Cat's Rule the world.... since when?!

The Spy's Downfall

I stay crouched, hidden behind a rusted metal pillar as I listen to the footsteps approaching. They're moving quickly—almost too quickly—and I know I only have a small window to make my move. I've heard enough to piece it together: there's a spy in the mansion. An insider working with the enemy, and if I don't stop them now, this whole operation's going to get blown wide open.

I grit my teeth. No way I'm letting that happen. Not to Kacchan. Not after everything.

I wait, counting the steps, the rhythm of movement. My heart pounds in my chest, but I'm focused. Focused on my goal, on what I need to do. The spy's getting closer, right into my line of sight.

And there.

A figure slips past my hiding spot, unaware of my presence. This is it. I don't hesitate. I leap out from behind the pillar, aiming for a quick takedown. My hand goes for their shoulder, but the second I make contact, they spin around, faster than I expected.

Before I know it, I'm weightless.

"Shit!" I yell, feeling my feet lift off the ground. I recognize that sensation immediately—floating. I know this quirk. My stomach drops as I hover mid-air, helpless for a split second.

"Ochacco?!" I shout, eyes wide in disbelief. Of all people, her?

I didn't know her for long but I did actually talk to her like... just a hey.... I gues...I mean she doesn't look like the type of pereson to be a spy....huh.....

She's standing there, eyes hard and focused. "I'm sorry, Deku," she says, her voice surprisingly calm. "I didn't want it to be you."

My shock quickly shifts to frustration. I struggle against the quirk, but I know how it works. There's no fighting gravity itself—not when it's her pulling the strings. I have to outthink her.

"Why?" I ask, keeping my voice steady. "Why betray him?"

She doesn't answer, just stares, and that's when I notice it—the hesitation in her eyes, like she doesn't want to do this. But it doesn't matter. Right now, she's the enemy. And I can't afford to hold back.

I twist my body, forcing myself to rotate in the air, and after what feels like forever, I spot a wall nearby. Good enough. I kick off the wall with all the strength I can muster, propelling myself downward. I hit the ground hard, rolling to disperse the impact, and immediately rush toward her.

But I'm too slow.

She's already got her hand up, and before I can get close, I'm weightless again, sent flying back through the air. My back slams against a building, and pain shoots up my spine. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to get up, but my muscles are screaming in protest.

She approaches, hand raised again, ready to send me floating once more.

Not this time.

As soon as I see her arm twitch, I roll to the side, narrowly avoiding the quirk. I'm back on my feet, running toward her. She can't get me if I stay close enough.

I close the distance, ducking under her hand as she reaches for me. I land a solid hit to her midsection, knocking the wind out of her. She stumbles back, gasping for air, but I don't stop. I press forward, aiming for her legs, ready to sweep her off her feet and end this quickly.

But before I can, she manages to tap my shoulder.

Damn it. Not again.

My body lifts off the ground, floating once more, but this time I'm prepared. I brace myself, twisting mid-air and using the momentum to launch myself toward her. I land awkwardly, but I'm back on my feet in an instant, rushing her before she can react.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask again, dodging another attempt to tap me. I manage to get close enough to grab her arm, pulling her down with me as we both hit the ground.

I don't want to hurt her, but I don't have a choice. I pin her down, using my weight to keep her in place. She's still struggling, but I've got the upper hand now. I can feel her trembling beneath me, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

"Answer me!" I demand, pressing down harder.

"I... I had no choice," she finally admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "They have something—someone. I had to do it, Deku. I'm sorry."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I can't let myself get distracted. Not now. I tighten my grip, ignoring the sharp pain in my side where I must've taken a hit during the fight.

She winces, clearly in pain herself. I hesitate, my resolve wavering. I don't want to hurt her any more than I already have, but I can't let her go. Not until this is over.

"I'm sorry too, Ochacco," I say quietly, just before hit her with all my mind to bring her down, knocking her out cold.

She goes limp in my arms, and for a moment, all I can hear is the sound of my own breathing. I'm panting, sweat dripping down my face, but I did it. She's down.

I stand up, wiping the sweat from my brow. My side aches, and when I look down, I see a small gash just under my ribs. Nothing serious, but it'll need attention later.

I glance down at Ochacco. She's still unconscious, breathing shallow but steady. I feel a pang of guilt, but I push it aside. I didn't want to fight her, but she left me no choice.

I kneel down, rummaging through her belongings. A couple of knives—perfect. I tuck them into my belt, keeping my eyes and ears alert for any other threats.

With one last look at her, I take off. I've got what I need. Time to move.