Thank you everyone for the love on the last chapter! It really meant a lot to hear such positive feedback. 😭💖
I got a lot of readers saying they didn't expect Momo to wish for her quirk. I thought it was super obvious. HAHA. I had been building the wish up since Kaminari gave it to her. Now, I'm really curious what you all thought her wish would be? Did you really think she'd take Mina's advice for a harem of hot guys?
Also mucho gracias to my beta, FlourchildWrites! Thank you for looking this chapter over twice! Your feedback really helped. ❤️
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Chapter 35 - We Can (Not) Defend
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Two hours earlier
Shouto and the merchant, Jin, rushed down the mountain trail, their sandals sliding along the frozen ground.
The morning was cold and still. Above them, the moon had dulled with the rising sun; however, the sky was still gray and gloomy. And shadows crept amongst the rocks and under the pine trees that grew along the slopped ridges.
Shouto's gaze darted down the dimly lit path, trying to spot the empusa. But he couldn't see anything. Even when he strained, the only sound that echoed through the white-dusted pines was the crunch of snow compacting underneath his and the merchant's sandals. He couldn't sense any magic.
He frowned and glanced back down at the trodden path, speckled with blood and indented with human and empusa prints.
It was strange. There was just enough blood along the trail. And the footsteps were a bit too clear, too evenly dispersed. The scene felt like something from a play, almost methodical.
Suspicion swelled in Shouto's mind, building like an itch stuck in the back of his throat. Had Jin really run all this way with his son?
A tree to Shouto's left caught his attention. A symbol had been carved into the trunk, similar to the evil eye protecting the cabin, but different. It looked like it had been crossed out.
"We're almost there," the rough voice of the merchant called out through panting, uneven breaths.
Shouto tore his gaze away from the tree to glance over his shoulder. "Alright."
He slowed his pace to match steps with the merchant. "When we get there, keep close. I'll stand guard; you check for your wife."
Jin made a sound of consent low in his throat. Shouto ignored him as the trees suddenly thinned, and they came to a plateau on the mountainside.
Shouto unsheathed Endeavor and dashed forward.
A cart had been overturned; its contents spilled out across the frozen, rocky ground. At the front, an ox, torn in half, was still attached to its reins. Its blood was thick and coagulated.
The animal had been there for a while.
Shouto shifted. His gaze scanned the pine trees as he carefully circled the cart.
The top of the mountain was silent, as if all the birds and animals had fled. It was a cold morning, but not bitter enough for all the animals, even the scavengers, to have disappeared.
The empusa was close.
Shouto drew in a slow breath and flexed his hand before readjusting his grip upon Endeavor. His fingers were moist.
Something about the clearing seemed familiar, unsettling, as though he'd been there before. The feeling tugged at the back of Shouto's thoughts, but he couldn't remember.
"We can't stay here," Shouto said in a low, even voice, trying to hide his uneasiness. "Did you find your wife? Any clues?"
Warm breath tickled the back of Shouto's neck.
"Why don't you ask me yourself?"
Shouto jerked forward and spun around, bringing Endeavor up. The sword met empty air as a woman with a donkey's leg jumped back with acrobatic ease.
"Ouch! Almost got poor Toga," the empusa's high-pitched voice whined as she twirled backwards in the direction of the merchant.
"Get back!" Shouto shouted. "Jin!"
But the older man didn't move. The merchant looked up; his dark eyes met Shouto's gaze. And it was as though Shouto was staring at a completely different person as Jin smiled, his expression almost giddy.
The empusa stopped by Jin's side and entwined her hands around the older man's arm like a loving daughter.
Shouto's mouth opened, but he couldn't form any words. It was like he'd been turned to stone. Unable to move. Unable to speak. He stared at the pair in shock and disbelief as realization dawned upon him: the empusa and the merchant were in league the entire time.
"Why?" Shouto's voice quivered with confusion and anger. The binding of Endeavor's hilt cut into his palm. "What's this about?"
