Mystery from Another World

Part 81: Dabi and his brother (unfinished)

Momo, Shoto, and Dabi were dumped in a different hall but then abandoned, as if Mimic had other matters to attend to. It was dark but Momo had a flashlight handy.

"Are you okay making so many things?" Shoto said.

"It's all right." Momo held up a small package. "I finally took Shine and Wally's advice and started carrying food with me in case I need to refuel... I can't understand why I didn't do that before."

"It does seem kind of obvious." Shoto really didn't mean that to be as insulting at it sounded.

Dabi snorted but said nothing.

They began wending their way farther into the compound, looking for any sign of a stair, elevator, trapdoor, anything that would help them escape.

"I'm worried this will take too long," Momo said in a hushed tone, "Poor Eri... I can't even think about what they could have done to her. I hope we find her soon."

"I'm sure one of us will. The odds have to be in favor of it," Shoto said.

Dabi made a scoffing sound.

"But if she's in distress, can we help her?" Momo said, "Aizawa could, or Shine, but I don't know what to do."

"I'm sure it'll be all right," Shoto said, "She'll just be glad to see any of us."

Dabi rolled his eyes pointedly.

"Is there a problem you have with our conversation?" Shoto asked him.

"Nothing," Dabi said, "You're just...really naive. But go on, say comforting bulls--- to each other. Don't let me stop you."

"We're just trying to keep up a hopeful attitude," Momo said, "We know it could be worse, but maybe it won't be."

"I think the worse is more likely to be the case. Overhaul's a crazy SOB," Dabi said.

"Is he really that much different than you?" Shoto said.

Dabi clenched a fist. "Watch it, Snowflake. I'll get offended."

"I don't see why your League thinks you're better than him." Shoto didn't quit.

"Well, let's see...we're helping you save the kid, and he's the one who kidnapped her and abused her to begin with. Gee, I wonder," Dabi said.

"But you kidnapped Bakugo, a kid--and me, Yaoyorozo, and Camie...and tried to murder us." Shoto was mad. "I don't see a difference. Eri's a little younger, but still."

Momo thought this was unwise--but wasn't too worried to not be a little annoyed he called Camie by her first name and not herself.

"Well, first of all, we were never going to murder Bakugo's angry a--" Dabi said, "Except maybe Toga, but she doesn't count."

"And last time, attacking us all?"

"I never killed any of you."

"But you tried. I don't care if you changed your mind. You're still a monster." Shoto was livid. "I'm only working with you because Shine insisted you could help, but I don't trust you, and I can't just forgive you for what you did either. I'll never understand her."

"Todoroki..." Momo said gently, "perhaps now is not the time--"

"Oh, that's fine, Princess. You don't have to stop him. I can take a little attitude," Dabi said, leering at them menacingly, "But I really wonder why the Son of Endeavor thinks he's so high and mighty."

Shoto stopped to glare at him directly. "I've got nothing to do with my old man... I just happen to be his son, that's all. We're not alike. Whatever you have against him, I don't really care. Even he's better than someone like you."