Deviant
Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia.
Warnings: Violence, Drama, Peril, Death
Pairings: Midoriya x Amajiki, Midoriya x Shinsou, Midoriya x Bakugou, Midoriya x Todoroki, Midoriya x Uraraka
Plot: Life after the apocalypse has drastically changed for those who survived. Contracting with demons is probably one of the least interesting developments in the new world. For Midoriya and Amajiki, it's become a standard way of life, the only existence they've ever known. They must rely on one another to avoid possession, and live whatever semblance of life remains now that the planet has been ripped apart.
Demon Classes:
Lesser - unable to appear in spectral form, only visible/communicative with contracted host
Mid - can appear in spectral form/partial manifestation
Greater - can manifest entirely in the physical realm
Deviant - dangerous to contract with, strong enough to possess host during manifestation
Chaos - can exist independently without contractor, consume weaker demons to sustain themselves and accumulate power
*New Additions to Plethoras:
(Midoriya: Sero, Ashido, Yaoyorozu, Iida, Koda)
(Amajiki: Tsuburaba, Komori, Hatsume)
Midoriya: (Original Pact: Bakugou, Uraraka, Todoroki)
Power - Bakugou G/G (power/combustion), Toga M/L (power/darkness)
Fire - Todoroki G
Water - Asui M
Air - Uraraka M/L (air/gravity)
Earth - Kirishima M/G (earth/shield)
Light - Kaminari M (lightning)
Darkness - Shinsou C
Enhancements: Jirou L/L (sight/sound), Hagakure L (stealth), *Sero M (binding), *Ashido M (poison), *Yaoyorozu L (crafting), *Iida L (speed), *Koda L/L (voice/sound)
Amajiki: (Original Pact: Hawks, Fumikage, Nejire/Mirio)
Power - Usagiyama D, Mirio G/G (power/light)
Fire - n/a
Water - Nejire M
Air - Hawks G, *Tsuburaba M/M (air/shield)
Earth - n/a
Light - Shimura D/G (light/gravity)
Darkness - Fumikage M
Enhancements: Aizawa G (sight), Kuroiro G (stealth), Shiozaki M (binding), *Komori L (growth), *Hatsume M (crafting)
Terminology:
Aura - the lifeforce and energy emitted by all living things, quality and quantity vary
Dual - demons capable of offering their contracted host multiple quirks
Shade - L demons who possess and feed solely off of animals
Husk - the remnants of a human host after possession, if not devoured entirely
Remnant - a common name for a lingering piece of reality before the apocalypse
Revenant - another name for an embodied demon, a demon that has returned to life
Deviancy - when G or D demons become powerful enough to possess their host without consent, some demons may have deviant tendencies but decide never to act upon them
Possession - when a demon takes full control of their host without express consent, and may choose to relinquish control, remain in control, or devour their contracted host accordingly
Reality - the realm where humans exist naturally
Astral - the realm where demons exist naturally and draw power from, Astral mirrors Reality
Haven - a safe shared headspace between demon and host within the astral realm
Cherished - the demonic equivalent of bonded soulmates, when contracting with a human cherished pairs typically bond simultaneously with their chosen host to remain together
Ch 08: Exigency
Midoriya wasn't certain if he truly remembered what carrots tasted like. It was hard to say, given how much time had passed since he last had an opportunity to try such things. He'd been a little kid the last time fresh crops had grown across the surface of the planet. He wondered if the vegetables that Komori grew for them tasted the same as those that had existed before.
Regardless, once Midoriya had tasted a bite, he quickly discerned carrots were one of his new favorite things. He snacked on slices of carrot throughout the morning between bites of deer jerky and wedges of garlic roasted potatoes, marveling at the crunch and flavor of each vibrant piece. Amajiki took some time to start a slow-boiling stew with several other ingredients from their new garden, and Komori seemed happy to renew their supplies whenever their foraging began to deplete the little vegetable patch, quickly growing more.
Shinsou watched over them from a short distance away, speaking to Hawks now and then on the edge of the astral realm. The fallen angel appeared to be little more than shadow beside the chaos, not fully manifesting in reality to allow his host to rest while eating, conserving his strength until the need may arise.
Bakugou and Todoroki were nearby as well, lingering on the edges of astral and reality, Uraraka standing quietly between them. They were watching the city below, sensing for the energy sources hidden within. Other than the signature of the fallen angel residing near the lake, there were three others that were easily discernible, though they knew from previous observations there were others hiding there as well. They'd sensed multiple lesser demons several times before, aside from the entities they were most concerned about. It was likely they were dormant for now, given the sun was on the rise. Uncontracted demons were typically at their most powerful manifestations during the dead of night.
"It might be good to go during the height of day." Bakugou murmured aloud, his tail tapping absently against his calf. "It may allow them to avoid any unnecessary encounters as they explore the ruins, by venturing downtown before the sun begins to fall from the sky."
"I agree." Uraraka said, nodding succinctly. "If there's a chance they can explore while the lesser entities are sleeping, they should do so. Cautiously, of course." She frowned a little, looking up at the greaters beside her. "If we were to rouse those things from slumber accidentally while venturing about, it may prove more dangerous than facing them head-on while awake."