From the trail behind the empusa and Jin, came a flash of blinding light.
Shouto started and stepped back. Stars flashed across his vision. He blinked, and as the light faded, two men came into focus.
Dread slid like a knife down Shouto's spine as he met the dull golden gaze of the man in front.
The man appeared to be in his mid-twenties. He was sickly slim with pale, wrinkled skin and messy, grayish-blue hair. There was a hunch to his posture. He didn't look dangerous nor was his size imposing, but Shouto knew otherwise.
"Shigaraki," Shouto hissed.
A smirk pulled across the man's chapped lips to show his yellow-tinged teeth. "My, my Shouto Todoroki. Didn't your mother teach you to show respect to a god?" Shigariki asked. His voice was almost playful as he raised a white eyebrow in mock admonishment.
Shouto didn't answer. His gaze darted towards the second man as he stepped closer to Shigaraki's side.
The second man was taller than the god and dressed in the dark kandy cloak of the Persians. Upon his face was a black mask that he pulled off to reveal an unremarkable face framed by curly brown hair.
"My Lord Thanatos," the tall man said with an exaggerated bow, pressing the mask to his chest. "I hope you found this play to your satisfaction. My companions and I put a lot of effort into setting the stage."
"We did our best for you!" Jin added. His voice pitched higher in exuberance.
The empusa hissed at Jin's ecstatic tone, and she pulled her arm out of his, stepping away.
The hair on Shouto's neck stood up.
"Good job, Atsuhiro, Jin, Toga," Shigaraki said, his tone commending. However, his gaze never left Shouto as he continued. "This has been quite enjoyable, but I'm still waiting for my favorite part: when the hero gets crushed."
"Of course," the empusa said. Her fangs poked from her lips as she smiled.
"We will give you a wonderful show," Atsuhiro promised. He put his mask back on as he straightened up.
Shouto shifted, watching from the side of his eye as the god's followers began to fan out. "What's your aim? Is this revenge for your brother's defeat on Aretias? Overhaul was the one who planned it. He got what was coming to him."
Shigaraki laughed. "As much as I would like to say that I adore my brother, I'm here after hearing about another brotherly skirmish and some of that sibling's more recent activities." His golden eyes trailed over to the left side of Shouto's face. "Can you guess which one?"
The air in Shouto's lungs felt like icicles. "Dabi sent you here?"
The empusa giggled.
"You hurt our friend," Jin shouted, raising his fist in a threatening manner.
Shouto ignored him. The scar over his left eye tingled. Shouto forced himself not to touch the discolored skin as he glared at the god. "Tell Dabi to fight his own battles."
Jin's face turned red. "How dare –"
Shigaraki raised a hand, silencing the merchant. "It seems you have the wrong idea, hero," he said, his voice amused. "I'm not here on any orders."
Shouto froze. "What do you mean?"
"I'm not interested in your little family feud. My priority is, like any good god, to those who devote themselves to me."
"What do you mean," Shouto repeated. "Get to the point."
"So hasty." Shigaraki's chapped, flaking lips pulled up, widening his decrepit grin. He rocked back on his heels and clasped his hands together. "As I was saying, I heard about your little brotherly skirmish. Typically, I wouldn't be inclined to step in, but because Dabi is locked up by your dearest father, I decided to help out when I heard of some of your other, more recent activities that you've been involved in -"
"Like ruining my beloved business!" Atsuhiro snapped.
Magic prickled along Shouto's arms as he stared at the Persian-dressed man. "You're the magi behind the slave trade."
Atsuhiro's lips twitched, and he straightened. "How astute," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I had spent twenty years building the business, offering the highest quality goods, and it was all ruined in one night because of you."
"So we will call this multi-purposed revenge," Shigaraki continued in a playful voice that contrasted with his words, "for my brother and Dabi. Shame they both can't make it today due to the inconvenience you caused them. And there's the revenge for my followers, since you did destroy their livelihoods and all. An eye for an eye, as the mortals say."
