The group exited Bakugo's car in front of the Chiass Headquarters, the towering building casting long shadows over the empty street. The air was heavy with tension, and Kuri tightened her coat around her, trying to shake the growing sense of dread in her chest.
"How do we get in, Kuri?" Shoto asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. His dual-colored eyes studied her with quiet intensity.
"I've got a keycard," Kuri replied, pulling it from her pocket. She strode up to the door and slid the card into the slot. For a moment, the device beeped red, and her heart skipped, but then the light turned green, and the door clicked open.
"Simple," she muttered, stepping aside as the group followed her in.
Almost immediately, a guard stationed inside turned to look at her, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Recognition flashed across his face. "Aren't you that Chiass deserter?" he sneered. "Ella or something, wasn't it? You're busted."
The guard lunged at her, but Kuri was ready. She extended her hand, her fingers splaying out in a practiced motion. The guard froze mid-stride, his body locked in place.
Kuri smirked and stepped aside, then flicked her hand sharply. The air around the guard shifted, and his momentum resumed. He slammed hard into the wall with a loud thud, collapsing unconscious to the floor.
"I don't think I'm the one in trouble," she muttered, dusting off her hands.
Deku's sharp intake of breath caught her attention. "Molecular manipulation," he murmured, his tone filled with awe. "That's your quirk."
Kuri grinned despite herself. "You're the first one to figure that out. Everyone else thinks I can stop time."
Before Deku could respond, another guard stepped in front of them, blocking their path. His face was pale, but his resolve didn't waver. "You're not getting past me," the guard said firmly, his voice trembling slightly. "I'll lose my job."
Shoto stepped forward, his expression unchanging. Without a word, he placed his palm on the floor, and a sheet of ice spread out, freezing the guard's feet in place. "I think you will," Shoto said flatly, walking past him.
Bakugo smirked, stepping between Shoto and the guard. "I'll handle this idiot," he said, cracking his knuckles as sparks danced across his palms. "You guys go ahead."
A deafening BOOM echoed behind them as Kuri, Shoto, and Deku sprinted down the dimly lit hallway.
"It's this door at the end," Kuri said, pointing ahead. Her voice was tight; she hated how familiar the path was, how easily she could navigate the building she had once called home.
Reaching the door, she shoved it open. Inside was a large conference room, its centerpiece a long metal table. At the far end stood a sharp-dressed woman with a confident smirk, her presence exuding authority. Stephanie Brewster, Kuri thought bitterly.
"Get them!" Stephanie barked, pointing at the group. Guards swarmed them instantly, rifles raised.
"All but… that one," Stephanie added, her gaze locking on Kuri.
Two guards grabbed Shoto and Deku, shoving the barrels of their guns against their heads. Kuri froze, her mind racing. She should have thought this through.
"This was a trap," she whispered under her breath, panic rising.
"Give me back One For All!" Deku yelled, struggling against his captors. His voice was filled with fury and desperation.
Kuri's breath hitched. Her mind reeled as the words sank in. Deku is the bearer of One For All? She stared at him, her thoughts spiraling. She had heard the legends, the stories of the ultimate quirk passed down through generations to a chosen hero. She had idolized that hero, the very idea of someone strong enough to bear the weight of such power.
And now, here he was, standing beside her, vulnerable and enraged. Worse, his quirk had been stolen, and the Chiass was holding it hostage.
Stephanie smirked, holding up a small vial of glowing energy, its golden light pulsating faintly. "Okay," she said sweetly, holding it out mockingly. "You can have it back. But I'm keeping Elaine for surveillance."
The guards tightened their grip on Kuri as she struggled. "No!" she shouted, thrashing against them. "Let me go!"
"Kuri!" Deku yelled, his eyes wide as he fought harder against his captors. His voice cracked with desperation. "Let her go! You don't need her!"
Stephanie ignored him, turning on her heel as the guards began dragging Kuri toward the exit.
"No! Stop!" Deku screamed again, his voice hoarse. His green eyes flared with anger as dark energy flickered at his fingertips, his demon powers threatening to surface. "Don't touch her!"
Kuri's heart raced as she was pulled toward the door. She twisted her head, catching one last look at Deku. His face was contorted with rage and despair, his voice echoing through the room.
"KURI!"
The door slammed shut behind her, cutting off the sound.
For the first time in years, Kuri felt real fear. She had always been in control, always one step ahead. But now, as the guards dragged her down the hall, she realized how much was at stake—not just her own safety, but the safety of the people she had come to care for.
And worst of all, Deku.
Her last thought before the darkness of the Chiass base consumed her was his voice, raw and filled with emotion. He'll come for me, she thought. I know he will.