{UNTIL THE END} Todoroki x Fem!Reader

Shattered Dreams

chapter twenty

The following morning you awaken, without knowing the time of day in the dark tunnels, to the sound of Mei's voice speaking to you over the Bluetooth. While you rub your eyes, you answer the call and bring the device closer to your ear. Mei's tone is serious, causing your heart to beat faster. 

"I've been running some tests, analyzing the data we've gathered so far," Mei's voice says worriedly. "Based on everything that's happened, the odds of survival for all of us, including the final escape, are exceedingly slim."

Bakugou, true to his nature, awakens and rolls his eyes with an exasperated sigh. "Why the hell are you telling us this now? We already know the damn chances. But we're here anyway," he grumbles.

Midoriya interjects, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "We can't give up. We have to keep fighting for a chance at survival and for everybody else, too."

Todoroki's tone turns icy, devoid of sentimentality. "Giving up is not an option. We have to find a way to survive, to ensure that there's a future waiting for us."

Mei, acknowledging Todoroki's unwavering spirit, swiftly devises a plan. You are then tasked with venturing deeper into the treacherous tunnels, gathering vital data, and scouting potential escape routes. The group readily agrees to the plan, silently acknowledging the immense risks that lie ahead.

Armed with specialized devices and tools that had already been prepared by Mei, you step into the darkness, each step deliberate and cautious. The walls of the tunnel continue to close in around you, suffocating and ominous, whispering of lurking dangers and unseen perils. But you push forward, driven by a stubborn belief that defies the grim odds.

When you push deeper into the dark winding tunnels, each step carries you further away from the known world above. The weight of uncertainty tugs at your every breath and with each passing moment, the long tunnels become more and more sinister.

As you and the others navigate the dimly lit passages, a chilling revelation pierces through the silence. Amidst the faint echoes and whispers, a voice, distorted and unfamiliar, reaches your ears. In your Bluetooth, a person's words, laced with an unsettling tone, sends shivers down your spine.

"Enjoying your little adventure, are you?" the voice taunts, its distorted pitch sending a wave of unease through your veins. "Be careful, your journey will not end as you hope!"

"Bullshit!" Bakugou's voice cuts through the air, filled with defiance and a touch of his signature explosiveness. "We ain't backing down just 'cause some coward is hiding behind a voice distorter. If you've got a real problem just come out with it already."

You and the others exchange worried glances as you all realize you're hearing a different voice now- it is definitely not Mei speaking to you.

The voice responds with a chilling laugh, a mixture of amusement and disdain. "Oh, such bravado. But your fate is already sealed. You see, I am the real puppeteer pulling the strings, and your little mission will end in despair."

Sero looks over at you, his expression turning serious as he says, "I can try to trace the source of this voice and figure out who's behind it, but it will take time. We'll need to stop walking and focus on identifying the culprit."

The voice responds with a cold, derisive laugh, relishing in the disruption it has caused. "Oh, by all means, take your time. It won't change the inevitable outcome."

You exchange a resolute glance with Todoroki, recognizing the need to pause and confront this threat directly. If you can find out who it is, there might be a way to get them to shut up. Despite your frustration, you understand the importance of uncovering the truth. "Alright," you nod at Sero, "We'll stop for now."

The voice chuckles, savoring the impact of its unsettling words. It continues to taunt, weaving a web of darkness and uncertainty. And with every word, the voice continues to deepen your hatred for the faceless enemy that seeks to tear your group apart.

As you come to a halt, the atmosphere thickens with tension. Sero busies himself with analyzing the equipment. Silence envelopes the group, broken only by the intermittent sound of Sero's tinkering and the eerie echoes of the tunnel.

The weight of the situation presses upon the group, and the silence is broken by Bakugou's restless voice. "We can't all just sit here all day long and do nothing. We need to do something."

Todoroki's eyes narrow in determination as he stands up. "I'll go ahead and scout the area," he offers.

Your heart quickens at the thought of Todoroki going off alone into the unknown, and without hesitation, you stand up as well. "I'm coming with you," you declare. "There's no way I'm letting you leave all alone."

Todoroki's gaze softens as he looks at you, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and gratitude. "Alright," he agrees, a faint smile touching his lips. "We'll go together."

The rest of the group nods in agreement, their trust and support evident in their expressions. But before you leave, Todoroki drops his Bluetooth on the ground at Sero's feet, ushering you to quietly do the same. Understanding what he's trying to tell you, you follow in his steps. Then, you and Todoroki begin to move forward, leaving the others behind as you venture deeper into the treacherous maze of the tunnel.

Step by step, you tread cautiously, alert to every sound and shadow. Together, you navigate the intricate maze, each movement bringing you closer to the truth. In this journey of uncertainty and danger, you find solace in the presence of Todoroki by your side.

As you and Todoroki cautiously navigate through the rubble, your senses sharpen, tuned into the frequency of the hidden dangers that lie within. Your eyes catch a glimmer of something amidst the chaos, a slender wire snaking through the debris, almost imperceptible to the eye. It's a trap, cunningly concealed within the ruins.

A surge of realization courses through your veins, connecting the dots of the intricate web that has been spun around you. Memories of the girl who had brought you to the lab for the first time flood your mind. How could you have overlooked the subtle hints? She had been waiting right outside your room, an unsettling presence you never questioned. And now, her involvement in this treacherous scheme becomes clear.

You turn to Todoroki, your heart rate quickening as you tell him, "Todoroki, remember that girl who brought me to the lab the first time? She had been waiting outside my room after I woke up.  I can't believe I never thought it was strange, but I don't recall her leaving when Mei and Iida were talking to us about the mission. She must be involved in all of this."

Todoroki's expression darkens, a mixture of concern and determination etched across his face. "Shit, we need to get back to the others and share what you've discovered. Our safety and the success of this mission depend on it."

You and Todoroki share a determined look, but before you can even take another step, a deafening rumble shakes through the passageway and the ground in front of you collapses, engulfing you in a storm of dust and debris.

You fall to your knees, the impact reverberating through your entire being. Panic surges within you as the world around you crumbles, sealing your fate once again beneath the weight of the collapsed tunnel. The suffocating darkness descends, enveloping you in its cold embrace.

In this moment of despair, you glance over at Todoroki, the flickering light of uncertainty in his eyes mirroring your own. The realization sinks in that you are now trapped deep within the maze of underground tunnels, cut off from the rest of the world. All means of communication have been severed, leaving you isolated and uncertain of your fate.