"It is fair to assume they would react defensively if woken suddenly, though whether they would lash out or abscond remains to be seen." Todoroki replied evenly, frowning a little as he surveyed the expanse of the city. "I know you do not agree with a passive approach, but in this circumstance I truly believe it is their best option." He met Bakugou's eyes, adding calmly. "They won't be alone. Shinsou will walk with them. He will protect them. We have to trust him to do so." His expression softened a bit, his eyes returning to the shadowed city. "I honestly believe he will not allow anything to happen to Midoriya or Amajiki. I will continue to believe such, until he gives reason to doubt his resolve."
Bakugou didn't respond, his frown deepening slightly as he returned his attention to the hosts nearby, his expression softening as he watched the two draw closer to one another.
Amajiki arched his brow, laughing quietly as Midoriya shared slices of carrot between soft kisses, his cheeks rosy with affection. It didn't take much for Midoriya to coax Amajiki away from his cooking duties, their movements becoming more heated as they stripped each other out of their clothes, Amajiki pushing Midoriya back to rest against the soft grass while climbing on top of him, sliding down onto his rigid cock.
"Fuck-" Amajiki gasped aloud, whining and tossing his head back as he started to roll his hips, Midoriya panting quietly and watching his twisting expressions with a bright blush, planting his heels against the ground and bucking up into him gently.
"Yeah, baby~" Midoriya moaned out sweetly, tightening his hold on Amajiki's thighs, his fingertips digging into his soft flesh. "Ride me, sweetheart. Yeah, just like that. You feel so fucking good…"
Shinsou purred softly as he watched their movements, the chaos licking his lips slowly while basking in the aura emitting from their entwined hosts. Hawks stood quietly beside him, inhaling deeply and letting out a pleasant little sigh, his feathers ruffling around his shoulders before he redirected his attention to Shinsou once more. "So, we're in agreement then?"
Shinsou tilted his head slightly, nodding his approval to Hawks' previous question, his eyes fixated on Midoriya and Amajiki. "I will do whatever I can to keep both of them safe. You have my word."
Hawks watched him for a moment longer before shifting his wings and slipping away, his footsteps fading into the astral realm, leaving Shinsou alone to watch their exchange. Uraraka and Todoroki lingered for a while longer before fading away as well, Bakugou holding his position opposite of Shinsou, the demons exchanging a glance but remaining as they were, not wishing to disturb their host.
Midoriya's breath hitched as he felt himself near the edge, his brow pinching and his back arching, his heart fluttering wildly as he cried out and whined under his breath, "Please? Please let me…?"
Shinsou chuckled deeply, his voice curling against the back of Midoriya's mind, and though his physical body was not touching Midoriya's, the human felt Shinsou behind him all the same. His claws at the curve of his hip, the press of his fangs against his nape. "Cum for me. Cum for me, Izuku~"
Midoriya let out a sharp cry as he spilt, Amajiki gasping and pressing his hands firmly against Midoriya's chest as the younger boy came inside, reveling in the sensation of being filled. He blushed brightly while biting his lip, watching the blissed expressions that crossed Midoriya's face as he tried to catch his breath, continuing to roll his hips down and clenching tightly around Midoriya's twitching cock, chasing his own release.
His fingers curled against Midoriya's chest, his hips stuttering as he gasped and closed his eyes, his movements growing more desperate as he rocked quickly back and forth. "I'm so close 'zuku, I'm so close-"
Midoriya grasped Amajiki's thighs firmly, digging in his heels and thrusting up into him in a series of harsh jabs, watching Amajiki's face as he coaxed him on, "C'mon baby, I know you wanna cum. Cum for me, sweetheart. Let me hear your pretty voice-"
"Fuck! Fuck!" Amajiki cried out with each thrust, and it only took a few moments of Midoriya handling him roughly for him to cum violently across Midoriya's chest. Amajiki was a shuddering wreck, trembling and whining softly as he collapsed against his companion, both boys laughing and panting shakily, sharing kisses while twining their fingers and legs.
Midoriya hummed quietly, pressing a kiss to Amajiki's forehead and glancing towards Shinsou, holding the demon's eyes while whispering gently, "You liked that, sweetheart? Did that feel good?"
"Yeah." Amajiki breathed, nuzzling into Midoriya's neck and closing his eyes, relaxing fully against his chest. "You're so strong, Izuku. Feeling you lift me like that, that was really, really hot…"
Midoriya arched his brow a little, letting out a soft snort of amused laughter, Shinsou holding his eyes and nodding approvingly while offering Midoriya a pleased grin. The human watched him for a moment longer before breaking his eyes away and nuzzling into Amajiki's dark hair, murmuring gently, "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. It felt really good for me too."
Amajiki blushed and hummed softly, petting over Midoriya's palm and fingers, lacing their digits again and again, happiness and adoration twisting tightly in his chest. "I love you, Izuku. I love you so much."
"Love you too." Midoriya whispered, kissing his crown, Amajiki tilting his face up and searching Midoriya's eyes, shifting up slightly so he could capture Midoriya's lips again.
