STRINGS // KATSUKI BAKUGO [2]

Chapter 34 // Next Level

You and Bakugo traveled Southwest until the two of you came upon a barren battlefield that used to be part of the city.

Brawling in midair was Shigaraki against Endeavor and Midoriya. Todoroki was nowhere to be seen despite having followed, according to Aizawa, and pros such as Gran Torino and Locklock began to emerge.

Bakugo dropped down onto the battlefield, staying crouched until you managed to detach yourself from him before standing to his full height.

"Looks like Sensei is doing the easy work," Bakugo began, glancing over at where Aizawa was leaning on LockLock and Manual, eyes blown wide as he proceeded to erase Shigaraki's quirk, "so we can do the hard work."

"Kat, you don't have your costume," you began. "You don't have your gauntlets or your gear."

"I have my damn quirk," he replied, palms sparking. "That's enough."

"Shigaraki has grown, leveled up," you argued. "We don't know what he's capable of now. You can't be going full power without protection and precautions."

"Dear," Bakugo teased, childishly sticking out his tongue, "have you forgotten I've literally died before."

"And I don't need you dying again," you hissed. "Dabi was one thing, but this is new and improved Shigaraki."

"And that makes it okay for you to fight him?" he questioned, amusement falling flat as his anger bubbled to the surface.

"Yes, because I'm in gear and have four quirks," you countered. "I'm much more suited to be taking him on than—"

Before you could finish your claim, Bakugo was sweeping you off your feet and taking you with him as he threw himself to the ground, shielding your body with his.

You peered over his shoulder just in time to see Shigaraki slam into a pile of rubble, courtesy of Bakugo taking away his original target, you.

"Guess we're fighting whether we like it or not, so suck it up, Buttercup," Bakugo hissed through gritted teeth as he grabbed your hips and lifted you to your feet

"Kacchan!"

You whipped around at the sound of Midoriya's voice to find him rushing toward the both of you at lighting speed.

You barely had time to leaned back and avoid whiplash from his aura as he launched himself into Bakugo's arms.

You watched fondly as the emotional train wreck of a boy tucked his head into his childhood friend's neck, arms circling around Bakugo's waist as he hugged the latter.

Bakugo froze at the contact, not reciprocating the gesture but also not making an attempt to push Midoriya away.

"I'm glad Bakugo is safe, but we're in the middle of a battle field here!" Endeavor yelled from a few yards away as Shigaraki began to recover.

Midoriya reluctantly pulled away from Bakugo, his relieved expression initially brought about by seeing the blond okay being replaced with a one of determination.

"As long as Aizawa's quirk is in play, Shigaraki can't use his," the ninth user stated. "We have to do as much damage as we can while his powers are out of commission."

"So beat the shit out of him," Bakugo added, cracking his knuckles with a hungry smirk. "Not a problem."

"Pests," Shigaraki hissed. "Emerson!"

You perked up at the sound of the familiar name, and your eyes widened as Emerson appeared from behind a pile of rubble, dressed in gear you never knew they had.

"Take care of the girl," Shigaraki ordered. "I've got the other three."

Before anyone could question who Emerson was, guaranteed they've stayed hidden since their gimmick in America, Shigaraki surged forward to continue his battle with Endeavor and Midoriya, Bakugo now joining in.

As you turned to Emerson, silently and reluctantly agreeing to the fight you had no way to avoid, you realized how much of a disadvantage you were at.

Emerson knew your quirks. They've studied your fighting style. They knew of your untimely death and deteriorating health, your failing brain.

You couldn't fight to your normal extent due to your condition, but you could try. However, you had no knowledge of Emerson's power. You didn't know what their quirk was.

"Shigaraki may be the final boss," Emerson began, cold eyes bleeding into yours like red wine on a white carpet, "but you always have to defeat something before moving to the next level."

[EDITED]