Shadows of the Mind

Chapter 13: Between the Shadows

The next morning, Kageko walked into the classroom with the faintest smile still lingering on her lips. The late-night conversation with Bakugo had left her feeling lighter, though she wouldn't admit it to anyone. The memory of his unexpected concern flickered in her mind, a small ember that she kept to herself. The soft hum of morning chatter filled the room, blending with the golden glow streaming through the windows, casting long shadows across the desks.

"Morning, ShadowReaver," Kirishima called, teasingly. He shot her a wink as he took his seat, clearly in a good mood.

Kageko rolled her eyes but didn't bother hiding her smirk. "Morning, Red," she replied, matching his playful energy. The warmth of camaraderie, though rare, settled in her chest for a fleeting moment.

From across the room, Bakugo's eyes flicked to her, his expression unreadable. The air between them felt different, charged with an unspoken recognition. She couldn't help the slight flutter in her chest, the lingering feeling of their conversation. He said nothing as he settled into his seat, but the glance lingered, like a silent conversation neither was ready to break.

Aizawa strode in, his usual tired demeanor masking the sharpness in his eyes. "Today's focus is on team synergy," he announced. "You'll be grouped in trios for combat simulations. I expect you to adapt and use what you've learned."

The excitement in the room was palpable as names were called out. "Kirishima, Kaminari, and Ashido. You're one group. Bakugo, Yamikaze, and Todoroki. You're another."

Kageko's gaze met Bakugo's for a fleeting moment before she turned to Todoroki, who nodded at her with his usual cool demeanor. This combination would be interesting, she thought. Both Bakugo and Todoroki had a tendency to act on their own terms, and managing their dynamic would be crucial.

The arena was set with a mock cityscape, complete with buildings and alleyways perfect for tactical maneuvers. The concrete underfoot was cracked and weathered, providing an air of realism. The simulation's goal was to secure an objective while defending against automated enemy bots programmed to mimic villain behavior.

Kageko stood between Bakugo and Todoroki, the tension thick around them. Bakugo cracked his knuckles, eyes narrowed and focused. "Don't slow me down, Shadow Freak," he muttered with a smirk, a gleam in his eyes daring her to react.

Todoroki's gaze remained steady, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Try not to blow up the objective, and we'll be fine."

Kageko resisted the urge to sigh, adjusting her stance as the weight of her shadows shifted beneath her. "Let's keep this simple. Bakugo, you take the front line. Todoroki, support with ranged attacks. I'll move through the buildings to provide cover from above." She glanced at them, the sense of responsibility coiling in her gut.

Bakugo's smirk widened. "Better not get caught slacking."

"Don't worry about me," she said, shadows already coiling at her feet, flickering like restless whispers.

The whistle blew, and Bakugo shot forward, explosions propelling him with fierce precision. Kageko moved swiftly, slipping into the shadows of a nearby building, her form blending seamlessly with the darkness. The cityscape seemed to pulse around her, each shadow an extension of her presence. Todoroki launched ice spikes from a distance, forming barriers that blocked enemy advancements.

"Left flank incoming!" Todoroki's voice was steady but urgent.

"I see it," Kageko replied through their comms, her voice calm as she sent a wave of shadows to intercept a group of bots. The clash was loud, the shadows striking like living tendrils, knocking the bots off their path. The rush of satisfaction that came with precision made her pulse quicken.