Bakugou was at Shinsou's side before the chaos realized the other demon had shifted from his position, the greater glaring up at him with an irritated frown. Shinsou raised his brows in surprise, watching Bakugou for a long quiet moment before asking curiously, "Was there something you wanted to say?"
"He shouldn't need your permission to climax." Bakugou snorted irritably, his irises burning with smouldering fire. "You should relinquish that freedom back to him. Allow him to experience ecstasy with Amajiki whenever he likes, without having to ask."
"I allow him such freedoms where penetration isn't involved. Amajiki can bring him to climax in other ways easily enough." Shinsou crooned, offering Bakugou an amused smile. "It is only when penetration is directly involved that I control whether he crests or not. That was negotiated in the original terms of our contract, Bakugou. Are you asking me to revise the wording of our contract?"
The greater watched Shinsou with an unamused expression, despite the chaos' mischievous grin. He turned towards Bakugou slightly, his tail swaying behind him as he considered the other demon's words, then he leaned a little closer and asked curiously, "It seems that this unexpected request has little to do with Amajiki, and everything to do with your own intentions towards our contractor. Isn't that so, Bakugou Katsuki?"
Bakugou bared his fangs, his hackles rising as a growl quickly built in his chest, the chaos watching him with piercing neon eyes, opening his mouth slowly to reveal a hint of fangs as well.
"Tell me truthfully," Shinsou said, his eyes never leaving Bakugou's, "Say it aloud, what your intentions truly are. Only then will I negotiate with you."
Bakugou narrowed his eyes further, his irises little more than burning slits. His tail lashed behind him angrily, cutting through the air with sharp whips before the demon finally reigned in his anger, a prickling shiver coursing through him as he watched Shinsou impatiently. He glanced towards the valley below, not looking at Shinsou as he started to speak. "The time has come for us to tread a perilous path, more dangerous than any we have had our contractor face before." His tail continued to strike the air angrily, though his words retained a firm, calm tone. "Should one of us need to take possession of him suddenly, Todoroki and I must be able to manipulate Midoriya in any way we like, using whatever means necessary, to ensure his survival."
"I can agree with that." Shinsou replied calmly, his tone softening a bit, the embodied demon watching the greater opposing him with a curious expression. "You believe being able to twine with Midoriya in such a way will allow you both to keep him safe?"
"Having the option available to us is a defining factor. It will allow us to renew our energy reserves as needed without you." Bakugou replied with a succinct nod, finally looking up to meet Shinsou's eyes. "Especially if something unexpected were to happen to you. Should we be somehow separated from you, or should you be engaged with an unbound when Midoriya is in need, in any scenario where you aren't there to give permission-"
"I understand." Shinsou interrupted gently, searching Bakugou's eyes. "What will you offer me in exchange for agreeing to this? Asking another demon to reword their personal contract is almost unheard of-"
"I will allow you to drink from me." Bakugou replied softly, Shinsou's eyes widening in surprise. "Should the time come where your reserves are empty, and Midoriya cannot offer you the sustenance you need, I will allow you to feed from me directly. In whatever manner you like."
Shinsou watched Bakugou with an incredulous expression, considering the greater's offer. It was more than an equivalent exchange. Bakugou was offering far more than Shinsou had ever expected. The chaos was obviously receiving the sweet end of the deal. He had no reason to refuse.
Shinsou hummed thoughtfully to himself while observing the greater for a moment longer, then relented with an impish smile. "Alright. I agree to our terms. I will no longer require our contractor to receive my express permission to share ecstasy with others of his choosing. You may share intimacy with Midoriya as you like, as long as you have his consent to do so. I will remove myself from the equation, and leave that decision up to him."
Bakugou held Shinsou's eyes, waiting a few moments to ensure the chaos was finished before exhaling a breath of relief, his expression finally smoothing. He didn't offer Shinsou any thanks, simply turned away and faded into astral, leaving Shinsou to himself now that their negotiations were complete.
The chaos turned to fix Midoriya and Amajiki in his sights, watching the humans sitting together near the fire, Amajiki stirring the stew slowly while Midoriya cuddled up against his side, yawning quietly.
Shinsou observed them from a distance for a moment longer before stepping closer to sit with them, Midoriya watching his approach with a curious little smile, asking as Shinsou settled down at his side, "What was it you were speaking with Bakugou about? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine." Shinsou murmured gently, reaching out and brushing his clawtips against the back of Midoriya's hand in a soothing manner. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
Amajiki watched them quietly, exhaling a sleepy sigh and glancing out across the mountainside towards the city below, thinking to himself for a moment before asking, "Would it be wise to venture into the city today? Or should we wait until tomorrow?"
Midoriya looked towards Amajiki with a little frown, asking, "Are you certain we should go today? Wouldn't it be better to give our new additions time to settle within us before making such a trip?"
Shinsou looked towards the city as well, sensing for the entities dwelling somewhere within, noting for the moments things seemed relatively calm and quiet. "It is calmer today than it has been all week. It may be in your best interests to go today, regardless of your new contracts." He looked down at Midoriya, smiling a little while asking, "Are you feeling up for the trip there and back?"