Shouto's mouth was dry. He shifted into an offensive stance. "It doesn't matter. I'll defeat you all. Overhaul had eight Stymphalian. There are only four of you."
"Quite the confidence, Shouto Todoroki." Shigaraki's tone dripped with mock admiration. "If you are that confident, how about we even the playing field then?" He snapped his fingers. "Jin."
"Leave it to me!" Jin knelt and pressed his hands against the ground. Black magic spread across the earth like puddles of black tar.
Shouto jumped away. Jin's magic rumbled as it spread before lifting off the ground and rising up with the sound of grinding rocks.
Cold sweat dripped down the back of Shouto's neck. He could barely breathe. Dread tightened like a noose around his throat, and Shouto stared aghast, as human-looking golems formed: men with cracked, dehydrated skin and soulless black pockets for eyes. Swords glimmered like actual steel in their hands.
The golems were the same as the soldiers from his nightmares.
Atsuhiro spread out his arms. "Do these perhaps seem familiar?" His voice was smug behind the mask.
"Like your dreams?" Jin giggled.
Shouto's gaze darted up. "How? Yaoyorozu said the evil eye was protecting us."
There was a slight tremble to his tone that Shouto hoped wasn't noticeable. His whole body was tense, a bowstring ready to snap.
The magi chuckled. "That's one use of the evil eye, but it can also be used as a conduit for a curse. And my great god, Thanatos, has kindly lent me magic that I was able to weave into a spell that impacts the first person who passes it."
Disbelief dropped like lead into Shouto's stomach, even colder than his own magic. "And I wasn't able to sense it because it was human magic, not a god's or monsters."
"Exactly," Atsuhiro said. His voice was smug. "That's why it took a while for us to get all the preparations in order."
Shouto's hands shook. Pain throbbed in his temples from how tightly his jaw was clenched. He was such a fool. He should have trusted his gut when they had arrived at the cabin. The cabin —
Yaoyorozu?!
Where was she? Was she in trouble? Had the boy been a part of this scheme as well?
He needed to warn her.
"Now then, enough chit-chat," the magi said, cutting through Shouto's thoughts. He clapped his hands together and turned towards Jin who was still kneeling on the ground. "Let's not keep our god waiting."
"Right!"
The golems moved.
Shouto jerked his head up as the mud soldiers rushed forward in halting, unsteady movements. He gritted his teeth.
"Fuyumi!"
He stepped closer and deflected the first golem's attack.
"Fuyumi, I need you," he called again, cutting the attacker's head off in a clean move. Mud splattered against Shouto's face. The dirt golem collapsed to the ground in a swoosh of sand.
He spun around as the other two attackers advanced. "Get Yaoyorozu away from the cabin."
Shouto thrust his sword through the neck of the second golem. It wavered and then collapsed as Shouto withdrew Endeavor.
"Fuyumi?!" he called louder. There was still no answer.
The last golem was behind him. Shouto pivoted and dropped low, dodging the third soldier's strike. He reached out and slammed his hand into the golem's stomach. Magic crackled. Ice erupted from Shouto's palm and impaled the attacker.
He stood up, wiping the mud from his face with the back of his hand. Shouto looked around, but there was still no response from his sister. Nor did the snow move or make any indication of taking his message to his sister.
"Poor golden child," Shigaraki cooed. "That won't work."
Shouto's gaze darted up to stare at the god. "What?"
Shigaraki chuckled. "Do you really think I'd let anyone else into this show?"
"What did you do?" Shouto gasped.
"We've set up a magic circle," the magi explained. "It blocks any magic, whether cast by a god, monster, or nymph from entering the perimeter using magic. The only way in or out is to walk by yourself."
"Which means we won't have any interruptions," Shigaraki said. His eyes glittered.
Shouto's heart felt as though it dropped into his stomach. That meant the only way for him to warn Yaoyorozu was to get outside the magic circle and call on his sister.
A sour taste filled Shouto's mouth. He raised his sword. "If that's the case, then I'll have to show no mercy."
