Noctem

Shadows and Flames

Y/N and Bakugo walked side by side, discussing their plans for their next patrol route. Both had grown more comfortable with each other over the past few days, trading banter and building a strong partnership.

"You know, I think we've got this patrol thing down," Y/N said, glancing at Bakugo with a smile. "I mean, we've hardly seen any trouble at all!"

"Don't jinx it," Bakugo replied, his expression focused. "The moment you think it's quiet is the moment something goes wrong."

As they turned a corner, Y/N felt a chill creep up her spine, a sense of foreboding brushing against her instincts. "What if...?"

But before she could finish her thought, flames erupted from the shadows ahead. A figure emerged, cloaked in fire, with an ominous smile.

"Surprised to see me, Noctem?" the villain jeered, his voice dripping with malice.

Y/N's blood ran cold. "Flare..." she whispered, recognizing the villain from her past. His fiery presence was a painful reminder of her vulnerability.

"Flare?" Bakugo echoed, eyes narrowing as he prepared for a fight. "What's your deal?"

Flare stepped forward, fire swirling around him, illuminating his features. "I'm here for revenge, of course. You thought you could just escape your fate? Now, you'll feel the heat!"

Without waiting for a response, Flare launched a fireball directly at Y/N. Acting on instinct, she summoned her shadows to intercept the flames, but the heat was overwhelming.

"Y/N! Get back!" Bakugo shouted, launching forward to protect her. He unleashed a powerful explosion, dispersing the flames momentarily.

"Stay focused! I'll take him!" Bakugo yelled, charging toward Flare, his determination radiating off him.

Y/N gritted her teeth, pushing through the overwhelming heat. "I won't let you do this alone!" she shouted, shadows swirling around her as she prepared to counter.

Flare sneered, refocusing on Bakugo. "You think you can save her? You'll be ash before you know it!"

In a split second, flames erupted toward Bakugo, but he deflected them with expert precision, his explosions creating shockwaves that forced Flare back. Y/N seized the advantage, swirling shadows around her, preparing for a simultaneous attack.

"Now, Bakugo!" Y/N called, incredible determination fueling her as she launched at Flare, wrapping shadows around him.

But Flare, desperate, broke free and retaliated. "You won't win this time!" he yelled, his fist igniting again as he flung fire at them.

"Damn it!" Bakugo growled, weaving to avoid the flames as he prepared another explosion. They would not be defeated again.

Suddenly, however, in a moment of chaos, Flare whipped a knife from his belt, the blade gleaming wickedly. Y/N's eyes widened as he lunged toward them.

Bakugo reacted instinctively. "No!" he shouted, shoving Y/N to the side and placing himself in the path of the knife. But in a desperate twist, Y/N jumped too.

In the end, the knife connected with Y/N, piercing her side. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as her breath hitched, the unexpected pain shooting through her.

"Y/N!" Bakugo exclaimed, his heart dropping as time seemed to slow around them. "No!"

Y/N stumbled back, shock flashing in her eyes as she tried to steady herself. "I'm... I'm okay!" she managed, but her voice was strained, and blood began to seep from the wound.

Flare stepped back, realizing he had gained the upper hand. "You're weak, just like before. What a disappointment!" he taunted, but Bakugo's fury ignited.