The peaceful night at the Forest Training Camp was shattered by explosions and screams. Villains swarmed the camp like a dark tide, their intentions clear and cruel. The air smelled of smoke and fear as the students scattered, trying to protect themselves and each other.

Reiko and Deku sprinted through the chaos, their breaths coming in short gasps as they followed the sound of a child crying. They burst into a clearing to find Kota backed against a rock, his face pale with terror as a towering figure loomed over him.

"Muscular," Deku whispered, his blood running cold.

Reiko's eyes narrowed, her Kitsune tails flickering into existence as she stepped forward. "We'll protect him," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the fear in her chest.

Muscular turned, his predatory grin widening as he sized them up. "More brats to crush? Fine by me."

XXX

Deku didn't hesitate. Activating Full Cowling, he dashed forward, aiming a powerful kick at Muscular's side. The villain laughed, blocking the attack with ease and sending Deku flying backward. Reiko was already moving, her tails wrapping around Deku mid-air to soften his landing before she lunged at Muscular, her spectral energy lashing out like whips.

Muscular swatted her away, his laughter booming. "Is that all you've got?"

"Not even close," Reiko growled, circling him as her tails lashed out again, aiming for his legs. This time, they found their mark, momentarily tangling him. "Deku, now!"

Deku sprang back into action, charging up a powerful punch with One for All. "Take this!" he shouted, landing a blow squarely on Muscular's chest. The impact cracked the ground beneath them, forcing the villain to stumble.

But Muscular roared, his body bulging grotesquely as he powered through the attack. "Not bad, kid," he said, grinning through the pain. "But you'll have to do better."

Reiko's energy flickered as she pushed herself to keep him off balance, her tails wrapping around his arm to slow him down. "Deku, he's too strong—we need a plan!"

"I'll protect everyone," Deku muttered, his green lightning surging brighter as he prepared to unleash everything he had. "No matter what!"

XXX

Elsewhere in the forest, Kuri and Bakugo found themselves face-to-face with Moonfish, the villain's serrated teeth extending grotesquely as he advanced on them.

"Stay back, Birdy," Bakugo growled, stepping in front of her. "This freak's mine."

Kuri flared her wings, her eyes sharp. "I'm not leaving you alone, Katsuki."

Moonfish hissed, his teeth slicing through the air as Bakugo blasted forward with a powerful explosion. The impact sent the villain skidding back, but he recovered quickly, his teeth extending further to counter.

Kuri took to the air, using her wings to send gusts of wind that deflected Moonfish's attacks while Bakugo kept him occupied on the ground. They moved in sync, their combined efforts pushing the villain to his limit.

"You're annoying," Moonfish snarled, his teeth snapping dangerously close to Kuri's wings. "I'll rip you both apart!"

"Not today!" Kuri shouted, diving toward him with a burst of speed. She slammed into him, knocking him off balance just as Bakugo landed a direct explosion to his chest. Moonfish crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"We make a good team," Kuri said breathlessly, landing beside Bakugo.

"Don't get cocky," he muttered, though his small smirk betrayed his pride.

XXX

Their moment of victory was short-lived. A sudden flash of movement drew their attention, and when they turned, Bakugo's body was already disappearing into Mr. Compress's marble.

"Katsuki!" Kuri screamed, her wings flaring as she lunged toward the villain. Mr. Compress laughed, tossing the marble into the air as he dodged her attack with ease.

"Catch me if you can!" he taunted, leaping into the trees.

Kuri took off after him, her heart pounding in her chest as Bakugo's muffled shouts echoed from the marble. "Hold on, Katsuki!" she cried, her wings slicing through the air as she gained on Mr. Compress.

Bakugo, trapped but still defiant, shouted, "Birdy, get out of here! He's not worth it!"

"Not a chance!" Kuri shot back, her hands trembling as she reached for him. But before she could grab the marble, Dabi appeared, his blue flames cutting her off.

"Kuri!" Bakugo shouted, his voice tinged with panic. "Stop! Let me go!"

Tears streamed down her face as she fought against Dabi's flames, her wings scorched but still pushing forward. "I can't lose you, Katsuki!"

Bakugo's voice softened, even as the marble glinted in the villain's hand. "You won't lose me. But you have to let me go—for now."

The finality in his tone broke something inside her. "No…" she whispered, her hands falling to her sides as Mr. Compress and the villains vanished into the darkness, taking Bakugo with them.

XXX

The forest was eerily quiet as the villains retreated, leaving the students to regroup. Kuri collapsed to her knees, her wings drooping as sobs wracked her body. Reiko and Deku found her moments later, their own injuries forgotten as they knelt beside her.

"He's gone," Kuri choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "I couldn't save him."

Reiko wrapped an arm around her, her own tears falling silently. "We'll get him back," she said firmly, though her voice trembled. "We'll bring him home."

Deku, his fists clenched and his green lightning sparking faintly, nodded. "We'll save him. Together."

As the stars disappeared behind the smoke-filled sky, Kuri looked up, her tear-streaked face filled with determination. "We have to. For Katsuki."

And in the quiet aftermath of chaos, their resolve solidified. They would do whatever it took to bring Bakugo back. No matter the cost.