Midoriya smiled and nodded, sitting up slightly while replying, "I'm anxious to see what awaits us there, but I'll admit I'm also excited." He looked to Amajiki before returning his gaze to Shinsou again. "Do you think we'll be able to find a bunker within the city? New resources to bring back with us to camp?"
"We will do what we can to help you salvage the ruins." Shinsou replied with a mischievous smile, his tail tapping against the grass beside him. "Let's explore as much as we possibly can safely before sunset."
They ate lunch, gathered their packs and rifles for the journey down the mountain, and then set off. With their energy reserves at full capacity the greaters took turns walking amongst them, Shinsou and Hawks taking the lead while Bakugou walked beside Midoriya, Aizawa quietly following along at Amajiki's side.
The roads leading into the city limits were empty for the most part, abandoned cars littered along either side of the highway here and there, a thick layer of moss and vines creeping over vehicles and asphalt alike.
There were parcels of deer wandering the streets as they entered the city, several dotted fawns following after their mothers, a large buck pausing to stare the humans down as they steadily approached. Midoriya watched them in awe, whispering with Amajiki as they walked carefully past the deer and continued on, the demons accompanying them on high alert for anything unseen within their midst.
Swarms of birds flew high above them between towering office buildings, twittering noisily as they came to perch along the traffic lights and power lines criss-crossing over the city blocks, watching the new arrivals curiously. Without any fear. They'd never witnessed humans walking the city streets before, or if they had, their previous encounters hadn't been cause for alarm. The deer had reacted much the same way.
They passed various small shops as they continued down the street, broken windows displaying dusty antiques and pawn-shop trinkets, the humans wandering closer to a local library at the end of the street stocked with shelves upon shelves of books. They paused momentarily to peek inside, Amajiki quickly locating a map and a pen from behind the front counter and offering it to Midoriya, the younger boy marking their footpath as they went. They made notes of places they might like to explore in greater depth upon their next visit, but for now they continued to search for one of the bunkers they knew must be somewhere nearby. A city this large was bound to have multiple bunkers, especially further downtown.
As they drew closer to the heart of the city, their presence did not go unnoticed. Aizawa bristled and turned in a half-circle suddenly, fixating on something above them, his sight wandering between the towering buildings casting shadows upon the overgrown blocks below. Shinsou had fixated on it as well, his hackles rising slightly as Bakugou took a defensive stance and began growling low in the back of his throat. Hawks hesitated only for a moment before kicking off from the ground, his wings easily taking him higher than the shadows, sunlight reflecting off of his crimson wings and bathing the streets below in brilliant garnet.
"Should he be up there alone?" Midoriya murmured, and Amajiki was quiet for a long moment while he watched the angel flying high above.
"I don't know." Amajiki whispered breathlessly, his stomach twisting in knots. What was it they were sensing? What were they all seeing that their human contractors could not? He looked to Aizawa, the stoic greater sensing his gaze and glancing to the side briefly, catching Amajiki's eyes.
"Two of them. A cherished pair."
Amajiki's eyes widened in surprise, and Midoriya took a step closer to Bakugou, reaching out and smoothing his fingertips along his palm and wrist gently to soothe him.
"It's alright, Katsuki. Calm down."
"They're powerful." Bakugou managed between rumbling growls, the dual swallowing thickly and trying to force down his vocalizations, shivering beneath Midoriya's touch. "We didn't sense them at all until now, but given their position it's likely they've been watching us since we first stepped foot within the city limits."
"They flared their signatures to reveal their position." Shinsou said softly, taking a step closer to Bakugou's side. "We all felt it at the same time. They wanted us to discover them. They didn't descend to attack, or threaten us in any way. If anything, it felt like a curious greeting."
"That's good, right?" Midoriya asked softly, Shinsou humming thoughtfully before nodding his head.
"Better than the alternative." Shinsou mused, and Bakugou turned to look back at the chaos, his fingers curling around Midoriya's protectively.
"Should we wait for Hawks? Or keep exploring?"
Aizawa had turned his attention in the opposite direction as the others spoke amongst themselves, the greater hesitating only a moment before leaving his contractor's side, following a familiar signature several blocks in the blink of an eye, his manifestation reappearing at his cherished's side.
Hizashi looked up as Aizawa reached out to him, the pair watching one another silently for a long moment before Aizawa ducked his head, murmuring gently. "What are you doing here? Is there something I can do to help?"
Hizashi frowned a little, not responding, glancing away and continuing to gather clothes from the display near the broken shop front, double-checking he had everything he needed before beginning back down the street.
Aizawa watched him go for a moment before flickering ahead to his side, stopping Hizashi in his tracks, the unbound demon frowning a little and shaking his head, not meeting Aizawa's eyes. "I don't want to speak with you right now."
Aizawa's chest twisted at that, and he hesitated for the briefest of moments before stepping aside, backing away and allowing his cherished to pass, feeling the tug of Amajiki calling for him from somewhere down the street.
"I miss you." Aizawa murmured, though the other demon was already out of sight. "I'll wait for you, Hizashi. I'll always be waiting for you."
