[DISCONTINUED] Shattered Chains: A Hero's Beginning / Male Reader x MHA

Chapter 5: Aftermath

Both teens stood there, exhausted after the hard fought battle. However it was not over for Deku as Eri's quirk began to intensify. The chaotic pulse of Eri's quirk rippled through the air, threatening to consume everything in its path. The impact of her power was overwhelming, and Deku was rendered incapacitated, unable to withstand its force. He collapsed to the ground, unable to resist the sheer force of Eri's quirk. However, surprising Deku, Y/N leaped forward, swiftly moving in to seperate both Deku and Eri.

Y/N scooped Eri up from Deku's collapsed body and cradled her in his arms. He knew he needed try to shield himself from the destructive force of her quirk, so he generated a protective barrier around himself. However, to his surprise, the barrier was instantly eaten by Eri's uncontrollable power. 

Eri, panic-stricken, struggled against Y/N's embrace, desperate not to harm him as she has done to so many others. But Y/N held her tight, refusing to let go, as his voice cut through her fear.

Y/N: "Eri, it's going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to you. I'm sorry for all the pain you've endured."

His words carried a soothing reassurance, a promise of safety amidst the chaos. Y/N's strength wavered however as he fell to his knees, unable to withstand the relentless waves of erasure washing over him. His hair returned to its original form, the golden aura subsiding.

Eri's cries echo through the streets, a desperate plea for her quirk to stop, but it seemed futile. The strain on both their bodies was immense, pushing them both to their breaking points.

Eri: "NO! STOP!  HE'S GOING TO DIE!"

Eri's mind would flash back to a time when Overhaul was 'deactivating' her quirk.

Overhaul (past): "I always have to get my hands dirty because of your selfishness..."

Eri (present): "No...."

Overhaul (past): "Every action you take results in people dying..."

Tears begin to pour down Eri's cheeks as her quirk violently ripped apart the surrounding area.

Overhaul (past): "You're a cursed human Eri..."

Eri (present): "Don't die... PLEASE!"

Eri looked up to the sky, praying with every ounce of her being for her quirk to stop.

Eri (present): "I DON'T WANT THIS!"

However, in a sudden and unexpected moment, Eri's quirk abruptly halted, leaving them both breathless and collapsed on the ground.

As Eri tumbles towards the floor, her head dangerously close to impact, Y/N's tired, yet still functional body kicked in. With instinctual reflexes, he caught her head with his hands, preventing any harm from coming to her. Their bodies laid side by side, drained and exhausted from the tremendous ordeal they've endured.

From his place on the ground, Y/N's gaze turned towards Deku, who was slowly regaining his composure and coming to their aid. Concern and relief mingle on Deku's face as he reached out a helping hand.

Deku: "Y/N, are you okay?"

Y/N mustered a tired smile, a mix of gratitude and disbelief shining in his eyes.