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, Rodi x Pino, Midoriya x Rodi x Pino, Midoriya x Sero, Midoriya x Toga
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
Dragon - the most powerful demons in existence, ruling sovereigns of the abyss responsible for world-ending catastrophic extinction events
Unbound:
Allies: Hawks D (air), Hizashi G/G (voice/sound), Kendou D (power/fire), Yanagi L (darkness/gravity)
Neutral: Dabi C (fire), Monoma ? (light/shadow)
Enemies: Shigaraki D (destruction), Kurogiri D (darkness/air), Kamiji L (fire), Chisaki L (earth)
Embodied Demons:
(Midoriya: Shinsou, Bakugou, Todoroki, Sero, Toga)
Midoriya: (Original Pact: Bakugou, Uraraka, Todoroki)
Power - Bakugou + D/D (power/combustion), Toga + G/G (power/darkness)
Fire - Todoroki + D/D (fire/ice)
Water - Asui G
Air - Uraraka G/G (air/gravity)
Earth - Kirishima G/G (earth/shield)
Light - Kaminari G (lightning)
Darkness - Shinsou + C
Enhancements: Jirou M/M (sight/sound), Hagakure G (stealth), Sero + G (binding), Ashido M (poison), Yaoyorozu G (crafting), Iida G (speed), Koda M/M (voice/sound)
Amajiki: (Original Pact: Hawks, Fumikage, Nejire/Mirio)
Power - Mirio G/G (power/light), Usagiyama L
Fire - n/a
Water - Nejire G, Takeyama G (oasis)
Air - Tsuburaba G/G (air/shield)
Earth - Shindou G
Light - Shimura L/L (light/gravity)
Darkness - Fumikage G
Enhancements: Aizawa G (sight), Kuroiro G (stealth), Shiozaki M (binding), Komori G (growth), Hatsume M (crafting), Kayama G (illusion)
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
Powerhouse - one of the original founding demons within a contract
Founder - one of the first demons to contract with their human host within a plethora, another name for a powerhouse
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
The Abyss - the endless void where demons are derived
Hotspot - a place where the veil between The Abyss and Reality is thin, allowing excess energy to leak to the surface, a gate between the afterlife and the living 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
Waygate - a hotspot where demons can be called to the edge of reality after being shattered, demons that emerge are subsequently stripped of their powers and returned to reality as lesser rank
Ch 16: Waygate
Bakugou stepped through the dense, rolling fog to draw closer to the gate, glancing between the ancient stone pillars warily, a low growl building in his chest. The gate was already active, as if someone had prepared it for their arrival. He flexed his fingers against the air, drawing his quirk tight in his shoulders, readying his defenses should someone suddenly attack. Shinsou continued past him towards the center of the stone circle, passing through the waves of light emitting from the open gate, his tail lashing the air behind him as he called out across the island.
"Gatekeeper. We've come to reclaim our fallen."
Monoma flickered into sight from the edge of the waygate, his hands clasped behind him as he stepped closer with an impish smile. Toga's eyes widened as she spotted him, the petite demon bounding closer eagerly, grinning with a flash of small fangs.
"Neito! It's been ages!" She opened up her arms with a series of bubbly laughter and Monoma hugged her back tightly, Toga taking his hand and tugging him closer, Bakugou watching the unbound's approach with an obvious frown.
"Another imp?" He asked, Shinsou humming and smiling while greeting the gatekeeper as well.
"Thank you for opening the way." He crooned, and Monoma pressed his hand against his lips, smiling behind his fingers teasingly.
"My my, what a treat. Embodied, and absolutely tantalizing." He licked his fangs absently, biting at his lower lip while fanning his fingers across his nose and cheeks. "Your reserves are running extremely low. Once you've had your fill, perhaps you'll allow me to offer up dessert?" He gave a sultry wink before adding flirtily, "Monoma Neito, at your service."
Shinsou chuckled softly then turned his attention to the other demons approaching the gate, and the humans walking amongst them, Midoriya catching Shinsou's eyes before gingerly stepping up to his side.
"Can I help?" He asked, his gaze focusing on the slowly swirling light of the open waygate. "How will you find Usagi and Shimura? Do you just…call out their names?"
"Amajiki will help us." Bakugou replied, nodding towards the two humans still standing together close by. Amajiki steeled his nerves and stepped closer, Rodi standing back with Pino at his side, Kendou trailing slowly after Amajiki's steps.
She continued forward, reaching the gate first, lifting her hand to touch the outer rim of the portal, light skipping across her fingers and swirling against her palm.
"Reiko." She whispered, longing and grief resonating in her solemn tone. "Reiko, come to me. My darling, my dearest one. Return to me once more. Walk beside me again."
Monoma flickered to her side, circling her slowly, his shadow twisting and growing into something massive against the waygate's ethereal light.
"You wish to reunite with your cherished." He stated evenly, his silver eyes glowing eerily, his pupils narrowed into fine slits. "You are unbound; not a founder, nor a chaos." He clicked his tongue against his teeth, his forked tail swaying against the air. "You do not hold the necessary power required to call forth another from the deep."
He looked towards Amajiki and Midoriya, then tilted his head towards Rodi instead.
"Do one of you wish to agree to a contract with this unbound, as well as the one that she seeks?"
Rodi was hesitant, turning his eyes to Pino, exhaling shakily as she took his hand between her own. They considered for a moment, then Rodi met Monoma's eyes and shook his head.
"I am contracted to Pino, and to her alone." He looked towards Kendou, murmuring sadly, "I'm sorry. I wish I could help you, but I cannot agree to a contract with either of you."
Midoriya frowned a little while arching his brow, looking up at Amajiki and asking gently, "With Hawks no longer a part of your plethora, would you be willing to offer a place to Kendou and her cherished? Could you handle them both?"
Amajiki looked a bit disheartened at mention of the deviant's absence, but after a few long moments he nodded his head.
"Shimura and Usagi will both be lessers once they emerge from the abyss." He looked towards Kendou thoughtfully. "Kendou is a deviant, her quirk's abilities easily rival those of Usagi's from what the others have relayed of her battle with Dabi." He nodded to himself while adding, "She would be a valuable asset given the current state of my plethora. I would be willing to offer Yanagi a place as well, so they can remain together." He met Midoriya's eyes, a small smile across his lips. "Once she regains her abilities, they'll be an extremely powerful pair."