He lingered as long as he could before returning to Amajiki's side, the human breathing out a quiet sigh of relief at his return, Aizawa glancing around for a moment before looking up towards the skyscrapers above.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, observing Hawks and the pair of demons perched atop the closest tower, murmuring after a moment, "They're offering a warning. There is a recently ascended chaos here. It has consumed several demons in the nearby vicinity within the past several days. It is dormant for now during the height of day, but we should proceed with utmost caution and avoid it at all costs."
"It's likely that is what all of us have been feeling." Bakugou offered with a little frown, his tail flicking irritably behind him. "A recently ascended would undoubtedly cast a flaring signature just as we have felt over the past few weeks." He looked towards Shinsou, musing aloud, "I wonder if even you would be able to handle a newly ascended chaos."
"It would be better for all of us if we avoid finding out." Shinsou chuckled quietly, turning and nodding towards the inner city. "C'mon. Let's see if we happen across a bunker before it starts getting dark."
It took some time for Hawks to return to them, and when he did there was an unbound demon at his side. She observed the human hosts curiously, speaking with Hawks on the edges of reality, her visage flickering as she nodded her understanding and gestured towards a collapsed building nearby.
Hawks clicked his tongue against his teeth, turning towards his contractor and reiterating what had been said. "There is a bunker here, but it's been buried beneath debris since the bombs went off. It's doubtful we'll be able to reach it successfully without drawing unwanted attention."
Shinsou hummed curiously, eyeing the demon at Hawks' side and calling out to her in a friendly manner, "Would it be too much to ask you where the next closest might be? Could we reach it before the sun starts to set?"
She watched Shinsou quietly for a moment before speaking to Hawks again, the fallen angel flexing his wings and nodding as she gave him instructions, the greater offering her a bright smile and his sincere thanks before watching her depart. He came to stand at Midoriya's side, gesturing towards a parallel neighborhood on the opposite side of the collapsed office buildings, tapping his gloved fingers against the map.
"There's another here, though it's unlikely any supplies remain given this bunker's still buried." He frowned a little, looking towards the skyscraper resting horizontally across the streets ahead of them, his eyes drifting from the human hosts towards Bakugou and Shinsou thoughtfully.
Bakugou frowned a little, then asked under his breath, "What are you thinking? Should we try to move the debris?"
"If we're going to do so," Shinsou added, "Our best chances of success might be right now, while the sun is still high."
Amajiki nodded and looked over at Midoriya, then smiled up at Hawks excitedly. "If the bunker has remained untouched all these years, and is fully stocked with food and medical supplies, I'd say it's well worth it to at least try."
Aizawa kept close watch of their surroundings while Shimura and Usagi manifested physical forms, Mirio and Fumikage pitching in as well, Amajiki watching over his plethora in awe as the demons set to work. Midoriya's plethora helped alongside them, all those who could assist with their respective quirks doing their part. Shinsou, Bakugou, and Todoroki, Kirishima and Kaminari, Uraraka and Sero. It was fascinating watching all of them band together to work towards a common goal. Almost all of the demons working on lifting and setting aside debris had fully manifested in reality, even the mids. Midoriya and Amajiki stood back at a safe distance, holding hands and whispering softly back and forth, the sun steadily beginning to drop from its highest point in the sky.
The hours ticked by slowly, and as sunset began to tinge the sky with hints of orange and gold the doors to the underground bunker were finally revealed from beneath the collapsed tower's debris. The colossal impact doors were sealed tightly shut with an unknown security code, but it only took a few moments for Shinsou to claw his way through and expose the sunken staircases on the other side.
The air inside the bunker was strangely pure, the taste of antiseptic lingering in the air like a hospital ward, Midoriya wrinkling his nose at the tang of it. Amajiki walked down the steps ahead of him slowly, his footsteps echoing as he went, Midoriya glancing over his shoulder towards Bakugou and Todoroki before smiling excitedly and following after his companion into the depths.
Shimura illuminated their path, her light casting harsh shadows against the thick metal walls, a sense of familiarity washing over both Midoriya and Amajiki alike as they entered the common room in the center of the bunker. The layout was the same as the bunkers they had grown up in, memories of the years they had spent together below ground quickly flooding through their minds.
They lingered beside one another just long enough to decide which areas to explore first before heading off in opposite directions, Amajiki to the medical ward while Midoriya went to check on rations, Kaminari lighting his path through the dark.
Shinsou trailed after them, looking around the hallway absently as his footsteps thudded quietly against the polished metal. It appeared that the bunker had never been breached in the decades that had elapsed since the fall, and each room they passed was clean and eerily devoid of anything reflecting human activity. As they reached the end of the hall another sealed door blocked their path, and Shinsou stepped forward to carve his way through, Midoriya stepping into the room just after him.
"It's weird, being here in the dark." Midoriya murmured, glancing around the room curiously, Kaminari hovering dutifully at his side. Lightning skipped across his nose and cheeks as the mid elemental looked around with wide eyes, a breath of laughter escaping him.
"It's weird, right? This isn't like the other bunkers at all."
Midoriya hummed thoughtfully, reaching towards one of the shelves nearby, picking up a can of beans and turning it to read the label while asking quietly, "I wonder how long ago the power died. Do you think maybe the backup generator is empty?"
"I could recharge it, if we find where it's hidden." Kaminari offered, giving a little shrug and looking around. "How much are we taking back with us this time? Or are we staying here for the night?"
