Chapter 12 already available on P a treon . com (slash) Weeb Fanthom.
The battle reached its peak, explosions and ice flaying the entire area, a poetic clash of fire and ice. Two combatants, none willing to back down nor surrender, as they kept bombarding themselves with relentless assault of attacks. Just as it seemed to be an even matchup between Katsuki and Shoto, the frost from the dual haired teen was creeping closer with every move, and Katsuki found himself cornered. Todoroki had frozen the walls, ceiling, and floor of their battlefield. A chilling mist filled the air, making it nearly impossible for Bakugo to sweat—a vital component for his explosions. The cold gnawed at him, stiffening his movements and numbing his senses. Katsuki stared down at his gloved hands. Frost bite eating at the tips of his gloves. If he doesn't do something about this, he would be eventually overwhelmed.
"You can't win, Bakugo. My ice has already taken away your Quirk. All you have left is brute force, and that won't be enough." Shoto said, his voiced laced with a tinge of confidence, or dear say smug. And that very much pissed Katsuki off. The ash blonde growled as he attempted to fire off an explosion, but it sputtered weakly. Frost had begun to encase his gauntlets, including the one last one still packed with his sweat, rendering them useless. "Tch. Damn it."
With a sharp blast of ice, Shoto froze Katsuki's gauntlets entirely, forcing him to abandon them. The heavy devices shattered to the ground, useless. Setting some distance from himself and the ice quirk wielder, just in case the half n' half could get a funny idea or so.
"It's over. Surrender now, or I'll end this fight myself." Shoto said as he narrowed his eyes, forming another glace of ice under his foot to prove he means it. Katsuki glared at him; his breath visible in the freezing air. Despite the overwhelming disadvantage, he refused to give up. Giving up is not an option. The dual haired teen sighed as he closed his eyes. "I warned you" With that a massive glacier of ice came heading towards Katsuki's way.
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Ochaco has finally reached the upper floor, having checked all the other rooms till she opened a door that had a room far more spacious than the rest. There was no object lying here unlike the others. And at the far end was the 'bomb' itself. The brunette stepped inside quietly, glancing around for any sort of movement or booby trap. Bakugo was busy facing Todoroki, now it's up to her to retrieve the bomb herself. All she has to do is just to touch it-
"You're pretty light on your feet, aren't you? Maybe you should just give up now and save yourself the trouble." A voice called out making Ochaco swivel her head to the source. Shinso appeared behind her, his voice calm but calculating.
Shinso craned his head slightly, his voice slightly muffled with the voice moderator underneath his chin. "I was actually hoping for Bakugo to show up here and not you. But guess I'll just have to manage what I see." Ochaco narrowed her eyes at the slight jab, he was trying to get at her.
"You think Bakugo actually cares about you? He's just using you as backup." Shinso said as he stepped closer, his capture weapon at the ready. Ochaco bit her lip, resisting the urge to respond. She glanced around for any item she can use her quirk on, turns out there was nothing at all. The tremor of Bakugo and Todoroki's battle downstairs rumbled the building once again, and her partner is too preoccupied with Todoroki to even notice her predicament.
Ochaco clenched her fists, her resolve strengthening. "Stick to the plan." She told herself. She turned and ran, refusing to engage. All she has to do is touch the bomb and they have won. But Shinso wasn't going to make that easy for her. Whipping out his binding equipment he gave chase and hurled it at Ochaco, successfully holding down her hand and stopping her from advancing. "You aren't going near that bomb. Not under my watch." Ochaco, seeing an alternative, held unto the binding rope and made it weightless, then used momentum to hold on to the rope and throw Shinso above her head down to the ground. The purple haired teen fell to the ground with a resounding thud. With a satisfied nod, Ochaco ran back towards the bomb.
Shinso gritted his teeth recovering instantly, "I told you to stay put!" Once again using his binding rope to yank Ochaco by the feet making her trip. Ochaco was trying to recover when Shinso got up and was walking over to her. "Bakugo, I hope you are fairing bater than me." She muttered.
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"Hope round face is fairing better than me." Bakugo muttered as he once again dodged spikes of ice that should have definitely killed him irrespective of what this damn bastard say. "Dammit half n' half! I you trying to kill me before my time?!!"