Rodi looked relieved to hear Amajiki say as much, giving a little nod. "They're both nearly chaos. They'll be valuable additions to your plethora." He looked to Kendou before adding softly, "I'm certain that neither will forget your kindness, in both reuniting them and offering them shelter within you."
Bakugou crossed the distance to reach Kendou's side, waiting for Amajiki to join them. Once they were standing before the portal, Bakugou took Amajiki's hand in his own and overlapped their fingers, lifting his hand higher while channeling energy directly into the waygate. The swirls of light emitting from within the gate began to resonate and grow brighter, Midoriya's eyes widening as he took in the sight.
Shinsou stood nearby, arms crossed casually over his chest, his reserves steadily recharging. Todoroki, Sero, and Toga were in much the same state, resting beside the moss-laden stones while observing those at the gate, the churning sea crashing all around them.
Nothing happened for several long moments, then Amajiki's breath hitched and he stepped closer to the portal, Bakugou keeping a close eye on him while their hands remained entwined.
"Shimura?" Amajiki called, feeling the familiar tug of their bond, the void that had been left within him at her loss slowly beginning to fill once more.
"Call to her." Bakugou said softly, encouraging Amajiki to touch the swirling portal. "Wait until you feel her on the other side, then pull her through to this realm."
Kendou watched them quietly, waiting patiently as Amajiki called for Shimura over and over again. The bond between them strengthened and grew, until finally a shadowed figure appeared on the other side of the portal, and the surface cleared to reveal a glowing mirror, Shimura's eyes peering out from the other side.
Amajiki breathed out a sigh of relief, then carefully, using Bakugou as an anchor, he reached through the portal and offered her his hand, feeling her fingers wrap tightly around his own.
"You have her?" Bakugou asked, and Amajiki nodded quickly.
"I have her! She took my hand!"
"Then pull!" Bakugou growled out, steeling himself against the rain-soaked ground, his powers surging as his quirk began to pry the veil apart. "Pull with all your might! I'll keep the rift open for as long as I can!"
Amajiki kept hold of Shimura while Bakugou tightening his grip on Amajiki's other hand, and together they worked to widen the rift growing in the center of the mirror, eventually creating a small opening. Amajiki grit his teeth, pulling and pulling until finally Shimura's hand made it through, then her forearm, then shoulder. He couldn't let go of Bakugou's hand, and he couldn't release his grip on Shimura for fear of losing her once more to the abyss, so he struggled against the void with everything inside of him, the strain aching through his shoulders and down his spine, causing his head to spin.
As soon as Shimura's head was free she reached out with her other hand and took Amajiki's arm, pulling herself out of the rift as Bakugou held it open, Amajiki gliding his palm along her side to wrap his arm tightly around her waist. It took several long moments before the barrier started to give, Amajiki crying out victoriously as Shimura finally broke through the heavy veil separating astral from reality and emerged on the other side. The tension between them suddenly snapped, and the recoil sent Amajiki and Shimura tumbling to the ground at Bakugou's feet, the deviant staggering backwards a bit and letting out a heavy sigh.
"Alright, on your feet." Bakugou said, taking Amajiki's hand once more. "Let's try to find Usagi before the gate starts to seal itself again."
Bakugou looked to Kendou briefly, catching the worry in her eyes. He frowned a little, then offered her his other hand, allowing their energies to greet one another and begin to form a familiarity.
"You may be able to sense her through me." Bakugou said softly, giving her a little nod. "If you feel anything, tell us immediately."
Kendou nodded, giving Bakugou a soft smile. "Thank you."
Amajiki was already reaching out for the portal again, peering through the opening they had created, taking a breath before shouting out into the all-encompassing darkness, "Usagiyama! Can you hear me? Follow the sound of my voice!"
There was no response, no tugging sensation as there had been when he had called for Shimura. Amajiki frowned, waiting patiently for a few moments before trying to reach out to her again.
"Usagi! Usagi, we're here! We came for you!" He arched his brow, searching the swirling depths, the light from the portal burning brightly in his eyes. "Usagi!"
"Her name," Shimura said quietly, her voice raspy and worn. "Call her by her name."
"I don't…I don't know it." Amajiki replied with a little frown, worry pinching his brow. "She never told me-"
"Rumi." Shimura whispered, coughing softly and holding Amajiki's eyes. "Her name is Rumi."
Amajiki turned once more towards the portal, reaching out his hand and shouting into the darkness, "Rumi! We're here! All of us are here, we're waiting for you!"
Kendou's grip on Bakugou's fingers tightened, and she stepped a little closer while murmuring, "Something's coming. It's getting closer. Can you feel it?"
Bakugou frowned, exhaling an irritated snort. "We're drawing more attention than I anticipated. If she doesn't respond soon, we'll need to allow the gate to close fully and then try to reach out to her again-"
"Rumi." Shimura whispered, slowly rising to her feet, pressing her palm against Amajiki's shoulder and calling out to her companion again. "Rumi, come back to us. You aren't meant to wander those depths alone. Find us again, I know you can find us…"
Energy prickled along Amajiki's fingers as he flexed his hand against the void, a numbness tingling through him and gradually creeping up his arm.
"We've waited too long." Bakugou murmured under his breath. "She fell before Shimura. The time she's spent alone, severed from her plethora…" He watched Amajiki carefully, exhaling a quiet sigh. "When fully submerged in astral, time passes differently. The distance between contractor and contracted has become a great, gaping chasm. It may be impossible for her to return to us now."
Monoma circled closer, watching the deviant with gleaming eyes. "Perhaps," he purred with a flick of his tongue, "Or perhaps not." He grinned and reached out towards Bakugou and Amajiki, tracing against the air with his claws. "I might be persuaded to…assist with your endeavors, should you offer up something enticing in exchange?"
Bakugou eyed the imp warily, a low growl rumbling in the back of his throat. Amajiki on the other hand didn't seem as suspicious of Monoma's intentions, and he met the gatekeeper's eyes, asking with concern, "What can I offer in exchange for your help?"