Shigaraki raised a white eyebrow. "It seems as though you are getting ahead of yourself?"
"Where are you looking, stupid?" Jin said in a snide voice.
Behind Shouto came the crunching sound from earlier. He jerked around to stare in horror as Jin's black magic spread across the ground again, and the golems Shouto had killed reformed. Except there were no longer only three.
A cold chill slid down his spine as ten human-shaped soldiers stepped forward. Shouto tsked. His right fingers tightened around Endeavor as he released his left hand.
If slicing the golems apart wouldn't work, he'd have to use magic.
Heat spread down his left arm. And flames erupted from his palm, shooting towards three golems. The attacker in the middle dissolved soundlessly into black ash. However, the other two golems jumped back to dodge the torrent of fire.
Shouto pivoted and blocked an attack from behind him. There was a loud ring as Endeavor parried the golem's sword. He lifted his hand, and flames ignited over his arm again.
The golem dropped low, avoiding the blast of heat.
Shouto cursed. The golems were faster than before. Smarter. To have any chance of destroying them, he would need to find a way to stop them from moving.
From his left, two golems lunged towards him. Shouto dropped to the ground. He slammed his right fist against the snow. Magic crackled along his skin, and ice shot from the frozen dirt, impaling the golems through the chest.
"Shigi, can I go now?" the empusa's high-pitched voice whined from behind Shouto.
Shouto jerked his head up. Shigaraki was leaning against a tree. His eyes glittered with victory as he met Shouto's gaze. "Of course. You've done your part."
"Yay!" the empusa sang as she turned away. "Wait for me, my pretty Trojan priestess."
Shouto's blood turned cold. He jumped to his feet. "Get back here!" His heart pounded.
From the corner of his eye, something moved. Shouto jolted back as the golems he had impaled tore themselves free from the spikes. The mud from their wounds splattered across the ground, and five more golems formed.
Shouto's breath caught. The closest golem lunged forward. Shouto threw himself to the right and pivoted, slicing the attacker's head off. He turned. Golems surrounded him, blocking him from escaping. Piercing their hollow bodies didn't appear to kill them. Ice had slowed them down but hadn't destroyed them either.
His gaze darted towards the pile of charred mud: the only golem that hadn't reformed. Shouto exhaled a warm breath. It appeared the only way to destroy them was with fire. Just like in his dream.
The ice within Shouto's veins melted. Heat spread through his chest and down his left arm. His fingers tightened around his sword. He had to make this quick.
The back of Shouto's chiton was damp, sticking to his skin. The melted snow dusted the forest floor, leaving the ground soggy and uneven. And the air smelt of baked mud.
Shouto readjusted his hands along Endeavor's hilt. His palms were moist, and mud clung to his sandals and squished between his toes. Gray ash caught in the air as flames crawled over blackened piles of dirt.
A golem dashed toward him. Pivoting, Shouto slid his sword across the throat of the attacker. The golem stumbled. He grabbed its head and hissed between his teeth as the magic in his veins pinched like a torn muscle. Shouto pushed the discomfort away as he called upon his power.
Embers ignited along his arm. He incinerated the mud carcass before stepping back and casting a powerful ice spell. The ground rumbled. A wall of spikes shot from it, forcing back the advancing attackers.
This must be how Hercules felt fighting hydra, Shouto thought, wiping the sweat from his face. Every time he killed one, two more golems took its place. There were too many. And despite how many he'd killed, their numbers kept increasing. There were now close to fifty mud soldiers surrounding him. He'd drain his magic if he continued.
Drawing in a short breath of heated air, Shouto glanced up and staggered as deja vu slammed into him. For a moment, his recurring nightmares flashed through his mind, and he saw Yaoyorozu's pale, dying face wearing an accusing stare as Endeavor embedded itself in her chest.
This was the same scene from his dream, the point when he leapt over the flames and killed Yaoyorozu, Shouto realized. He shook his head, heart pounding in his ears. No. His jaw tightened as he focused.
