Addicted to You
Chapter 1: Oldest trick in the Book
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" Barked Bakugo as he charged through the dark streets of downtown Musutafu. It was cold, late, wet and flurrying like no tomorrow. Why the hell would anyone in their right mind think that causing mayhem in the middle of winter was a good idea? Do these villains like being evil popsickle? Bakugo shouldn't really be complaining. This is perfect training after all, and he needs to be in top form under any conditions. No exception.
"I told you she turned left." Buzzed a static voice in the earpiece Bakugo was wearing for the mission.
"Shut it, Icy-Hot! It's called strategy: sneak in from behind and cut them off by surprise." He spat as he turned off the main street and jumped down a flight of park stairs, cutting through a playground.
"The name's Shoto Todoroki. At least have the decency to remember ones name, otherwise people might think your forgetfully challenged." His classmate retorted with a hint of icy sass over the mic, which pissed Bakugo off. He knew he fucked up, but he wasn't about to admit that.
The villain in question is a women who goes by the name Obsession. Not much is known about her other than the fact that she a minor criminal who likes to causes shit once in a while. She young, early twenty's, tall and fair skinned. Crazy, wiry orange-red hair with purple hooded eyes. She was last seen sporting dark ripped-up leggings, a white beat-up tank top, dream-catcher earrings, black nail polish, bandaged hands and a large dark robe that styled a large red eye in the centre. That same red eye was also reported to be tattooed on her forehead and she arms herself with a old oakened staff shaped like a crooked skeletal hand. "Why are we stuck picking up these trashy wannabe crooks?" He growled as he blasted a powered-up shot across a freeway.
"Because these "wannabe" villains are still villains. No matter the crime they commit, they are still criminals. And if we ignore the lesser ones, they could come back to harm the people in the community." Said the number one Hero, Endeavor, as his booming, dissatisfied voice blared through the wireless feed in his ear.
"Anyone got eyes on her?" Bakugo asked, trying to bring the focus back to the chase.
"A civilian just informed me that she saw a suspicious women run into and old abandon warehouse." Chimed a certain nerd over the radio. "She was cloaked in a dark robe with the symbols that matches her description."
"LOCATION, DEKU!" Bakugo hissed.
"On the corner of Honta and Kagura, just north of the gas station." That's two blocks from him. With the bright neon sign of the self-serve station shining like a beacon over the high-rises, Bakugo braced himself close to the ground and shot forth towards his destination. His surrounding blurred as he focused on getting to the scene as fast as possible. The blare of car horns and reflection of lights that bounce of the glass windows of office building are drowned out by his speed. With the determination to redeem himself from his earlier mistake, he rushes to the scene in record time.
The area in question is surrounded with construction fences and large tarps that blocks in the abandon warehouse. "No Trespassing" and "Danger" signs are plastered around the outside of the property. Other then the gas station nearby, the other lots in the area have been demolished and flattened for future condominiums and commercial space. This lucky building seems to be the last one left to destroy. A perfect little hiding spot for someone to lay low, but also pretty predictable. Cliche, even. Regardless, one must be cautious when entering a closed space.
Bakugo crept close to the fence line and wasn't to surprise to find an opening. It showed signs of being cut, most likely some punks sneaking in to vandalize the area; mark their territory. A waste of time, considering this place is to be bulldozed. He peeked around the inside of the fence, clearing the opening of anyone suspicious, and proceeded to look for a way inside the building. He circled the property from the shadow, making sure not to drag to much attention to himself, before he found an emergency exit that was damaged and bent enough to crawl through.
Normally one would wait for back-up in this type of situation, but you know what else would be awesome? If a certain Katsuki Bakugo capture the villain before anyone got here, proving that he can get the job done. With a confident smirk, he crawled his way through, a defensive explosion simmering at the ready, just in case. Once on the other side, Bakugo stayed to the wall. Old, forgotten posters hang loosely off a bulletin board, covered in dust and faded with time, but with a quick swipe of his hand Bakugo found that this warehouse use to actually be a plant: metal work to be precious. That would explain the large conveyor belts, pullies and benches that littered the interior of this property. Winter winds could be heard hissing throughout the building, snow spilling through broken windows, leaving a white bed of undisturbed powder... Or so he though. From a distance he notice fresh set of foot print trailing down to a dark corridor. "Gotcha!" He cheered as he quickly hurried down the hall. The further he followed the fresher the tracks. Going from snowy prints to melted indents in the floor. She was close. What sounded like halted foot steps and a hush intake of breath were just around the corner. With the feeling of having the upper hand, Bakugo's heart kicked into overdrive. Too easy. With a carefully place pivot he rounded the corner and readied a blast. "DIE!"