Monoma hummed thoughtfully, tapping his fingers against his lips while continuing to circle the gate slowly. "For such a task, one might wager…" He paused his steps, "…fifteen years?"
"Fifteen years?" Amajiki exhaled shakily, his shoulders tensing as a shiver coursed up his spine. "You want me to offer up fifteen years of my life in exchange for finding them?"
"Ah ah ah!" Monoma tutted cheerily, an impish smile curving up his lips. "Fifteen years each." He clarified the details with a casual tone, examining his claws absently. "If you wish for me to retrieve them both, the wager increases to thirty."
Amajiki was taken back, unsure of how to begin to respond. Shimura watched her contractor quietly, one of her hands clutched against her stomach, her lips turned down into a frown. Kendou stared at Monoma for several long moments before dropping her head, her frame shivering, and silently she let go of Bakugou's hand.
Midoriya was listening, his mouth pressed into a firm line. He stepped closer, the demons surrounding them watching his movements closely, and as Monoma glanced up to meet his eyes Midoriya finally spoke.
"That's too much time, and you know it."
Monoma smiled wider than before, revealing sharp fangs. "Is it now?" He turned to face Midoriya fully, his massive shadow shifting and twisting behind him. "Do you have a counter offer in mind? I'm willing to strike a bargain, for the right price."
Midoriya met Amajiki's eyes, stepping closer to his side while asking in a hushed tone, "What Hawks said before, about having less than a year-"
"Izuku, I didn't-"
Midoriya shook his head, reaching out to touch Amajiki's arm. "It's okay. We can discuss it later. What matters now is this."
He closed his eyes briefly before looking to Monoma again.
"Were you to take thirty years, you would be leaving him with only twenty. That's not enough time." He clenched his fist, his other hand still resting against Amajiki's arm. "I need more time with him than that."
Monoma considered, his pupils widening and narrowing again before his irises began to glow bright as sterling silver, and the imp reached out to trace the air mere inches before Midoriya's face.
"You have time to spare." Monoma hummed with a slight tilt of his head, giving Midoriya a teasing smile. "Shall I take half from him, and half from you instead?"
"It's still too much." Midoriya replied with a frown. "Surely you can ask a reasonable price for helping us. Five each?"
Monoma laughed and drew away from them, giving a light shrug. "Five years from both of you hardly whets my appetite." He looked towards the embodied demons nearby, considering for a moment before offering his hand out to Toga, waiting for her to accept.
Toga watched him for a moment before rising to her feet, walking across the thick, damp grass and leaving little footprints behind. She took his hand, and as he drew her closer he gestured towards the humans standing nearby. She inhaled quietly, then nodded slightly, meeting Midoriya's eyes.
"Izuku." Toga began gingerly, "As an imp, we feed directly from human lifeforce. Unbound imps like Neito, they don't have access to fresh energy like those of us under contract do." She glanced up at Monoma before continuing on. "He's able to sustain himself as a gatekeeper, drawing energy directly from the abyss, but it's akin to a bird being trapped within a cage, living off of stale scraps."
She squeezed Monoma's fingers, then stepped away and slowly approached Midoriya's side.
"The years you offer him are years he can spend away from the waygate." She frowned a little, her brow arched. "I understand you think thirty years is too much to offer up, but for Neito thirty years will pass by in the blink of an eye. It's a tiny reprieve from an eternity of gatekeeping." She looked to Amajiki, then directly to the gate, her tone sad and soft. "He's shackled to the waygates, and he's all alone."
Midoriya exhaled quietly, frowning and glancing towards the gate as well. "Even so, to ask us to each give up fifteen years of our lives-"
"Ten." Monoma sighed, stepping closer again. "Given your relationship with Himiko, I will accept a counter offer of ten each. Twenty years, between the both of you."
Midoriya met Amajiki's eyes, and Amajiki didn't opt to speak, his expression still torn. There was a heavy silence between them as they searched one another's eyes, neither willing to strike the bargain without having the other's full consent.
Rodi sighed heavily, lacing his fingers behind his head while strolling closer. Pino walked at his side until they neared the gate, then she walked ahead of him alone - her eyes on Monoma.
He tilted back his head a bit, his eyes fixed on her, the silver in his eyes glinting eerily. "You wish to bargain on their behalf?"
Pino opened her mouth to speak, and though no words came Monoma listened as if he understood her, humming thoughtfully and shifting his weight to the side.
"The time you carry, it is residual from the priest who bound you?"
Pino spoke again, fluffing her feathers and gesturing against the air briefly before reaching up to tap her fingers against her throat.
"I see." Monoma stepped a bit closer, reaching out to touch her throat, gliding his fingertips carefully over her windpipe. "To offer this much, I hardly have any choice but to accept." He grinned as he glanced towards Rodi, meeting his eyes with a curious little smile. "You understand what it is that she offers?"
"I understand." Rodi replied quietly. "It is her choice to make."
"Very well." Monoma sighed, his expression obviously pleased. "I accept your offer." He reached out again, wrapping his claws around Pino's throat, leaning closer until he was sharing her breath, his great shadow looming over them both. "As a show of goodwill, as you have opted to sweeten the deal, I shall return to you what is rightfully yours. Consider it a token of my gratitude."
He opened his mouth wide, his silver eyes burning, and as he pressed their mouths together the sounds of glass shattering and birds taking flight suddenly filled the air.
The binding around Pino's throat flared and then vanished completely, and as Monoma pulled back Pino coughed violently, reaching up to grasp at her throat.
"Pino!" Rodi called worriedly, rushing forward to wrap his arms around her, and she inhaled sharply and coughed again before looking up at him with wide eyes.
"I can-" She stopped and took a slow, deep breath, coughing roughly for several long moments before trying again. "I can…I can speak. I can speak!"
Monoma turned from her and went to the gate, motioning for everyone to stand aside before reaching out and opening the rift completely, casually stepping through the mirror and disappearing inside. The gate sealed itself shut behind him, the swirling vortex of light fading away, and as all traces of the waygate dissipated the fog began rolling in again, quickly shrouding the ancient circle of stones.