"I wouldn't recommend that." Shinsou said, frowning lightly as he crossed his arms over his chest. "We should grab a few things, and head back to the mountains for tonight. We can always return to the city another time. Given the warning we received from that pair that spoke with Hawks, I'd feel better knowing our hosts were far away from the city, safely above ground."
Midoriya shivered at the implications of Shinsou's words, his brow arching a bit as he asked, "Do you think the chaos the pair spoke of would try to trap us here? Bury us alive inside the bunker?"
"It would make for an easy meal." Shinsou shrugged, tilting his head slightly as his tail lashed against the air. "It's hard to say, without meeting them in close proximity. Some demons have a flair for such tactics, whereas others are too mindless to even begin to think of such a trap."
Midoriya nodded his understanding, asking curiously, "The pair from before, they were deviants?"
Shinsou nodded, letting out a quiet sigh. "Fire and Darkness from what I could discern. They felt old, and calm. They've likely dwelt within the abyss for a long, long time. Longer than most of us have existed." He wandered a few steps away from Midoriya, his eyes trailing over the rows of canned goods beside them. "It makes sense that they would choose not to incite an altercation with us unnecessarily. The oldest of us survive by avoiding brawls when we can."
A shiver coursed up Midoriya's spine, a sudden chill in the air that curled against the back of his neck, and he lost his balance only for a moment before finding it once again. He arched his brow and frowned a little, glancing around the room while asking under his breath, "That felt...weird. Did either of you feel tha-"
Suddenly the entire room was shaking, cans falling from the surrounding shelves and rolling across the floor, the bunker creaking and groaning as the earth twisted all around them. He reached out both arms to try to correct his balance as he stumbled to one side, then suddenly he felt binds wrapping around his arms and shoulders, and he was jerked backwards as a heavy shelf fell to the floor.
I've got you. Sero whispered against his mind, and Midoriya let out a shaky breath while offering his thanks, the human looking up to meet Shinsou's eyes, watching the dark runes etched into his skin as they began to twist and take over his form. Wings sprouted from his back and his limbs elongated, his tail twisting behind him like a great snake. When he met Midoriya's eyes his violet irises were glowing, and he bolted past Midoriya faster than the human could comprehend, disappearing into the dark.
"Hitoshi!" Midoriya cried after him, and he could feel Bakugou and Todoroki were engaged as well, fighting some unknown entity somewhere above on the city streets. Shinsou had undoubtedly rushed to join them, leaving Midoriya behind in the relative safety of the bunker.
Midoriya grit his teeth, running down the same path that Shinsou had taken, panting shakily as he entered the common room. He had to find Amajiki, he had to make sure he was safe. Kaminari was at his side, his manifestation flickering between astral and reality as he spoke back and forth with his cohabitors worriedly, and Midoriya could feel Sero's hand against his back, smoothing his palm up and down his spine.
Breathe. Everything's alright. The greaters have this. Trust us to protect you in their absence.
Midoriya closed his eyes, arching his brow and clenching his fists, murmuring under his breath, "I need to find Amajiki. Jirou, can you guide me?"
Follow me. She whispered back to him, and he felt her fingers against his own, tugging him down the hallway towards the medical wing.
Uraraka was against his shoulder, her fingertips tracing soothing patterns along his tense shoulders as Kaminari pushed back the darkness surrounding them. I can feel the pair from before. They're nearby, observing. They haven't joined the fray. I am uncertain if they would choose to do so, but perhaps if I were to speak with them?
Midoriya swallowed thickly, glancing up at her and catching the glint of her eyes as her manifestation hovered at his shoulder. "Do what you can. If they can help us escape the city-"
Another quake rumbled through the bunker, Midoriya letting out a sharp exclamation as he tripped, expecting to slam face-forward into concrete. Instead he was greeted with an unfamiliar touch, the human glancing up with wide eyes and a hitch of breath, the other boy staring back at him wearing a face that nearly mirrored his own.
"You're Midoriya?" He asked, and the human searched his eyes, quickly nodding his head.
"Who are-"
"He's hurt. Unconscious. The others are having a hard time waking him, or communicating with anyone outside." He beckoned Midoriya along, adding hurriedly, "We were talking about contracting before the chaos stirred. Now, I'm worried it might be too late-"
Midoriya chased after the boy as quickly as he could, marveling at his speed and fluidity, wondering how an unbound's manifestation could appear so flawlessly in reality without a contractor to ground them. Uraraka clung to his shoulder for a moment longer before he felt her ascend to the surface, Kirishima replacing her and drawing a shield around his contractor, his energy humming through Midoriya's bones.
He's earth, like me. Kirishima offered, and Midoriya could feel the smile in his voice. He's strong, he could be useful to Amajiki. It would be wise to negotiate a contract once he's conscious again.
Midoriya swallowed past the lump in his throat and focused on the room ahead. Several large cabinets had toppled over, one of which rested diagonally over an unmoving body, Hawks and Mirio crouched beside Amajiki protectively while Shimura tried to rouse him.
She glanced up at Midoriya's approach, shifting back to allow the human closer, Midoriya reaching out and brushing his fingertips over Amajiki's nose and brow, anxiety twisting in his chest.