"WAIT KACCHAN!?" Squeaked a green clad hero as he threw his hands up in defence. There, standing in the low light of the abandon hallway, stood Izuku Midoriya, Hero name: Deku. His childhood friend that's been a thorn in his side since Junior Kindergarten. The classmate that everybody loves. The rival that makes his blood boil.
"WHAT THE HELL NERD!?" Bakugo raged as his palm extinguished with a puff of smoke, the edge of surprise gone. "WHY ARE YOU SNEAKING AROUND-" His argument was cut short when a hand came up to cover his mouth. This. THIS! Is a big no, no. No one shuts Katsuki Bakugo up. His nostril flared with frustration as he peered back at his colleague, his gaze murderous.
"Shhhh... please Kacchan!" Deku hushed with urgency as he pushed Bakugo softly against the wall, looking back and forth down both ends of the hall, before his hand was grab and jerked harshly away.
"Don't fucking touch me."
"Do you want the villain to find us? Or possibly run away? Because I'm sure half the neighbourhood heard you." Bakugo cursed under his breath, knowing Deku had a point.
"How long have you been here?" Bakugo asked not bothering to chew him out right now. He'll get to that later.
"Over 20 minutes. I wanted to wait until back up arrived, but I figured if you where the first on scene you'd charge in. Clearly, I was right." Deku chided before crossing his arms, earning him a scowl from the spiky blond.
"Are you saying I'm predictable?" Bakugo growled leaning forward.
"I'm saying you shouldn't put yourself at risk by doing something dangerous, like taking on a bad guy by yourself. Which it seem I was right, since your in here, alone, and you almost blew my face off."
"I could say the same damn thing. Isn't coming in here before me, by yourself, just as stupid?" He didn't get an answer, but he could have swore Deku's face became a shade darker. Bingo.
"I was trying to think ahead." Deku averted his gaze.
"You think to much, nerd. That alone can trip you up and get you killed."
"Regardless, now that we're both here we should wait for Endeavor-"
"Hell no! The longer we wait the bigger the chances this chick will escape. I'm going in." And that was final. Bakugo shoved past Deku and continued down the hall.
"Then, I'm coming with you."
"I don't need your help."
"I'm not asking." Deku said firmly, which stopped Bakugo in his tracks. In the past, he would have pulverized this nerd for daring to even talk back to him. However, Deku has shown that he can handle himself in a fight, and now isn't the time to argue. With a sharp glance over his shoulder he could tell Deku wasn't going to go away.
"Fine, you wanna help? Then stay in the background. I'm the one whose gunna bring her down." He ordered as his hands crackled with stored power. Deku simply sighed and followed close behind him. "Oh, and another thing." Deku perked up. "If you ever put your hand on my mouth again, well... let's just say you'll regret it." He spat before continuing onward. Missing the large eye-roll from his green companion.
The two of them stayed quiet, only using hand signs to indicate where they where going. Most of the doors where either locked or small meeting rooms with nothing to hide behind. As they cleared room after room they came upon a set of double doors: big and sturdy. Opening them took a bit of effort, with the doors creaking from years of rust and stiffness. They opened up to what they believed was the centre of the plant. The ceiling stretched high with the roof constructed with glass windows. Portion of the windows were broken, letting in what little moonlight the night had to offer into the vicinity. Snow gently fell and landed onto old equipment, leaving only a layer of white dust. The wind outside wasn't particularly strong tonight, but the building still howled making the whole scenario creepy. Bakugo and Deku carefully moved forward, weaving between machinery, before they reached the centre of the plant.
Suddenly, a loud clunking sound was heard in the distance. Sparks flew, as electricity started to power on lights that where stringing along the environment. Decorative Christmas lights illuminated around large machines, work benches and lockers. Both heroes quickly grouped closer together and scanned the surrounding area.