"He's gone?" Amajiki asked, shaking out his arm and flexing his fingers, looking between Bakugou and Shimura. "Is he coming back?"
"He will." Bakugou nodded, "Gatekeepers are bound by their word once a bargain is struck. It may take some time, but he'll return once he's found them."
"I believe so as well." Shimura replied with a little sigh, her figure fading in and out of reality. "Thank you for coming for us, Tamaki. Try to rest now. All of you." She looked towards Midoriya with a little smile before fading into astral completely, Midoriya glancing down at Toga as she took hold of his hand.
"Do you want something to drink? To eat?" She asked, her tail swaying back and forth behind her. "We brought lots of things!"
Rodi and Pino were laughing together quietly, Rodi cupping her face while Pino cried happily and pressed their foreheads together, her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink.
A state of calm fell over the island, the crashing of waves against the shoreline creating a rhythm that felt almost soothing. The night crept on, and the demons crafted shelter for their hosts. Yaoyorozu and Hatsume worked together, forging a small cabin sheltered from the wind and sea spray, Todoroki sparking a fire to push back the fog and fill the cabin with warmth while the enhancements crafted creature comforts.
Couches and pillows, mattresses and soft sheets. A table and chairs, a wooden tub for bathing. Exhausted after their encounter with the unbound that had pursued them, now finally able to rest, the humans took turns cleaning themselves up before laying down to rest, sharing fruits between them.
Midoriya grinned and nipped at Amajiki's fingertips as he was fed another grape, Amajiki laughing and swatting at his nose while Midoriya climbed over him, tugging him closer playfully. Amajiki arched his brow a bit, blushing and searching his eyes, gasping softly as Midoriya settled on top of him, Amajiki framing his hips with his thighs.
"We made it." Midoriya whispered, and Amajiki's expression turned soft. "We made it. We survived."
"We did." Amajiki whispered back, carding his fingers gently through Midoriya's hair. "I'm so happy to be here with you now. I'm so happy this isn't the end."
"We sure as shit did. Fuck." Rodi chuckled softly, toweling at his hair as he plopped down beside them, Pino draping herself across his lap and watching over the humans beside her happily. "What a long fucking night." Rodi yawned while stretching his arms high above his head, tossing the damp towel aside and laying back against the blankets with a soft huff, Pino purring as she curled up beside him. "This feels good. Can't remember the last time I felt relaxed enough to just sleep."
"We don't have anything to worry about anymore." Midoriya murmured, Amajiki rubbing up and down his side gently. "We can finally stop running and hiding."
"There's still plenty of dangers left in the world." Amajiki chided softly, tapping his fingertips against Midoriya's nose before tracing between the freckles dotting his cheeks, his expression tired and affectionate. "But you're right. This feels good. Very good." He yawned as well, wrapping his arms around Midoriya and rolling over slightly, Rodi smiling and reaching down to pet Amajiki's hair.
"Get some sleep." Rodi murmured, nuzzling into Pino's neck and shoulder, holding her close while pressing soft kisses against her skin. "We'll figure out what comes next in the morning."
"We've got plenty of time." Midoriya hummed quietly, a little smile turning up his lips, Amajiki chuckling softly.
"I love you." Amajiki whispered, and Midoriya tilted up his face for a kiss.
"Love you too, babydoll."
"Goodnight." Pino said softly, birdsong harmonizing with her voice. "We'll watch over you while you sleep."
"Night, sweetheart." Rodi whispered, Pino smiling and nuzzling into his hair, listening to his breathing slow and deepen as he drifted off, Amajiki and Midoriya following shortly after.
Bakugou exhaled quietly through his nose, glancing towards Sero, giving the greater a little nod. Sero nodded in return, and Bakugou left him to guard their sleeping hosts, shifting seamlessly from reality to astral, meeting with the other deviants waiting on the other side.
"What do we know?" He asked with a frown, Shinsou turning to greet him, Kendou facing him as well with her arms crossed over her chest.
"Those that escaped; Shigaraki and Kurogiri. They won't simply let this brawl die. This isn't over, not until they're destroyed." She shook her head, her nape prickling and her claws fully extended. "They'll be back. Perhaps not now, but someday soon. After they've had a chance to recover their strength."
"Why would they pursue us?" Bakugou growled out irritably, his tail lashing the air. "Dabi is no longer involved, and they don't stand a chance of overpowering us alone. Not just the two of them."
"When Dabi brought Shigaraki back from the abyss, he gave Shigaraki a fragment of himself. Just as he gave a fragment to his keihai, Kamiji."
Shinsou sighed and began walking slowly, passing Bakugou and Todoroki before turning back again.
"Though not much is known about a chaos' ascension to dragon, it has been said that four sacrifices must be made willingly, simultaneously, near an open waygate." He looked up, glancing between those watching him while adding, "Some say the gate is easiest to breach when the night has nearly ended, just before the break of dawn. If a chaos were to ascend, it would most likely be during that small window of time."
"Four sacrifices." Todoroki murmured thoughtfully. "To hail the four corners?"
"Precisely." Kendou replied with a nod. "Most effectively, including the four corresponding elements."
"Kamiji would be fire." Bakugou surmised with a growl, "Of those we dealt with tonight, I would say at least one felt like earth."
"I had that feeling as well, from Chisaki." Todoroki agreed, giving a little nod.
"The one that followed after Izuku," Bakugou added, "Given his aerial prowess, he was likely a hybrid of darkness and air."
"Then, water?" Todoroki asked, looking to Kendou. "Was that the only element missing?"
"It would seem so." She replied, sighing while shrugging lightly. "For all we know the elements aren't necessarily a requirement. What we do know is now that Dabi has taken a step back, Shigaraki has taken control of his remaining cohorts." She frowned again, her tongue clicking against her teeth. "Shigaraki was a powerful chaos in his own right before Dabi shattered him. Now that he has re-emerged from the abyss, as his powers continue to grow he will undoubtedly become a monstrous force to be reckoned with."
"We have to stop him." Todoroki said quietly, Kendou making a quiet sound of affirmation, her mouth set into a firm line.
"We have to stop him from gleaning any more power." She agreed solemnly. "Our best chance at minimizing future casualties and protecting the hosts would be to destroy him now. We cannot allow him to ascend, or he will destroy us all."
