Teachers pet (COMPLETE)

Chapter 31: The League of Villains Strike Back

The toxic gas fog is thick now, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Mandalay's telepathic message still echoes in my mind, urging us to be cautious, but that's easier said than done when the forest is filled with villains. The urgency of the situation weighs on me as I navigate through the smoke-filled trees, trying to stay hidden and find my classmates.

A sudden flash of light up ahead catches my eye-explosions. My heart skips a beat as I realize that it must be Bakugou and Todoroki. I quicken my pace, dodging around trees and pushing through the dense underbrush, using my telekinesis to keep the debris from tripping me up.

I finally catch up to them-Todoroki, using his ice to shield himself and Bakugou from a tall, skeletal-looking villain with giant, razor-sharp teeth. Bakugou looks furious, ready to explode-literally-but I can see why he's holding back. The air around them is filled with the same poisonous gas that's been spreading through the forest.

I step forward, my eyes on the villain. "Todoroki, Bakugou!" I call out, getting their attention.

"Mailin? What are you doing out here?" Bakugou growls, his eyes narrowing at me.

"Got separated," I say, keeping my focus on the situation. "We need to regroup."

Todoroki glances at me but doesn't have time to say anything as the villain-Moonfish, I think he's called-launches another attack, his razor-sharp teeth tearing through the air toward us.

Todoroki's ice shoots up in defense, but the villain's teeth are relentless, breaking through the icy barrier like it's nothing. I can feel the tension in the air-Bakugou is ready to blow, but we all know that using his explosions in this gas-filled environment could end in disaster.

"We're in a bind," Todoroki says, his voice steady despite the chaos. "I can't keep this up forever."

"Then I'll handle it," I say, my voice firm. Without waiting for a response, I step forward, extending my hand toward Moonfish.

Bakugou scoffs, but I can feel his frustration. "What are you planning, Starforce?"

I ignore him, focusing all my energy on Moonfish. My telekinesis flares to life, reaching into the very core of the villain in front of me. For a split second, he seems confused, but then his eyes widen in terror as he realizes what I'm about to do.

With one swift motion, I crush his heart.

Moonfish collapses instantly, his body crumpling to the ground in a twisted heap. The silence that follows is deafening, and for a moment, I can't believe what I've done. I've never used my quirk like that before-so brutally, so decisively.

Todoroki and Bakugou are staring at me, equally stunned by what just happened. I try to shake off the unease that's settled in my chest.

Before anyone can say anything, I spot Izuku and Mezo rushing toward us. Izuku's face lights up with relief when he sees Bakugou. "Bakugou! Mailin! You're both okay."

I nod, though my heart is still pounding from the intensity of the fight.

"We need to get back to the facility," Izuku says quickly. "You're the villains' target, Bakugou. We have to protect you."

Bakugou, of course, is having none of it. "I don't need protection! Get lost, Deku."

But Izuku is undeterred. "We're taking you back, whether you like it or not. Let's go."

Todoroki nods, and we all start moving through the forest, keeping a tight formation. I stay close, using my quirk to lift any obstacles in our path. The tension is thick-Bakugou's anger simmering beneath the surface, Izuku's determination to keep everyone safe, and my own lingering discomfort after what I'd done to Moonfish.

Suddenly, we stumble upon Ochaco and Tsuyu. I barely have time to register the scene in front of me-Ochaco lying on the ground, blood trailing down her arm-before the villain who attacked them, a girl with wild hair and a twisted grin, retreats into the shadows.

Izuku rushes to Ochaco's side, but as he does, we all realize something at the same time: Bakugou is missing.

And so am I.

I blink, disoriented, the ground beneath me suddenly feeling... off. When I try to move, I can't. My body is compressed, trapped in a tiny space, unable to break free. Panic rises in my chest as I realize that I've been taken, but I can't even scream.

I hear a voice, distant but clear. "Well, well, what do we have here?"

It's the villain. The one who took us. He's standing on a branch, holding a small, marble-like object in his hand. "I've captured Bakugou and... oh, this one is interesting. She'll be useful."

Izuku and the others are shouting below, demanding that the villain give us back, but I can't see them. I can't move. All I know is that I'm trapped.