"Kacchan, look." Deku said while looking down at their feet. Red paint covered the floor around them, shaping into a large red eye. She had them right where she wanted. A laughter echoed out somewhere in the distance.
"Oh, my! Look what the storm dragged in. A couple of lost pups." A womans voice sounded. To Bakugo's surprise it came to the right of him. Without hesitation he shot a blast, blowing up a nearby machine. Dust and debris scattered, while the lights flickered on and off, until the scene settled and the laughter continued. "That's rude. What did that poor machine do to you?" She was teasing them.
"Come out, hag!"
"Hag?! I'm only in my mid twenties!" To the left. He turned and shot another blast. "Seriously, did this guy get bullied by machinery in his past life?"
"To scared to show your face?" He taunted.
"Would you stand in front of a crazy kid with explosion everywhere?" Again, the voice was close and he was ready to fire off another shot when Deku threw a hand out to stop him.
"Don't bother. She's throwing her voice."
"Ding! Ding! Ding! The cutie with the green hair is right. Have a prize!" They heard a snapping sound before the ground around them came alive. Rope appeared under the guise of dirt and snaked its way around their ankles, flinging them up and rocketing them towards a few conveyor belts. The sudden assault knocked the wind out of them as they smacked onto the surface of the belt. Two large metal clasp locked them in. The hell? What kind of metal work place is this? And really? A rope trap? Oldest trick in the book and they fell for it.
"Like what I did to the place? I figured since no one was using it I decided to turn it into my own playground." Came a snide remark nearby.
"You think this crap can hold me down?!" Bakugo yelled as he struggled to escape. He twist and wiggle but the clamps were tight. Not much room to move. And both his hands where facing palm in. He may have a strong quirk, but even he wasn't about to blast himself free, injuring himself in the process. But maybe... if he could just angle his palm downwards towards the ground he may be able to fire off a blast that'll bent the conveyor out of whack thanks to the close-quarters impact.
"Temper, temper! How 'bout you cool off a bit?" Out of the corner of his eye Bakugo notice something fly overhead of him. Seconds later, the window shattered and snow came tumbling down, covering him from head to toe. A hearty laugh envelop the entire area.
"Why are you doing this?" Deku yelled from his restraints. "Better yet, why are you disturbing the locals? I've read the reports on you. You run around the city and pull petty tricks in populated area. Yet, you never steal anything. Why?"
"Because I'm bored." The women's voice sounded just as bored.
"Bored?"
"That's right. Bored." A loud thump was heard on the emphasis of 'bored'. "Do you have any idea how boring it is to try and be a perfect citizen on a daily basis? Everyone puts on the same act with the same face and routine. It's tiring." The sound of something running across metal bars started up. "So I asked myself in the mirror one day, 'Girl, remember that time you blew up the chem lab in high school and everyone went nuts? Tori ran around the room screaming cuz he forgot to wear safety glasses and the chemicals burned his eyes.' Now THAT was funny. Different. And NOT normal. It was exhilarating." Steam started to form around the pile of snow Bakugo was under. "And all I got was a couple days of suspension. What's a little bit of house arrest? GREAT! Cuz I didn't have to bother with school for a few days." A large crash sounded to Midoriya left as a computer suddenly fell from the second floor. Dragging a few Christmas lights down and blacking out from the destruction. "I realized something after that pep talk. That adrenaline I got from watching all my classmates faces turn white out of terror and confusion was... a site to behold. I wanted to see more of it. The not-normal expression people normally don't show." Deku caught a glimpse of a silhouette moving passed the glass windows on the second floor mezzanine. "I wanted to see more of it. I was OBSESSED with it." She chuckled. "And the only way to do that, to get what I wanted, was to put people into uncomfortable situations."
"SOUND TO ME LIKE YOU'RE JUST DESPERATE FOR ATTENTION! A LOSER WHO NEVER HAD ANY FRIENDS BECAUSE SHE WAS THE WEIRD ONE IN SCHOOL!" Bakugo yelled as the snow finally melted away from his face, leaving him wet and furious.
"Your action have hurt people- Ouch!" Deku winced as a rock flew across his face, leaving a cut that bled.
