𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 043

CHAPTER 43: The Depths of Defeat

The plan had seemed nearly perfect. With Shoji’s careful maneuvering, Midoriya’s sharp focus, and Todoroki’s ice providing the perfect cover, the Bakugo Escort Squad finally caught up with Mr. Compress. They tackled him mid-air, all of them crashing to the ground as they struggled to pin him down. For a split second, it felt like they might actually save Bakugo—you—and Tokoyami —from the League of Villains’ grasp.

But as they skidded to a halt, the stark reality set in: they’d landed at the Vanguard Action Squad’s rendezvous point.

Before anyone could react, Mr. Compress turned himself into a marble, slipping through their grasp with ease. Dabi unleashed a fireball in their direction, and while Todoroki evaded just in time, both Midoriya and Shoji recoiled in pain as the flames seared their arms, cutting through their determination like a blade.

But there was no time to process the pain. They were surrounded.

Twice lunged at Todoroki, cackling, while Toga tackled Midoriya, her knife gleaming dangerously. Midoriya struggled beneath her grip, but just as she raised her blade to strike, Shoji surged forward, knocking her away with a forceful swipe of his arm.

Mr. Compress, back in human form, smirked as he balanced the marbles in his hand. Dabi’s voice cut through the tense air, demanding confirmation that they had captured Bakugo and Mizushima.

But Shoji held up three marbles, a spark of defiance in his eyes. “Looking for these?”

Hope surged through the group—they thought they’d outsmarted the villains. But a mocking laugh echoed through the clearing, and Hydrax stepped from the shadows, her presence as cold and cutting as ice.

“Oh, you really thought that was it?” she sneered. Her gaze gleamed with satisfaction as she revealed the truth. “Mr. Compress here loves his theatrics a bit too much.” She looked over at the marble-manipulating villain with a smirk. "The real marbles were in his mouth the entire time.”

The crushing truth dawned on Midoriya, his heart sinking as he watched Mr. Compress stifle a laugh. He gave a dramatic bow—only for Aoyama’s navel laser to cut across the clearing, shattering the villain's mask. Mr. Compress stumbled, his mouth opening in shock, and with a choking cough, the real marbles scattered across the forest floor.

In a desperate scramble, Shoji managed to grab one. But Dabi was faster, snatching up a second, while Hydrax smoothly reached down to claim the third, her eyes locking onto Midoriya with an unsettling calm.

With practiced ease, Mr. Compress undid his Quirk, and the three marbles dissolved, revealing Bakugo and you, now returned to your original forms, but bound and restrained.

Bakugo was furious, his glare as fierce as ever, muscles straining against the binds as he spat out, “Stay back, idiot!” His words rang out sharp and cutting, laced with an unusual tone—a hint of desperation mixed with something unspoken.

But you barely heard him. You could only look at Midoriya, your face streaked with tears. Helpless, your voice broke as you shook your head, eyes pleading with him. “No, Midoriya. You have to go.” The weight of your gaze locked onto his, urging him to stay back, to escape.

Midoriya froze, his own eyes widening with the pain and fear you reflected back at him. He wanted nothing more than to reach you, to pull you away from these monsters, but your gaze—so filled with desperation—held him back. You and Bakugo, despite the binds that restrained you, still held the strength to protect him in your own way, even in this moment.

But then, with a twist of darkness, Kurogiri’s portal opened beside Dabi and Hydrax. The portal’s swirling void loomed as both Bakugo and you felt its pull.

Hydrax’s tone was smug as she gave you one last look, cold satisfaction in her gaze. “Time to go,” she drawled, her grip on your binds tightening as she pulled you toward the portal.

Dabi moved beside her, dragging Bakugo along. “Get moving,” he ordered, ignoring Bakugo’s struggle as he was forced toward the dark threshold.

Midoriya’s scream tore through the night, raw and filled with a helpless fury. He reached forward, his hand outstretched as if sheer will alone could bridge the distance. But as you looked back, meeting his gaze, you forced yourself to smile, though it wavered. Your silent plea was mirrored in Bakugo’s cold stare: “Stay back. Accept what you can’t change.”

With one last tear-filled glance, you shook your head, whispering, “Please… stay away.”

And then, you were gone.

Tsuyu and Ochaco arrived too late, skidding to a halt behind Midoriya as he fell to his knees, the echo of the portal’s closing swirling in his ears. His breath came in ragged gasps, the reality crashing over him. Memories of you—your laughter, your determination, your spirit—all rushed through his mind as he clutched at the ground, unable to contain his grief.

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In the aftermath, the forest buzzed with pro-heroes and emergency responders, rushing to contain the flames and tend to the injured. Of forty students, fifteen lay unconscious, critical from the poison gas. Eleven nursed injuries, including Midoriya, while thirteen were physically unharmed. But Midoriya barely registered the numbers. You were gone, and in his mind, he’d failed both of you.

The next morning, the press descended on U.A., eager for answers, their questions sharp and accusatory. Inside, Nezu, Midnight, Present Mic, Snipe, and All Might discussed the disaster. Nezu spoke of the school’s tarnished reputation, while Present Mic hinted at a potential traitor among them, though Midnight and Snipe quickly dismissed the thought. The air was thick with tension, shattered only by All Might’s phone ringing.

Detective Tsukauchi’s voice brought hope. They’d located the League of Villains’ hideout.

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Meanwhile, at the hideout, the villains relished the chaos and criticism directed at U.A. Bakugo and you sat restrained, forced to watch as the news painted U.A. as negligent and unfit. The gloating laughter of your captors rang in your ears as you exchanged a glance with Bakugo, both of you united in your silent determination to resist, no matter what.

Back at the hospital, most of Class 1-A gathered around Midoriya. He lay quiet, lost in memories, his injuries unable to match the pain he felt inside. His eyes welled with unshed tears as he whispered, “I failed them… I failed them both.”

Todoroki and Kirishima exchanged a look, a spark of determination igniting between them. Todoroki’s voice was soft, but filled with resolve. “We can still make this right.”

Kirishima’s eyes held the same fire as he turned to Midoriya, reaching out with unwavering loyalty. “We have to save them, Midoriya. We can’t just sit back.”

But Iida’s voice rang out, firm and unyielding. “This isn’t our place. We have to let the pros handle it. Going against their orders is reckless.”

Kirishima’s hands clenched, his frustration clashing with Iida’s caution, but his gaze returned to Midoriya, seeking his approval. Slowly, Midoriya looked up, his tear-streaked face hardening as he met Kirishima’s gaze. His heart thudded with new resolve, the spark of hope reigniting within him.

They’d lost too much already. But if there was even the slightest chance, he wouldn’t let it slip away.

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A/N: Word Count:~1292, this chapter was heavy with emotions and the sting of defeat. With Mizushima and Bakugo now in the League of Villains’ clutches, Midoriya and the others are left to grapple with their failures and regrets. But even in their darkest hour, the fire of hope refuses to die out. Thank you all for sticking with this journey—hold tight because things are only going to escalate from here!

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