We landed in the familiar, if somewhat sterile, safety of the safe house. Toga and Twice were already there, their faces etched with worry. They rushed over, helping to support Shinso as Kurogiri guided us to the makeshift infirmary.
Hours later, Shinso was awake. He was pale and drawn, but the worst of the damage had been healed by Toga's blood and Mr. Compress wrapping him up. He looked at me, a small smile playing on his lips.
"You're alright," I breathed, relief washing over me in a tidal wave.
"Yeah, just a little… sore," he chuckled weakly. "You were incredible back there, Izuku. That fire… it was terrifying, but…"
I cut him off, guilt gnawing at me. "It was reckless. I almost got us killed. All because of Bakugo's pathetic jealousy."
He reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "Don't blame yourself. You were protecting me. I would do the same for you, Izuku."
We sat in silence for a long time, the only sound the soft hum of the safe house's ventilation system. I felt a deep weariness settle over me, a bone-deep exhaustion that went beyond the physical.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking. "For dragging you into this. You deserve better."
He cupped my face in his hands, his violet eyes filled with an intensity that stole my breath away. "Hey, look at me. I chose this, Izuku. I chose you. I knew what I was getting into. And I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I leaned into his touch, burying my face in his hair.
"I love you, Shinso," I choked out, the words tumbling from my lips unbidden.
He stiffened slightly, then relaxed, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I love you too, Izuku."
We stayed like that for a long time, a silent promise hanging in the air. We had drawn a line in the sand. We were in this together. Against the heroes, against the world, against anyone who dared to threaten what we had.
I pulled away, my face set with a newfound determination.
"Bakugo is going to pay," I said, my voice cold and hard. "He crossed a line. Shooting you... attacking us like that… He will regret it."
Shinso gripped my hand tighter. "What are you going to do?"
I closed my eyes, letting the darkness of my quirk settle over me. The black fire crackled around my form, a promise of vengeance.
"I'm going to show him," I whispered, "exactly what happens when you mess with the things I care about."
I will do anything to protect him even if it means starting a war.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of planning and preparation. Dabi, Shigaraki, Toga, Twice, Mr. Compress were all eager to lend their skills, their loyalty unwavering. Lady Nagant's group even reached out, offering their support against the hero commission. I was shocked that she did. She had to hate me. Overhaul, surprisingly, also offered an alliance, seeing a mutual benefit in dismantling the hero-centric society.
My plan was intricate, a careful dance of misinformation, strategic strikes, and calculated risks. I would expose the corruption within the hero commission, revealing their dark secrets and undermining their authority. And Bakugo… Bakugo would face the consequences of his actions.
On the night of the final confrontation, I stood on the rooftop of the tallest building in the city, overlooking the battleground. My black fire danced around me, casting long, ominous shadows.
Bakugo stood across from me, his face contorted with rage.
"You brought this on yourself, Deku!" he screamed, launching himself forward.
But this time, I was ready.
The battle was fierce, a clash of explosions and black flames. I fought with a cold, calculated precision, anticipating his every move. I had spent weeks studying his fighting style, dissecting his weaknesses. And I had mastered the art of controlling my anger, channeling it into a weapon.
I dodged his attacks, countering with blasts of concentrated fire that forced him to retreat. I exploited his arrogance, luring him into traps. I played his emotions, twisting his jealousy and insecurity against him.
Finally, I had him where I wanted him.
"It's over, Kacchan," I said, my voice devoid of emotion. "You lost."
He lunged at me one last time, his face a mask of desperation. I sidestepped him, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back.
"This isn't you, Izuku!" he gasped, his voice filled with pain. "You're better than this!"
I looked at him, my eyes cold and empty.
"You were wrong, Kacchan," I said. "This is exactly who I am."
With a final surge of black fire, I knocked him unconscious. I left him there, a symbol of the hero society's failure.
As dawn broke, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, I stood beside Shinso, watching the city awaken. The hero commission was in chaos, their corruption exposed. The balance of power had shifted.
"What now?" Shinso asked, his voice soft.
I turned to him, a genuine smile gracing my lips.
"Now," I said, "we build a new world. One where people like us can finally be free."
I looked into his eyes, and I knew that, together, we could do anything.