"It happened so quickly." Shimura said softly, a growl rumbling in the back of her throat. "We were careless, we weren't expecting-"
"Tamaki." Midoriya whispered gently, leaning closer and petting his companion's cheek. "Tamaki, can you hear me? Sweetheart, open your eyes…"
I can carry him. Sero offered, Kirishima humming his agreement, Midoriya feeling the earth mid's strength flexing in his veins.
Midoriya looked up at Shimura, then to Mirio and Hawks, asking worriedly, "You can't help the others right now? With the fight?"
Shimura shook her head, her manifestation beginning to grow opaque, the deviant looking over her shoulder towards Hawks and Mirio, the other demons beginning to fade as well.
We can't leave our contractor in such a state of vulnerability. Shimura explained in a quiet voice.
We have to protect our host above all else. Hawks agreed, his wings shifting minutely behind him. I'm sorry, Midoriya. We want to help you, but we can't with Amajiki in this state.
Midoriya pinched his brow, but nodded. "I understand. I'll watch over him, don't worry. I'll protect him with my life."
Hawks offered Midoriya a gentle smile, the fallen angel folding his wings around himself as he replied affectionately, We know you will.
Midoriya frowned a little as their manifestations fully faded, and while he could still feel their presence he could no longer see them. They must be watching over Amajiki from the astral realm. He was quiet for a few lingering moments, deciding on what he should do, then he felt the air stir and a rush of wind swept through the bunker. Uraraka had returned, not with the deviants from before, but with a greater unbound beside her.
The boy who had come for Midoriya recognized the new arrival, reaching out to her and whispering hurriedly, "You're here! Kayama?"
"She's coming." The girl replied, and she hovered at Uraraka's side for a moment longer before crouching down beside Midoriya, offering him a friendly smile.
He held her eyes, trembling slightly while offering a quiet greeting, "Hello…"
"Hello, little one." She said quietly, turning her attention from Midoriya to the unconscious boy before her, reaching out her hands and holding them over his stomach and chest. Pulses of light gathered in her palms, leaving her fingertips in silent ripples and casting a warm glow across Amajiki's entire form.
Kaminari and Kirishima spoke back and forth excitedly while watching the unbound, Midoriya unable to truly focus on their chatter as he watched the demon work. Uraraka came to sit beside him, lacing her fingers with his gently and petting along his forearm, whispering soft reassurances and offering what comfort she could. It wasn't much longer until another unbound found them, and she wasted no time in kneeling down across from her companion, reaching out and pressing her hands over the other greater's, their energies synchronizing with a melodic hum.
Midoriya watched with wide eyes, asking worriedly, "What are they doing?"
Uraraka tightened her hold on Midoriya's fingers, gingerly shaking her head. I'm sorry, Izuku. The quirks they possess...I do not know. All I can tell you for certain is they are trying to help.
Izuku.
Todoroki was at the doorway, his expression strained as he met eyes with his contractor.
We need to get you to safety. We're running out of time.
"What's happening up there?" Midoriya asked, leaning closer to Amajiki, his fingers curling against his companion's worn coat.
A chaos and two deviants rose to engage us, all from different directions. Todoroki quickly explained, flames licking up his forearms and gathering at his fingertips. It appears this place is at the center of several territories. They're refusing to communicate with us, all of them.
The dual glanced upwards, a frown turning down his lips, a series of vibrations rumbling through the bunker before stilling once more.
The pair Hawks spoke with before might be able to help us escape, but only if we go now. We can't linger any longer.
Midoriya nodded quickly and shifted closer to gather Amajiki in his arms, but the unbound beside him reached out to stop him, catching his eyes.
A moment longer. She whispered reassuringly. We're almost there.
There's no time. Todoroki instilled with a deepening frown, taking a step closer to his contractor. Izuku, we must go. Please.
"Wait. Just...wait." Midoriya pleaded softly, taking Amajiki's hand and squeezing his fingers tightly. "Once we're aboveground, everything will be utter chaos. If they can revive him, having him conscious will at least help-"
Midoriya's breath hitched as he felt light and heat overwhelm his mind, and in an instant he was bound in a vice, sinking into the background, and Bakugou stepped forward to take the helm.
"We aren't bargaining with your life." Bakugou growled gruffly, and Midoriya could feel his body moving without his command. He tried to move, tried to twist to look around him, but his body did little more than twitch in response. It felt as if he were strapped into a chair with heavy weights, his entire body immovable. Bakugou was fully in control, and he was only along for the ride.
Don't leave him! Don't leave him, please Katsuki! Midoriya begged, his chest twisting and his face growing hot as tears threatened to spill down his cheeks. He was terrified, more scared of his contracted demons than he had ever been, but more than that he feared what would happen if he became separated from Amajiki. He couldn't begin to fathom the consequences of abandoning his companion in the depths of the city alone, underground in the dark.
Bakugou clicked his tongue against his teeth, and Midoriya felt the movement within his own body, the demon reaching up to card his fingers through his hair - Midoriya's hair.
"I'm not going to leave him. Calm down."