"He'll destroy the whole planet." Bakugou growled, his stomach twisting at the thought of it.
"Enji possessed power unlike anything to ever walk reality before, and yet somehow Dabi was able to overcome him." Shinsou murmured thoughtfully, Bakugou glancing up to catch his eyes. "It might be wise to ask for his guidance if not help once we make our move on Shigaraki."
"Do you really think he would help us?" Kendou asked, her tone uncertain. "Had it not been for his cherished's intervention, he would have shattered us all."
"I'm not so sure." Shinsou mused, crossing his arms over his chest while letting out a tired sigh. "Looking back over the years he pursued us, now I wonder how much of his actions were simply part of the chase." He grinned at the thought of it, shrugging lightly. "The thrill of a good hunt is understandable for those of us who have existed long enough to see civilizations rise and fall throughout the ages. There were distinct times when his intentions felt almost playful, as a cat would play with a mouse."
"He was certainly not in a rush to finish us off." Bakugou replied with a little frown. "He could have easily shattered me long before Izuku returned to the hotspot. I can agree that it felt like a game to me as well." He met Kendou's eyes before adding on, "It seemed to me as if he were holding back through most of the fight, until you shattered Kamiji's core."
Kendou arched her brow a bit, glancing away. "I did so intentionally. I wanted him to feel that pain." She closed her eyes, letting out a quiet sigh. "Did I make the wrong decision? He burned Reiko so severely her core practically melted before she shattered." She cast her gaze to the side, murmuring softly, "I am responsible for Kamiji, and due to his response to my actions I feel directly responsible for Reiko's shattering as well."
"We've all made mistakes." Todoroki said softly, giving her a little nod. "What matters is that we learn from them." He looked to Bakugou and Shinsou, then asked hesitantly, "How long do you think we should wait before trying to reach out to them?"
"I don't know." Shinsou replied honestly, carding his fingers through his hair before rubbing at the base of a curved horn absently. "We should try to give Hawks as long as we can before disturbing their reunion. From the way they spoke to one another, it seemed as if they had been cherished long, long ago."
"I thought so as well." Todoroki sighed, thinking back on the moment they had shared before Hawks asked to nullify his contract. "How did he not recognize Dabi as his cherished from the start? It was almost as if they had been cherished at one point in their existence, but were no longer…"
"Perhaps that is why Hawks chose to leave, so he could repair what damage had been done between them over the time they had spent apart."
All eyes turned to Fumikage, and the greater stepped closer, greeting the deviants with a little nod. He met Shinsou's eyes, then began again quietly.
"I believe I have located the most likely location they may be taking shelter, but we won't know for sure without scouting further ahead." He rolled his shoulders lightly, shadows curling across his lean frame. "I dared not approach them alone, but from what I could sense they were congregating with several others."
"They're already gathering reinforcements?" Kendou growled softly, her fangs flashing as she spoke. "We need time to recover ourselves. Yanagi, Shimura and Usagi will take years - perhaps even decades to regain what they've lost." She frowned irritably, pinching her brow. "As lessers, outside of the hotspot's reach they will not be able to manifest. That puts our combined forces at a great disadvantage."
"We're counting on you to help us out." Shinsou said candidly, offering Kendou a friendly smile. "It's good to have you with us. Thank you for everything you did to keep our hosts safe during the brawl."
Kendou nodded, her expression smoothing a bit. "It was Reiko's idea, actually. Once she's back with us, you can thank her yourself."
Fumikage lingered for a few moments before flickering out of sight, returning to where his own plethora had gathered together in astral to rest, Kuroiro greeting him with a little nod. Shimura was resting nearby, Nejire and Aizawa beside her, Mirio and Shindou speaking together quietly a short distance away while keeping an eye on the cabin.
"How is everyone handling things?" Fumikage asked quietly, settling down at Kuroiro's side, the enhancement greater humming quietly before giving a small shrug, his eyes drifting to Shimura and Aizawa.
"Nana is restless. She misses Rumi." Kuroiro murmured, his eyes on the lesser as he spoke. "Shouta is concerned about Hizashi. He's still watching over the fallen angel from the city. He's been with her these past few years they've been apart."
Fumikage watched the greater quietly for a few long moments before his gaze drifted across the others within their plethora nearby. "It's strange, not having Hawks here with us."
"Yes." Kuroiro murmured softly, reclining back and closing his eyes. "All of us are coming to terms with his absence. He was the first of us, the original founder." Kuroiro looked to Fumikage, watching his expressions closely as he continued on. "You were Amajiki's second contract. You were with Hawks the longest. How are you handling it? Surely you must feel a sense of loss."
"It's strange. It all happened so quickly." Fumikage inhaled softly, flexing his fingers against the air, wisps of shadow drifting across his pale skin. "He was able to offer Amajiki back nearly half of his life. Perhaps this was the best outcome any of us could hope for, given the circumstances."
Kuroiro hummed quietly in reply, falling into silence, Fumikage looking up into the heavens, watching the stars glittering across the endless night sky.
A few hours passed without disturbance, then Amajiki awoke from his slumber with a start.
Midoriya stirred first, scrunching his face up and blinking as Amajiki freed himself from his arms, murmuring tiredly, "Tamaki? What's wrong?"
"I feel something." Amajiki whispered, pushing himself up to his feet, quickly padding towards the entrance to the cabin and opening the door, disappearing out into the fog.
Midoriya exhaled heavily and groggily pushed himself up as well, rubbing at his eyes, Sero's arm slipping around his waist to help steady him as he made his way towards the open door.
Toga was already at the gate, Amajiki approaching cautiously and watching as bright light began to swirl once again, expanding and growing to the large mirror it had been before Monoma's departure. She gestured for the human to stand back as the waygate opened and Monoma stepped out of the abyss, a lesser following closely after. She wasn't a demon Amajiki readily recognized.
"Reiko!"
Kendou raced forward to wrap her cherished in an embrace, Yanagi sobbing quietly and hiding her face against the deviant's shoulder, Kendou shushing her gently and guiding her further from the gate, Monoma glancing up and meeting Amajiki's eyes.
