting away from Hawks. "You did something to her! There's no way she wouldn't recognize me, not after the shit we've been through, unless something was preventing her! I knew there was something off about you, two faced psychopath! You're really him, aren't you?!"

"If you're referring to that heinous villain who stole away my sister and her husband then performed experiments upon their child, my niece, I am not him." The icy tone and sudden dip in his voice caused both to recoil slightly, as if physically being struck by the man's words, neither fully believing how the docile man had been replaced by a stone wall that radiated such a cold aura. His lip rose in a snarl. "We may look or act with qualities most would call coincidence but rest assured that we are in no way similar. He is nothing more than a monster in human skin and I will do everything I can to ensure that he never gets his hands on her ever again."

Bakugo's hand lashed out in a swipe, causing explosions to fire off behind the man that earned his recoil of shock. "Prove it! If you're not him, then why doesn't she recognize me?!"

Blue eyes blinked when met with blazing ruby then widened. "My quirk is 'Pain Killer', meaning that I can dull the pain receptors of a person so that they no longer are limited by their physical ailments. Take for example morphine and other medical drugs that help patients who experience intense pain from surgery or sickness; my quirk allows those who are incapable of being administered such substances to still be capable of finding relief." The glove was removed from his right hand and placed the tip of his finger met the space between her eyes. Her pain filled expression ebbed away into one of bliss as she sighed heavily while the rest of her body relaxed. "Aurora was not reacting well to the doctor's medications and I happened to be the next closest blood relative, next to Keigo himself, so the hospital gave me a call when she was admitted. She probably didn't recognize you at first because of the side affects from my quirk. It tends to make the mind a big foggy and slow to react."

"You honestly think I'm going to believe that shit?!"

"If you doubt me then come closer and see for yourself."

A blonde brow twitched. "What?!"

Tanaka calmly extended his bare hand. "I have dealt with my fair share of skeptic people, young man, and the method proven most effective is for them to experience it for themselves."

"Like hell I-" His protest became muffled by courtesy of a feather slapping itself over Bakugo's mouth, causing his anger filled gaze to lock on Hawks who was watching with interest as his feathers forced him across the pavement until coming to a stop before him. The same fingertip that had touched her met his forehead and the moment it did his mind became muddy as numbing sensations slowly took over his body. Recovery Girl had done decent care but her quirk required stamina from the patient while this one seemed to penetrate his being on a cellular level to target each flare of pain that he'd been ignoring this entire time until even those seemed to vanish and leave him blinking like a fish out of water as the feathers that had been confining him released their hold. "Whoa."

The man smiled while withdrawing his hand. "There, you see?"

He shook his head vigorously to snap himself out of the light headed state as the Tanaka slipped the glove back on. "What are you going to do with her?"

A chuckle slipped from between the man's lips. "My, you really are concerned for her, aren't you?"

Heat threatened to rise in his face but Bakugo remained steadfast. "Answer me."

"I plan to take her back to my home where she can rest and regain her strength." His gaze and tone softened when glancing downward when she shifted in his hold. "If she chooses to live with me as her guardian, I will make sure that she will have everything she needs."

"And her quirk?" Hawks took a step, sending the blonde teen a warning glare from the side of his eye when he made to protest. "What happens now?"

Tanaka smiled. "If Aurora decides to spread her wings, figuratively or physically, I will not stop her from doing so if it means that she finds whatever it is that she is looking for. Asuka, my sister, was much of the same so I would not be surprised if Aurora followed in her footsteps." His demeanor darkened slightly as he looked between them. "I do not know all the details, but I would appreciate it if the both of you remained in contact with her in case that villain decides to make another appearance. I shall see to the paperwork myself, Keigo, so if anything were to happen to me you would become her respective guardian."

It was as he was walking past the fuming blonde that her hand reached out, limp fingers brushing against his own, ruby finding and meeting dazed duo colored ones. His hand instantly took hold of hers and gave them a fierce squeeze when seeing the slight panic enter her gaze. "What if she doesn't want to go with you?"