Shoto raised his eyebrow slightly. "And why would I do that?" Katsuki was beyond speechless, either this guy is toying with him or is just remarkably dense. And the sh blonde believes it is very much both, his energy was dwindling. His arms ached, and the cold was sapping his strength. Katsuki stumbled backward, his mind racing. His Quirk was severely limited in this freezing environment, and Todoroki wasn't giving him an inch.
'Your explosions can be concentrated into smaller, faster bursts for precision. It's more energy-efficient and better for piercing through dense materials.' Midoriya's notebook; a detail he'd dismissed as useless back when he found it in the past. He also remembered a crude drawing of basic fighting stances and techniques scribbled in the margins of the notebook.
Despite the underwhelming advantage, Katsuki couldn't help but laugh. "Damn nerd... Even now, you're bailing me out." Shoto face morphed to confusion. "What are you talking about?" Katsuki lowered his body to a stance. "Nothing exactly of your concern icy bastard. Just thinking of something."
The dual haired teen narrowed his eyes. "I don't have time for unnecessary chat. I'm ending this now." He surged forward, launching another barrage of ice. Katsuki barely avoided it, using a small explosion to propel himself sideways. The cold numbed his muscles, and the frostbite on his hands made every movement agonizing.
"Why are you still fighting? You've already lost." Shoto said frowning, as he launched another barrage of ice only for Bakugo to dodge it once again. Despite the numbing chill all over his arms, Katsuki grinned, satisfied to see that his resilience was making icy hot angry. "Shut it, Icy Hot! I'm not done yet!"
Without his gauntlets and with his explosions limited, he couldn't blast through it. But he had a plan. Using short bursts of explosions for speed and agility, Bakugo closed the gap between himself and Todoroki.
Shoto's eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing? You can't win without your Quirk!" Bakugo grinned, his eyes blazing with determination. "Who says I need to blow you up to win?" With a sudden shift, Bakugo lunged at Todoroki, landing a solid punch to his side. It wasn't light or particularly powerful, but it disrupted Todoroki's balance.
Shoto retaliated with an icy blast, but Katsuki ducked and weaved, using his explosions sparingly to avoid slipping on the frost-covered ground. He incorporated the crude fighting techniques he remembered from the notebook, striking Shoto with a mix of punches and kicks.
"You're not the only one who can fight up close, Icy Hot!" Katsuki yelled, making Shoto falter for a moment, surprised by Bakugo's resilience and adaptability. But he quickly recovered, using his ice to form a barrier between them.
"You're only delaying the inevitable." He said coldly, confident the explosive quirk wielder would tire himself out. But even he himself was tiring out, frost chills began spreading to the right side of his body barely noticeable but his movements were showing it.
Shoto sent another wave of ice, aiming to trap Katsuki completely. But this time, Katsuki charged forward. With a short, controlled explosion aimed at the ground, he launched himself into the air, dodging the ice wave. Katsuki created some distance, his breathing ragged. He clenched his fists, forcing his palms to sweat even as the cold made it almost impossible. Concentrating, he focused the minuscule sweat he had into a single point in his palm, forming his hand into a circle and places it on his other palm. shaping the explosion in the circle into a compact, piercing blast.
"If this doesn't work, I'm screwed... But if I can nail him with it, I win."
With a roar, Katsuki thrust his hand forward, unleashing the concentrated blast with pinpoint precision. The explosion shot forward like a bullet, faster and more powerful than Shoto anticipated. It pierced through the layers of ice Shoto had formed around himself, striking him squarely in the shoulder. The impact sent Shoto staggering backward, his defenses shattered. A smoldering sizzle could be seen on his right shoulder, charring part of his cloth to reveal bruised skin. Shoto, wounded but not defeated, attempted to retaliate with another wave of ice. But Katsuki wasn't about to give him the chance.
Using short, precise bursts of explosions for mobility, Bakugo closed the distance between them, dodging the icy onslaught. With his Quirk limited, he resorted to hand-to-hand combat, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks.