"The other I have yet to find." He sighed quietly, lingering in the open rift, looking towards Midoriya and Sero as they approached. "It may take some time yet to locate her."
"We'll wait for your return." Amajiki nodded, shivering as he added on breathlessly, "No matter how long it takes. We're not leaving without her."
"Very well. I will continue my search." He gave Amajiki a little nod, Toga taking his hand for a moment and squeezing before letting him go, Monoma quickly fading into the shadows of the abyss, the waygate closing slowly behind him.
Amajiki stood quietly in the fading light, his eyes on the shrinking surface of the mirror. Kendou and Yanagi were speaking together nearby while clinging to one another tightly, Midoriya watching them quietly for several moments before stepping closer to take Amajiki's hand.
"You okay?" Midoriya whispered, and Amajiki slowly nodded his head. He didn't opt to say anything, and Midoriya stood beside him for a long while before tugging him close gently. "Come with me. Let's go back to bed."
Amajiki didn't protest as Midoriya led him back to the cabin, and as they stepped back inside Rodi and Pino were awake waiting for them, the other human calling out to them gingerly. "Everything alright?"
"Monoma returned with Yanagi." Midoriya relayed quietly, helping Amajiki back into bed. "He left again to find Usagi."
"Good. That's good." Rodi murmured, letting out a relieved sigh. "Hopefully he'll locate her soon."
"What if she doesn't want to return to us?" Amajiki asked quietly, Midoriya settling down beside him with a little frown. "What if she doesn't want to be found?"
"Hey." Midoriya whispered quietly, pressing his lips to Amajiki's shoulder. "Don't think like that. Of course she wants to-"
"You don't know that." Amajiki whispered back sadly, hunching his shoulders a bit. Midoriya could feel his trembling. "What if she wants her freedom, like Hawks-"
"She wouldn't just leave Shimura." Midoriya insisted gently, rubbing along Amajiki's spine. "She wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. She doesn't even know that Hawks is gone."
Amajiki paused at that, then gradually nodded his head. "I guess you're right. I don't know. I just worry…"
"It's natural to worry. It's alright to feel unsure, or afraid." Rodi murmured gently, shifting a bit closer, drawing Amajiki against his chest. He combed his long fingers through Amajiki's dark hair gently, glancing past his shoulder to meet Midoriya's eyes.
"I was afraid we had lost them permanently." Midoriya sighed, nuzzling against Amajiki's shoulder and planting another kiss there. "I'm so happy they're able to return to us. I had no idea such a thing was even possible."
"Shattering a demon's core returns them to the abyss." Pino explained softly, curling up to rest against her bonded's side. "Devouring the shards of a demon's core absorbs their accumulated power." She shrugged lightly, her feathers fluffing around her. "Either way, the shattered demon is returned to lesser." She smiled a little, adding on, "If they are determined enough in their endeavors, they may one day ascend again by clawing their way out of the abyss - and entering into reality once more."
"So once you're a demon…" Midoriya murmured quietly, "You can never really die? Just…descend or ascend?"
Pino hummed quietly and nodded her agreement. "We cannot die again. Shattering a demon simply returns us to our lowest state, stripping us of all previously gleaned prowess before tossing us back into the deep."
"So…mentally you remain who you were before, but as for your abilities…" Amajiki asked, meeting Pino's eyes.
"Our quirks remain the same, but our abilities are lessened to those of a newborn demon's. We are lessers in every definition of the word." Pino traced her nails across Rodi's skin, her bonded watching her affectionately. "It may take centuries to return to our previous states once we are shattered."
"The time it takes to ascend again directly correlates to the demon's previous ranking, as well as their connection with their contractor." Rodi said quietly, reaching up and cupping Pino's cheek. "When we first met, Pino was still a deviant from her previous contract. When she forged a contract with me, her prowess transitioned to something between deviant and greater, so I could sustain her without her continuously leaching from my lifespan."
"I wondered about that." Midoriya said with a little smile, Pino meeting his viridian eyes. "You feel like a deviant sometimes, but your quirk is primarily defensive, not offensive, right? It's hard to get a sense for just how powerful you really are."
"Now that the binding has been undone," Pino replied with a pleased smile, "The full extent of my quirk's abilities has been returned to me. Should we be forced into battle again, I shall prove myself a capable ally." She looked to Rodi, holding his eyes. "I am no damsel in need of saving. Not now that I've been set free. Any who should seek to harm you would be wise to fear me. I am a chaos in my own right."
Rodi exhaled a soft chuckle, pressing a kiss to her forehead while murmuring gently, "I feel sorry for the unfortunate fool to next cross your path, songbird. I am eager to witness you take flight."
Pino blushed and fluffed her feathers around her once more, her expression softening as Rodi doted upon her, tilting her face up for a kiss.
Amajiki watched them quietly, relaxing back against Midoriya, the younger boy finding his hand and lacing their fingers. Amajiki could feel his lips turn up into a smile as he pressed a kiss against the curve of his nape.
"Love you." Midoriya whispered, Amajiki closing his eyes slowly, his cheeks reddening with a little blush. "Love you, baby. Love you so much."
"I love you too, Izuku." Amajiki whispered, and as he twisted to face Midoriya the other boy captured his lips, tugging him closer, Amajiki's blush darkening as Midoriya's hands started to explore.
They'd spent years together, and so it wasn't uncommon for Midoriya and Amajiki to share varying levels of intimacy in Rodi's presence, but now things had changed. It felt different now, after having somehow survived their most recent near-death experiences, and the intimacy between them seemed to have shifted into something deeper. Between all of them.
Instead of departing to give them some semblance of privacy, Rodi stayed where he was, watching them quietly between soft kisses with Pino. As their movements grew more heated, Rodi shifted a little closer, his hand gliding up Amajiki's side.
Amajiki's breath hitched and his face turned crimson instantly, and he glanced back at Rodi shyly, uncertainty knitting his brow.
"This okay?" Rodi asked softly, glancing between Amajiki and Midoriya, petting back and forth over the curve of his ribs lightly.
Amajiki hesitated for a moment, unsure how to reply. He watched Rodi for several long, drawn-out seconds before meeting Midoriya's eyes, asking quietly, "Do you want this?"