Hawks for a moment thought he saw anger flash within Tanaka's eyes but it was quickly replaced by concern. "Bakugo here is enrolled at UA, along with several others who have quirks. Maybe when she's given a clean bill of health-"

"I will take it into consideration." Both pro hero and student felt their skins crawl as the man's expression became borderline possessive despite the smile that raised his lips.

The blonde teen's eyes narrowed when the man attempted to continue walking but her fingers had laced with his own that anchored them together. "Seems like she doesn't want to go with you, buddy, so I think you better let go of her before I make you." Instinct flared wildly as sky blue eyes became icy and was just quick enough to bring his fist upwards to land a blow against Tanaka's side, resulting in his stagger and release of Aurora who was readily collected within his hold as he slid backwards with a kick. The same fist that had impacted the now gasping man who folded in half was crackling loudly with sparks that danced across Bakugo's skin as he kept the other arm tight around her shoulders when she began to tremble. "You almost had us, you fucking psychopath, but you just can't let go of that disgusting idea that she is a thing for you to possess!" His lips lifted into an excited smirk as adrenaline pounded through his veins when Tanaka lashed out, bending backwards so that the foot that had aimed for his head only got empty air, then delivered an explosion that sent him flying backwards to crash into the elevator entrance.

"Guess I should give you more credit then but are you sure you want to fight me, kid?" Expensive suit now ripped in several places, he emerged from the rubble and clouds of dust with eyes flashing dangerously as his own lips lifted into a snarl.

"How did you escape?" Hawks called, easing between the two in preparation to protect the two teens. "You were buried within layers of concrete and separated from all human contact."

Tanaka threw his head back with a laugh, a hand rising to comb through his hair. "What you people call security is nothing more than a joke in that place. You honestly thought my range was only fifty meters?" The smile raising his lips became maniacal. "Half of this entire city could be under my control if I so chose, you idiots, I have grown stronger than I ever thought possible all thanks to her!"

Bakugo's upper lip twitched. "What the fuck are you talking about?!"

"She has so many mental barriers that it was no easy feat to control her, everyday there would be more and stronger ones, so in a sense she was the perfect person to help me develop my quirk!" His arms wrapped around himself as his eyes shone brightly with glee when Aurora clung to the blonde holding her. "It's because of you that I'm this capable, my dear, I cannot begin to imagine what more I am capable of!"

"Don't listen to a fucking word he says." Tears spilled down her cheeks as Bakugo tightened his hold, rubies blazing brightly with hatred as the man howled with laughter. "You were just trying to protect yourself from his damn mind games and sick quirk so don't think for a second that it's your fault."

Hawks eased backwards until he was in front of them. "How fast can you get down to ground level and make a run for it?"

"Ah-ah, I wouldn't even think of escaping with something that doesn't belong to you. Some theorize that pain itself is nothing more than the mind's conjuring of identifying a threat and making the person steer away from it out of pure instinct to prevent harming one's self. I have found that particular hypothesis to be quite," Tanaka's hand rose, fingers snapping loudly, "true."

Both of his arms latched around her as she writhed with eyes wide and glazed over in pain, lips parted in a hoarse cry that crackled as if she were speaking through a bad radio signal, forcing him to take a knee when she nearly sent them tumbling backwards. Anger raised Bakugo's blood to a boil as her eyes rolled so far backwards into her skull that the veins normally impossible to see were visible. Sparks flittered across his body as he tightened his hold to prevent her spine from arching.

"I can make it all go away if you bring her back to me."