Behind the mud golems, the magi and merchant stood by Shigaraki's side, watching. Their expressions twisted in giddy anticipation as though this was a sport and they were only spectators.
This whole charade was because of the magi's magic, Shouto reminded himself. Yaoyorozu wasn't there. She wouldn't be coming. However, even knowing that, Shouto felt his throat tighten. His hands gripped Endeavor's hilt until his fingers turned white.
He couldn't afford to hesitate. The magi already confirmed that his dreams were fabricated — an invention of his and Shigaraki's interference. The nightmare was likely used as a distraction to stop him from taking action.
Even if there was truth in the nightmares, the storyline had already deviated. In his dreams, there had only been one villain, but now Shouto faced multiple opponents, including a god. There was no reason to believe the last part of his dream would stay the same, no grounds to suspect he'd harm Yaoyorozu.
There was a cracking sound behind him. Shouto spun. The ice splintered and chipped as the golems slipped through the spikes. Their dirt bodies slid through the gaps around the spikes like sludge before reforming.
Shouto's stomach twisted.
Shigaraki and his followers likely didn't expect him to attack. They had made those nightmares specifically to unsettle him. If Shouto was going to catch them off guard, he had to use this moment, when they thought they had him cornered, to launch a counter-offensive.
Shouto swallowed over the rock that had stuck in his throat. He had to act now. This was his chance to end this.
He couldn't doubt.
He couldn't hesitate.
The strong live; the weak die.
Frost accumulated along his skin. Shouto's breath turned frigid. The temperature dropped. Ice shrieked out from underneath Shouto's feet, and Shouto was propelled over the flames and the soulless puppets.
This time, Shouto would be prepared.
The magi stumbled backwards. Jin's eyes widened in alarm.
Shouto flew forward. This time, he'd do it right. He'd change his nightmare. He'd save Yaoyorozu and kill the ones manipulating his dreams.
Ash and smoke gusted up, creating a haze. The three villains' silhouettes flickered through the dirt.
He'd end this in one shot, Shouto swore. He was strong. He could do it.
His feet hit the ground. A pulling sensation flooded his gut as Shouto forced his body temperature to dip lower. Magic coursed through Shouto's blood, and he unleashed a tundra of frost and ice.
The mountain rumbled. Power rushed over the ground, extinguishing the fire and blowing away the smoke.
Shouto let out a frigid breath. Slowly, he straightened. His muscles quivered, weakened from the sharp change in temperature. Ignoring the ache, Shouto turned towards the frosted plateau and froze.
The clearing was covered in ice. Glaciers climbed over the overturned cart, and golems stuck in various angles through the clear crystals, but Shouto couldn't spot the god or his followers.
Where were they?
The sound of clapping echoed across the plateau followed by a soft pop, like a bubble bursting.
Shouto jumped back as a bright light flashed across the ice, and Atsuhiro's voice became clear.
"Marvelous, Shouto Todoroki!"
The air in Shouto's lungs froze as he stared at the villains standing upon the ice. Unharmed.
"How?" Shouto whispered, not quite believing his eyes. How did they dodge? Shouto was sure his magic would have caught them. They couldn't have known what he was going to do.
"So weak!" Jin shouted. "Dabi was right! You are Ares' lesser son."
Shouto's fingers trembled around Endeavor's hilt. The binding cut into his palms.
"I don't like to brag, but I'm quite proud of my vanishing acts," Atsuhiro said; his voice dripped with smug satisfaction.
"I don't know what you did, but I won't let you get away next time," Shouto hissed. He flipped Endeavor and slid into an offensive stance. His muscles ached. "I'll defeat you."
Atsuhiro chuckled. "Defeat us? Why, hero, we are only getting started." He held out his arms as if on display. "That was only act one."
Shouto tensed. "Act one?"
Atsuhiro turned towards Shigaraki and bowed. "May we move to the next act?"
Shigaraki's yellow teeth clenched in a vicious grin behind his cracked lips as his mouth widened into a victorious smile. "Of course."