"Hurt! Yes. But never kill. What fun would I have if my targets where dead? None. They'd be stuck with a dead fish face until they decompose six feet under the ground." A subtle sound of a weak metal frame was heard directly above Deku. And from the way Bakugo's eyes shifted in that direction, he believe there target was right on top of them, even if her voice was heard somewhere to their left. The boys make quick eye contact to signal that they were ready.
"So you find it funny to toy with people's lives?" Midoriya ask as he focused on One For All. Green sparks of power crackling around him.
"Oh yes. Quite!"
"Do you have any idea how many people you've scared. Those who are to afraid to leave there houses in fear that you'll strike again. It's sad and unnecessary. And it needs to stop- NOW!" Deku shouted as he broke free of his restraints.
"WHAT?! I thought you only had that black stringy quirk." Screeched the villain.
"NOW NERD!" Ordered Bakugo as Deku rushed over and crushed the clamps holding him down. Without moment to lose, Deku grabbed Bakugo and threw him into the air. "TIME TO STOP PLAYING THIS STUPID GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK!" While in midair Bakugo stretched both arms out and yelled: "STUNT GRENADE FLASH FIRE!" Soon the interior of the warehouse was lit up with a string of explosion placed in open area to illuminate there surrounding. Beneath him stood a figure cloaked in a dark robe, who held a wooden staff of some sort, gazing up from the second floor bridge that connected two side of offices. Midoriya wasted no time in reacting.
"FULL COWLING, AIR FORCE STRIKE!" Deku screamed as he kicked a force of air that sliced by the villain. She was quick enough to jump back, but the force of the attack broke the bridge and caused her to tumble towards the factory floor.
Bakugo landed next to the pile of debris and fished his hand through it, pulling out a dazed female. Her robed hood fell backwards to reveal her pale freckled face and crazy static orange-red hair. She weighed nothing in his arms. "You lose." He claimed as a satisfying smile of success spread across his face.
"Anyone ever tell you, *Cough* you look like a mad man, hero?" She slurred between coughs as she try to control the dizziness of the impact. Using what little sense she had left her arm reached out behind her and grasped her staff that landed nearby during the fall. While Bakugo was distracted with his victory, the villain swung her staff upward, crushing Bakugo's balls. As he choked on the pain, his grip on her loosen and she scurried away.
"C-cheap shot!" He winced as he doubled over from the blow.
"As cheap as it is, it works every time." She cackled before she took off running. She used her staff to vault over equipment, doing her best to reach the exit. Multi-coloured lights painted her body in the dim workplace. But she didn't manage to get very far, since Deku emerged from the shadows and disarmed her weapon. Gripping her wrist, he managed to pin her down. "Ouch, handsome! Not so tight! Unless your into that sort of thing?"
"Your days of messing with people are over." Deku said as he gently sat her down.
"Dammit, Deku, I had her." Bakugo growled as he made his way over.
"Now's not the time for that, Kacchan. I think I saw some rope back in the supply closet we walked by early." Midoriya pointed with his free hand towards the double doors.
"Don't order me around." Bakugo grumbled but continued to head towards the supply closet anyways.
"Well, aren't you two a cute couple." The villain mocked, but Deku learned to ignore such remarks. He knew she was only trying to rile him up and he wasn't going to give her that satisfaction. Moments later Bakugo returned with the rope.
"What the hell is taking back-up so long? It's been 45 minutes." Bakugo started to notice this the moment they entered the compound, thinking it was strange. Half & Half is one thing, but Endeavor? He's not one to fall behind. Something not adding up.
"I notice that, too." Deku answered as he turned the villain around so Bakugo could tie her up. "They should've been here shortly after we entered the building. Not only that, but no one's radio in."
"That would be because of the bugs." They both turned to look down at their captive. "What? You don't think I wouldn't litter my own base with jammers? Come now, boys? I know this ain't your first rodeo." Bakugo pulled her by the collar of her robe and glared down at her, only to receive a wink. Tired of her games he pushed her sideways, making her land on the cold dirty floor. "Rude!"
"Still, I was able to send out this location before I entered the building so how come they haven't made there way inside?" Deku, being the chivalrous hero he was, helped sit her back up, making sure she wasn't near anything. As this was her domain she might have access to more tricks and traps. Once she was placed in a spaced out area he made his way to Bakugo's side.