An audible snap was heard as blonde hair became unruly and ruby eyes became twin infernos. Adrenaline, cortisol, and oxytocin mixed in a dangerous toxic poison that his system eagerly soaked up like a sponge as he rose to his feet. The shadow that had threatened to conceal the upper half of his face only succeeded in magnifying the flames that hungrily seeped from his eyes as other tongues of the dancing fire appeared across his being. Faint hissing filled the air as he took steps backwards leaving scorched trails of his footprints on the concrete, he'd heard their approach even from this far up, and gave the girl a tight squeeze as a figure appeared from beyond the rooftop garden's banister with arms open and ready. "Stay with them for now," he whispered lowly into her ear as their gazes met, "they're a bunch of side characters but the least they can do is do me this one favor."

"Kat…su…ki?" Her head fell to rest against his shoulder heavily but he still heard the hoarse syllables that were his name.

"Tch. I heard ya the first hundred times, when are ya gonna say something other than my name? Is that seriously the only word you know or somethin'?"

A navy brow twitched, her upper lip curling a bit into what he thought was a sideways smirk. "…dick…"

His hand clasped her own as it rose, giving it a squeeze when it trembled, flashing an amused smirk as his own brow twitched. "Chill, feisty, I got this. Just go rest and I'll be back before you know it." Ruby blinked for a moment as she instead tightened her hold while shaking her head. Looked like she wasn't going to let go. A bend of his head caused their foreheads to meet. "This won't take long. Promise. Then we can catch up all ya want, Aura, and you know I'm not a liar." It was barely a nod but her head bobbed just slightly enough for his liking, her arms that had wound around his neck relaxing until her hands rested against his chest as he pivoted then tossed her high up into the air. The pink jumpsuit dressed hero in training quickly took hold of the navy haired girl then they disappeared from sight below but not before they witnessed the appearance of a smirk worthy of Satan the Devil himself appear across his face.

A glistening black fork tipped weapon manifested from the trench coat that was shed with a shrug, gloved hands easily and expertly twirling it above his head before readying it. "You've become quite the thorn in my side, kid, and I don't take kindly to those who refuse to do as they're told." Icy eyes shone brightly with malice as the teen's outline became hazy as if they were in a summer's heat wave.

"You only got away from me last time cause ya caught me by surprise." The growl that sounded from the blonde explotionist was more beast than man as ruby infernos radiated a pulse of pure energy that caused the neighboring plants to wither. A tongue appeared, moistening his lips as the thrill of the coming battle pounded through his system like a drug, the anger and hatred he'd been festering for the man standing mere feet away rising to make his skin itself feel as though it was simmering. "So the whole glove fiasco was nothing more than a lie and I bet you used that fancy little quirk of yours on the nurses when filling out the discharge papers."

Clapping filled the air as the trident was shifted to lean against his shoulder. "Clever, kid, you caught on much faster than even I expected."

"I'll even gamble that you aren't related to her whatsoever." Concrete became cracked and burnt as Bakugo took a step to the left, causing the one across from him to also take a step in the same direction. Sanity was quickly slipping from his grasp but he wanted answers. No, he needed them. "So why her, huh? You had your pick of all the brats and grown ups in the city yet you targeted Ezekiel and Asuka. The sick possession you keep festering is disgusting-" His hands came up in time to block the bar that was the trident's body, stopping its forked end from meeting the top of his head.

Hawks appeared behind the villain, feathers and arms alike latching onto his being as Bakugo's arms shook with strain. The teen was built and had physical strength that could rival most pros but it was clear that even he would need help as the villain's physique was revealed thanks to the heat coming off of the blonde. Clothing slowly receded or disappeared into ashes that danced upon the breeze that swept past to reveal an upper torso that would put all famous statues from ancient legends to shame that made the pro hero reach back to press the emergency summons button that was on his phone.

With any luck other heroes will receive the signal and come to their aide. Now it was just a matter of time.