"Jin," Atsuhiro said.
"You got it!" Jin dropped to his knees and pressed his palms to the ice again.
"Like I'd let you!" Shouto shouted. He darted forward as the mud morphed, twisting up into another golem.
Jin yelped and slid back behind the forming mud. Shigaraki and the magi didn't move. They were staring at him with a look of pure enjoyment.
Something was off, Shouto realized, but he didn't have time to consider it. Shouto flicked Endeavor up towards the golem's throat and froze. His sword pressed against a delicate pale neck. And all the air in Shouto's lungs seemed to solidify as onyx eyes stared up at him with a look of fear.
"Todoroki?"
Shouto couldn't speak. His grip upon Endeavor trembled. He didn't understand. "Yaoyorozu?"
A piercing pain slammed into Shouto's side, and he staggered backwards. A second Yaoyorozu spun her spear around. The tip of the weapon was copper.
Shouto let out an unsteady breath. He pressed a hand against his stomach. His chiton was wet. He looked down. His hand was coated in blood.
"How do you like this twist of the tale, Shouto Todoroki?" The magi asked with a high-pitched laugh of accomplishment.
Shouto jerked his head up, as Atsuhiro continued with pride. "This is the culmination of all our work. Although I must give credit where credit is due. Jin was the one who had the idea to get close enough to copy the woman's details."
Shouto's breath was short and painful as his gaze darted back towards the two golems. Dark black hair was swept back into a high ponytail with a few strands falling out to frame a dignified feminine face. Unlike the golems he had fought before, these were perfect copies of a human. Even the weapon in its long fingers was the spear Shouto recognized as the one he had purchased. The golems were exact replicas of Momo Yaoyorozu.
"Now, hero," Shigiraki said, breaking through Shouto's paralysis. His yellow eyes glinted maliciously. "The fun begins."
Yaoyorozu's doppelgangers charged forward. Shouto brought Endeavor up to parry the first golem's spear. She stepped back and whipped her spear towards Shouto's injured side.
Shouto pivoted. His sword arched up. The doppelganger of Yaoyorozu cried out. Its face morphed into terror, and it was as though Shouto had been frozen by his own magic. Endeavor stilled, pressed once again to the doppelganger's neck.
It wasn't Yaoyorozu. It wasn't Yaoyorozu. He had to kill the doppelganger. He had to…
The second doppelganger's spear flickered to his left. Shouto twisted. There was a loud ringing as the metals clashed, and Shouto was pushed back.
Shouto's fingers quivered. He hissed and drew in a deep breath. He needed to get a hold of himself. This wasn't Yaoyorozu. The real Yaoyorozu was back at the cabin, perhaps fighting for her life against the empusa. He needed to get back to her. He didn't have the time to hesitate here.
The doppelganger spun its spear and lunged forward.
Shouto set his jaw, hardening his determination as he deflected the golem's spear. Shouto spun and slid Endeavor across the doppelganger's stomach. Mud, the same color as blood, splattered across his skin.
The doppelganger screamed as if in pain. The cry sent a shiver down Shouto's spine. This thing wasn't Yaoyorozu, he reminded himself. He held out his hand, fire sparking along his skin.
Yaoyorozu's doppelganger looked up. Tears stained her cheeks. "Todoroki…"
Shouto's determination wavered. His memories pulled him back to his nightmares.
'Yaoyorozu's complexion had turned gray. Blood trickled from the side of her mouth and nose. Endeavor stuck out of the middle of her chest. She had been pierced through the heart. 'Todo..roki…' Dark onyx eyes stared up at him in shock and betrayal.'
From the ground, something shifted. Shouto jumped back as dark magic twisted up, and another doppelganger of Yaoyorozu emerged. A spear flashed towards him.
Shouto sidestepped the weapon. He needed to stop thinking. He had to numb his heart. If he didn't, he'd lose.
The strong live; the weak die.
