Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 30 - Taunts

It can't be... Eclipse.

Your body went rigid, panic gripping you as memories of your last encounter with him flooded your mind.

Eclipse's voice drifted closer, low and taunting. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

You remained silent, frozen in place, unable to will yourself to turn and face him. Every nerve screamed at you to move, but fear held you like a vice. You'd trained, prepared for this moment, told yourself a thousand times you'd be ready if it happened again, but now, here he was, and you were paralyzed.

Your gaze drifted toward Camie, who was standing a few feet away. Her playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by wide, wary eyes as she looked between you and the darkness from which Eclipse's voice emanated.

She seemed unsure, her mouth drawn in a tight line, her usually relaxed posture tense and ready to spring. The faint shimmer of her quirk began to spread around her, but it was flickering at the edges, affected by her own anxiety.

Seeing her vulnerability snapped you back to reality. You couldn't freeze up now. Not with Camie here, depending on you. If anything happened to her because of your fear, you'd never forgive yourself.

Gritting your teeth, you took a deep, steadying breath, forcing yourself to find a sliver of control. Turning slightly, you met Eclipse's gaze, his figure barely visible as he melted from the shadows. His smug smile lingered, eyes glinting with cruel amusement as he watched you gather your courage.

Eclipse's smile widened, his tone mocking as he took a slow step forward. "What's the matter, Tempest? You look like you've seen a ghost. Did you miss me that much?"

You didn't flinch, forcing your expression into a hardened mask, even as your pulse pounded in your ears. You moved in front of Camie, your stance protective, shielding her from Eclipse's line of sight.

"Camie, listen to me," you whispered, your voice low but urgent. "His quirk, it's illusions, sure, but that's only part of it. On its own, it's not too hard to handle. But if he touches you..." You glanced back at her, making sure her wide eyes were locked onto yours. "If he makes physical contact, he can get inside your mind. He can pull out memories, manipulate thoughts, dig up things you don't want him to see. Whatever you do, don't let him get close."

Camie swallowed, her face pale but resolute. She nodded, gripping her own hands tightly to steady herself.

Eclipse's laughter echoed through the dim corridor. "Oh, come on, Tempest. You make me sound like such a villain. I only want to play." His gaze flicked to Camie, eyes narrowing with dark interest. "And who's your little friend? I'm sure she's got some... interesting memories of her own."

Camie tensed behind you, and you felt her shift, readying herself for a fight. But you held your ground, planting yourself firmly between her and Eclipse,

You squared your shoulders, forcing a smirk as you locked eyes with Eclipse. "So, what is this, Eclipse? Some kind of elaborate setup? Surely, all of this wasn't just to get my attention."

Your voice carried a bravado that almost hid the tension tightening your chest, but Eclipse could see through it, he always did.

Eclipse chuckled, tilting his head as if considering your question. "Oh, Tempest, you flatter yourself." He took a step closer, hands slipping casually into his pockets. "But I'll admit, you're... special. Worth a little extra effort."

You clenched your jaw, glancing quickly at the corridor behind him, silently willing Bakugou to burst in any second. Anything to break the suffocating weight of Eclipse's presence.