"Do you?" Midoriya asked, arching his brow a little and giving Amajiki an affectionate smile. "Do you feel comfortable sharing intimacy with Rodi like this?"
Amajiki glanced to the side, biting his lip thoughtfully, his fingertips curling against Midoriya's shoulders as he asked, "What are we…" He met Midoriya's eyes again, a hint of curiosity flickering there. "What are we doing exactly?"
"Whatever we want." Midoriya murmured gently, cupping Amajiki's cheek and searching his eyes. "Whatever we're all comfortable with. It doesn't have to be sex."
Rodi chuckled softly, leaning a little closer and catching Amajiki's eyes over his shoulder. "I don't have to touch you, or be directly involved." He turned his face away slightly as Pino kissed at his shoulder, Rodi watching her and thinking to himself for a moment before asking casually, "Would it be alright for us to watch you together?"
Pino perked her head up a bit, pink dusting her cheeks, her blue eyes drifting over the humans resting beside her. She offered Rodi a tender smile, then turned her gaze to Amajiki and Midoriya. "You can watch us too if you'd like?"
Amajiki let out a shuddering breath at the suggestion, and Midoriya could feel his heartbeat fluttering wildly in his chest despite his silence. Midoriya exhaled a quiet breath of laughter before tilting Amajiki's face up and pressing their lips together once more, the older boy making a sound of protest against his lips before gradually relaxing beneath him, allowing Midoriya to take the lead.
Amajiki might have felt too embarrassed in the moment to admit so aloud, but Midoriya could tell he was intrigued despite his reservations. He didn't want to press Amajiki beyond his boundaries, so for the time being he chose to continue what they had been doing before, and let Rodi and Pino watch as they liked.
Rodi's hand lingered for just a moment before drawing away, Pino pushing Rodi flat on his back and climbing onto his lap, straddling his waist and rocking down against him teasingly.
Rodi grinned and watched her while holding her hips, petting along her curves and whispering to her lovingly, "You're so beautiful, sweetheart. Can I have another kiss?"
Pino smiled and tucked some of her hair behind her ear before dipping down to kiss him, Rodi tangling his fingers in her long pink hair and keeping her close, Pino making soft sounds against his mouth as they shared breath.
Midoriya's eyes were on them, a pleasant shudder coursing up his spine and across his shoulders before he focused on Amajiki once more. He held Amajiki's waist, kissing him deeper than before, the other boy gasping quietly while tugging Midoriya on top of him. He kissed Midoriya eagerly, relaxing atop the mattress, parting his thighs and rocking up against Midoriya as the younger boy settled on top of him, grinding in tandem.
"Fuck~" Amajiki breathed, his thighs trembling as Midoriya ran his hands over the curve of his hips before trailing down his thighs and back up again, one hand lingering on Amajiki's ass and squeezing a cheek teasingly. Amajiki let out a hitch of breath, Midoriya humming and smiling while kissing him slow and deep, Amajiki rocking up into him and pressing their hips together fully, the hard jut of his cock clearly tangible through the layers of cloth separating them.
"Tell me what you want." Midoriya whispered gently, kissing Amajiki's jaw and teasing the shell of his ear. "Anything you want, I'll give it to you. Just tell me what you want."
"You." Amajiki whispered back, his tone trembling with desire. "You, Izuku. I want you."
"How do you want me?" Midoriya asked, pulling back enough to meet Amajiki's eyes. His face was flushed from arousal and embarrassment, and he bit his bottom lip gently while searching Midoriya's eyes.
"Y-Your mouth?" Amajiki asked, glancing towards Rodi and Pino shyly before meeting Midoriya's eyes again.
"Yeah." Midoriya whispered with a grin, nodding his head lightly. "Of course, baby. Just relax, let me take care of you…"
Amajiki clung to him for a moment longer before allowing him to descend, Midoriya tugging up his shirt and leaving it bunched around his chest while kissing across his fluttering stomach, leaving little lovebites and wet spots behind with a flick of his tongue.
Amajiki watched him, breathing unevenly, lifting his hips ever so slightly to assist Midoriya with tugging off his clothes, one hand reaching down to comb through Midoriya's curls while the other rested across his hot face.
Midoriya watched Amajiki hide his face, laughing softly and kissing at his upper thigh while wrapping his fingers around his twitching shaft, smearing his fingers with precum. Rodi and Pino were kissing gently, over and over again, Pino rocking against Rodi's lap while Rodi whispered to her sweetly. Midoriya slicked his palm up and down Amajiki's shaft a few more times before parting his lips and flicking his tongue against the head of his cock, Amajiki doing his very best to keep his breathing under control, a soft whine caught in his throat.
"You don't have to be quiet." Rodi whispered to him, Midoriya humming his agreement while taking Amajiki into his mouth. "It's okay Tamaki," Rodi coaxed gently, and Midoriya could feel Amajiki's grip tightening in his hair, hear the change in his breathing, "You can relax with us, you're safe here. You're safe with us." There was a shifting of limbs, both Rodi and Pino moving closer, Rodi's deep voice husky with desire as he murmured teasingly to them both, "Let us hear you, how does it feel? Is Izuku making you feel good?"
"Y-Yes…" Amajiki whispered shakily before swallowing thickly, still hiding his flushed face behind his hand. "Feels so good…"
"Tamaki?" Pino whispered sweetly, shifting one of her hands to rest against Amajiki's chest. "Your heart's beating so fast. You're so excited, aren't you? There's no need to feel shy…"
Amajiki let out a shuddering breath, whining softly and nodding behind his hand, Rodi chuckling softly and leaning close enough his breath was teasing Amajiki's ear. "Do you want us to kiss you?"
"I don't…I don't know…" Amajiki admitted quietly, gingerly shaking his head. Midoriya bobbed his head slowly, petting along Amajiki's thighs and coaxing one of his knees up slightly, hooking it over his shoulder. "I've never…done anything like this with…" He swallowed and took another trembling breath, "…with anyone other than Izuku…"
Rodi smiled and pressed his lips to Amajiki's cheek, smoothing his fingers against those that were tangled in Midoriya's hair. "It's alright, we can take things slow." He coaxed Amajiki's other hand away from his face gently, waiting until Amajiki gingerly opened his eyes. "Do you want to kiss me? Do you want to kiss Pino?"