Cold determination spread in his chest. And Shouto felt his senses dull; a familiar numbness spread through him. It was the numbness of a soldier. The ruthlessness that came as a son of Ares. The sullen and battle-hardened version of himself that slayed countless enemies in Troy. Shouto summoned the violence and anger of that version of himself to block his senses, and the numbness answered.
A doppleganger's spear flashed towards him. Shouto brought his sword up. The doppelganger screamed in pain.
The strong live; the weak die.
Shouto twisted and blocked another attack before sliding Endeavor across the doppelganger's throat. The coldness dulled the guilt and pain. It ate at his hesitance.
The strong live; the weak die.
"Curse you, Spartan." The doppelganger spit into Shouto's face. The mud was copper and tasted like blood.
It wasn't Yaoyorozu.
Two more doppelgangers had emerged. Shouto twisted. He impaled the closest one. For a moment, the attacker's expression flickered, and Shouto could see the fear sketched across Yaoyorozu's face before the doppelganger screamed and was consumed in flames.
It wasn't Yaoyorozu.
He tore Endeavor out and dropped low, dodging the second golem's attack.
Shouto's side throbbed. He was breathing heavily. His hands were wet and slick with mud that looked like blood.
The strong live; the weak die.
He knocked another golem's spear away and grabbed the doppelganger's face. Yaoyorozu screamed in pain, her skin melting like candle wax. The air smelt of flesh.
Shouto's vision blurred in and out as he continued to fight. The golem's expressions flickered between Yaoyorozu's face and masks of mud. He thought it would become easier to destroy them the longer he fought, but it seemed he was wrong. With each stroke of Endeavor, with each scream, Shouto felt his determination waver. The numbness was leaving him. Despite the heat from his magic, Shouto felt cold.
He must be losing blood, Shouto reasoned as he swung Endeavor down a few moments too slowly. There was a loud clang as the doppelganger parried. Yaoyorozu's dark eyes flashed in defiance as she glared at him over the weapons.
The golem looked like her. Fought like her. It almost was her.
Shouto stepped closer, forcing Yaoyorozu off balance. He slid his sword across her stomach. Yaoyorozu gasped in pain. Then fire engulfed her. Something within Shouto's chest felt as though it was cracking and trembling.
Another doppelganger rushed towards him. Shouto called on the numbness again as he thrust his sword into Yaoyorozu's chest, but the cold feeling didn't come this time. He felt sick.
Blood trickled down Yaoyorozu's mouth. "Todoroki…"
"No." Shouto gasped. His vision swam. The numbness in his chest was gone. This was what he had seen in his nightmares.
Endeavor glimmered in Yaoyorozu's breast. Her legs shook and then gave out, and she fell. Shouto jumped forward and caught her, dropping to the floor as her body melted through his fingertips.
It wasn't real, but it felt real. Shouto's hands trembled. Endeavor clanged to the floor as the doppelganger dissolved and black magic curled up, creating two new golems.
Shouto looked up and met the onyx gaze of Yaoyorozu Momo. His legs were weak. He couldn't do it anymore.
'Yaoyorozu, I'm sorry.'
The other doppelgangers stepped forward, their spears raised. Shouto couldn't move.
'I'm sorry for breaking my promise to return.'
The two Yaoyorozus raised their spears. Shouto closed his eyes.
'I'm sorry for leaving you alone.'
He took a shaky breath, readying himself for the pain. It didn't come.
Shouto's eyes snapped open as there was a sudden whooshing sound, and an arrow sprouted from one of the Yaoyorozu's necks.
"What?!" Jin gasped.
The doppelganger quivered, Yaoyorozu's face dropped, and the doppelganger melted back into mud. The other golems paused.
"It's the woman," Shigaraki said.
Shouto's eyes darted up and followed Shigaraki's gaze towards the tree line. His breath caught. Running through the ash and flames was Yaoyorozu — the real Yaoyorozu.
Shouto's heart felt as though it had jumped into his throat. If he weren't already kneeling upon the floor, he would have collapsed with relief. Yaoyorozu was alive. He hadn't killed her.