Bakugou lifted Amajiki against his chest easily, and as he turned towards the hallway and started running it felt to Midoriya as if he were free-falling from a great height, adrenaline soaring through his veins.
Todoroki was there beside him in the darkness, Uraraka petting against his nape sweetly, murmuring to Midoriya gently to keep him calm.
We're right here, Izuku. You're safe. Let Katsuki handle this.
Midoriya closed his eyes, whining softly, swallowing back his tears and whispering in a hitch of breath, I don't like this. I don't- He tried to shake his head, but the movements wouldn't come, and it only caused his panic to kindle further. It feels...wrong. It feels like...like…
It reminded him of his nightmares. His deepest, darkest fears of being eaten alive.
We're not going to let anything happen to you. Todoroki reassured gently, his lips brushing against Midoriya's temple and brow. I know it must be frightening to suddenly lose control. We'll give it back to you, once you're safe. We promised you that before, when we discussed the possibility of possession.
Midoriya clung to Todoroki's words, but there was fear inside him, and it was alive and growing, a wild, ravenous thing.
As they breached the surface, Midoriya wasn't able to focus on the fight for longer than a few fleeting seconds before his eyes were pulled away. Bakugou ran from the fray as quickly as he could, and he called out to the lessers lying dormant within Midoriya's body as he navigated the shadowed streets.
"Iida, Toga, Ochaco. I need you with me. Lend me your quirks."
Uraraka lingered at Midoriya's side for a heartbeat longer before rising to the surface, and as she offered herself up to Bakugou to manipulate at will, Sero appeared at Midoriya's side to take her place, the mid taking his hand and squeezing his fingers gently.
It's alright. You're okay. We'll be somewhere safe soon. Don't cry. It's alright. You're safe with us.
Midoriya's breath hitched as he squeezed Sero's hand back, Todoroki pressed against his other side, holding him around his waist. The streets faded into mountainside, and gradually the sensation of running became more and more his own, until finally his trembling legs, aching arms, and clenched jaw were his and his alone.
His limbs felt heavy and weak from running and carrying Amajiki all the way back to camp, and as soon as they reached the firepit Midoriya stumbled forward and tripped, his stomach churning with nausea and exhaustion.
He could feel Bakugou standing over him, and as the demon called out to him and reached out to touch Midoriya flinched away from him, pushing him back, suppressing him as forcefully as he could.
He was trembling as he blinked open his eyes, coughing and crying miserably as he clung to Amajiki. His chest burned, his heart ached. How had everything suddenly turned so wrong?
"Please, Tamaki." Midoriya pleaded softly, pushing himself up to lean over his companion, hot tears slipping slowly down his cheeks. "Please wake up, please wake up."
Todoroki flickered on the edges of reality, maintaining a small distance, tracing his fingers across the smouldering wood of the firepit to start the blaze burning again. If nothing else, he needed to keep his contractor warm.
Bakugou sat to himself, curled up on the opposite side of the camp, Uraraka approaching him cautiously. He bristled at her presence, but didn't lash out at her as she took a seat at his side, the mid quiet for several moments before shifting closer to lean against Bakugou's side, beginning to purr softly.
Asui was there a moment later, Toga taking a place beside Bakugou as well.
Give him some time. Asui murmured, her tone gentle and calm.
He didn't mean it. Toga said with a little arch of her brow, adding tentatively, You were his original, his first-
Shut up about it. Bakugou growled out deeply, ducking his head against his knees, hiding his face away, his shoulders shaking. Just...shut up. I'll deal with it. You don't have to tell me that. I know already.
Asui and Toga exchanged a glance, then faded from Bakugou's side, leaving him to brood. Uraraka lingered for a while longer before shifting from her place beside Bakugou and stepping closer to Todoroki instead, reflections of the fire burning brightly in his mismatched irises.
She watched him quietly, crossing her arms over her chest before asking, What are you thinking?
Todoroki watched Midoriya silently, inhaling a quiet breath before exhaling slowly, eventually looking over to meet Uraraka's eyes.
We were so worried about Shinsou doing something to taint the relationships between us we never considered what would happen if one of us broke Izuku's trust. Todoroki's gaze returned to their contractor, and he added after a moment, He's scared, more scared than I've ever felt before, and instead of reaching out to us for comfort…
He's pushing us away.
Todoroki nodded at Uraraka's words, his brow pinching slightly before smoothing once more. I'm certain he won't feel so vulnerable and alone once Amajiki returns to him. Hopefully he will awaken again soon. He turned to look back towards the city, his eyes trailing across the thick clouds of smoke creeping across the fading sunset. He didn't want to say so aloud, but he wondered if Shinsou were here with them now, if the chaos would be able to comfort Midoriya in their stead.
Midoriya curled around Amajiki, crying against his shoulder softly, his fingers trembling where he grasped the other human's hand and clung to him desperately.
At the edge of the city limits three unbound demons stood together discussing their options, waiting to see who would emerge victorious from the battle raging in the heart of the city. Takeyama and Kayama stood side by side, their fingers and tails entwined, Shindou standing opposite of them, lifting his head and tracing his eyes across the black plumes of smoke rising above the city.
Tonight might be the night when they watched the entire city burn.
Thanks for reading! More to come!