"If you're thinking I need my quirk to be useful then you are dead wrong half n' half!" Shoto fought back, but Katsuki's sheer determination and explosive mobility kept him on the defensive. Then Katsuki saw his opening; a crack in Icy hot's defenses caused by his previous attack. With one final burst of energy, he propelled himself forward, landing a powerful explosion-enhanced punch to Todoroki's chest. The force knocked Todoroki to the ground, and he didn't get back up. Bakugo stood over Todoroki, panting heavily, his body trembling from the cold and exhaustion. Bakugo landed hard, his legs barely supporting him. He was bruised, frostbitten, and exhausted, but he stood tall. The air was thick with steam as the ice melted from the heat of his final attack.
Bakugo's breath came in ragged gasps as he stared down at Todoroki, who lay sprawled on the ground, struggling to rise. "Damn… Icy Hot. Seems you're out of energy too."
"You are stronger than I thought." Shoto said quietly as he was sprawled on the ground. Katsuki smirked, wiping the blood from his mouth. "Damn right I am."
"Strong... but reckless."
"And you're too cocky, Icy Hot. But good fight." Katsuki's hands were numb, his explosions nearly spent. But he couldn't stop yet. A distant thud from upstairs reminded him, Ochaco was still fighting.
"Round Face better not be losing to that brainwashing extra." With a growl, he forced himself upright, ignoring the sharp protest of his muscles. He had no time to waste.
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Shinso's capture weapon lashed out again, wrapping around her wrist before she could reach the bomb. She yanked back, but he was stronger, pulling her off-balance. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," Shinso said, his voice low. "But you're not getting past me."
Ochaco gritted her teeth. Think, think! She needed an opening—something to distract him long enough to break free. Then—
BOOM.
The wall beside them exploded inward in a shower of debris. Shinso barely had time to react before a smoking, gloved hand shot through the dust, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him into the opposite wall. "You talk too damn much."
Ochaco's eyes widened. "Bakugo?!"
Katsuki stood in the wreckage of the wall, his hero uniform partially torn, his body battered; but his smirk was as sharp as ever. "Took you long enough, you damn mochi" he spat, keeping Shinso pinned. "You were supposed to grab the damn bomb, not get yourself tied up." Ochaco blinked, then fumed. "You're one to talk! You look like you got run over by a glacier!"
"Tch. Like Icy Hot could take me down." He tightened his grip on Shinso, who struggled against his hold. "Quit squirming, Eyebags!" Shinso's eyes flicked between them. 'Damn it. Bakugo wasn't supposed to make it up here.' He thought with gritted teeth. So much for Todoroki saying could handle it all by himself.
Ochaco seized the moment, she ran and lunged for the bomb. Shinso's eyes widened. "Hey—!" Bakugo slammed him back again. "Eyes on me Eye bags." Ochaco's fingertips touched the bomb-
BZZZT!
"HERO TEAM… WINS!" All Might's voice boomed from the speakers.
Silence.
Then—
"Hah! Suck on that!" Katsuki crowed, releasing Shinso, who slumped to the ground with a groan. Ochaco let out a breathless laugh, as she sat hard on the floor. "We… actually did it." Katsuki smirked weakly "Damn right we did. You think I'd lose to icy hot?" She smirked up at him. "You did look pretty beat up when you got here."
Katsuki's eye twitched. Despite being tired he stomped over where Ochco sat, glaring down at her. "I'll blow you to next week you damn mochi—"
A tired sigh cut him off.
Shinso, still on the ground, rubbed his head. His expression unreadable. "…You're both insufferable." Katsuki whirled on him. "You wanna go at it you caffeine debaucher?!"
Ochaco groaned, flopping onto her back. "Can we not start another fight?"
Meanwhile in the observation room, the other class 1A students erupted in excited commentaries and shouts. "Man, Bakugo really came through for her even as he was exhausted. So manly!" Kirishima grinned.
Iida nodded. "Indeed! A true display of teamwork!"
Mina was chuckling with mischief, "told you those two were a couple." Kaminari nodded in agreement, "They argue like one too."
"Bakugo might not look like it, but he does show commitment and strategy, Kero." Asui said while still looking at the big monitor at the front. "Why does he get to touch Ochaco's laps like that." A small student named Mineta muttered, getting creeped out and disgusted looks from his pairs.