"Todoroki, hang on! I'm here to save you!" Yaoyorozu dashed out of the tree line towards the villains.
"You're ruining the play," Atsuhiro said, his voice dipped lower in anger. The magi reached into his chiton and pulled something out.
Shouto drew in a sharp breath. Yaoyorozu wouldn't be able to fight them alone. He had to help her. Shouto reached into his magic and felt his body lighten. A surge of energy pulsed through him. His muscles shuddered as he pulled himself to his feet.
"Yaoyorozu!" Shouto screamed.
It was too late. The magi threw the item — a glossy, round object — towards Yaoyorozu. She twisted back behind a tree, and the marble hit the trunk. There was a sharp crack, like thunder. Yaoyorozu jumped out and began running again as the tree crashed down to the ground, part of its trunk gone as though it were cut out.
Atsuhiro cursed and pulled out more beads.
Blood pounded in Shouto's ears. Whatever dark magic the magi used was too powerful; Shouto needed to stop him before Yaoyorozu was hit. He scooped low and grabbed Endeavor.
"Don't let Todoroki get in the way," Shigaraki hissed.
The frozen golems began to move again. Shouto drew in a sharp breath and brought Endeavor up. A red line appeared across the closest doppelgangers' throats. They collapsed into mud.
"You're ruining the fun," Shigaraki snarled in rage. His fingers dug into his neck. Scratch marks tore down his skin. "Atsuhiro!"
Shouto looked up. His heart felt like lead as the magi threw another marble towards Yaoyorozu.
It was impossible, but time seemed to slow. Shouto watched Yaoyorozu skid to a stop. She held up her hands, starlight glowed across her skin, and a small mirror appeared. Then, time seemed to resume. The glass bead hit the mirror and shot back towards Shigaraki and his followers. The magi leapt aside, and the bead slammed into Jin. There was a crack, and Jin disappeared.
The golems of Yaoyorozu dissolved into mud.
"Cheaters!" Shigaraki hissed, blood dripping down his neck.
The magi moved to pull more marbles from his cloak.
Shouto didn't waste a moment. He dashed forward. Atsuhiro's gaze darted up, and behind his mask, Shouto could see his eyes widen. The magi tried to step back. Shouto flicked Endeavor up; Atsuhiro twisted as Shouto's sword slid through cloth and flesh. The magi screamed. There was a sickening crunch as Endeavor tore through the magi's flesh, and his arm flew through the air.
"Impudent humans!" Shigaraki snarled. He slammed his hand against the tree behind him, and it disintegrated into dust. "I'll destroy you both."
They wouldn't be able to fight the god head on. He needed to think of a plan, but Shouto wasn't as smart as Yaoyorozu. All he had was power.
Shigaraki leapt towards him.
The strong live; the weak die.
He needed to end this in one shot.
Everything within Shouto went cold. Frost spread over his arms and down to his fingertips. Icicles dripped off of his hair. And then, there was a loud boom, and the entire forest trembled as Shouto unleashed every drop of magic he had.
Things heating up (cooling down?) as TodoMomo are finally back together! Also, if it wasn't obvious, I'm basing Shigaraki's attitude and actions off the early version (like s1) of the show. 😛
Notes:
Kandys - is a type of three-quarter-length Persian coat. It originally described a leather cloak with sleeves worn by men
Hydra - a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others.
Himiko Toga - is part of the League of Villains in BNHA. In this story, she is an empusa.
Jin Bubaigawara - known as Twice is part of the League of Villains in BNHA.
Tomura Shigaraki – Main villain in BNHA. In Ashes, Shigaraki is Thantos, the god of death and twin brother of Hypnos, who was Overhaul. Thantos and Hypnos are the twin sons of Nyx the goddess of night.
Also, I made a small mess up and needed to go back and change Overhaul from Phobetor, god of nightmares, to Hypnos, god of dreams so that he could be Shigi's brother.