"Maybe, it's some kind of quirk?" Bakugo pondered.
"Did you not read the report?"
"I don't have time to read paperwork. It's faster just to take them out." He retorted as he checked his equipment.
Deku facepalmed knowing that was a very Bakugo thing to say. "The report states that she has some type of insanity quirk. Heroes have been reported going crazy when facing her or more accurately having an insane craving that drive them crazy."
"Thus, the obvious villain name." Then Bakugo had another epiphany. "How come we aren't going crazy? I mean, I don't feel any different."
"Exactly, which means one of two things." Deku brought a battle gauntlet to his face, leaving him in his thinking pose. "She can only activate her quirk once every so often..."
"Or?" Bakugo was growing impatience.
"Or, she has a limit on who she can use it on at one time." A loud sharp whistling sound made them both turn towards her. Suddenly her eyeball tattoo glowed and the air around her grew light and weightless. Her cloak, hair and and bit of dirt and loose bolts started to float around her. Her eyes shot open bright red and this intense feeling, almost like being dragged underwater by an undertow, washed over them. One moment they couldn't breath. Next they where both to the ground on their hands and knees. "Kacchan, you okay!?" Deku gulped in a large breath before moving towards Bakugo, but before he could help him, he swatted his hand away. Giving him an 'I-don't-need-your-help' look.
Without missing a beat Bakugo stood up on wobbly feet and grab her by the collar, lifting her off the ground. "What the hell did you just do?" Bakugo asked seething with fury. She did something, but what? Was it her quirk? Whatever it is she wasn't telling. She simply laugh out loud. All the floating object scattered back to the ground. Her eyes dimming back to their original purple colour. Before he could hound her for more question the whole building shook. Snow and dirt clattered to the ground from the disturbance.
"What was that?" Deku asked quickly standing back up and dusting himself off.
"Looks like someone set off one of my traps." Chuckled the red head as she continued to dangle lifelessly in Bakugo's grip. "Think about it... Why to you think it was easy for you two to get in here?" Bakugo could see Deku's eyes skittering back and forth. Tall tale sign that his brain was trying to come up with an answer.
"Because it was planned..." Deku concluded.
"Damn, anyone ever tell you your intellect was a turn on, kid? Got it in one, again." A cat call follow suit. Bakugo could have sworn Deku ears turned pink. "I made sure to rig this place from top to bottom. Just encase anyone did follow me here. I wanted to make sure that if anyone did shadow after me we'd play by my rules. It is my playground after all."
"You armed every exit with traps, except for one. So you could get your pursuers to follow down the linear path you set for them. And bring them right to you, here were you have more control." Deku was putting two and two together quickly as he walked by the painted floor again. "This symbol here, it was your centre piece." He wiped away a part of the mural with his boot.
"Keep talking smart to me, it's sexy as hell." She said in faint a swoon, which for some reason this bothered Bakugo. He jerked her for good measure to get her to stop.
"Could it be back-up?"
"If it is it's about damn time." Bakugo had enough of this chick. There was still some leftover rope lying on the ground. "Here. Tie a leash on her." He bent down to pick up the rope and pass it to Deku.
"What!?" Deku responded, sounding concerned.
"Kinky!" The villain wiggled her eyes
"Not around her neck, shit-nerd. Around the top of the restraint." He turned his captive around for better access. Deku gave him a long silent stare before he proceeded to tie the rope. Once he was done Bakugo dropped the villain, grabbed the rope, slung it over his shoulder and headed for the exit, dragging her across the ground. "I've had enough of this place. Let's meet up with everyone outside."
"Well aren't you the charmer." She huffed as she slide across the dirty floor. As they retraced their steps they eventually found the broken door they crawled through. Voices could be heard running frantic outside.
"You crawl out first and I'll hand her to ya!" Deku didn't say anything, but nodded his answer and started to crawl through. Bakugo bent down and tossed the other end of the rope out to him. As Deku pulled her threw the opening, Bakugo couldn't help but notice that sly smirk she was giving him. It sent a creepy chill down his spine, almost like she knew something was up and she was the only one in on a bad joke.
"I'll be seeing you again, hot-shot!" She promised.