All Might raise his voice to get the students' attention. "All right kids. Let's wait for them to return back so we can evaluate the result alright?" Earning nods from Class 1A.
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Despite the pain and the blood that now dripped from his mouth and wounds, Void refused to fall. His mind raced, analyzing the Nomu's movements, its weaknesses—or lack thereof. He realized brute strength alone wouldn't win this fight. He had to exploit its exposed brain, no matter how well it was protected by regeneration. Once again adapting, switching his tactics.
The Nomu lunged again, swinging both fists down in a crushing blow. Void sidestepped at the last second, the impact creating a massive crater in the ground. Taking advantage of the opening, Void leapt onto the nomu's back, his claws digging into its shoulders for leverage. The creature roared, thrashing violently in an attempt to throw him off, slamming itself into walls and the floor to dislodge him. Void held on with unrelenting determination, his glowing green eyes blazing with cold fury. The nomu's massive hands reached for him, trying to claw him away, but Void evaded, repositioning himself near its exposed brain.
His claws dug into the Nomu's flesh as he growled low, his voice a rasping whisper. "You're not invincible." Then he began focusing his Repulsion quirk on the Nomu's neck. With a guttural roar, Void tightened his grip, his claws digging into the Nomu's flesh as he channeled every ounce of strength and quirk power into his next move. The Nomu's regeneration fought back fiercely, but Void's repulsion began to override it. Blood and tissue tore as Void wrenched the creature's head back with immense effort. The Nomu roared and thrashed harder, slamming itself violently against walls in a desperate attempt to dislodge him. Each impact sent jolts of pain through Void's body, but he held on with an iron grip. He activated repulsion again, this time directing the force into the Nomu's neck and brain, amplifying the strain.
"Stay. Down!"
The struggle was brutal, the Nomu's thrashing intensifying as Void's grip tightened. More arteries and tissue tore as Void channeled every ounce of strength into his assault. The creature's regeneration fought back desperately, but Void's unrelenting force combined with his quirk began to override it once again. With a guttural roar, Void pulled with everything he had, the sound of tearing flesh and cracking bone filling the air.
Finally, Void roared with an explosive burst of effort, combining his physical strength and his quirk and ripped the Nomu's head clean off. The creature's massive body staggered for a moment, as if refusing to accept its defeat, before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash. Void, battered and bloodied successfully landed on his feet, the severed head still clutched in his trembling hands. Blood dripped from his claws as he stared down at the lifeless remains of his opponent. His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling as he fought to steady himself. His cold, expressionless mask betrayed no emotion, even as his battered body threatened to give out. He dropped the head unceremoniously, letting it roll across the ground, coming to a stop at the glass cube's corner.
The room was silent except for the hum of machinery and Void's heavy breathing. All for one clapped slowly, the sound echoing through the cavernous space. "Magnificent," he said, his voice filled with dark pride. "You have exceeded my expectations, my Void. You have proven once again that you are my ultimate weapon. The Nomu you have defeated was a masterpiece, but you... you are perfection."
Void didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the lifeless body of the Nomu. His injuries were severe, his blood pooling around his feet, but he didn't waver. He stood tall, his glowing eyes dim but unyielding.
All For One approached, his presence imposing as he stood before Void while Garaki deactivated the glass cube. "As a reward for your victory, you will inherit the quirks of this Nomu. Its strength and resilience—they will become yours. You are destined for greatness, Void. Soon, the world will witness your true power. And I will be there, watching proudly as you fulfill your purpose to young Tomura."
Void bowed his head slightly, his voice a low rumble. "Thank you, Master."
All For One placed a hand on Void's shoulder, his touch both comforting and possessive. "Do not let the pain of today trouble you. You have served me well. Rest now, my weapon. You have earned it. You will need your strength for what is to come."
Void's cold, stoic mask remained in place, but deep within; despite the praise; a hollow emptiness gnawed at him, but he buried it deep, as he always did. The storm of conflicting emotions churned, but didn't acknowledge it; he couldn't. Instead, Void's battered form remained still as his master turned and walked away. He was a weapon, after all. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Chapter 12 already available on P a treon . com (slash) Weeb Fanthom.
BLOOPER #2:
Nomu's head on the floor: Man. And I always thought I was *Enter invincible title card*