Amajiki held Rodi's eyes, his breath hitching as Midoriya laved his tongue along the underside of his cock. "Yes, I mean if…if you're sure you want to…"
"We want to." Pino reassured gently, petting across Amajiki's chest, leaning a little closer, searching Amajiki's eyes. "We care about you. We want you to trust us. We want to make you feel good."
Amajiki's cheeks were burning, and he looked to Rodi for confirmation, the other boy laughing softly and nodding his head, cupping Amajiki's face with his hand. "We want you. We want both of you." He shifted his thumb to trace Amajiki's bottom lip, adding quietly, "We don't want to do anything you're not ready to do. We're not trying to pressure you in any way. You can tell us honestly if you're not ready to explore with us yet."
"I want to, I just-" Amajiki arched his brow a little, a peal of nervous laughter escaping him, "I feel really vulnerable like this. Exposed…"
Rodi watched him with a calm, patient gaze, nodding and carding his fingers through Amajiki's hair. "I understand. Exploring with new partners can cause anxiety, even for us. That's where desire and trust come into play." He looked to Pino, and she smiled and nodded while leaning closer to press a kiss to Amajiki's forehead, then the bridge of his nose, tilting his face up slightly before offering him a soft kiss.
It was gentle, sweet. Amajiki watched her with an awed expression, his hand gliding up her side as she giggled softly then leaned in to kiss him again.
Rodi watched them together with a burning gaze, turning his attention from Pino and Amajiki to Midoriya, moving his fingers against Amajiki's to tighten their hold in his hair.
Midoriya let out a shaky exhale, blushing and moaning around Amajiki's cock, Rodi chuckling and waiting for Midoriya to breathe before tightening his hold again.
"You like being handled roughly, don't you Izuku?"
If his face wasn't hot before, it most certainly was now. He lifted his gaze, peeking up at Rodi through his dark lashes, the older boy grinning and watching Midoriya with a hungry gaze before guiding his head back down again.
Midoriya allowed Rodi to do as he liked, relaxing his throat and letting Rodi set the pace, his cock aching where it throbbed between his legs. He wasn't sure if he'd ever been so turned on in his entire life, and they had only just begun. He flexed his fingers against Amajiki's thighs, listening to the soft sounds of kissing somewhere above him, his eyes closing and his nostrils flaring as he took Amajiki into the back of his throat.
"Ah fuck, 'zuku." Amajiki whispered against Pino's mouth, unable to stop the subtle rocking of his hips. "Fuck that feels good…"
"Good boy." Rodi whispered, and Amajiki and Midoriya both inhaled soft hitches of breath, unsure who exactly Rodi was talking to. Maybe it had been both of them, for he chuckled and leaned closer to kiss Pino's shoulder, locking eyes with Amajiki while coaxing Midoriya's bobbing to continue. "You're being so good for us, aren't you? You startin' to feel real good?"
"Yeah…" Amajiki breathed, shifting his hold on Pino's waist to wander along her lower back and sides as she kissed him again.
Rodi let out an appreciative hum, tightening his grip on Midoriya's curls and quickening his pace, the younger boy whining and moaning softly around Amajiki's pulsing cock.
"Oh fuck please, I can't-" Amajiki gasped and arched against the sheets, his legs trembling as he managed to force out, "Fuck you're gonna make me cum~"
"Swallow." Rodi commanded gently, and Midoriya whined and knit his brow, flexing his throat around Amajiki, the boy beneath him crying out and arching against him, cumming against the back of Midoriya's throat. "Beautiful. That's it…" Rodi praised, loosening his grip to card his fingers through Midoriya's curls, "Breathe, Izuku. Just like that…"
Midoriya swallowed twice before pulling back with a gasp, coughing lightly and reaching up to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes glittering with tears. Rodi gave him a pleased look, chuckling and beckoning him closer, Midoriya panting shakily while trying to catch his breath, allowing Rodi to tug him onto his lap.
As Pino shared kisses with Amajiki, who appeared content to bask in his afterglow, Midoriya and Rodi turned to one another, the older boy tugging Midoriya down against him to taste Amajiki on his tongue.
Midoriya curled his fingers against Rodi's chest, blushing and canting his hips eagerly, hungry for more of Rodi's touch, rutting purposefully against his arousal. They were both just as equally turned on from their previous exchange, and it didn't take much coaxing for Rodi to tug Midoriya's shirt up over his head, smoothing his hands along the chiseled planes of his chest and obliques while tracing across freckles and scattered scars. Midoriya watched him quietly, a little smile teasing across his lips, then he leaned down and captured Rodi's lips once more.
"Do you want me?" Rodi asked, breathing against Midoriya's lips, and the younger boy hummed and nodded, kissing Rodi deeper than before.
"Please." Midoriya whispered needily, and Rodi chuckled while resting his palms against Midoriya's thighs, kneading against the corded muscle hidden beneath the surface.
"Do you want me on top? Or do you want to ride me?" Rodi crooned gently, kissing Midoriya's shoulder and neck, nipping teasingly at the curve of his jaw.
Midoriya could barely think straight, heat curling tightly in his stomach while lightning sparked up the notches of his spine. "I want…I want to ride you." Midoriya admitted softly, shivering and carefully meeting Rodi's eyes. "Is that alright? Would you like that too?"
"I'd love that." Rodi reassured with a playful grin, bucking up against Midoriya and biting at his bottom lip, exhaling through his nose quietly. He held Midoriya's eyes for a long moment, his expression going soft, and he reached up and cupped his cheek, tracing his thumb across Midoriya's freckles.
Midoriya watched him affectionately, smiling and leaning down to reconnect their lips, letting out a soft moan as he felt Pino's hand drifting across his shoulders, her voice melodic against his ear.
"We love you, Izuku."
Midoriya closed his eyes, relaxing fully beneath their touch.
"I love you too. I love both of you so much."
In the center of the island, at the heart of the stone circle, the waygate began to open with a flicker of bright light.
Thanks for reading! More to come!