He was forced to retreat as the weapon's tip suddenly lashed out, dodging in time for it to miss his left wing joint, and slid backwards slightly when an explosion caused the villain to fly towards the side. Fine hairs and feathers alike became needle sharp as he caught sight of the blonde teen a split second before the concrete beneath them caved from his jump. From the clouds of dust and debris flashed ice blue as the protective goggles he wore were wrenched off his face to clatter somewhere out of his reach. The warning he'd read about in the reports of the raid filled his mind where Black Trident's quirk relied on line of sight establishment. "Shit!" A shout of pain erupted from between his lips as something collided with him from behind, eyes that had widened from agony falling to find black prongs sticking out form the right wing.

"I'm in the mood for some crispy recipe chicken."

Biting back another shout, he used the other to levitate just enough that he could catch the man standing behind him with a kick and folded the skewered wing the moment he'd been freed of the weapon. "D-damnit, he got the joint," he groaned, "how did I not see him move?"

"Damnit, feathers, pay the fuck attention!" Bakugo took firm hold of Hawk's shoulder, forcing him backwards until his back met the banister while tossing a mangled pair of spectacles to land within the pro hero's lap. "He took his glasses off. Those must have been suppressing that quirk of his until he wanted to use it." The hoodie vest that had been red was now deep mahogany and charcoal denim pants had become near pitch black with rips and tears along with melted holes due to the immense heat radiating off his form. His hero's costume was specially built to withstand his explosions but he had not expected to fight and exert as much of his strength as what was currently being used. "Just stay out of my way. His fucking tricks won't work on me this time."

Black weapon appeared inches from his nose tip, the grinning villain holding the other end raising his eyebrows. "Big talk, kid, sure you can back it up?"

"You're the one who has no idea who you're up against." His hand latched around the handle directly in front of the junction that was became the tips and tightened his hold when feeling that the handle was made of a different material, one that threatened to cave under his intense grip. The smirk raising his lips never wavered as he stalked to the side like a predator, forcing Black Trident to follow thanks to the immovable hold he had on it. "I've already figured out that the only end that can slice through things is the prongs so," he gave it a tug, causing the holder on the other to slide forward, "I am safe so long as I don't let them touch me."

"Decent theory, but sadly you're mistaken."

Bakugo flinched as pain seared through his hands but he refused to release his hold even as the skin visibly began to blister.

"You see, the gloves weren't completely for show-" All bravado melted from his face as a series of explosions caused the metal to mend, bringing them closer until their faces were inches apart. Icy blue eyes widened with horror as the weapon's tips were forced upwards to aim for his exposed throat. "What?!"

Ruby infernos flared brilliantly to combine with the translucent waves of heat coming off the rest of Bakugo's body as the ground beneath their feet caved more, his hold remaining despite the villain attempting to yank it free but unable to due to uneven footing. "Get ready, you fucking psychopath, this is where you get to meet your maker!"

"No! I have so much left to do and you don't have the guts!" Black Trident's being became coated in a fine sheen of sweat as one of the teen's hands rose, within its palm a ball was steadily beginning to grow with each passing second. "Are you insane?! That will level this whole building not to mention you'd be killing yourself!"

Hawks rose to stand, struggling to remain stationary due to the sheer pressure and force that was gathering around the pair. "Don't do it! He's not worth your life, Bakugo!"

"Listen to him, kid!" The villain met the burning gaze of the blonde but recoiled as his attempt to infiltrate the teen's mind was thwarted completely. "Do you really want to throw away your life for some stupid girl you just happened to play childish games with once upon a time?! Grow the fuck up and move on!" He froze as the middle prong, the longest, lightly pricked the junction of his throat. A chuckle sounded from within his chest. "And you call me possessive."

"You've taken nearly everything from her but there's something that no one can steal!" The shadow of his hair fell to momentarily hide his face. "She of all people deserves to live how she wants without some psychopath like you chasing after her!" Features morphed, becoming something that was neither beast or human, the heat causing blonde hair to rise in shapes that looked oddly similar to horns as his skin darkened then peeled to reveal reddened under layers. Ice hued eyes widened both in fear and awe as the demon that had taken the place of his opponent grinned toothily. "Die!"

Chao! See you next time!