Chapters are coming slow I work 2 jobs this was stuck in my head.
The figure moved faster than Izuku could react. It was a blur of shadows and piercing green light, closing the distance between them in an instant. But before it could strike, the forge reacted.
The pendant around Izuku's neck flared to life, its golden glow bursting outward like a shield. The energy collided with the figure, sending it skidding backward across the room. The force of it left the air crackling, and Izuku staggered under the weight of the forge's power.
"Midoriya!" Momo shouted, rushing to his side. Mei, for once, was silent, her wide eyes darting between him and the intruder.
Izuku steadied himself, his breathing ragged. The forge's hum was deafening now, but it wasn't chaotic—it was focused. It was as though the forge knew exactly what it needed to do, guiding Izuku's instincts.
The figure rose slowly, its shadowy form rippling like smoke. "Impressive," it said, its voice cold and sharp. "The forge has bonded to you more deeply than I expected. But it won't save you."
Izuku clenched his fists, his determination outweighing his fear. "You're not getting anywhere near this forge—or my friends."
The figure's smile widened. "Then let's see if you can protect them."
Before Izuku could respond, the figure raised its hand, and the shadows in the room sprang to life. They surged toward him like living tendrils, twisting and writhing with malevolent intent. Izuku barely had time to react as the forge's energy flared again, forming a barrier around him, Momo, and Mei.
"Midoriya!" Momo's voice was sharp and steady, cutting through the chaos. "We can't stay here! We need to retreat and regroup. You can't fight this thing alone."
"I'm not leaving either of you behind," Izuku said, his voice firm. The forge pulsed in agreement, its light growing brighter as the shadows pressed against the barrier.
Mei, who had been uncharacteristically silent up until now, suddenly snapped into action. "Alright, enough of this doom-and-gloom nonsense!" she said, grabbing a small device from her workbench. "If this thing wants a fight, then let's give it one."
She tossed the device toward the figure, and it exploded in a burst of blinding light. The shadows recoiled, hissing as the light tore through them, and the figure staggered back, shielding its face.
"Nice shot!" Izuku said, his voice filled with relief and admiration.
Mei grinned, her confidence returning. "What can I say? I'm a genius."
Momo stepped forward, her hands glowing as she began to create something. Within seconds, she had formed a large, reinforced shield. "Midoriya, we'll cover you. Use the forge's power—it's the only way we'll get out of this."
Izuku hesitated for a moment. The forge's energy was volatile, unpredictable. What if he couldn't control it? What if it hurt them instead of protecting them?
But then he looked at Momo and Mei, at the unwavering determination in their eyes. They believed in him. They trusted him. And he couldn't let them down.
"Alright," he said, his voice steady. "Let's do this."
The forge responded immediately, its energy surging through him like a tidal wave. The pendant's glow spread across his body, forming an intricate pattern of golden lines that pulsed with power. It felt overwhelming, but at the same time, it felt *right*—like the forge was an extension of him.
The shadows surged forward again, and this time, Izuku met them head-on. He raised his hand, and a burst of golden light erupted from his palm, cutting through the darkness like a blade. The figure hissed in anger, its form flickering as the light struck it.
"You don't understand what you're dealing with!" the figure snarled, its voice distorted and echoing. "The forge's power isn't meant for you! It will destroy you!"
Izuku stepped forward, his resolve unshaken. "Maybe it will. But if it means protecting the people I care about, then I'll take that risk."
The figure lunged again, its movements more desperate this time. But Izuku was ready. The forge's energy flowed through him like a second heartbeat, guiding his every move. He dodged the figure's attacks with precision, countering with bursts of light that sent it reeling.
Momo and Mei worked in tandem, supporting him from behind. Mei hurled more of her experimental gadgets, each one designed to disrupt the shadows, while Momo created barriers and tools to keep them safe. Together, they fought as a unit, their bond growing stronger with every passing second.
Finally, with one last surge of energy, Izuku unleashed a powerful blast of light that engulfed the figure completely. The shadows writhed and twisted, their hold on the room breaking as the golden light consumed them.
When the light faded, the figure was gone. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the forge, which had returned to its usual steady rhythm. Izuku collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from the effort.
"Midoriya!" Momo and Mei rushed to his side, their faces filled with concern.
"I'm… I'm okay," he said, his voice hoarse but steady. "It's gone. For now."
Mei let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "That was insane. But also kind of awesome. You're like a walking power reactor, Midoriya!"
Momo, however, was more solemn. "This isn't over," she said quietly, her gaze fixed on the pendant around Izuku's neck. "Whoever—or whatever—that was, they'll be back. And next time, they'll be stronger."
Izuku nodded, his grip tightening on the pendant. "Then we'll be stronger too. We have to be."
As the three of them sat together in the quiet workshop, the forge's hum seemed almost reassuring, as if it were telling them they had taken the first step. But deep down, Izuku knew the battle was far from over.
The storm had only just begun.
---
To be continued.